A Framework to Assess the Seismic Performance of Multiblock Tower Structures as Gravity Energy Storage Systems
Publication: Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 149, Issue 1
Abstract
This paper proposes a framework for seismic performance assessment of mutiblock tower structures designed to store renewable energy. To perform our assessment, we deployed, in tandem, physical and numerical models that were developed using appropriate scaling for Newtonian systems that interact via frictional contact. The approach is novel, breaking away from continuum structures for which Cauchy scaling and continuum mechanics are used to model systems. We show that our discontinuous approach is predictive and consistent. We demonstrate predictiveness by showing that the numerical models can reproduce with high fidelity the physical models deployed across two different scales. Consistency is demonstrated by showing that our models can be seamlessly compared across scales and without regard for whether the model is physical or numerical. The integrated theoretical-numerical-experimental approach provides a robust framework to study multiblock tower structures, and the results of our seismic performance assessments are promising. These findings may open the door for new analysis tools in structural mechanics, particularly those applied to gravity energy storage systems.
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Data Availability Statement
All data, models, or code that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Acknowledgments
This research was supported by Energy Vault, Inc. We gratefully acknowledge EV’s support, encouragement and freedom during this project. We also thank the contractors (Whiteside Concrete Construction, Dynamic Isolation Systems, BlockMex, Luka Grip and Lighting, Abel-Cine, Samy’s Camera) and university facilities’ personnel at UCB and Caltech for their commitment to this project.
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Published In
Journal of Engineering Mechanics
Volume 149 • Issue 1 • January 2023
Copyright
© 2022 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: Oct 28, 2021
Accepted: Jul 7, 2022
Published online: Nov 2, 2022
Published in print: Jan 1, 2023
Discussion open until: Apr 2, 2023
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Cited by
- Andres Rodriguez-Burneo, Jose I. Restrepo, Joel P. Conte, Jose E. Andrade, Ares Rosakis, Vahe Gabuchian, John Harmon, Arpit Nema, Andrea Pedretti, Seismic-Response Assessment of Multiblock Tower Structures for Energy Storage: 1/25 Scale, Journal of Structural Engineering, 10.1061/JSENDH.STENG-13144, 150, 5, (2024).
- Ziran Zhou, Marco Andreini, Luca Sironi, Pierino Lestuzzi, Edward Andò, Frédéric Dubois, Davide Bolognini, Filippo Dacarro, José E. Andrade, Discrete Structural Systems Modeling: Benchmarking of LS-DEM and LMGC90 with Seismic Experiments, Journal of Engineering Mechanics, 10.1061/JENMDT.EMENG-7036, 149, 12, (2023).