CERM-EX works in earthquake-prone areas worldwide. From Japan to the Americas, responsible infrastructure and building design demands the application of expertise in all aspects of earthquake engineering. 

 

We have accumulated formidable experience and skill in seismic design, and the essential specialist fields behind it – including seismology, geotechnical and structural engineering, risk assessment and management.

 

The primary objective of earthquake engineering is to make buildings that are earthquake resistant in order to save lives and property. CERM-EX is based in Turkey, an active earthquake zone with peak ground acceleration (PGA) up to 0.4g and higher. Therefore, structures in Turkey are designed and constructed to withstand excessive seismic loads with minimal damage and therefore no loss of life. 

 

One of the methods for connecting seismic forecasts to CFS building design is through numeric modeling.  Earthquake engineering is greatly enhanced by modeling the ways in which a certain type of structure will respond to seismic activity. CERM-EX has experience in using the latest versions of advanced computer finite element analysis (FEA) programs such as SAP2000 and Etabs to assist in design and modeling.

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Designing, Specifying, and Installing Connectors:

 

A building’s framing system performs the essential task of providing strength and stability to the structure, offering a path to transfer loads from gravity, uplift, and seismic forces to the foundation. However, even properly designed and built framing depends not just on the strength of these components, but also on the performance of the connections holding the elements together. These connections are even more critical in coastal and high-seismic zones where structures must resist the movement, stress, and loading from natural events such as earthquakes and high-velocity winds. 

 

Critical connections occur throughout the structure, but the most important are found in four crucial areas for the majority of buildings:

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• where the roof system connects to supporting walls;

• at openings and headers in the walls;

• where walls connect to each other at floor levels; and

• where walls connect to the foundation.

 

Connectors, clips, or framing hardware are used to either make or support cold-formed framing connections, with the most common types being rigid (i.e. fixed) and deflection (i.e. movement) connectors.