quote:Originally posted by tberg:
No. It meets all seismic codes and is designed to withstand significant shaking. And there isn't a single weld anywhere on that upper structure. It is a patented bolt together system that goes up exactly like an erector set. The upper 3 floors' structure was built in 8 hours, start to finish if you can believe it. If you're up in L.A., let me know, and I'll give you a tour. Bring your Pantera, and we'll video it going up and down.
Thanks for your interest.
Most structures that are designed to meet current building codes will experience damage, and that isn't limited to non-structural components. In fact, in the event of a significant earthquake, the building official won't probably let you back in the building until it has been looked over by a competent professional or structural engineer, and if there's damage, it could be "red-tagged" and no entry would be allowed.
There are structures that are designed to withstand anticipated ground motions from earthquakes without damage, but they are usually nuclear-related, bridges, command centers/dispatch areas, etc. However, the actual ground motions will vary.
Your "upper structure" is what a structural engineer calls a moment frame-based structure with bolt-together cast-steel components, but the beams are "dog-bone" reduced beam sections at the ends that are designed to yield and plastically deform, absorbing energy in the process. The beams are actually welded to the cast steel components in the shop and field-bolted together, so it seems as if it's a total bolt-together system. It will deform, move, and may need repair after significant ground shaking.
Pretty cool stuff, though. I do like it- just wanted to put my $.02 in there.