Abstract: A yieldable joint between two elements such that the adjacent lapped edges of the elements will shift relative to each other. The joint comprises a pair of plates to be joined by lapping adjacent edges thereof, pairs of corresponding perforations in the lapped plate edges, and a bolt passing through each of the pairs of corresponding perforations. At least one perforation of each pair of corresponding perforations comprises a keyhole elongated in the direction along the line of relative movement of the pair of plates, with one end of the keyhole being of such size as to freely receive the shank of the bolt and the remaining elongated portion thereof being of a width less than the diameter of the shank of the bolt.