The New Performance-Oriented European Standard on Anti-Seismic Devices

Abstract eng:
Since August 1st, 2011, the European Union has become even more united, at least from the point of view of seismic engineering. Actually, on that date the new European Norm EN 15129 on Anti-seismic devices came into force. This document is the result of a long process that lasted 18 years. In fact, the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) officially created the Technical Committee CEN-TC 340: Anti-seismic Devices in 1993. The scope of this Technical Committee was to proceed with the standardization of the seismic hardware for use in structures erected in seismic areas and designed in accordance with EUROCODE 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance, with the aim of modifying their response to seismic action. This European Standard specifies functional requirements and general design rules thereof, material characteristics, manufacturing and testing requirements, as well as acceptance, installation and maintenance criteria. It deals with Permanent Connection Devices, Fuse Restraints, Temporary (Dynamic) Connection Devices, Displacement Dependent Devices, Velocity Dependent Devices, Isolators and combinations thereof. In addition to the above, there are sections dealing with General design rules, Evaluation of conformity, Installation and In-service inspection and also clauses governing the testing of various types of devices (i.e., test methods, equipment and procedures) as well as evaluation criteria geared to the specific type of device. The final version of the European Standard on Anti-seismic Devices was completed in November 2007, when the comments received during the Public Enquiry were examined by the TC 340 for possible implementation. The European Standard on Anti-seismic Devices represents the most complete and up-to-date document in this field presently available to Seismic Design Engineers and Seismic Hardware Manufacturers. In effect, said Standard aims to cover all types of Seismic Hardware in existence and leave a door open to future progress. This derives principally from the fact that the Standard is highly performance-oriented and this feature also constitutes per se a guarantee of equity between the various systems that may be used as alternatives. The scope of the paper is that of illustrating the structure of EN 15129, the criteria adopted in its drafting, the procedures followed for its approval, and some of the aspects which render this document unique and innovative. Also, the paper elucidates the criteria adopted for the pending revision of the EN 15129. An inducement to revise the EN 15129 derived from several factors like the surging seismic engineering market, the expiration of international industrial patents on important types of devices, the development of new technologies and the need for new high-performance, durable and reliable materials In conclusion, this document summarizes the experience gained in Europe over the past 40 years in the field of Antiseismic devices, which is dealt with through the application of very advanced criteria. This favours progress inasmuch as it promotes loyal competition through clear and fair rules that protect the interests of the community. The EN 15129 is presently under revision process.

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