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Ball Lightnings in Earthquakes and Seismic Damage

Description: 

The necessity of real estate development in earthquake-endangered areas is beyond question. Nevertheless, danger of ball lightnings in seismic events does not taken into account, although such phenomena are repeatedly observed [1]. They can generate thermal, impulsive, and concentrated loads [1 – 3]. And while the nature of the ball lightning remains unclear, knowing types of its impacts permits to apply design concepts reducing risk of ominous consequences of seismic events. So, considering possible damage because of such effect and ways to reduce risk present some features of interest.

Since the ball lightning can cause fires, it is better to avoid using agents having the potential to burn for earthquake engineering. Therefore, even though wooden structures have high seismic resistance, they are not desirable in seismic regions, at any rate without additional fire protection. Also, electric stoves and electric heating are more suitable than they that operate from natural gas or other combustibles. To withstand impulsive and concentrated loads, panel buildings are very applicable. These measures permit to increase seismic resistance of objects without the essential expenditures. It is important to reduce damage in seismic events.

References

Barry, J. D. Ball Lightning and Bead Lightning: Extreme Forms of Atmospheric Electricity / J. D. Barry. – New York: Premium press, 1980.– 298 p.

Pudovkin, A. K. Ball lightning in the Novosibirsk Akademgorodok / A. K. Pudovkin // Advances in Physical Sciences. – 1996. – 39 (11). – P. 1189 – 1190.

Singer, S. The nature of ball lightning / S. Singer. – New York – London: Premium Press, 1971.– 1969 p.

Session: Advancing Seismic Hazard and Risk Assessment through Multi-Disciplinary Approaches [Poster]

Type: Poster

Date: 4/15/2026

Presentation Time: 08:00 AM (local time)

Presenting Author: Mikhail Zimin

Student Presenter: No

Invited Presentation: 

Poster Number: 51

Authors