Smart Friction Pendulum System
Improves on the recovery capability of current friction pendulum systems Increases energy dissipation capacity
Highlights
- Improves on the recovery capability of current friction pendulum systems
- Increases energy dissipation capacity
Opportunity
A research team from the University of Alberta has developed a novel Friction Pendulum System (FPS) design that incorporates Shape Memory Alloy (SMA) elements in such a way to improve on the device’s recentering ability, as well as reduce the separation of FPS elements when experiencing vertical seismic loads. By integrating SMA elements, this Smart FPS design improves on the energy dissipation capacity of conventional FPS designs, and also features a specialized technique to apply pre-stress to the SMA elements, eliminating the permanent deformation that can result from degradation of the SMA under dynamic loads. These features improve on the overall recovery capability of current FPS designs, further reducing the damage to buildings that experience seismic events. The Smart FPS has been designed for use in steel, concrete, and timber buildings, particularly high-rises, to maintain their stability and serviceability when experiencing ground motion having different intensities, frequency content, and magnitudes. It can be easily integrated into building foundations without the need to change structural elements.
Competitive advantage
- Smart FPS enhances the dynamic behavior of structures is it installed in, reducing the permanent deformations and drifts caused by applied seismic loads by providing enhanced energy dissipation capacity, damping, and re-centering of structures.
- SMAs provide exceptional recovery capability after deformation, and can recover their initial shape after experiencing large deformations of up to 14% of their initial length.
- More resistant to 3D ground motion, and prevents vertical separation of FPS elements
Status
- Patent Pending; WO2023108301A1
About University of Alberta
The University of Alberta is a large, comprehensive public research university in Edmonton with multiple campuses and a strong applied research culture. Industry engages through co-located labs and pilot-scale facilities, as well as established co-op and internship programs that place talent with partners year-round. Integration with Alberta’s province-wide hospital system supports clinical research and accelerates translation. Companies also benefit from proximity to regional industry clusters and collaboration hubs on and near campus for joint R&D and prototyping. Supported by NSERC, CIHR, SSHRC, and Canada Foundation for Innovation funding—plus provincial and industry support—the tech transfer office manages IP, licensing, and startup formation with streamlined sponsored-research agreements.
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