The
Engineer's
Blog

The surface finish of components used in the field of mechanical engineering as well as of other products is not only determined from a design point of view, but is mainly defined by the technical aspects. From the onset, the specification of the requirements regarding the condition of component surfaces, e.g. of a shaft coupling, often has far-reaching consequences on the product development process, the resulting costs and, eventually, on the succes of the final product.

This year, the 15th D-A-CH Conference, which is organized by the Societies of Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics in Germany (DGEB), Austria (OGE) and Switzerland (SGEB) took place on September 21 and 22. September.  

This gathering of experts is conducted biennially and serves both as the exchange of knowledge between seismologists and engineers and the presentation of current scientific findings and experience gained from field applications. In addition, companies operating in the fields of earthquake engineering and structural dynamics as well as manufactures of earthquake protection systems had the opportunity to present their application solutions in the foyer of the Bauhaus university.

If buildings are shaken by earthquakes this can lead to cracks, instabilities in the support structure and in worst case szenarios to the collapse of the building. To efficiently absorb the enormous forces and thereby protect both, person and material, nowadays sophisticated technologies are available.

Not all damages that a great earthquake will cause can be avoided. However, with Friction Springs there is a very high probability, that the building withstands an earthquake – like those in Christchurch/NZ in 2010 and 2011 – and is still operational and habitable.