Abstract: An apparatus for stabilizing a slab foundation comprises a narrow, vertical moisture barrier assembly spaced outside and surrounding the perimeter grade beam of the slab foundation by a predetermined distance, and extends to preferably five feet below surface grade. The narrow trench for the barrier is preferably less than three inches wide. A membrane formed of a synthetic composition forms a moisture barrier against one wall of the narrow trench, and is held in place by back fill. The moisture barrier is intended for use in expansive soils that are subject to shrinking and swelling.

Abstract: A bracing device has a supporting module and a restraining element mounted around the supporting module to provide a restraining-supporting effect to the supporting module. The supporting module has at least one supporting element. The at least one supporting element is elongated and has an axial segment and two connecting heads. The axial segment has at least one concave edge and at least one loading section. The connecting heads are respectively formed on two connecting ends of the axial segment. The restraining element has at least one pair of side boards, two restraining boards and at least one viewing hole. Each one of the restraining boards is hollow and has an inner panel and an outer panel. The at least one viewing hole is formed through the restraining element and aligns along the at least one loading section of the axial segment.

Abstract: Unbonded fiber reinforced elastomeric isolators (FREIs) have desirable characteristics for seismic isolation, but the unbonded application also introduces several design limitations in comparison to bonded elastomeric isolators. Unbonded FREIs are not capable of resisting tensile forces, making this type of isolator inappropriate for situation where overturning is of concern or regions where large vertical accelerations are anticipated. Furthermore, since unbonded FREIs rely on friction to transfer horizontal forces, permanent slip could occur. Concerns over both transfer of tensile forces and permanent displacement can be obviated by partially bonding the FREI to the supports. In this way, partially bonded FREIs (PB-FREIs) retain the beneficial characteristics of an unbonded FREI, but also demonstrate characteristics of a bonded isolator, notably tensile forces can be transferred and potential permanent displacement is inhibited.

Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.

Abstract: A vehicle body reinforcement unit includes a reinforcement member disposed between a pair of frame portions of a vehicle body and including a pair of displacement members that is displaced relative to each other in association with a relative displacement of the pair of frame portions, the reinforcement member including a damping mechanism that applies a damping force to a relative operation of the pair of displacement members.

Abstract: A bracing device has a supporting module and a restraining element mounted around the supporting module to provide a restraining-supporting effect to the supporting module. The supporting module has at least one supporting element. The at least one supporting element is elongated and has an axial segment and two connecting heads. The axial segment has at least one concave edge and at least one loading section. The connecting heads are respectively formed on two connecting ends of the axial segment. The restraining element has at least one pair of side boards, two restraining boards and at least one viewing hole. Each one of the restraining boards has an I-shaped cross section, an inner panel, an outer panel and a connecting panel. The at least one viewing hole is formed through the restraining element and aligns along the at least one concave edge of the axial segment.

Abstract: The end of a transversely extending beam is joined to a wall structure by a self-releasing structural assembly. It has a first portion anchored to the wall. A second, fireproof and non-thermally degradable portion of the assembly sticks out from the wall. The assembly has a thermally degradable member mated to the second portion of the structural assembly. Both portions have slots for accepting beam fasteners. The beam fasteners squeeze the end of the beam, the support bracket seat, and the consumable, thermally degradable member in compression. When exposed to heat or flame the consumable, thermally degradable member softens, releasing the tension in the beam end fasteners, and releasing the compression in the structural sandwich of parts. The end of the beam is then able to translate away from the wall structure. The consumable member can be inspected without removing the beam end from the seat.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems directed to efficient cooling of data centers. Some embodiments of the invention allow encapsulation of cold rows through an enclosure and allow one or more fans to draw cold air from the cold row encapsulation structure to cool servers installed on the server racks. In other particular embodiments, the systems disclosed can be used to mix outside cool air into the cold row encapsulation structure to cool the servers. In some embodiments, the present invention involves fanless servers installed on the server racks and introduces fan units to draw cooling air from the cold row encapsulation structure through the fanless servers on the racks.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant reinforcement apparatus of a structure that can be attached simply and conveniently even to an aged building and imposes no substantial burden on inhabitants. The structure has an anti-seismic device for absorbing a seismic energy, an attaching member for attaching the anti-seismic device to the outside of a building, and a horizontal supporting member for supporting the anti-seismic device substantially horizontally. A plurality of attaching members are provided spot-wise to the girder or the beam of an existent building and the horizontal supporting member is a horizontal connection beam for connecting the attaching member horizontally.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-performance shear friction damper provided in a building construction and attenuating a vibration which is applied to the building construction due to external loads such as an earthquake or strong wind. The high-performance shear friction damper includes first and second support bodies supported to a building construction or damping rods, two prop plates fixed to the second support body and extending to surround both side surfaces of the first support body, friction plates mounted between the first support body and the prop plates, and fastening units each including a tension bolt penetrating the first support body, the friction plates and the prop plates, and a nut fastened to an end of the tension bolt, wherein the first support body has slots extending in a horizontal direction, the tension bolts extend while penetrating the slots to allow the first support body to be slidably movable in the horizontal direction with respect to the friction plates.

