Abstract: A force resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy in a shear wall or shear wall segment includes at least one active element, the active element having a force versus deflection property under at least one cyclic load such that the shear wall has at least one building code compliant parameter. The building code compliant parameter includes an equivalent response coefficient, R, a system overstrength coefficient, W, and a deflection amplification factor, C. Exemplary embodiments of prefabricated shear walls or shear wall segments include the disclosed force resisting device. Exemplary embodiments of buildings include the disclosed prefabricated shear wall or shear wall segment with the disclosed force resisting device.

Abstract: A wall system protects a building structure from pressure caused by explosive blasts. The wall system includes vertical studs. Outer blast wall panels and inner blast wall panels are secured to the opposing sides of the vertical studs. An upper mounting system is attached to the building structure. An upper mounting system includes a fixed track, a movable mounting track, and an energy absorbing system that flexibly couples the movable mounting track to the fixed track. The upper ends of the vertical studs are attached to movable mounting track. A lower mounting system includes a mounting track that aligns the lower ends of the vertical studs. A respective attachment clip is attached to a lower portion of vertical stud. Each attachment clip is attached to the building structure with an energy absorption pad that resists vertical and lateral movement of lower end of the respective vertical stud.

Abstract: To provide a seismic isolation apparatus which, as well as widening an applicable shaking range, can be easily configured and is low in height, a seismic isolation apparatus is configured of a low friction combination formed by a point contact between a planar hard base plate, which has a surface on which are disposed at least three convexly curved projections of a uniform height, and a glide plate which is a smooth, hard, flat plate.

Abstract: A seismic bracket for supporting ends of suspended ceiling grid runners from a wall comprising a stamped sheet metal body, the body having a horizontally extending portion and a vertically extending portion, the vertically extending portion, in its installed position, rising above the top of a standard grid runner a distance at least 1½ times the height of such standard grid runner, the vertically extending portion having two sections generally coextensive in the vertical direction, a first section being integral with the horizontally extending portion and a second section arranged to be in a vertical plane that intersects a vertical plane occupied by the horizontally extending portion, the horizontally extending portion being arranged to support a grid runner to move longitudinally a limited distance, the second section of the vertically extending portion having an aperture for securing the bracket to the wall at a location substantially above the grid tee.

Abstract: A restoration anchoring system for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe and an outer wythe that requires remediation or re-anchoring is disclosed. The anchoring system employs a three-part system that is installed within the existing bed joints of the outer wythe to reattach and re-anchor the outer wythe to the structural inner wythe. The three-part system includes a helical dowel, a seismic T-clip and a reinforcement member. The helical dowel is self-threading and self-drilling. When the three-part system is installed within the outer wythe and attached to the inner wythe, the system is captively embedded in the outer wythe thereby providing a seismic construct.

Abstract: An earthquake shelter comprising a container sized for human occupancy, the container having walls and an access opening and a quickly openable and closable primary door to cover and uncover the opening, the container walls and door consisting of high strength panel material, in excess of 10,000 psi load resistance; the container supported for sliding movement compensating for earthquake induced movement of a supporting surface, with shock or impact absorbing cushioning means at the container interior, to cushion sudden movement of an occupant relative to the container as the container is suddenly moved by earthquake transmitted force.

Abstract: Reinforcing system (10) for reinforcing structures with irregular surfaces, such as shaped columns. Fiber-reinforced plastic sheathing (25) is wrapped around or over the surface to be reinforced and fiber anchors (50) are installed at high stress areas, such as re-entrant corners. Cover strip (30) spreads force among fiber anchors (50) and provides a smooth finish.

