New Fuse Structure for High-Rise Buildings: A Proactive Approach to Prevent Chain Collapse During Disasters

A new method for constructing high-rise buildings that can prevent chain collapse in the event of major damage has been developed by researchers from the ICITECH Institute of the Polytechnic University of Valencia (UPV) in Spain. Inspired by lizards’ ability to shed their tails when attacked, this innovative design aims to create a final defense mechanism that will ensure the survival of skyscrapers and their occupants during disasters.

Unlike traditional building designs that redistribute loads in the event of component failure, the team at ICITECH-UPV introduced a fuse structure to prevent the risk of complete collapse during major damage. By isolating damage areas, the new design ensures that the rest of the building remains intact, reducing the scale of loss and protecting lives. This approach is similar to protecting an electrical system from overload with fuses, as explained by Nirvan Makoond, a member of the research team.

The effectiveness of this design was tested by constructing a full-size building from precast concrete and observing its behavior during major damage. The results showed that, even when significant damage was inflicted on specific areas, the structure could isolate it and prevent total collapse. According to co-author Jose M. Adam, implementing this new design philosophy can help avoid catastrophic collapses, save lives, and minimize economic losses. The details of their research were published in a journal on May 15th.

By incorporating this innovative “fuse structure” into building design, researchers are paving the way for safer, more resilient high-rise constructions that can withstand various threats and protect occupants in case of major damages or disasters. This approach represents a significant advancement in building engineering, offering a proactive solution to mitigate structural failures’ risks associated with tall buildings.

In conclusion, researchers at ICITECH-UPV have developed an innovative method for constructing high-rise buildings that can prevent chain collapse in case of major damages or disasters. Inspired by lizards’ ability to shed their tails when attacked, this fuse structure aims to create a final defense mechanism ensuring occupants’ survival during disasters while minimizing economic losses and saving lives.