INNOVATIVE APPROACHES TO EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT BUILDING DESIGN: ANALYZING THE EFFECTIVENESS OF NEW SEISMIC MATERIALS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of innovative seismic materials in enhancing earthquake-resistant building designs. The materials analysed include carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), glass fiber reinforced polymers (GFRP), shape-memory alloys (SMAs), Bamboo, and Hempcrete. A comprehensive evaluation was conducted based on key parameters such as tensile strength, energy dissipation, durability, cost, environmental impact, and seismic resilience. The results indicate that CFRP and SMAs perform exceptionally well across all metrics, particularly in tensile strength and energy dissipation, making them highly suitable for applications in high-seismic regions. However, their high cost limits their widespread adoption. In contrast, Bamboo and Hempcrete, while cost-effective and environmentally sustainable, exhibited lower seismic performance, with reduced tensile strength and energy dissipation capabilities. Despite their eco-friendly properties, these materials are not recommended for use in earthquake-prone areas without additional reinforcement. This study demonstrates how decisions about material selection must balance both performance quality and cost expenditure while promoting sustainable methods to produce resilient low-cost options. The analysis demonstrates that using high-performance materials combined with sustainable choices provides a satisfactory solution for earthquake-resistant construction. The study brings important research to earthquake engineering by offering design guidelines that address material selection during building construction projects. Future research should develop tactics to expand affordability and accessibility of high-performance seismic materials which will enable their wider application for earthquake-resistant infrastructure.