Abstract: A sliding pendulum seismic isolator (1) comprises a lower sliding element (2) provided with a concave surface (2a) facing upwards, an upper sliding element (3) provided with a concave surface (3a) facing downwards, a first intermediate element (4) and a second intermediate element (5), said intermediate elements (4, 5) being each provided with a convex sliding surface (4a, 5a) suitable to allow the sliding of the first and second intermediate elements (4, 5) on the concave surfaces (2a, 3a) of said lower and upper sliding elements (2, 3) respectively. The first intermediate element (4) has a convex spherical surface (4b) opposed to its convex sliding surface (4a), and the second intermediate element (5) has a flat surface (5b) opposed to its convex sliding surface (5a). The convex spherical surface (4b) and the flat surface (5b) are in contact with each other and are suitable to allow a relative rotation substantially without sliding between the intermediate elements (4, 5).

Abstract: A retrofit assembly for reinforcing a structural member including a plurality of retrofit segments including a first retrofit segment and a last retrofit segment, wherein the first retrofit segment connects to the last segment, and wherein each of the retrofit segments comprises a connecting rod, a brace, and a threaded nut, wherein the connecting rods each include a first end and a second end, wherein the first ends are each fixedly secured to one of the braces, and the second ends are each operatively threaded to engage with one of the nuts, and wherein the braces each include a hole operatively sized to receive the second end of one of the connecting rods.

Abstract: A seismic cable restraint clip attaches a seismic brace component, such as a cable, to a building structure. A bolt is typically used to attach the clip to the building structure. The restraint clip is constructed to reduce or eliminate multiplication of force applied from the cable to the bolt through the restraint clip.

Abstract: Anchoring systems for use in cavity wall structures having an inner wythe constructed of interengaged composite panels and a veneer outer wythe are disclosed. The wall anchor is disposed within the juncture of the interengaged composite panels and fastened to the frame. The wall anchor maintains a strong interlock with the composite panels and backup wall, maintains insulation integrity and limits thermal transfer, without obstructing the juncture of the composite panels. The anchoring system interlocks with varied veneer ties, allowing vertical and horizontal adjustment for alignment with the bed joints. The anchoring system for composite panels provides an economical, high strength, low weight, insulated backup wall construction for interengagement with a veneer outer wythe.

Abstract: A large, high density foam glass tile which can be used as a facade on both exterior and interior building walls. The foam glass tile can also be used with other materials to form a panel or a composite. The present invention may be used on the critical surfaces of buildings at high risk for terrorist attacks, in combination with cement, steel or other high strength building materials. The present invention may also be used in surfaces of typical buildings. The present invention has the advantage of absorbing a substantial portion of a shock wave caused by an explosion. The present invention also has the advantage of being more resistant to earthquakes.

Abstract: A tuned liquid damper comprising a housing with a hollow cavity within said housing and a first fluid which partially fills said hollow cavity. The inner surface of said hollow cavity is essentially spherical. The tuned liquid damper further comprises first fluid damping means arranged within the essentially spherical cavity of the housing. In this way, a tuned liquid damper is provided which has a response which is constant and independent of the orientation of the tuned liquid damper. Damping means are provided in order to be able to control the damping effect of the tuned liquid damper.

Abstract: Device for the earthquake-resistant mounting of a partition between a floor (2) and a ceiling (4). The partition includes: a frame having (i) a lower runner (8) and an upper runner (10) which are essentially horizontal, and (ii) essentially-vertical studs which connect the upper and lower runners; and a coating (6) which is fixed to the frame. The device includes: a contoured slide (18) which is intended to be solidly connected to the upper runner (10) and which has an essentially-U-shaped cross-section, and a top rail (30) which is intended to be fixed to the ceiling (4) and partially housed in the slide (18) between the arms of the U-shaped section thereof. The slide (18) and the top rail (30) are mounted such that they can move vertically in relation to one another. In addition, reversible detent elements are also provided between the slide (18) and the top rail (30).

