Lincoln University Waimarie building: An application of friction damping devices with recentring for low damage design

Abstract

The experience from Christchurch and Kaikoura seismic events demonstrated well that the ‘life safety’ criteria is not sufficient to protect the community from earthquake impact. Currently, the community expects more measures taken to protect lives and assets and maintain business continuity. The structural engineering community of Aotearoa has moved accordingly and started to incorporate low-damage concepts in the seismic design of structures. There have been many examples of implementing one or a few aspects of low-damage design in buildings, but is this enough? The latest research shows that a structural system can only be resilient when all critical aspects of low-damage design are considered and addressed (e.g. performance of the system as a whole). The Sciences North project is a new flagship science building for Lincoln University. The project comprises a Teaching Building and Research Building. This paper presents this project as a case study where innovation made a true low-damage design possible. The paper design concept, challenges and outcomes. The lateral system for the Research Building included non-post tensioned rocking concrete shear walls (with innovative hold-downs) and resilient diagonal steel braces, respectively. The paper discusses the methods used for analysis and design, highlights the superior performance of the rocking concrete walls used and presents the innovative bracing system implemented. As a case study that has incorporated all critical aspects of low-damage design, this project will be of interest to those excited about resilient buildings. It can lead the way towards having a seismic resilient built environment.