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SAFE+ System

Anti-seismic Devices

Born from FIBRE NET’s 20 years of experience in seismic upgrading and retrofitting, the SAFE+ anti-seismic devices have been developed and engineered in compliance with EN 15129 standard, as seismic safety devices on existing precast reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete constructions.

SAFE+ systems, having the dual function of mechanical connection between structural and non-structural elements and dissipation of seismic energy, create a ‘dynamic constraint’ between the elements, improving the structure’s ability to respond to seismic stress while maintaining the building’s functional operability.

The recent earthquakes in Italy have highlighted the vulnerability of prefabricated reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete buildings, mostly intended for industrial activities, designed and built without the application of special anti-seismic criteria between 1950 and 2000.

These structures are not more adequate to the new required safety criteria.

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Seismic vulnerability translates, from a business perspective, into a number of risks:

destruction of production facilities and machinery
loss of stock
production stoppage, loss of orders and market share
total or partial loss of the property
loss of company assets.

In addition to this, there is also a social responsibility and responsibility towards workers. In fact, Italian Legislative Decree 81/2008 identifies seismic risk as one of those to be included in the so called D.V.R. (Document for Risk Evaluation) and places an obligation on the employer to protect workers in the company.

Problem

Application and economic advantages

In an application aimed at increasing the safety of industrial warehouses, the adoption of SAFE+ anti-seismic devices is an effective solution that does not interfere with ongoing production activities because:

Does not require structural changes to the building but maintains its original static pattern and rigidity
Improves the seismic capacity of the structure
It is quick and easy to install with minimal production of dust or fumes
It is programmable for independent areas, without interfering with existing activity
In the event of an earthquake, unlike other devices, SAFE+ does not have to be replaced, but simple maintenance will be sufficient to restore full system functionality
Reduces maintenance costs
(plant, machinery, materials)
Provides an enhancement of the property
Allows a reduction in insurance premiums
Reduces the risk of accidents related to building inadequacy
Preserves the health of staff and activities
Allows the access to “Sismabonus” incentives

What happens in the event of an earthquake?

The loss of support of the horizontal structures from the supporting elements (by slipping or tilting) is one of the most frequent causes of damage and/or collapse of precast reinforced concrete and prestressed concrete buildings; this phenomenon is due to the lack or ineffectiveness of the mechanical constraints between elements such as:

covering and beams
beams and pillars
beams – pillars structure and infill walls

Perdita dell’appoggio della trave

Ribaltamento della trave

Ribaltamento del tamponamento

Perdita dell’appoggio del tegolo

Where do SAFE+ seismic dissipators apply?

The purpose of SAFE+ devices is to guarantee an effective dynamic constraint between structural and non-structural elements that, in the event of an earthquake, guarantees safe conditions for workers and property in the structure. Their choice and positioning is the result of a careful assessment of the structural characteristics and vulnerability points of the building.

Below you find some examples of different types of industrial buildings with the corresponding hypotheses for application