Description
Lock-up Device, a type of advanced structural damper, is a vital seismic protection system for modern bridges. It directly addresses critical vulnerabilities at expansion joints, preventing catastrophic damage during an earthquake. By controlling excessive movement, our device mitigates the risks of seismic pounding and unseating failure, which have been highlighted as major concerns in past seismic events.
Solving Seismic Bridge Vulnerabilities
Previous earthquakes have exposed the vulnerability of bridges at their expansion joints. During a strong earthquake, the gap at these joints can lead to two major failure modes. Firstly, excessive movement can cause “unseating,” where the bridge deck slips off its support if the seat width is inadequate. Secondly, the limited gap size makes “seismic pounding”—where adjacent sections of the bridge hammer against each other—inevitable. These failure modes are a major focus of studies by leading institutions like the Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Center (PEER). The Hercules Lock-up Device is specifically engineered to counteract these destructive forces, preserving the bridge’s structural integrity.
The Two-Stage Damping Action of Our Lock-up Device
Our device functions as an improved two-stage viscous damper. Under normal conditions, its innate high-pressure resistance damping system allows for slow thermal movements. However, during a seismic event, it instantly activates a second stage controlled by an orifice system. This action accelerates damping, absorbing the sudden, violent energy and effectively “locking” the joint against excessive displacement.
An Innovation by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzad Hejazi
This advanced structural damper is the result of dedicated research and innovation. The technology, with a patent filing of PI2018701536, was developed by our lead inventor, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Farzad Hejazi. His expertise in structural dynamics was instrumental in creating this highly effective two-stage system, marking a significant advancement in bridge engineering and seismic safety.
Custom-Engineered for Any Condition
Recognizing that every bridge is unique, we can design the Hercules
Lock-up Device for any criteria and condition. Our engineering team customizes each unit with a specific stroke length and pressure capacity to meet the exact demands of your project. This ensures optimal performance and protection for your specific application.
