“Seismically Safe Cities of The Future”: Created Large Inventive

Project With New GOSEB-System-Nominated to Represent

Republic of Macedonia At The Millennium EXPO of Inventions

Danilo Ristic
Prof. D-r, Institute of Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Seismology,
University "Ss Cyril and Methodius", P.O. Box 101, 1000 Skopje,
Republic of Macedonia, Phone: +389 2 3177 015, Fax. +389 2 3112 163

ABSTRACT: Efficient prevention of heavy earthquake catastrophes in the future was the main
and challenging motivation for the author to start with realization of the original pilot-innovation
project entitled “Seismically Safe Cities of the Future”. The new technology for qualitatively
improved seismic protection of structures is based on application of own patent by which a new efficient
“GOSEB” system for construction of seismically safe structures is promoted. Qualitative step of the
inventive seismically-resistant “GOSEB” system is created with globally optimized seismic energy
balance. The original confirming research results are obtained from realized extensive comparative
study applying both, classical and inventive design of 12 representative prototype structures of different
usage categories and with different structural characteristics. For the first time, this project is promoted
at EXPO-2000, the greatest world exhibition of inventions and new technologies for the 21st
century, held in Hanover, Germany, (June 1 to October 31, 2000). The project was officially
nominated by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to represent new and advanced
national achievements in the field of INVENTIONS AND SCIENCE. At present related research
activities are continued and will be more concentrated to practical application of the invented
GOSEB System.

KEYWORDS: Nonlinear systems, seismic response, passive structural control, GVCS system, vibration
isolation devices, added damping devices, seismic vulnerability

1. INVENTIVE CONCEPT OF THE INTEGRAL PROJECT: “SEISMICALLY-SAFE

CITIES OF THE FUTURE”

It seems that earthquake catastrophes have lately become increasingly devastating. The world is
simply shocked while watching the TV broadcasts on different regions in the world stricken by
earthquakes. Ordinary people wonder and cannot accept believe that such severe consequences
from each new earthquake are still possible today, at the present level of technological
development.
In our minds, there are strong memories of the stirring pictures of the latest earthquakes that have
occurred around the world. The most recent event was the earthquake in Turkey with over 18 000
victims, many more injured and thousands of heavily damaged and collapsed buildings. Similar
devastating effects have been also observed in the latest earthquakes that struck many other
countries like Greece, Taiwan, Kobe in Japan, China, United States, Russia, Italy, Montenegro,
Algeria, Mexico, Peru, etc.
The losses caused by the earthquake that took place in the city of Kobe – Japan in 1995 is
estimated at more than 100 milliard dollars and all this happened within only 20 – 30 seconds.
More than 5500 people lost their lives and even more were injured.
The prevention of such heavy earthquake catastrophes in future was the main and challenging
motivation for the author, to start with the realization of the original innovation (pilot) project
entitled “Seismically Safe Cities of the Future”. This project actually represents the author’s
unique “creative vision for construction of seismically safe structures in the twenty-first century”.
To provide the necessary basic technical conditions for practical realization of his visionary idea
about an efficient seismic protection of structures in future, the author promotes the application of
a new and qualitatively improved technology. The new technology for a qualitatively improved
seismic protection of structures in future is based on application of own patent by which a new
efficient “GOSEB” system for construction of seismically safe structures is promoted.
The “GOSEB”- seismically resistant system is based on the concept of global optimization of
seismic energy balance. This has been achieved by integration of the advantages of seismic
isolation systems and the new concept for multi-level seismic energy absorption, realized with
newly patented “GOSEB” System (Fig. 1. and Fig. 2.).

Fig.1. Concept of The Invented “GOSEB” Seismo-Resistant System Based On Multi-Level Seismic
Energy Absorption and Global Optimization of Seismic Energy Balance

Seismic isolator is available on market, produced in different proportions and with diverse
physical characteristics. This enables wide and universal application of seismic isolators in all
kinds of structures.
The new multi-level “GOSEB” hysteretic seismic energy absorber has extraordinary features as
to adapting its behavior to the actual intensity of the input seismic energy. Actually, “GOSEB” -
hysteretic energy absorber possess the following features of multi-level earthquake response:
If there is no earthquake excitation, the “GOSEB” hysteretic seismic energy absorber enables
behavior of the structure analogous to the behavior of any traditionally constructed structure.
If a relatively slight earthquake occurs, the “GOSEB” hysteretic seismic energy absorber reacts
with an adequate level of dissipation of the input seismic energy, making the structure thoroughly
safe and avoiding even micro-cracks.
If a moderate earthquake occurs, the “GOSEB” hysteretic absorber of seismic energy reacts with
an adequately increased level of dissipation of the input seismic energy. This enables complete
protection of the structure.
Finally, in the case of the most severe earthquake, the “GOSEB” hysteretic energy absorber reacts
with its full capacity for dissipation of the increased seismic input energy.
The required full capacity for seismic energy dissipation has been defined by advanced design
analyses, which have also been defined by the author in the theoretical part of the investigations
of the optimal seismic performances of the “GOSEB” multi-level seismic energy absorber.
The multi-level response of the “GOSEB” system in compliance with the input seismic energy
provides a complete seismic protection of structures, even under the strongest recorded
earthquakes.
 Fig.2. Concept of The Invented Multi-Level Seismic Energy Absorber

