A New Approach to Improving Seismic Safety Based on the Energy Theory of Reinforced Concrete Resistance

Abstract

The article presents the main principles of a new approach to the calculation of reinforced concrete structures. A new chart-energy method for the calculation is developed with an additional stress–strain state stage. It helps to solve the problem of a stochastic crack. The absence of transition from a state of continuity to the state of “section with a crack” does not allow to make uniform the calculation of strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness. According to the energy theory of reinforced concrete resistance at the time of crack formation stretched concrete energy redistributes to armature, which acts as a brake element and restrains crack propagation in the cross section. The sudden nature of a crack appearance is accompanied by an instantaneous change of cross-section stress state. The change is dynamic in nature. The problem of a reinforced concrete section transition from “solid” state to state “with a crack” in a stretched zone and determining the depth of cracks was solved. The proposed approach allows to create a uniform methodology for calculating strength, stiffness, and fracture toughness, as well as offer a number of constructive measures to improve the earthquake resistance of buildings and structures. A series of experiments was conducted in relation to key provisions of the energy theory of reinforced concrete resistance. The proposed variant of a seismic load damper will significantly dissipate the earthquake energy and protect the structural system from damage. The use of internal clamps in vertical elements significantly increases a resistance to shear, while enhancing the junction of column and slab.