Abstract: A portal frame 3 made of wide flange sections without braces is fixed to the external surfaces of an existing RC-column 5 extending in the vertical direction and to the external surfaces of existing RC-beam 8 extending in the horizontal direction of a reinforced concrete building. The wide flange section column 4 fixed to the existing RC-column 5 is assigned a bending rigidity roughly equivalent to that of the existing RC-column 5, thereby reducing the stress additionally occurring at the connecting part between the existing RC-column 5 and column 4 by deforming the column 4 similarly to the existing RC-column 5 under the horizontal load transmitted from existing RC-beam 8 and/or wide flange section beam 6 during an earthquake. Using a steel portal frame without braces preserves the building appearance and avoids bracing which may block windows while increasing earthquake resistance.

Abstract: This application relates to improvements to data centers, including protection from: (1) vandalism, (2) high winds, (3) earthquake, (4) storms, (5) water used for cooling or fire suppression, and (6) explosions emanating from inside or outside of the building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a buckling restrained brace capable of absorbing vibration energy produced by an earthquake, wind power and the like, in a building and a steel structure. The buckling restrained brace of the present invention is accomplished by a buckling restrained brace 1 wherein a steel-made center axial member 3 is passed through a buckling-constraining concrete member 2 reinforced with a steel member 6, and an adhesion-preventive film 4 is provided to the interface between the steel-made center axial member and buckling-constraining concrete 5, the adhesion-preventive film showing a secant modulus in the thickness direction of at least 0.

Abstract: An all-directional damping and earthquake-resisting unit is fixed to a lower part of an object, such as a column of a building, and a foundation for the object, so that functionally different members of the unit normally bear the weight of the object. When there is an earthquake, round balls included in the unit automatically roll and rotate on ball restoring means provided on two ball carriers while a piston assembly automatically moves in a buffer space, so that an instantaneous impact by the earthquake energy and any earthquake-induced displacement are absorbed by the unit. The balls and the piston assembly finally automatically return to their original positions in the unit, enabling the object and the foundation thereof to always locate at the same place without the risk of deviating from their centers.

Abstract: A compact ceiling isolation hanger for suspending and isolating a ceiling from the ceiling structure comprises two vibration isolators, two vibration isolator mounting means, a channel bracket having a channel carrier and opposing flanges, and a ceiling bracket mounted to the ceiling structure, wherein the vibration isolator mounting means mount the vibration isolators and the channel bracket to the ceiling bracket such that the vibration isolator mounting means pass through the channel bracket flanges, and wherein the ceiling bracket is adapted such that the vibration isolator mounting means do not contact the ceiling structure.

Abstract: Reinforcement of a metal container against seismic or paraseismic stresses, in which the metal container is surrounded over at least part of its height with carbon fibre fabric bonded to the external surface of the metal container, and in which the carbon fibre fabric is placed in bands extending substantially over the entire circumference of the metal container, predominantly in a direction substantially perpendicular to an axis of the metal container.

Abstract: An anti-seismic device comprising a base member comprising a socket on a top end, a top member comprising a ball that mates with the socket, a shock-absorbing, centering rod coupled to the ball and extending vertically upward through the top member and a plurality of shock absorbing devices located circumferentially around the top member.

Abstract: An earthquake shock damper includes two positioning plates, two fixing plates and multiple energy absorbing plates securely sandwiched between the two positioning plates and having the two fixing plates extending out in different directions. Each energy absorbing plate has a mediate portion with a width smaller than that of two distal ends of the energy absorbing plate so that deformation of the energy absorbing plate is able to smoothly absorb energy from the earthquake.

Abstract: A method and system of isolating a structure and soil mass from earthquake induced vibration by inducing soil liquefaction beneath a structure during an earthquake event, by monitoring local seismic precursor events, such as early arrival ground motion using an accelerometer, predicting the onset of a major earthquake tremor and energizing conductors in the ground by a dc power source for moving the ground water by electro-osmosis towards a suitable isolation layer, whereby raising the pore water pressure in the isolation layer and thus preferentially inducing localized soil liquefaction of the particular isolation layer during the earthquake event and thus isolating the structure and soil above the particular soil horizon from the upward propagating shear wave ground motions arising from the earthquake event.

