Researchers from the University of Sheffield in south Yorkshire have developed a cheap and simple technology to repair earthquake-damaged buildings and make them safe and habitable. Recent tests showed that a damaged building repaired using the technique could withstand a major earthquake. The technology involves wrapping metal straps around each floor of the building which are then tensioned either by hand or using compressed air tools.It is designed for use on reinforced concrete frame buildings — a common construction technique around the world.
Unlike other repair methods, it does not require expensive materials or a high-level of technical knowledge, making it ideal for use in the developing world. “The strapping works very much like a weightlifter’s belt, by keeping everything tightly compressed to reduce tension on the concrete columns of the structure,” said lead researcher professor Kypros Pilakoutas.
Concrete works well under compression but not when pulled under tension and this is why it has to be reinforced for use in construction. When the reinforcement is faulty or damaged, it can be very expensive to repair. “Our method not only makes the building stable again very quickly, but it increases the building’s ability to deform without breaking, making it more able to withstand further tremors,” he added.