Abstract: A structural frame for a building includes first structural members and second structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations where the first and second structural members are coupled and through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic zone connections couple the first and second structural members and are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame.

Abstract: A system for determining longitudinal moments in a one-way joist floor comprising a supporting girder includes at least one computer configured to determine boundaries of at least one equivalent frame, determine a longitudinal moment within a column-beam portion of the at least one equivalent frame based at least in part on a vertical rigidity of the supporting girder, the column-beam portion having at least one column, and determine a longitudinal moment within a lateral section of the at least one equivalent frame based on the longitudinal moment within the column-beam portion, and based at least in part on the vertical rigidity of the supporting girder, the lateral section being lateral to the column-beam portion.

Abstract: A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: The disclosed subject matter is directed to a building structural bracing apparatus having an inner core element sandwiched between an upper and a lower containment web. The brace frame being useful in the construction of earthquake and blast resistant structures where energy dissipation is desired.

Abstract: A building structure in an outrigger configuration having a building core, at least one perimeter column, and at least one outrigger beam having a main body portion connected to the building core, an end portion distal from the building core in a direction of the at least one perimeter column and a vane portion extending from the end portion. At least one damper having a high-viscosity fluid container connected is connected to the at least one perimeter column and the vane portion extends into the high-viscosity fluid container to couple the building core to the at least one perimeter column, such that when the building structure is subjected to lateral loads and the building core is displaced with respect to the at least perimeter column, high-viscosity fluid within the high-viscosity fluid container is sheared by the vane to damp vibrations and provide coupling in the building structure.

Abstract: A dovetail anchoring system for cavity walls is disclosed and includes a sheetmetal dovetail anchor and one-piece sheetmetal dovetail veneer tie. The anchoring system is used in conjunction with building structures that have a masonry outer wythe anchored to a poured masonry inner wythe. A thermally-isolating coating is optionally applied to the high-strength veneer tie, which is interconnected with the wall anchor. The thermally-isolating coating is selected from a distinct grouping of materials, that are applied using a specific variety of methods, in one or more layers and cured and cross-linked to provide high-strength adhesion. The thermally-coated veneer ties provide an in-cavity thermal break that severs the thermal threads running throughout the cavity wall structure, reducing the U- and K-values of the anchoring system by thermally-isolating the metal components.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein relate to structural, seismic beams and columns as well as to structures including such beams and columns. The seismic beams and columns may be sized, shaped, or otherwise configured to produce approximately even or uniform load distribution (e.g., during a seismic event and/or wind loading event).

Abstract: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one elongated-sheet shape first wing plate and a supporting element connected to and extending from the first wing plate. The at least one returning device is connected to the damping body and has two holding ribbed-plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting ribbed-plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding ribbed-plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting ribbed-plate and connected the holding ribbed-plates in a tension condition.