Abstract: The present invention provides a vibration dampening laminate that is lightweight and has superior sound insulation and vibration dampening properties. The vibration dampening laminate comprises a constraining layer, a viscoelastic adhesive layer, a foam spacing layer and a pressure sensitive adhesive layer including a release layer. The pressure sensitive adhesive layer and release layer are contoured to fit a profile of the article being soundproofed and vibration dampened.

Abstract: The devices are classified as a passive Supplemental Damping Devices, and as the name indicates they are used to supplement and increase the damping in structures. Increasing the damping is a desirable property, because it improves and enhances the performance of the structures. The devices are intended to be non-gravity loads carrying devices and are made of High damping Rubber that is bonded to Steel, however, some of them are capable of carrying substantial amount of gravity loads, if needed, and can be designed even to carry more. They are placed within the Structure's frame to dissipate energy produced by Earthquakes, Wind, or any other similar hazard. Examples of the placement are on the top of Bracing members or Shear Walls, in the Bracing members themselves, at the intersection of Bracing members, or at the Joints of Beam to Column connections.

Abstract: An enclosure which provides protection from the blast of a high temperature explosion, as well as from the thermal effects of a surrounding fire on a metal structure, the enclosure including at least one sidewall having a rigid metal structure and forming an envelope with a metal beam or beams situated inside the envelope, the envelope having a width between 10 and 50 cm and defining a free volume for containing water.

Abstract: A true retrofit hurricane and earthquake clip for connecting the roof rafter, to the outside sheathing and underlying top plate. The connector is composed of sheet metal including a base web and top web, connected by an arched saddle. The wide base web has a left and right side with nail holes for fastening to the outside sheathing. The base web holds the sheathing securely to the wall and prevents bowing out and lateral movement. The top web has left and right sides with nail holes for fastening to the widest edges of a rafter preventing uplift, outward thrusting, and twisting. The saddle connects the top web and base web, and forms a cradle for the bottom of the rafter. The angled saddle avoids any demolition of frieze boards or trim on the house, making for effortless installation. The connector is easily installed by a homeowner on existing houses with the saddle clasping the rafter and outside sheathing.

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: The invention relates to A method for protecting a structure from seismic ground motion and forced vibration comprising the following steps:

Abstract: A barrier for protection against shock waves comprises, in combination with each other, a plurality of soil containing and reinforcing structures (20, 22) superimposed on each other in such a way as to form two vertical walls (12). Means of absorbing shock waves (30) are positioned inside the said walls (12). The protective barrier also comprises transverse connecting means (14, 50, 80) engaged with the vertical walls (12) to enhance the compactness of the protective barrier.

Abstract: A seismic adapter for attachment to a steel web joist. The joist includes a pair of angled elements which extend parallel to one another with a cord space therebetween. The adapter includes an anchor plate juxtaposed with the upper surface of the element pair and an engagement plate engaging the parallel edges of the legs of the element pair. A threaded stud attaches to the anchor plate and extends through the engagement plate. The extension of the stud provides for the attachment to a hanger adapter brought together by a nut on the stud. The engagement plate includes a flat anchor portion and upstanding engagement portions having distal edges with interlocking engagement profiles including a tongue and outwardly extending shoulders to receive the parallel edges of the angle element pair.

Abstract: A slotted M-shaped support track structure and method in which a M-shaped support track having a planar web and U-shaped flange members and a plurality of slotted openings spaced lengthwise is mounted on the underside of a beam or other overhead building support structure. The plurality of elongated slotted openings are spaced lengthwise and defined by the planar web and adjacent inner legs of the rectangular flange members, and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members, and thereby allow relative vertical movement between the M-support track and the vertical studs, while holding the studs in place horizontally.

Abstract: A window having a frame with a windowpane disposed therein is provided. A first impedance discontinuity element is disposed between the windowpane and the frame adjacent a portion of a periphery of the windowpane. A second impedance discontinuity element is disposed adjacent another portion of the periphery of the windowpane. The first and second impedance discontinuity elements have different impedances.

