The Shelter Project
In many regions with high seismic risk, such as Portugal and many other countries, a large portion of buildings lacks the necessary resistance to withstand the seismic action to which they may be subjected. Earthquakes in these areas can cause a high number of fatalities. In Portugal, as well as in several other countries, the problem is particularly severe due to the large number of existing old buildings that have not undergone rehabilitation or strengthening works for several decades, making them highly vulnerable. The ideal solution to this problem would be a widespread intervention in all vulnerable buildings to provide them with the required seismic resistance according to regulations. However, for economic and other reasons, this comprehensive solution is practically unfeasible.
Project Team
The role of the partners who supported this project was also fundamental to the achieved results. The National Laboratory of Civil Engineering hosted an important part of the experimental program, providing its facilities and the excellence of its know-how to the project. The elements of UNIDCOM / IADE were essential in designing the interior solutions of the shelter, namely the safety benches and post-collapse survival systems. The services of INEGI were also enlisted for a portion of the instrumentation of tests on the seismic table.
Experimental Studies
The SHETER project involved the execution of highly complex experimental tests, with the following highlights: Static tests to assess the shelter structure's resistance, Free-fall and impact tests, and Tests on a seismic table of a masonry building model.
Numerical Studies
Several numerical studies were carried out for pre-design, analysis, and verification of the shelter structure's safety, as well as the safety bench and its respective damping system.
Equipment Design
The design of safety seats is essential to ensure adequate protection of occupants. Careful equipment design is crucial for their effectiveness and functionality. The seismic safety bench is an example of innovation aimed at preventing damage in the event of seismic activity. We constantly invest in technology and research to enhance safety in various fields.
Dissemination
During the project period, several dissemination actions were carried out despite the constraints imposed by the ongoing pandemic situation. Articles were published in national and international journals and conferences, enabling the transmission of the obtained results to the technical and scientific community.