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How the system works The EQ-Force Array of mini-piles is a wave trap for the seismic shock waves from an earthquake. As the shock waves come to the surface, they enter a trap which sends part of the wave back down into the ground. There it intercepts shock waves still rising thus canceling out part of the intensity. We estimate that the reduction in shock will be on the order of one unit on the earthquake magnitude scale; thus a magnitude 7 earthquake becomes a magnitude 6. The system is effective where shallow surface footings are built on soil or shattered rock which can liquefy and settle. This makes it effective along sea coasts and rivers. The components are mini-piles, by definition long and slender with a slenderness ratio of greater than 25 to 1. They can be made up of any material. Typical mini-piles are pipe piles, H-piles, compaction piles, concrete piles, and even stone columns may be used. All these pile types are typically used in upgrading and retro-fitting structures. Design of an EQ-Force Array obeys all the rules of design for protecting structures from seismic shock. It merely adds a spatial consideration. By contrast, in typical earthquake prone areas design standards often call for strong slabs for footings, using short high strength piles attached directly to the footing and embedded in the rock or hard layer below. The supersonic shock waves are transmitted full force to a structure causing maximum damage. Deep settlement often follows with maximum liquefaction of the soil. |
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Knoxville, TN 37932 Ph 865-671-2925 Fax 865-671-2895 |
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Copyright © 2004 EQ-Force ™ Incorporated. No part of this site may be copied without permission. |
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