Abstract: An inhabitable space frame (100) can define and support inhabitable living space within, around and projecting from the exterior of the perimeter of the space frame (100). The space frame (100) includes a vector matrix of strut members (105) that defines a plurality of interconnected basic tetrahedral modules (110) and, optionally, a plurality of prime octahedral modules (115). At least a part of each prime octahedral module (115) in the plurality of prime octahedral modules (115) is adjacent to at least two of the basic tetrahedral modules (110). Use of one or more right triangular faces, or planes, within a repeating geometry of a vector matrix enables an interior of the space frame (100) to be inhabitable, with horizontal floors and vertical walls aligned with associated strut members (105).

Abstract: A pylon attachment device for coupling a pylon to a floor joist includes a bearing plate for fixed attachment to the floor joist. The pylon attachment device includes a plurality of biasing members, each having a first end operatively coupled to the pylon and a second end operatively coupled to the bearing plate to allow the bearing plate to move relative to the pylon in a direction generally perpendicular to an imaginary center axis of the pylon and then return to a predetermined position. The attachment device includes a cap lowerly adjacent the bearing plate. A shear pin extends from the cap to the bearing plate to maintain the bearing plate at the predetermined position until a predetermined amount of force shears the shear pin and allows the bearing plate to move relative to the pylon in a direction generally perpendicular to the imaginary center axis of the pylon.

Abstract: Unstable ground is found in many situations in many locations around the world and causes such locations to be unsuitable for building without further support or stabilization. Unstable ground, such as landfills, can be used for beneficial purposes as opposed to laying dormant. A segmented ballast base support structure according to an embodiment of the present invention can be configured to support free-standing structures, such as solar power collection systems and wind turbines. The segmented ballast base support structure can be deployed at unstable ground sites without digging or expensive filling stabilization techniques. Segments of the base support structure can be precast at an offsite location and transported to a site in segments and sections. The segmented base support structure allows for a cost effective solution to digging, as well as an easier method of shipping and transporting structures that would otherwise have to be built on site.

Abstract: The structure bearing surface is artificially constructed, avoiding any foundation failures which, according to aftershock data, have already occurred resulting in cracks or even in complete rupture of joints. Anti-seismic insulation is then created by using cell cushions, whereas erosion to connecting mechanisms as well as to the primary shock-proof mechanism may be prevented by using insulators. The sand ensures stable working surface for the equal load distribution during the time required for the construction, as well as following the completion of the project. Moreover, at the time of the earthquake, the mechanical properties of the sand shall provide elasticity, enhancing the shock-proof properties of cushions, preventing at the same time the uneven load distribution on building frame. The connecting mechanisms, which are fixed on the main points of both sides of the entire project, shall provide the secure operation of shock-proof mechanism.

Abstract: This invention relates to a structural cementitious panel (SCP) panel able to resist lateral forces imposed by high wind and earthquake loads in regions where they are required by building codes. These panels may be used for shear walls, flooring or roofing or other locations where shear panels are used in residential or commercial construction. The panels employ one or more layers of a continuous phase resulting from the curing of an aqueous mixture of inorganic binder reinforced with glass fibers and containing lightweight filler particles. One or more reinforcement members, such as mesh or plate sheets, are bonded to at least one surface of the panel to provide a completed panel that can breathe and has weather resistant characteristics to be capable of sustaining exposure to the elements during construction, without damage.

Abstract: A system of structural steel modular units useful in constructing mid-rise building between 3-8 stories high. Modular units are in the shape of rectangular boxes and the height of the units define a single story of the mid-rise building. Modular units are configured to be stackable onto each other such that they can couple to both modular units positioned directly above and below and also to couple to laterally adjoining modular units. The modular units can include cantilevered extensions to define hallways or other desirable features such as balconies. The systems can also utilize a post tension system that includes a plurality of post tension members anchored to a foundation and are coupled to a damper system positioned on the roof of the building.

