A novel device that may help save lives by improving the stability of buildings and preventing structural damage during earthquakes has been developed and patented by Imperial College Innovations Limited, an Imperial College of London (UK) spinoff. Known as the Khonsar Connection, the device is a replaceable energy-dissipating structural component that overcomes the limited ability of conventional joints to protect walls and building frames from damage. The device is fitted between beams and columns and acts as a sponge, soaking up the energy and protecting the structure of the building from damage.
After an earthquake or explosion, most buildings often require expensive building work or demolition. The Khonsar Connection is a simple and cheap solution to the problem of collapsing buildings, following damage and provides a revolutionary approach in the field of sustainable building.
"The Khonsar Connection has huge potential benefits in terms of increased confidence in the ability of buildings and structures to withstand events such as earthquakes and explosions, consequently saving both lives and property," said Susan Searle, Director of Science and Engineering at Imperial College Innovations.
Originally developed by visiting academic Dr. Vahid Khonsari within the Department of Civil Engineering at the Imperial College of Science Technology and Medicine, responsibility for commercializing the Khonsar Connection is being handled by Imperial College Innovations, who are currently looking for a partner to manufacture and sell the device.
Imperial College Innovations Ltd. (IC Innovations) is the wholly-owned technology development company of the Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine (London, UK), renowned as one of the UK's top three universities for research quality.
IC Innovations is the Fund Manager for the Imperial College University Challenge Seed Fund, and is currently creating companies at the rate of one per month. The company is organized into two executive teams, one to cover Biosciences, the other for Science and Engineering.
Dr. Vahid Khonsari, from Sharif University in Tehran, Iran, developed the device during a 12-month sabbatical visit to Imperial College. All rights to the invention have been assigned to Imperial College Innovations Limited.
22-May-2001