Abstract: The present invention provides a column-and-beam join structure which absorbs energy caused by a large earthquake or the like by split tees surely yielding at a prescribed value, does not cause other members to fracture, and thus makes it possible to replace only the split tees which have become unusable, and, more specifically, a column-and-beam join structure constructed by attaching and connecting, using bolts 9, the ends 8a of both the upper and lower flanges 8 of a steel beam (H-shaped steel beam) 7 between the webs 6 of a pair of upper and lower split tees 4 the flanges 5 of which are connected to a steel column 1 using bolts 3. The upper limit of the yield stress of the steel material used for the split tees 4 is defined to be not more than twice the lower limit thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for coupling separate series or stacks of structural or shear walls of a multistory building are disclosed. The method comprises constructing a plurality of stacks of shear walls and attaching a rigid coupling member to the top of at least two of the stacks of shear walls between the stacks such that the walls are connected to the rigid coupling member and move together with the coupling member. The apparatus is a rigid coupling member, which may be a beam, such as an I-beam or rectangular beam, made from poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The coupling member may also be a wall of poured concrete and reinforcing steel. The attached rigid member acts to connect the tops of independent stacks of shear walls typically used to build multistory buildings, thereby creating a flexural moment at the top of the building that helps the building resist lateral loads.

Abstract: A supporting device for prefabricated units, particularly for buildings having a metallic structure, comprising a main body which can be fixed to an outer face of a first unit and a supporting element which forms, with one of its portions, a resting region for a second unit to be connected to the first unit. The supporting element is detachably associated with the main body and can be moved along the main body in order to vary the position of the resting region with respect to the first unit.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a moment resistance intensified structure with supporting members and a method for intensifying the moment resisting capability. The respective supporting member at an end thereof is attached to a supported member and another end thereof is a moment resisting connection with the supported member to be joined to connection elements at structural moment resisting connection. When the structure is subjected to a load, the supported member occurs deflection due to enduring a bending moment and the supporting member and the supported member generate an action to each other to intensify the moment resisting capability of the frame at the joint. A moment resisting structure having the supporting members can be utilized in a building or bridge of steel structure or reinforced concrete structure or other moment resisting structure or implements.

Abstract: A bi-directional rolling pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by rolling pendulum movements, the system having a lower plate forming a rolling path in a first direction; an upper plate forming a rolling path in a second direction; and a roller assembly performing a pendulum motion by rolling and moving along the lower and upper plates wherein the roller assembly performs the pendulum motion when seismic load is applied, thereby reducing the seismic load of a structure.

Abstract: A damping intermediate pillar, which can exhibit a sufficient resistance against the horizontal force of a strong earthquake by reinforcing the joins between the damping intermediate pillar and the upper and lower beams, is disclosed. A damping intermediate pillar 14, used for a building or a structure configured of pillars 1 and beams 3, is divided into upper and lower damping intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b of H shape steel, and includes a plurality of inner steel plates 7b fixed on the damping intermediate pillar portion 14b and a plurality of outer steel plates 7a fixed on the other damping intermediate pillar portion 14a. The inner and outer steel plates are arranged alternately in a single or a plurality of layers, between which a viscoelastic member 15 is held to make up a viscoelastic damper 17. The coupling end surfaces of the intermediate pillar portions 14a, 14b directed vertically are fixed on the upper and lower floor beams 3a, 3b.

Abstract: An improved hurricane and earthquake connector for buildings that has a solid front face as a fire-stop, and lower part for attachment to the top plate or wall sheathing of a wall. Attached to either side of the front face are perpendicular rafter tabs for connection to adjacent roof rafters. Below the rafter tabs are double bends, spacers, and plate tabs for attachment to the top of the top plate. The double bends and spacers allow the front face to completely block the opening between adjacent rafters and the roof and top plate, even on houses having different heel heights between the roof arid top plate. Above the rafter tabs are perpendicular sheathing tabs that can attach to the roof with bolts. Along side the sheathing tabs are gussets, parallel and planer to the rafter webs, for additional strength. Bolts can connect the roof tie from above the roof to adjacent connectors effectively tying down the roof to the rafters, and top plate.

Abstract: A method and system of isolating a structure and soil mass from earthquake induced vibration by inducing soil liquefaction beneath a structure during an earthquake event, by monitoring local seismic precursor events, such as early arrival ground motion using an accelerometer, predicting the onset of a major earthquake tremor and energizing conductors in the ground by a dc power source for moving the ground water by electro-osmosis towards a suitable isolation layer, whereby raising the pore water pressure in the isolation layer and thus preferentially inducing localized soil liquefaction of the particular isolation layer during the earthquake event and thus isolating the structure and soil above the particular soil horizon from the upward propagating shear wave ground motions arising from the earthquake event.

