The new connection method makes repair of prefab buildings fast and cost effective

Newswise – A new method of attaching precast girders and columns will enable the rapid repair of concrete buildings damaged by extreme events, such as earthquakes and hurricanes.

The patented technology, developed at South Dakota State University, could also reduce the amount of damage to a building, according to inventor Mustafa Tazarf, an assistant professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering.

Steel reinforcing bars connecting pre-cast girders and columns together are usually included in concrete components. Therefore, when the damage is so extensive that the connecting rods deflect or explode, the building usually has to be demolished, Tazarf explained. “Our idea is to make buildings more like cars, so that we can replace damaged components when needed.”

In the patented design, the pre-cast girder slides into the shaft and the torsion-bound reinforcement connects the beam stiffeners with the column stiffeners. “The reinforcing rods are exposed and connected to the keel and the shaft rods using a coupler,” Tazzarf said. “Since the rods are exposed on contact, they can be easily replaced if damaged.”

Testing on half-size beam column samples showed that the patented design can withstand severe demands that are “greater than any earthquake that has hit the United States so far … with only slight cracks here and there.” There is no typical reinforced concrete structure, Tazarf said. He can do that. ”Moreover, the beam joint has at least two times greater deformability than conventional structures, which means that the components are better able to absorb energy without being damaged.

In addition to reducing damage, the new technology also reduces repair time. “Putting the bars outside of concrete in critical areas of buildings means that after an event, you can take a wrench, take apart the nuts and replace the damaged rods and your building is as good as new,” said Tazarf.

Although no economic analysis has yet been undertaken, Tazarf estimates that implementing the new connection design will have a minimal impact on construction costs. “That’s the beauty of it. You pay a few percentages up front, but you can save the entire building.”

A PhD student and MSc student also worked on the project, which became possible through department funding in addition to material in-kind donations from Headed Reinforcement Corporation and SAES Smart Materials.

The next step will be to conduct extensive component and system level testing, according to TAZARF. For this, university officials want to partner with companies interested in further developing and commercializing the technology, according to Rick Swatlowski of TreMonti Consulting, who assists in technology transfer and marketing to SDSU.

“A simple conversation with a faculty member can develop into sponsored research, which could be just as valuable as a licensing deal,” Swatlowski said. “The most important thing for us is to encourage and develop relationships with external stakeholders and potential funders.”

In addition, Tazarf said, “We are currently testing a new bridge connection method.” This technology is also expected to generate significant savings for transportation agencies.

.

What Are The Main Benefits Of Comparing Car Insurance Quotes Online

LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / June 24, 2020, / Compare-autoinsurance.Org has launched a new blog post that presents the main benefits of comparing multiple car insurance quotes. For more info and free online quotes, please visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/the-advantages-of-comparing-prices-with-car-insurance-quotes-online/ The modern society has numerous technological advantages. One important advantage is the speed at which information is sent and received. With the help of the internet, the shopping habits of many persons have drastically changed. The car insurance industry hasn't remained untouched by these changes. On the internet, drivers can compare insurance prices and find out which sellers have the best offers. View photos The advantages of comparing online car insurance quotes are the following: Online quotes can be obtained from anywhere and at any time. Unlike physical insurance agencies, websites don't have a specific schedule and they are available at any time. Drivers that have busy working schedules, can compare quotes from anywhere and at any time, even at midnight. Multiple choices. Almost all insurance providers, no matter if they are well-known brands or just local insurers, have an online presence. Online quotes will allow policyholders the chance to discover multiple insurance companies and check their prices. Drivers are no longer required to get quotes from just a few known insurance companies. Also, local and regional insurers can provide lower insurance rates for the same services. Accurate insurance estimates. Online quotes can only be accurate if the customers provide accurate and real info about their car models and driving history. Lying about past driving incidents can make the price estimates to be lower, but when dealing with an insurance company lying to them is useless. Usually, insurance companies will do research about a potential customer before granting him coverage. Online quotes can be sorted easily. Although drivers are recommended to not choose a policy just based on its price, drivers can easily sort quotes by insurance price. Using brokerage websites will allow drivers to get quotes from multiple insurers, thus making the comparison faster and easier. For additional info, money-saving tips, and free car insurance quotes, visit https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ Compare-autoinsurance.Org is an online provider of life, home, health, and auto insurance quotes. This website is unique because it does not simply stick to one kind of insurance provider, but brings the clients the best deals from many different online insurance carriers. In this way, clients have access to offers from multiple carriers all in one place: this website. On this site, customers have access to quotes for insurance plans from various agencies, such as local or nationwide agencies, brand names insurance companies, etc. "Online quotes can easily help drivers obtain better car insurance deals. All they have to do is to complete an online form with accurate and real info, then compare prices", said Russell Rabichev, Marketing Director of Internet Marketing Company. CONTACT: Company Name: Internet Marketing CompanyPerson for contact Name: Gurgu CPhone Number: (818) 359-3898Email: [email protected]: https://compare-autoinsurance.Org/ SOURCE: Compare-autoinsurance.Org View source version on accesswire.Com:https://www.Accesswire.Com/595055/What-Are-The-Main-Benefits-Of-Comparing-Car-Insurance-Quotes-Online View photos