2. PRACTICAL APPLICABILITY

A big advantage of the new seismically resistant “GOSEB” system for seismic protection of
structures is its simple application localized only at the base of the structure for which the
“GOSEB” seismic protection is designed.
The skill of the design engineer is needed only for determination of an optimal number, optimal
physical characteristics and optimal position of seismic isolators and multi-level seismic energy
dissipaters, to achieve the optimized seismic energy balance for each specific structure.
This opens a wide field of practical application of the patented globally optimized system of
seismic energy balance and successful realization of creative vision of the author for construction
of seismically resistant structures in the 21st century, including realization of the integral
inventive project “Seismically Safe Cities of the Future”.

3. PROMOTION

For the first time, this project is promoted at EXPO-2000, the greatest world exhibition of new
technologies for the 21st century, held in Hanover, Germany, (June 1 to October 31, 2000).
The project was officially nominated by the Government of the Republic of Macedonia to
represent new and advanced national achievements in the field of INVENTIONS AND
SCIENCE. By this presentation demonstrated is the achieved advance in the domain of
qualitative improvement of the existing seismo-construction technology, by application of the
developed new seismically-resistant “GOSEB” system of globally optimized seismic energy
balance.

If this patent arouses at least an initial creative impulse among experts in the domain of structural
seismic engineering, it might give rise to revolutionary achievements in the area of qualitative
improvement of seismic protection of structures in future.
The adaptability and the application of the “GOSEB” system only in the base zones of the
structures enables conditions for efficient seismic protection of not only new structures but also
existing structures of particular importance.
Conditions have been created for simple application, minimal cost and industrialized construction
of seismo-resistant structures of the highest quality.

4. GENERAL OBJECTIVE AND SCOPE OF THE INTEGRAL PROJECT

The integral project entitled “Seismically-Safe Cities of the Future” involves very wide research
activity. To provide basic research results, the project has been realized by comparative inventive
design of 12 representative prototype structures of different usage categories and with different
structural characteristics. Each individual prototype structure has been designed by application of
two structural systems.
In the first case, the structure is designed applying classical structural system. In the second case,
the structure is designed applying new seismically resistant “GOSEB” system. However the
integral super-structure has remained the same in both cases, providing conditions for efficient
comparative studies.
With the selection of 12 representative prototype structures, a total of 6 different inventive
“GOSEB” building construction programs has been created and realized, as follows:
Programme-1: Programme-1 represents construction of seismically resistant family houses by
application of the new seismically resistant “GOSEB” system. Up-to-date not sufficient attention
is paid to seismic protection of family houses even in world scale. However, damages or total
collapses of family houses are widely present and always catastrophic for their owners. In this
study considered are three prototype buildings: Prototype-1, Prototype-2, and Prototype-3,
representing typical structures of family houses (Fig. 3).

Fig.3. Designed Classical and “GOSEB” Family Houses: Prototype-1 (B+GF+1S),

Prototype -2 (GF+1S+R) and Prototype -3 (GF+3S+R)

Programme-2: Programme-2 of the integral project enables construction of seismically safe

residential buildings with flats for collective living. The recorded heavy earthquake damages to
residential buildings during the latest earthquakes have indeed pointed out the need for
improvement of the structural systems for seismic protection of residential buildings. Heavy
damages or failure of residential buildings always cause tragic consequences manifested by a
great number of injured or heavy losses of human lives, great economic losses as well as multiple
long-term negative consequences. In this study considered are two prototype buildings:
Prototype-4 and Prototype-5, representing typical structures of residential buildings with different
number of stories (Fig. 4).
 Fig.4. Designed “GOSEB” Residential Building Type 1 (B+GF+6S) and
Type 2 (2B+GF+14S+R)
Programme-3: Programme-3 of the integral project enables construction of seismically safe vital
public buildings which are of special interest considering their vital and specific public function.
The recorded heavy earthquake damages to public buildings of vital importance impose the need
of paying particular attention to their seismic protection in future, particularly because of their
specific function and the installed expensive equipment. In this study considered are two
prototype buildings: Prototype-6, representing “National Patent Center“ and Prototype-7,
representing “Center for Education of Talented Children” (Fig. 5).