Abstract: An energy absorbing seismic brace for both retrofit and new construction. The brace comprises a central strut of either multi-legged or homogeneous section fabricated from low strength aluminum, whose characteristics maximize the seismic energy absorption for a building installation. This central strut absorbs energy at high weight-specific levels by virtue of the hysteresis in its load-deflection relationship. In order to eliminate the possibility of buckling of the energy absorbing strut when it passes through the compression portion of a load cycle, it is surrounded by a system of spacers and an external sleeve providing very high bending rigidity at low weight. The spacers may be fabricated from low-density foams, pseudo-concrete, fibrous composites, or metals, depending upon the application. The outer sleeve may also be fabricated from a variety of materials, depending upon whether the embodiment calls for the principal bending rigidity to be provided by the spacers or sleeve.

Abstract: The invention provides a stabilising device for inclusion in a stack of containers in which hazardous waste is held, wherein the stabilising device comprises a table for supporting a container in the stack, and a base, the table being movable relative to the base so as to aid stability of the stack when the stack is subjected to external forces.

Abstract: A reinforced concrete frame is seismically reinforced by cutting a main reinforcement bar of a reinforced concrete member so as to shift a failure property of the reinforced concrete member from a shear failure preceding type to a bending failure preceding type.

Abstract: A slotted M-shaped support track structure and method in which a M-shaped support track having a planar web and U-shaped flange members and a plurality of slotted openings spaced lengthwise is mounted on the underside of a beam or other overhead building support structure. The plurality of elongated slotted openings are spaced lengthwise and defined by the planar web and adjacent inner legs of the rectangular flange members, and receive perpendicularly related vertical stud members, and thereby allow relative vertical movement between the M-support track and the vertical studs, while holding the studs in place horizontally.

Abstract: A fitting to prevent movement during seismic activity between a building structure or the like and a rod and channel support or the like connected to said building which may include anti-torque means between the anchor and the channel for preventing rotation of the anchor about the rod. The fitting is directed to a specific slot design to permit ease in access around a rod of a rod and channel support or the like.

Abstract: The present invention is a pin-fuse joint generally utilized in a beam-to-column joint assembly subject to extreme seismic loading. The pin-fuse joint resists bending moments and shears generated by these loads. The joint is comprised of standard structural steel building materials, but may be applied to structures comprised of structural steel, reinforced concrete, and or composite materials, e.g., a combination of structural steel and reinforced concrete. The beam-to-column assembly is comprised of a column and a beam and a plate assembly that extends between the column and the beam. The plate assembly is welded to the column and is attached to the beam via the pin-fuse joint. The pin fuse joint is created by a pin connection through the beam and the connection plates of the plate assembly at the web of the beam. Additionally, both the plate assembly and the beam have curved flange end connectors that sit flush against one another separated only by a brass shim when the beam and plate assembly are joined.

Abstract: An improved framed structure incorporating a coupled-girder system provides enhanced seismic energy dissipation by as much as 30% over that provided by conventional yielding of the girders. The coupled-girder system includes a pair of spaced-apart girders coupled by one or more girder-to-girder links which are preferably vertical links. Energy dissipation takes place when the structure drifts beyond its elastic limit and the differential displacement of the pair of girders causes the web of each vertical link to shear yield. The links are proportioned to remain in the elastic regime under wind loads and moderate earthquakes as prescribed by building codes. Beyond the elastic limit, preferably the yielding in the links will take place prior to that in the girders. In this way, the links will be the first line of defense for dissipating seismic energy before the girders themselves.

Abstract: An earthquake energy eliminator is constructed to include two bearing plates respectively disposed at top and bottom sides, the bearing plates each having a plurality of mounting holes, and a plurality of connecting plates connected between the bearing plates, the connecting plates each having respective top and bottom sides respectively fitted into the mounting holes of the bearing plates and at least one opening spaced between bearing plates.

Abstract: A self-bearing curtain wall system is provided, the system including a matrix of unitized kinematically integrated cladding panels flexibly joined to a structural member so as to thereby responsively anchor said matrix of unitized cladding panels. Adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively linked horizontally and vertically for horizontal and vertical rotation. Horizontally adjacent cladding panels of the matrix of unitized cladding panels are responsively joined to a cable type structural member via an anchor fixture, which allows the structural member to move freely along the wall.

