Abstract: The device comprises two rods which are each intended to be connected to one of the structural elements, and at least one helical spring whose ends are connected to two discs, each associated with one of the rods, so as to oppose the movement apart of the rods through the discs. The latter are mounted for axial sliding relative to the associated discs and are formed in such a way that their movement both towards and away from each other causes tensioning of the spring from its undeformed rest condition. The device acts as a rigid connecting element when thestresses applied to it are less than a predetermined threshold. When the stress exceeds the threshold, however, it deforms resiliently to limit the amount of stress transmitted to the members between which it is connected.