Abstract: A fire resistant and water resistant expansion joint system comprises a compressed lamination of fire retardant infused open celled foam, one coat of an elastomeric waterproofing or water resistant material on the lamination, and another coat of an intumescent material on an opposing surface of the lamination, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in the opposite direction. The intumescent material may be further coated with a similar elastomeric material, thereby providing fire resistance in one direction and water resistance in both directions. In the alternative, the compressed lamination may comprise first and second opposing layers of intumescent material thereon each having a respective layer of elastomeric material to provide both water resistance and fire resistance in both directions.

Abstract: In a slide structure, a support structure and a seismically isolated structure, a first sliding surface (25) of a sliding member (21) is formed of a sliding body (24) made of synthetic resin. A film (27) made of synthetic resin and having a Young's modulus more than twice as large as that of the first sliding surface (25) is formed on the second sliding surface (28) of the counter member (22). At the same time, fine irregularities having a maximum height Rz of 3 ?m or higher are formed on the surface of the film (27). As a result, the lubricant is trapped in small pits of the irregularities to prevent the lubricant from flowing out, and a stable low friction state can be maintained.

Abstract: An expansion bracket absorbs movement of a wall stud to prevent damage to a wall covering attached to the wall stud. The expansion bracket can include a main body having a main body flange, formed of a deformable material, and having a wall stud attachment end configured to attach to the wall stud via a wall stud attachment element. The main body can also have a furring attachment element configured to attach a furring to the main body. When the main body is attached to the wall stud and the furring, and the wall covering is attached to the furring via a wall covering attachment element, the main body flange is configured to absorb, via deformation, at least a portion of the movement of the wall stud due to heat-based expansion of the wall stud.

Abstract: A system for performing computing operations includes a rack that rests on a floor and a stabilization device coupled on the top of the rack. The stabilization device includes a mounting portion coupled to the rack, a ballast member, and one or more spring devices coupled between the ballast member and the mounting portion. The ballast member reduces displacement of the rack from seismic loads transmitted from the floor to the rack to mitigate effects of the seismic loads on the rack.

Abstract: A device for use in the fastening of a panel or cladding to a wall is disclosed. The device includes a base plate, a panel connecting plate, and a connecting assembly that connects the panel connecting plate to the base plate and that is constructed and arranged so as to provide minimal thermal bridging between the base plate and the panel connecting plate through an insulation layer that covers the base plate and the wall while simultaneously providing structural integrity for attaching the panel or cladding to the wall.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant reinforcement apparatus of a structure that can be attached simply and conveniently even to an aged building and imposes no substantial burden on inhabitants. The structure has an anti-seismic device for absorbing a seismic energy, an attaching member for attaching the anti-seismic device to the outside of a building, and a horizontal supporting member for supporting the anti-seismic device substantially horizontally. A plurality of attaching members are provided spot-wise to the girder or the beam of an existent building and the horizontal supporting member is a horizontal connection beam for connecting the attaching member horizontally.

Abstract: Damping arrangement for low, medium and high-rise structures (1) using bidirectional damping means (5) such as visco-elastic Gensui damping devices, placed between two parallel elements of the structure (1), such as a core (2) and a perimeter column (3), or between two cores. Oscillatory or other flexural or shear deformations of the structure (1) are damped by damping axial movements between the two elements (2, 3), and simultaneously damping orthogonal movements between the two elements (2, 3). Outriggers (6, 7, 8) are used to enhance the axial damping moment, and the bidirectional damping means (5) may be installed in pairs, working in opposition to each other to damp dynamic shear or flexural forces in the orthogonal plane.

Abstract: A system for constructing a residential or commercial structure and/or retrofitting an existing structure provides a series of construction components employed that cooperate with standard construction materials to enhance the building structural integrity when subjected to destructive wind forces, torsion forces, and seismic forces, such as those commonly associated with hurricanes and tornados. The resultant strength of the structure is increased beyond what the standard construction materials were capable of on their own. The components further cooperate with standard construction materials to provide a unitized system of structural integrity. The components further cooperate with a secondary water sealing ability to minimize and/or prevent influent water damage to the structure in the event that the primary sealing system is compromised.

Abstract: A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure.