Abstract: A building element (10) comprises a substantially metallic, substantially planar core member (20) and a thermally insulating and water resistant sheathing member (30) either side of the core member. The core member is continuous along a substantial length of the building element and a void (40) is created between the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. At least one bridging member (50) is provided in the void and couples the core member and at least one of the sheathing members. A building system and method of construction are also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit comprising an inner tube and an outer tube. The inner tube is coaxially inserted into the outer tube defining a gap within a lapping portion of the tubes for receiving expansive cement grout. After solidified, the expansive cement grout forms an expansive ring. A prestress produced by the expansive cement grout increases the friction between the expansive ring and the tubes. In service, the present invention can transfer the axial force via the friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout. In case of earthquake, the sliding friction between the tubes and the expansive cement grout can absorb energy. The present invention does not require high precise in manufacturing and constructing, saves steel and has low cost. It is only need to replace the grouted tubular energy-dissipation unit when the present invention is damaged in earthquake, which is very convenient.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base and a connecting device. The second base is parallel to the first base. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first base and second base to connect the first and second bases and has a universal connector. The first base abuts against the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in multiple directions. The second base abuts against the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a unidirection.

Abstract: To provide a seismic isolation device, even if a relative height between friction plates, which are laminated in a hollow part of a laminated rubber body, and the laminated rubber body changes at a deformation of the laminated rubber body, which prevents allophone, vibration and shock from inside of the seismic isolation device (laminated rubber body), resulting superiority in durability, safety, and amenity.

Abstract: A seismic damper includes upper and lower brackets, and a link mechanism. The upper bracket is formed with an upper hole. The lower bracket is formed with lower and intermediate holes. The link mechanism includes a support link, and first, second, and third pivot joints. The support link has first and second ends, each of which is formed with a through-hole, and an intermediate portion, which is formed with a through-hole. The first pivot joint extends through the upper hole in the upper bracket and the through-hole in the first end of the support link. The second pivot joint extends through the lower hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the second end of the support link. The third pivot joint extends through the intermediate hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the intermediate portion of the support link.

Abstract: A ductile seismic shear key construction including a concrete support, a concrete shear key supported on the concrete support, a generally vertical reinforcement bar in and extending between the concrete support and the concrete shear key and anchored in the concrete support, and an isolation key. The isolation key is in and at the base of the concrete support and adjacent the reinforcement bar. The bar can be one of the two legs of a downwardly-disposed U-shaped bar. The other leg, if present, is also in and extends between the concrete support and the shear key and is anchored in the concrete support; and a second isolation key is in the concrete support at the base thereof and adjacent the second leg. The bars can pass through through-holes in the isolation keys, particularly for an interior shear key construction. For an exterior shear key construction the bars can be disposed in notches of the isolation key.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has a first base, a second base, a sliding holder assembly and a connecting device. The first base has an elongated first sliding channel in a first direction. The second base is parallel to the first base and has an elongated second sliding channel in a second direction. The connecting device is slidably mounted between the first and second sliding channels. The sliding holder assembly is mounted between the connecting device and at least one of the bases. The first base is connected with one of the convex ends of the connecting device in a curved contact surface to provide a first sliding mechanism in a first unidirectional sliding direction. The second base is connected with the other convex end of the connecting device to provide a second sliding mechanism in a second unidirectional sliding direction.

Abstract: A seismic damper includes upper and lower brackets, and a link mechanism. The upper bracket is formed with an upper hole. The lower bracket is formed with lower and intermediate holes. The link mechanism includes a support link, and first, second, and third pivot joints. The support link has first and second ends, each of which is formed with a through-hole, and an intermediate portion, which is formed with a through-hole. The first pivot joint extends through the upper hole in the upper bracket and the through-hole in the first end of the support link. The second pivot joint extends through the lower hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the second end of the support link. The third pivot joint extends through the intermediate hole in the lower bracket and the through-hole in the intermediate portion of the support link.

