Technology transfer in building construction: case of seismic design

Many construction innovations incorporate technologies that have been transferred from one geographical area or discipline to another and subsequently modified for the new conditions. This paper analyzes an example of this technology transfer on a sample project: chevron bracing was first used in the structural system of a tall building located in a high seismic zone. This paper describes current technologies for structural systems and the evolution of the unique structural design used for this project. This paper discusses three types of barriers to technology transfer in the U.S. construction industry: building codes, conservatism, and organizational barriers. The focus of this paper is on examining how the project team overcame those barriers. This paper concludes that the teamwork should be based on a reciprocal relationship. Each team member must possess technical competency. It is also vital for each team member to expend efforts to understand not only the technical aspects of the project but the needs and concerns expressed by the other team members. This paper provides insights about the reciprocal relationship and the qualifications of the participants required to surmount barriers to technology transfer in the U.S. construction industry.