Abstract: A continuous load beam provides a continuous load path from a roof truss of a structure to a footing of a structure. The beam has a roof truss mounting portion and an elongate spanning portion. The elongate spanning portion has a connector and a footing attachment opposite the connector. The footing attachment is configured to be connected to a structural member of the structure adjacent to the footing of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion is configured to be connected to a structural member of the roof truss of the structure. The roof truss mounting portion has a bifurcated end with spaced apart yoke arms and a truss cap pivotally connected to each of the yoke arms. The truss cap is configured to engage at least a portion of the roof truss structural member. The roof truss support portion has a connector. The roof truss mounting portion connector is configured to be releasably connected to the elongate spanning portion connector.

Abstract: A building structure including a plurality of vertical elements extending from a ground surface with at least a first of the vertical elements connected to a second of the vertical elements by a coupling member, the coupling member includes a damping element for damping vibrations in the building structure resulting from relative movement between the first and second vertical elements due to lateral loads applied to the building structure. The damping element undergoes deformation due to the relative movement between the vertical elements causing the damping material to be activated in shear. At least one of a first and second fuse member is connected to at least one of first and second ends of the damping element respectively.

Abstract: A energy dissipating metal plate joins a pair of target members and exhibits energy dissipating performance corresponding to a relative displacement between the target members. The energy dissipating metal plate includes: a first joint part to be joined to one of the target members; a second joint part to be joined to other of the target members; and vibration dissipating parts which are provided on a transmission path of tensile force and compression force between the first joint part and the second joint part, and which have slits. Each of the first joint part and the second joint part is formed in a strip shape substantially parallel to a direction of the relative displacement.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the present disclosure provides a bracket assembly comprising a bridge which in turn comprises a central span, a wing attached to the central span, an arm receiving slot; and one or more anus comprising a central region and a flange, wherein said central region and said flange are connected by an offset; the bridge and said arm being adapted to be coupled together. In another embodiment, the present disclosure provides a joint comprising a first work piece and a second work piece; a bracket assembly comprising a bridge comprising a central span, having a wing extending from said central span at approximately equal angles, said bridge further comprising a arm receiving slot; and a arm comprising a central region connected by an offset to a flange, said arm further comprising a bridge receiving slot wherein said arm receiving slot and said bridge receiving slot engage thereby mating said bridge and said arm; and fastening means to connect the bracket assembly to said work pieces.

Abstract: Provided is a cassette-vibration isolation device that is easy to upkeep (maintain) and that can cause a heavy structure to rise during an earthquake. The device is provided with an upper base and a lower base that are arranged so that the bottom surface of the upper base faces the upper surface of the lower base; a cavity, which is formed between the upper base and the lower base, and the inside of which is filled with fluid; sealing members, which are provided in an attachable/detachable manner along the inner walls of the cavity, and which maintain the state wherein the cavity is filled with fluid; and a valve, which connects the cavity and a fluid-supply source, and which supplies fluid to the inside of the cavity. During an earthquake, the upper base can rise from the lower base due to the supply of fluid via the valve to the inside of the cavity.

Abstract: Disclosed is a buckling restrained brace which is a core plate inside a tube, with the plate prevented from buckling by being surrounded by the tube. The core plate is provided with a layer of discrete springs adjacent the core plate, with the interior of the tube otherwise filled with cement. The layer of discrete springs may be cardboard of other material. The layer of discrete springs defines a space between the core plate and the concrete, to allow for expansion of the core plate under compression from the ends.

Abstract: A buckling stiffening brace member eliminates welding time. Readily available components such as a steel rod and a steel pipe can be used as an axial force member and a stiffening member. The axial force member and the stiffening member can be easily connected in a dry manner by threads. A thread for screwing with a joint is formed at an end of an axial force member. At an end of a stiffening pipe that does not have a retaining ring, a sleeve for suppressing neck bending of the axial force member is joined to the outer surface of the axial force member. The axial force member and the stiffening pipe are joined together with the retaining ring therebetween by inserting an end of the axial force member that does not have the sleeve into the inner peripheral surface of the retaining ring and joining it to the retaining ring.