Abstract: A joint structure for antiseismic reinforcement includes at least one structural member having a longitudinal axis and at least one antiseismic reinforcement member. Each antiseismic reinforcement member has a longitudinal axis located in a plane that is generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. The longitudinal axis of the antiseismic reinforcement member is inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the structural member. A metal fitting connects each of the antiseismic reinforcement members to the structural member. The metal fitting is not fixed to the structural member. At least one constraining member is fixed to the structural member close to or abutting an edge portion of the metal fitting. The constraining member bears a force applied to the metal fitting in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis of the structural member.

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 above-mentioned 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: The invention is a damper and a method for protecting buildings and similar structural systems from dynamic loading such as loading caused by earthquakes, strong winds or machine vibrations. More specifically, the damper is made from structural members being interconnected in frictional or visco-elastically dampened rotational joints. Due to the dampening of the joints, relative movement between the structural elements is dampened. In particular, the damper is useful for base isolation, e.g., in order to allow a building or a machine to move in a dampened movement relative to its foundation or in order to allow a cable stay of a cable stay bridge to move in a dampened movement relative to its fixation point on the bridge.

Abstract: A compression post for a shear wall includes a plate mounted to the bottom of an end post of a shear wall. The plate is sized to conform to the lower end of each end post. An extended portion (e.g., a cylinder) is positioned perpendicularly to the plate. The extended portion has a cross section sized to fit through a hole in a mudsill of the shear wall and has a length selected to conform with a thickness of the mudsill. When the shear wall is mounted on a structural support (e.g., a footing or foundation), forces applied to the end post pass through the plate and the extended portion to the structural support. The extended portion may be secured to the plate (e.g., by spot welding, press fitting, bolting, or threaded engagement) or the two portions may be independent. The two portions may also be a cast unitary body.

Abstract: This invention refers to curtain walls capable of resisting the seismic forces of major earthquakes without breakage of their glass panes and without deformation or distortion of their structure. The above can be achieved through the operational separation of the curtain wall of each storey from those of adjacent storeys, by formation of a sliding line on the top of the windows (2.3), through the mutual hooks of suspension of the windows (6.3, 6.10) so that the displacement of the one storey to be independent from the others. The structure of the curtain wall of each storey confined only to the fixed part of the curtain wall of the storey and consists of the uprights (3.1), the sill-beam (3.2), the lintel-beam (3.3) and the attachments (3.4). There are no uprights in the region of windows. The uprights of the structure of curtain wall of each storey at no case are touching the glass panels. The interstorey drifts (6) are in all directions absorbed by the suspension joints of the windows (7.5) and (7.

Abstract: A building includes a connection between an engineered wood load bearing element of the building such as a column, beam, or load bearing panel, and another load bearing element or a foundation of the building. At least one tendon ties the load bearing elements or the load bearing element and the foundation together. One or more energy dissipaters, replacably connected between the load bearing element and/or the foundation, absorb energy when a loading event causes relative movement of the connection. The engineered wood element maybe a laminated veneer lumber element, a parallel strand lumber element, or a glue laminated timber element, for example. Typically all of the load bearing elements of the building will be engineered wood elements. The building may be single or multi-storey. The building system enables lightweight low cost buildings, with energy dissipaters which may be replaced after extreme loading.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a brace apparatus having a core member configured to absorb energy generated by seismic or other forces by undergoing plastic deformation. A buckling restraining assembly is included for maintaining the structural integrity of the brace after the core member has undergone plastic deformation. The buckling restraining assembly includes one or more bearings is located proximal the core member. The bearings are adapted to minimize friction between the core member and the buckling restraining apparatus. An air gap is positioned between the core member and the one or more bearings of the buckling restraining apparatus are adapted to prevent bonding of the core member and buckling restraining assembly. Projections are included in the core member of the brace apparatus to minimize movement of the middle portion of the core member relative to the buckling restraining assembly.

