immo!nvest – Die Plattform für Standorte und Immobilien

Tag: Erdbebensicherheit

  • Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings

    Research into earthquake safety for multi-storey buildings

    Empa researchers are conducting practical tests on the stability of multi-storey timber buildings against wind gusts and minor earthquakes. According to a press release, the results should help to optimise construction planning, especially for increasingly popular, mostly four- to five-storey timber buildings, and increase building safety. They should also help to increase the competitiveness of wood as a sustainable building material for multi-storey buildings.

    The construction industry is therefore reliant on data that is as practical as possible in terms of stiffness, basic vibration times and damping. Such data can be used to ensure that exactly the right amount of material is used in the right places.

    The group from the Engineering Structures research department is using a hydraulic horizontal oscillator, known as a shaker, for its investigations on a real object. It can set up to 1000 kilograms of vibrating mass in motion in a controlled manner. According to the information provided, the data obtained so far now delivers results on the dynamic properties of a multi-storey timber construction using the usual construction method in this country.

    An open day on 14 September 2024 will demonstrate how the shaker is used to set a structural model in motion, which can occur during earthquakes. The model will be used to visualise how the weight and stiffness distribution in the structure influences its vibration behaviour.

  • Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    Energy supplier invests in climate-friendly switchgear and earthquake safety

    According to a press release, the Basel-based energy supplier IWB is strengthening the most important hub of the Basel electricity grid in the Volta substation. One of the largest switchgears in a Swiss distribution grid is being replaced there, the press release continues. IWB will replace all electrical systems in the Volta substation by 2029 and also make the building earthquake-proof. The new switchgear will be operated with a climate-friendly insulating gas and the power grid will be reinforced with additional transformers. By investing in the renovation of the building and systems, IWB is making an important contribution to the high reliability of Basel’s electricity supply, the statement continues.

    The Volta substation is the largest of IWB’s seven substations and is almost 100 years old. It was put into operation in 1932. Around a fifth of Basel’s electricity flows through the substation every day, an average of 600,000 kilowatt hours.

    A new switchgear is currently being installed. It is replacing the switchgear for the 145-kilovolt grid, which dates back to 1976. It will consist of eleven switch panels and will be 16 metres long when completed. IWB will then also replace the switchgear for the 12-kilovolt grid. It will consist of 78 switch panels and be around 60 metres long. According to IWB, these will be the largest switchgears ever installed in a Swiss supply network. Both switchgears will also be equipped with climate-friendly insulating gas.

    There are three transformers in the Volta substation that will be overhauled as part of the project. IWB will also install two additional transformers. The overall renovation of the substation will take place during ongoing operations.