Abstract: A composite damper includes a first connector, a second connector and at least a dampening device. The first connector and the second connector are relative movable to each other, and the at least one dampening device is received between the first connector and the second connector. The dampening device comprises at least a rigid member and at least a dampening member, wherein the rigid member has the properties of high stiffness and low damping, while the dampening member has the properties of low stiffness and high damping. With such design, the composite damper could absorb vibrations during earthquakes.

Abstract: A truss hinge that includes a number of different labeled parts, where connections between the two different parts can constrain the truss to different angles.

Abstract: A high-strength rectangular pintle veneer tie and cavity wall anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The rectangular wire formative construct optionally includes a square cross-section that provides greater volumetric occupancy than that of a similar diameter circular wire formative. The interengaging portions and insertion portion are optionally compressed for greater strength and the rectangular shaped interengaging portion provides a locking interconnection within the anchor precluding significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.

Abstract: A structural frame for a building includes first structural members and second structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations where the first and second structural members are coupled and through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic zone connections couple the first and second structural members and are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame.

Abstract: A high-strength rectangular pintle veneer tie and cavity wall anchoring system employing the same is disclosed. The rectangular wire formative construct optionally includes a square cross-section that provides greater volumetric occupancy than that of a similar diameter circular wire formative. The interengaging portions and insertion portion are optionally compressed for greater strength and the rectangular shaped interengaging portion provides a locking interconnection within the anchor precluding significant movement lateral with or normal to the inner wythe.

Abstract: Disclosed is a high-performance shear friction damper provided in a building construction and attenuating a vibration which is applied to the building construction due to external loads such as an earthquake or strong wind. The high-performance shear friction damper includes first and second support bodies supported to a building construction or damping rods, two prop plates fixed to the second support body and extending to surround both side surfaces of the first support body, friction plates mounted between the first support body and the prop plates, and fastening units each including a tension bolt penetrating the first support body, the friction plates and the prop plates, and a nut fastened to an end of the tension bolt, wherein the first support body has slots extending in a horizontal direction, the tension bolts extend while penetrating the slots to allow the first support body to be slidably movable in the horizontal direction with respect to the friction plates.

Abstract: A sliding seismic isolator includes a first plate attached to a building support, and an elongate element extending from the first plate. The seismic isolator also includes a second plate and a low-friction layer positioned between the first and second plates, the low-friction layer allowing the first and second plates to move freely relative to one another along a horizontal plane. The seismic isolator also includes a lower support member attached to the second plate, with a biasing arrangement, such as at least one spring member or at least one engineered elastomeric element, which can include one or more silicon inserts, positioned within the lower support member. The elongate element extends from the first plate at least partially into the lower support member and movement of the elongate element is influenced or controlled by the biasing arrangement.

Abstract: A hybrid wall reinforcement wall anchoring system is described for use in masonry cavity walls. The reinforcement and anchor is hybrid device installed within the backup wall and interlocked with novel veneer ties. The novel veneer ties are wire formatives and are manually connected and interlocked with the anchor. Once interlocked and installed within the cavity wall, lateral, vertical and front-to-back veneer tie movement is limited, strengthening the cavity wall structure. The inclusion of a reinforcement wire within the veneer tie and the exterior wall provides a seismic structure.

Abstract: Ceiling suspension system including a plurality of rigid, elongated seismic joists interposed between opposing walls of a room, spaced selected distances apart along a horizontal support plane, and hangers suspended from the respective joists to support a grid from the respective lower ends thereof.

Abstract: A seismic-incurred-rupture-resistant deformation-recordable buckling-restrained brace is disclosed. A core plate is disposed in the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve, and an end portion of the core plate is provided with a core plate stiffening rib. A brace deformation recording device includes two toothed racks, a ratchet gear, a first cord spool, and a second cord spool. The two toothed racks are fixed on the core plate stiffening rib, and ratchet pawls in the length direction thereof face opposite directions. The ratchet gear is fixedly connected to the concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. The ratchet gear is disposed between the two toothed racks. A tooth on the ratchet gear is engaged with a ratchet pawl. The first cord spool is fixed on the ratchet gear. The second cord spool is fixed on the core plate stiffening rib.

