IIT Mandi researchers develop metamaterial foundation for earthquake safety
Shimla, April 19
IIT Mandi researchers have proposed a metamaterial-based foundation for protecting buildings against earthquakes. The team, led by Dr. Arpan Gupta, published their findings in the journal Scientific Reports. The foundation, created using two-dimensional metamaterials, has repeating circular scatterers made of steel and lead embedded in a rubber matrix.
Dr Arpan Gupta, IIT Mandi said, “By intelligently designing the foundation of the building, the earthquake waves can be diverted/reflected back, without causing much damage to the building.
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Dr. Gupta explained that the foundation design, known as the Metamaterial Foundation, can reflect earthquake waves back without causing damage to the building. The team tested the metamaterial-based foundation on a computer model and compared it to a concrete foundation. The results showed that the metamaterial foundation significantly reduced the vibration response of building frames to earthquakes.
The study presents a significant step forward in the development of earthquake-resistant buildings, potentially revolutionizing the way we think about building foundations. Dr. Gupta expressed his hope that the research will inspire other researchers to explore the possibilities of metamaterials in other areas of structural engineering and earthquake-resistant buildings.
Pertinent to mention that most parts of Himachal Pradesh falls under danger zone for probability of a earthquake. Mandi, Lahaul & Spiti, Kangra, Chamba, Kinnaur are some areas where frequent earthquakes are recorded around the year. This innovative research could provide a solution to a relevant problem of earthquake catastrophes in big cities and high-rise buildings. The metamaterial foundation can help reduce damage to structures and offer protection to people living in earthquake-prone regions of the world. The team’s innovative research in this field could pave the way for the creation of more efficient and effective seismic metamaterial foundations.
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