Abstract: A fastener assembly comprises a first cylindrical member disposed within a second cylindrical member. One of the first and second cylindrical members is movable relative to the other in a first direction. The other one of the first and second cylindrical members is locked relative to the one in a second direction opposite to the first direction. A spring is operably attached to the first and second cylindrical members to urge one of the first and second cylindrical members in the first direction. A removable member is operably associated with the first and second cylindrical members to prevent one of the first and second cylindrical members from moving in the first direction prior to removing the removable member. The removable member is configured to be pulled out to allow one of the first and second cylindrical members to move in the first direction.

Abstract: A shield for shielding a structural member from an explosive blast or accidental or malicious destruction is provided. The shield includes a plurality of shield members which include cast ultra high strength concrete, wherein the shield members are capable of being assembled to enclose at least a portion of the structural member to provide protection to the enclosed portion from, for example, an explosive blast. In one embodiment, the shield members include a chassis, at least one ballistic liner disposed on the energy absorbing layer, and a concrete-integrating structure.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an anti-vibration sound insulator for a suspended ceiling which is intended to be used either in residential or commercial applications. The insulator comprises a metal furring devised to be fixed to the ceiling. It also includes a central part comprising a star-shaped element having an upper vertical plate provided with an orifice and two lower plates each having extremities. These extremities are folded so as to jointly form a slide rail sized to receive and support the folded extremities of the metal furring. The central part also comprises an insulating element devised to be inserted in the upper plate orifice, this insulating element including an orifice. This latter orifice allows introducing a fixing element so as to fix the insulator beneath a floor, or against a joist supporting the floor.

Abstract: A seismic energy damping system with plural redundancy for a building or structure subject to seismic perturbation (i.e., deflection of the building structure) includes a distributed plurality of seismic energy dampers, and a plurality of rigid shear panels cooperating with the building structure via the seismic energy dampers. The plural shear panels and plural seismic energy dampers distribute seismic energy absorption and dissipation throughout the building structure to avoid stress concentrations, and to dissipate significant seismic energy, thus limiting the amplitude of deflections of the building structure during a seismic event.

Abstract: A link-type seismic tie is provided between a steel structural support and a buckstay, and includes two horizontally arranged, parallel, and spaced apart link members, which are connected at their ends to large vertical pins. Each of the link members includes two horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal outboard stringers and a horizontally arranged and parallel longitudinal center stringer centered between the two outboard stringers. Each link member further includes finger plates standing upright and spaced apart from each other relatively perpendicular to the longitudinal stringers. The finger plates are held between each of the outboard stringers and the longitudinal center stringer. A gusset plate connects the outboard stringers to a pin plate, which is connected to a large pin at the buckstay. The other end of the link members is connected to a large pin at the steel structural support via the ends of the outboard stringers.

Abstract: A shock suppressor has an upper base, a lower base and a connecting device. The upper base has a bottom and a top channel defined in the bottom along a first direction. The lower base corresponds to the upper base and has a top and a bottom channel defined in the top along a second direction corresponding to the first direction of the top channel at an angle. The connecting device is slidably mounted in the top channel and the bottom channel. Accordingly, the shock suppressor can reduce or isolate the transmission of a shock efficiently.

Abstract: A pin-fuse frame is used in a frame assembly that may be subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse frame includes of columns, beams, plate assemblies that extend between columns and beams, and may included a diagonal brace. The plate assemblies are fixed to the columns and attached to the beams and brace via pin joints. A joint includes a pin connection through outer connection plates connected to a column and inner connection plates connected to a beam. Connecting rods positioned about the pin maintain a coefficient of friction until exposed to extreme seismic activity, at which time the joint accommodates a slippage of at least one of the inner and outer connection plates relative to each other rotationally about the pin. The diagonal brace is separated into two segments connected together with connection plates. These connection plates accommodate a slippage of the segments relative to each other.