Abstract: The present invention relates a refuge used in underground mines, and more particularly to a type of isolated refuge cabin used in underground mines, including the supporting airbag (1), the body shell (2) equipped outside the supporting air bag (1), a breathable air supplier (4) and an air inflation device (3); the air outlet (5) of the air inflation device (3) is linked with an air outlet (7) of the supporting air bag (1) through an air supply passage (6); the air inlet (8) of the breathable air supplier (4) is connected to the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through an air intake passage (9); the air outlet (10) of the breathable air supplier (4) is linked with the lower part of the interior cavity of the body shell (2) through the air outlet passage (11); the breathable air supplier (4) includes a shell (12), the oxygen generating agent (13) equipped inside the shell (12); the emergency exit (14) is installed on the body shell (2).

Abstract: A three part foundation system for supporting a building is described. Three part foundation systems can include a containment vessel, which constrains a buffer medium to an area above the containment vessel, and a construction platform. A building can be built on the construction platform. In a particular embodiment, during operation, the construction platform and structures built on the construction platform can float on the buffer medium. In an earthquake, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium may experience greatly reduced shear forces. In a flood, a construction platform floating on a buffer medium can be configured to rise as water levels rise to limit flood damage.

Abstract: A passive damper (1) with a first set (7) of parallel disposed plates (7a) and a second set (8) of parallel disposed plates (8b,8c,8d), that overlap one another in an alternating fashion at a rotational joint with damping pads (15) between the plates (7a,8b,8c,8d). The rotational joint comprises a pin or bolt (9) inserted through apertures (15) in the plates (7a,8b,8c,8d) and there is a connection hole (14b) in each of the plates of the second set (8) of plates for receiving a connection pin (6) therein for connecting the second set of plates (8) to a members (2,3) of a structure. The connection holes (14c,14d) in a selection of the plates (8c,8d) of the second set (8) of plates is shaped and dimensioned to provide a predetermined amount of clearance with said connection pin (6) so that the connection pin (6) can move inside the connection holes (14c,14d) of the selection of plates (8c,8d) to a predetermined extent without the selection of plates (8c,8d) taking part in the damping action of the damper (1).

Abstract: A furring strip fastening member comprises a furring strip receiving plate having a through-hole and a female thread section latching section, a rear face plate having a through-hole, a spring section and a female thread section. The spring section connects the furring strip receiving plate and the rear face plate. The female thread section has a through-hole having a thread formed in the inner periphery thereof, and is latched by the female thread section latching sections. In the construction structure for a building, the furring strip fastening member is connected to skeleton wall of building that is formed of concrete wall and a heat insulating material disposed outside the latter, in a state where the female thread section is screwed to the bolt. The furring strip receiving plate presses against the furring strip and the rear face plate presses against the heat insulating material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a platform for supporting various equipment and/or structure which assists in isolating such structure from vibrations (“noise”) external to the platform. Generally, the platform comprises upper and lower plates, having conical depressions, upon which the upper plate supports the abovementioned structure, and the lower plate contacting surface/area upon which the supported structure otherwise would have rested. Between the upper and lower plates, a plurality of rigid, spherical bearings are placed within the conical depressions, thereby allowing the upper and lower plates to displace relative to one another. Additionally, the platform may be provided with retaining mechanisms for holding the structure to be supported, maintaining the plates together and providing additional damping effects.

Abstract: Embodiments provide modular seismic safety systems and methods of providing safe zones and emergency equipment for use in public and private buildings. In various embodiments, the modular safety systems may include at least one safety module that may be installed in a pre-existing structure in order to provide a safety zone configured to withstand a seismic emergency. In various embodiments, the safety module may be configured to withstand the forces of an earthquake, and may be seismically isolated from the preexisting structure by an expansion joint. In some embodiments, a plurality of safety modules may be installed, and they may work together to form in internal bracing structure. Various embodiments also may include a freestanding safety capsule that contains safety equipment and that is exterior to the building. Also disclosed are methods of providing a cost-effective modular safety system for use in a school or other public building.