Fig.5. Designed “GOSEB” National Patent Center (Prototype-6) and

Children’s Education Center (Prototype-7)

Programme-4: Programme-4 of the integral project enables construction of seismically safe

modern hotel buildings. The occurred earthquakes have inflicted serious consequences ranging
from damage to total failure of hotel buildings. Hotel buildings are of vital importance and they
should be provided a very high level of seismic protection. Concretely, the application of the
inventive “GOSEB” seismically resistant system enables construction of seismically safe hotels
of less than 8 stories, whereas the application of the previously patented “GVCS” seismically
resistant system enables construction of seismically safe hotels of over 8 stories in height. In this
study considered are two prototype buildings: Prototype-8, representing 5-story hotel and
Prototype-9, representing 26-story hotel (Fig. 6).

Fig.6. Designed “GOSEB” Hotel Building Type 1 (B+GF+5S+R) and Type 2 (2B+GF+17S+5S)
Programme-5: Programme-5 of the integral project enables construction of seismically safe
school buildings as well as seismic protection of historic monuments by application of the new
seismically resistant “GOSEB” system. Past earthquakes have caused heavy consequences
manifested by failure of modern school buildings as well as very important and unique historic
monuments. Such failures could not be allowed for this kind of important structures and they
urgently require the highest level of seismic protection. To explore the applicability of the new
“GOSEB” system for seismic protection of school buildings, one representative school building,
indicated as prototype –10, has been considered (Fig. 7).

Fig.7. “GOSEB” School Building (B+GF+1S)

Programme-6: Programme-6 enables construction of seismically safe very important

infrastructure facilities in modern cities. Designed, as the first and very important infrastructure
facility within the frames of this inventive project has been a representative post building,
indicated as prototype-11. A characteristic building of an existing hospital has been selected as
the second very important infrastructure prototype building indicated as prototype-12 (Fig. 8).

Fig.8. Designed “GOSEB” Post Building (B+GF+2S) and Hospital Building (B+GF+3S)

Programmes-NEXT: The project will be continued with new Programmes. The idea is to detect
specific area of interest and to conduct appropriate research phases. Seismic safety of very
important new infrastructure facilities in modern cities (egg. Structures related to production of
nano technology devices, etc.), will be deeply studied based on selected prototype structures.

5. THE MAIN CONCEPT OF THE INVENTED “GOSEB” SYSTEM

The main concept of the invented “GOSEB” seismo-resistant system can be summarized as
follows:
The invention provides efficient system for construction of vibro-isolated and seismo - resistant
buildings, based on multi-level seismic reaction and globally - optimized seismic energy balance
(GOSEB-system).
The system is based on combined implementation of optimal seismic isolators (E2) and optimal
multi-level dampers/ energy dissipaters (E-1), install at the structure base, or in appropriate
seismic gap formed between defined sub-structure (lower part) and super structure, representing
upper part of the structure.
The initial goal of the invention is to introduce in practical application much safer economical
system for construction of vibro-isolated and seismo-resistant buildings, second, to promote
industrialized construction based on optimized components, and finally to provide flexible
architectonic creation of buildings in plan and in elevation, satisfying in advance the highest
standard of specific architectonic requirements.
With the present invention, ”achieved is economical investment for construction and
maintenance” of the structures during total serviceability period.

6. SCOPE OF STUDIES PERFORMED FOR 12 PROTOTYPE STRUCTURES

The performed final reports for each prototype structure are organized in 8 specific Chapters, and
three separated appendices.
In Chapter-1, given is summary of background data related to the selected prototype structure.
Chapter-2, describe originally developed general concept for seismic risk assessment of buildings
based on developed building vulnerability functions. Chapter-3, describe the developed advanced
“inera-method” for development of building vulnerability functions, based on realistic inelastic
earthquake response analysis. Chapter-4, describe seismic vulnerability functions obtained for
classical system of prototype building. Chapter-5 describes seismic vulnerability functions of
prototype building designed with inventive “GOSEB”-system. In Chapter-6, given is summary of
practical applicability of GOSEB–system for qualitatively improved seismic isolation and seismic
protection of studied prototype building. In Chapter-7, summarized are the principal conclusions
drawn from the integral study. Appendix A: Includes Tables with selected seismic analysis results
of building classical system. Appendix B: Includes Tables of selected seismic analysis results of
inventive “GOSEB” – system. Appendix C: Includes detailed Design drawings for classical and
“GOSEB” – system.

