Design and retrofitting of structures in seismic zones by means of buoyancy

Abstract From the Canadian patent

This invention comprises the use of buoyancy forces to counter in whole, or in part, the gravity forces to which structures such as buildings and , bridges, are subjected during earthquakes. It also comprises the retrofitting of existing structures such as buildings, and bridges, in zones of high seismicity by introducing the forces of , buoyancy to counter the gravity forces to which these structures are subjected. Present practice is to accept the seismic forces at ground level and to design structures to resist the inertial forces to which they are subjected during seismic activity. The concept of the present invention is to deal with the problem at the source; i.e. at ground level, thus …