Abstract: Installed on a top of a structure (1) is a base stand (11) against which damping body (3) movably rests via a linear guide mechanism (12). Mounted between the damping body (3) and the structure (1) or between the damping body (3) and a top of a support housing (14) erected on the structure (1) is a characteristic-frequency adjusting spring or springs (13) with an initial tension being applied vertically. Movement of the damping body (3) causes the spring or springs (13) to be obliquely and longitudinally expanded to apply horizontal component to the damping body (3) upon restoring.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes a deformable core contained within an outer casing. Ends of the core protrude from the casing for connection to a frame or other structure. A length of the deformable core between its ends, referred to as the gauge or yielding section, is capable of deforming during an earthquake or blast loading. The gauge section is differentially heat treated from the ends so that the gauge section has a lower yield strength than the ends. The casing provides containment of the core to prevent buckling of the core. A metal foil interface or unbonding layer is provided between the deformable core and the casing so that the deformable core does not bind to the casing. The buckling restrained brace provides significant performance improvements over prior art BRBs coupled with simplified assembly.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the energy dissipation of a structural element is increased by inserting one or more resisting elements into the structural element at any time during or after construction of the structural element. The continuous resisting elements are rigidly attached to the structural at one end and connected to the structural element by and through a damping material over at least a portion of its length. When a dynamic force is applied to the structural elements, such as may result from wind or earthquakes, there will be a strain in the structure, in a direction parallel with the longitudinal direction of the resisting elements. In this way, the forces and deformations within the structure will result in a relative motion between the structural element and resisting element, a substantial portion of which is ultimately transmitted by and through the damping material layer.

Abstract: A joint structure includes a splice plate and a gusset plate, which can prevent out-of-plane buckling of the gusset plate without the necessity of welding a stiffening rib plate thereon. The joint structure includes a gusset plate and at least one splice plate connected to the gusset plate. Each of the splice plates is constructed from section steel having a non-rectangular cross-section. The joint structure can be used in a building during assembly of the building or for reinforcement of the building.

Abstract: Relocatable personal and/or pet safety shelters for protecting occupants from dangerous conditions such as those from hurricanes and tornadoes. The shelters can include metal wall and ceiling panels of approximately 10 gage to approximately 12 gage thick and be able to withstand winds of up to approximately 250 miles per hour or greater, and be able to withstand a projectile such as 2 inch by 4 inch wood member shot at approximately 100 miles per hour from penetrating inside. The shelter can have a length of approximately 60 inches, a width of approximately 30 inches, a height of approximately 55 inches, with a total weight of up to approximately 940 pounds. The shelter can have fixed bench seats along opposite sides of the door from each other, and be attached in a fixed horizontal orientation above the floor by elongated L-shaped brackets that are attached to the walls be removable fasteners.

Abstract: A ceiling system having a primary grid network which includes a plurality of grid members that are in generally perpendicular relation and form points of intersection. The ceiling system includes one or more joint clips, each of which is attached to the grid network at a point of intersection. Each joint clip partitions the primary grid network into smaller networks, which move independently of one another. At the same time, the appearance of an overall primary grid network is preserved.

Abstract: The invention is a damper and a method for protecting buildings and similar structural systems from dynamic loading such as loading caused by earthquakes, strong winds or machine vibrations. More specifically, the damper is made from structural members being interconnected in frictional or visco-elastically dampened rotational joints. Due to the dampening of the joints, relative movement between the structural elements is dampened. In particular, the damper is useful for base isolation, e.g., in order to allow a building or a machine to move in a dampened movement relative to its foundation or in order to allow a cable stay of a cable stay bridge to move in a dampened movement relative to its fixation point on the bridge.

Abstract: An improved building structure and method for making steel frame buildings includes a beam-to-column or beams-to-column joint or connection which is most preferably shop fabricated (as opposed to on-site fabrication) and which offers a considerable savings in both steel requirements (i.e., material savings) and labor to make the joint connection. Also, because material utilization is improved in the connection, the new structure is more resistant to damage by seismic events (i.e., earthquake), by severe weather, and to damage from blast effects (i.e., terrorist attack or accident), than was the prior technology. The improved building structure also mitigates against progressive collapse of the building.