7. ORIGINAL SOFTWARE
Nonlinear seismic response studies of classical and GOSEB-Structure (66 analysis for each
prototype, or 12x66=792 nonlinear numerical seismic response analyses) are computed using the
special purpose computer program NORA2000, originally developed by the author, Prof. Dr.
Danilo Ristic. NORA2000 computer program was created with specific capability to carry out
nonlinear seismic response analysis of inventive seismo-resistant GOSEB-structures, designed
based on newly developed seismo-resistant GOSEB-System.
Applying the formulated advanced nonlinear mathematical models (including structural and non-
structural elements) for both, classical and inventive GOSEB – Building prototypes, the required
comparative nonlinear seismic response analyses were performed. Earthquake response analyses are
carried out using representative set of three recorded earthquakes, as follows: (1) Ulcinj-Albatros,
Component N-S, (2) Montenegro Earthquake, 1979, (3) El - Centro, Component SOOE, USA, 1940, and
Parkfield, Component N85E, USA, 1966.

8. COMMON SAFETY INDICATORS FOR 12 SELECTED PROTOTYPE

STRUCTURES

The integral study for each prototype included detailed nonlinear seismic response analyses of
using three different types of real earthquake records. The applied earthquake records have been
scaled to a total of 11 intensities for the purpose of comparative seismic vulnerability analysis of
classical and inventive “GOSEB” structural systems.
Based on integral analytical studies, the following principal conclusions were drawn:
1. Prototype buildings constructed by application of classical system (Case-1), common RC
frame (medium strength-reduced cost), generally experience complete failure under relatively
low earthquake intensity represented with ground acceleration 15 to 25 percent of the gravity
acceleration.

Fig.8a. Representative and Comparative Seismic Vulnerability Functions, Developed Based on this Study
for Classical and Inventive GOSEB-System: : EQ-1

Fig.8b. Representative and Comparative Seismic Vulnerability Functions, Developed Based on this Study
for Classical and Inventive GOSEB-System: : EQ-2

Fig.8c. Representative and Comparative Seismic Vulnerability Functions, Developed Based on this Study
for Classical and Inventive GOSEB-System: EQ-3
2. However, the performed analytical investigations proved that the same buildings do possess a
total seismic protection in the case of application of the new “GOSEB” system even under the
strongest earthquakes characterized by maximum ground acceleration of 50% of the gravity
acceleration.
3. The achieved total seismic protection of all building prototypes may be seen as an
extraordinarily accomplishment in the field of seismic structural engineering.
4. This conclusion is particularly important because it was confirmed that “GOSEB” system
possess capability to provide complete seismic protection of building, even in the case when
the building superstructure (upper-part or part above the installed GOSEB-System), is
constructed with the weaker and lower cost structural system.
The above conclusions are directly confirmed by the drawn representative and comparative
seismic vulnerability functions, developed based on this study for classical and inventive
GOSEB-System.
In Fig. 9a, presented are comparative seismic vulnerability results of classical (CS) and inventive
GOSEB-System (IS) for one building Prototype, under selected representative earthquake type-1:
Ulcinj – Albatros, 1979.
In Fig. 9b, presented are comparative seismic vulnerability results of classical (CS) and inventive
GOSEB-System (IS) for the same building, under selected representative earthquake type-2: El-
Centro, 1940.
In Fig. 9c, presented are comparative seismic vulnerability results of classical (CS) and inventive
GOSEB-System, under selected representative earthquake type-3: Parkfield, 1966.
These figures clearly demonstrate very high potential of inventive GOSEB-System for practical
application.

9. COMMON INDICATORS OF CONSTRUCTION TIME OF GOSEB – SYSTEM

Construction time of building with GOSEB – System can be concurrent for market, because
construction of GOSEB seismic isolation system is considerably simple and will not affect other
construction phases.

10. COMMON INDICATORS OF CONSTRUCTION COST OF GOSEB – SYSTEM

Construction cost of building with GOSEB – System can be concurrent for market, because
possible reduction of the cost of the superstructure can be advantage to provide construction of
GOSEB seismic isolation system.

