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Researchers Developing Quake-Resilient Bridges in New Zealand

Phil Mercer

   SYDNEY - Researchers in New Zealand have developednew technologythat
   could make bridges more resilient to earthquakes. Their so-called
   'low-damage solution' has a series of rocking bridge columns that move
   with seismic shocks, leaving bridges with little to no damage compared
   to conventional building methods.

   More than 900 bridges were damaged during theKaikÅuraearthquake on New
   Zealand's South Island in 2016.Roads and railway lines were also
   destroyed, disrupting the transport network.

   Researchers at the University of Canterbury have said that although
   current designs prevent the collapse of bridges, significant repairs
   might be needed.

   They'vedeveloped flexible columns made of high-strength steel that move
   during an earthquake.They act like giant rubber bands to bring bridge
   supports back into position.Conventional steel bars are also used
   todissipateseismic energy, reducing the impact of a powerful tremor.

   Alessandro Palermo, a professor in Structural Engineering and Materials
   at the University of Canterbury, says the technology makes bridges more
   resilient.

   "This special steel, which is usually placed in the middle of the
   column, is actually working as a rubber band.So, during the earthquake
   this high-strength steel isactually tryingto bring the pier back to the
   original position," Palermo said. "And we areactually tryingto combine
   these resilience-solutions - seismic resilience-solutions - with
   accelerated bridge construction. How can weactually buildbridges faster
   and at the same time (be) resilient?This system allows (us) to do
   that."

   In February 2011, the New Zealand city of Christchurch was hit by
   amagnitude6.3 earthquake.185 people werekilledand several thousand
   injured.

   A decade later, rebuilding work continues.

   Each year, more than 15,000 earthquakes are detected in New Zealand.

   Only about 150 are large enough to be felt, but building homes, offices
   and bridges that can withstand major tremors is a priority.

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