11. CONCLUSIONS

1. The most important conclusion from this extensive study is full confirmation that the
proposed inventive seismo-resistant GOSEB-system can be used as efficient system for
complete seismic protection of buildings, based on inventive multi-level seismic reaction and
globally-optimized seismic energy balance with GOSEB-system.
2. This is achieved by simultaneous application of the advantages of seismic isolation systems
and newly developed inventive “GOSEB” multi-level hysteretic seismic energy absorber.
3. The “GOSEB” multi-level seismic energy absorber has extraordinary features as to adapting
its behavior to the actual intensity of the input seismic energy. It means that newly proposed
“GOSEB” multi-level seismic energy absorber integrates advanced features of multi-level
earthquake response.
4. If there is no earthquake excitation, the “GOSEB” hysteretic seismic energy absorber enables
behavior of the structure analogous to the behavior of any traditionally constructed structure.
5. If a relatively slight earthquake occurs, the “GOSEB” seismic energy absorber reacts with an
adequate level of dissipation of the input seismic energy, making the structure thoroughly
safe and avoiding even micro-cracks.
6. If a moderate earthquake occurs, the “GOSEB” seismic energy absorber reacts with an
adequately increased level of dissipation of the input seismic energy.
7. Finally, in the case of the most severe earthquake, the “GOSEB” seismic energy absorber
reacts with its full capacity for dissipation of the increased seismic input energy. The
required full capacity for of seismic energy dissipation has been defined by advanced design
analyses, which have also been defined by the author in the theoretical part of the
investigations of the optimal seismic performances of the “GOSEB” multi-level seismic
energy absorber.
8. The multi-level response of the “GOSEB” system in compliance with the input seismic
energy provides a complete seismic protection of the structure even under the strongest
recorded earthquakes.
9. A big advantage of the new seismically resistant “GOSEB” system for seismic protection of
structures is its simple application localized only at the base of the structure for which the
“GOSEB” seismic protection is designed.
11. The skill of the design engineer is reflected through the determination of an optimal number,
optimal physical characteristics and optimal position of the seismic isolators and multi-level
seismic energy dissipaters to achieve the optimized seismic energy balance for each specific
structure.
12. This opens a wide field of practical application of the patented globally optimized system of
seismic energy balance and realization of the creative vision of the author for construction of
seismically resistant structures in the 21st century and realization of the project “Seismically
Safe Cities of the Future”.

12. PROPOSED FEATURE ACTIVITIES:

Phase-1. Development of the first typified “GOSEB” multi-level seismic energy absorbers (type-
1), including detailed analysis of all constituent elements, detailed proportioning of all
components and completion of final design for production purposes of the first prototypes.
Phase-2. Production of the first prototype samples of typified “GOSEB” multi-level seismic
energy absorber (type-1), based on prepared final design (needed for laboratory proof tests).
Phase-3. Laboratory testing of the first prototypes of typified “GOSEB” multi-level seismic
energy absorber (type-1), applying testing program appropriate for proof tests and serial market
production.
Phase-4. Practical application of “GOSEB” multi-level seismic energy absorber and completion
of final design of the first “GOSEB” building, providing its successful construction.

13. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

To successfully realize the creative and complex research activities in the area of development of
this specific invention, great and highly appreciated support was extended by many experts,
individuals and institutions, both domestic and from abroad. I am pleased to mention particularly
the Industrial Property Protection Office-Skopje, Ministry of Economy and Macedonian Ministry
of Education and Science, for financing of three year scientific project involving inventive
GOSEB-System.

14. REFERENCES

Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-1, Family
House Type-1 (B+GF+1S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-01-P1, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-2, Family
House Type-2 (GF+1S+R)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-07-P2, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-3, Family
House Type-3 (GF+3S+R)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-08-P3, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-4,
Residential Building-1 (B+GF+6S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype
Structures, Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-02-P4, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GVCS-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-5, Residential
Building-2 (2B+GF+14S+R)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-03-P5, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-6, Patent
Center (B+GF+2S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures, Ministry
of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-09-P6, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-7,
Children’s Education Center (B+GF+1S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype
Structures, Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-010-P7, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-8, Hotel
Type-1 (B+GF+5S+R)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-04-P8, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GVCS-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-9, Hotel
Type-2 (2B+GF+17S+5S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures,
Ministry of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-011-P9, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-10, School
Building (B+GF+1S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures, Ministry
of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-05-P10, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-11, Post
Building (B+GF+1S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures, Ministry
of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-012-P11, Skopje.
Ristic, D., "Inventive GOSEB-System for Seismic Protection of Building Structure: Prototype-12, Hospital
Building (B+GF+3S)”; Inventive Cycle: “Seismo-Safe Cities of the Future”, Prototype Structures, Ministry
of Development, IPPO, Report DR-2000-06-P12, Skopje.