Abstract: A foundation system 50 for supporting a support beam 80 of a manufactured home and for preventing longitudinal movement of the beam; beam 80 having a longitudinal axis defining the longitudinal direction. Ground support pan 52 including blades 57 for insertion in the ground for preventing horizontal movement and a bracket 61 pivotably connecting lower ends 73 of a pair of rigid arms 70 substantially to the longitudinal middle of pan 53 such that arms 70 form a V. Each upper end 76 of arms 70 is pivotably attached to a clamp 10 clamped to beam 80 such that the clamp 10 cannot move along beam 80.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning mild steel reinforcing bars within a precast, moment resisting frame of a building. The apparatus includes a hand-receiving access component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame so as to permit convenient access to the reinforcing bars that are slidably carried within bar receiving passageways formed within the concrete beams. Additionally, the apparatus includes a bladder-receiving component that can be installed within the concrete beams that make up the building frame in a manner to permit an expandable bladder to be conveniently positioned within the cable receiving passageways formed in the beam. When in position within a cable-receiving passageway, the expandable bladder spans the interface between the beam and the column and effectively prevents grout from entering the cable passageway during the grouting step.

Abstract: An opening in a building wall is closed by a building closure such as a window or door. A mounting part of the closure arrangement is received in a space between two countersupport surfaces formed by a U-channel or opposite L-members that protrude perpendicularly from the sill or jamb surface of the wall bounding the opening. Mounting brackets secure the U-channel or L-members to the wall. On one or both sides, a respective damping element is interposed between the mounting part and the respective adjacent countersupport surface. The damping element may be a plastically deformable metal strip. When an explosion force acts on the closure arrangement, the damping element is first plastically deformed to absorb energy, before the remaining force is transmitted into the building wall. The two damping elements on opposite sides damp forces from the positive and negative pressure waves of the explosion.

Abstract: A bi-directional sliding pendulum seismic isolation system for reducing seismic force acting on a structure by sliding pendulum movements, each system comprising a lower sliding plate forming a sliding path in a first direction, an upper sliding plate forming a sliding path in a second direction, and a sliding assembly for reducing the seismic force of the structure by performing a pendulum motion by sliding along the lower and upper sliding plates.

Abstract: The connector of the present invention comprises a planar sheet bent to form two perpendicular plates each of which is formed with one or more elongate slots. The slots on one plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a vertical direction and the slots on the other plate are oriented so as to permit relative deflection of a building member in a horizontal direction. Each plate is mounted to a respective building member with fasteners passed through a slideable retainer, e.g., either a stepped washer or a guide to mount flush to the building member and slidingly retain the connector.

Abstract: A window assembly (10) with its glazing frame that stays independently from lateral movement of building main structure (44) is disclosed. The window assembly includes an outer retaining frame (12) and an inner glazing frame (14). The retaining frame is attached to the building main structure. The glazing frame holds glass pane (20), and sits inside the retaining frame. Between the retaining frame and the glazing frame is a predetermined clearance space (X) and (Y), at their vertical edges and their top edge. The resulting window assembly allows the glazing frame to stay in its shape, while the retaining frame moves laterally with the main structure during earthquakes or blasts, thereby minimizing the chance of glass breakage. Application of glazing gasket (32) or sealant (54) provides watertight result to the window assembly.

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: In a structure for installing a viscous vibration-damping wall, high-strength bolt hole portions are provided for connecting a lower-floor girder and a base plate forming part of the wall. Gusset plates are disposed on both sides of the group of the high-strength bolt hole portions. A pair of flange plates are respectively provided with a pair of gusset plates. High-strength bolt hole portions and a pair of gusset plates for connection to opposing gusset plates are embedded in a flange of the lower-floor girder, to connect the viscous vibration-damping wall and the lower-floor girder. The viscous vibration-damping wall is connected to an upper-floor girder by directly connecting a gusset plate fixed to the upper-floor girder and an intermediate plate of the viscous vibration-damping wall.

Abstract: An impact and energy absorbing product for floors, walls, panels, crash mats and other flat surfaces. More particularly, the invention teaches the usage of coiled springs in conjunction with polymeric materials or metals such as titanium or steel, to help absorb and dissipate forces of humans and other objects coming in contact with said flat surfaces. Depending upon the exact environment in which the same are to be used, the coiled springs may be constructed of polymers or metals such as titanium or steel—lightweight, yet durable materials to accomplish the purposes of the invention. In the preferred mode of attachment, an insert is fitted to each end of each spring, with a flared insert then placed into a molded female slot upon a flat surface to hold the spring in place. Thus, a floor or wall surface may comprise a series of female slots such that multiple springs can easily slide therein.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning high-strength cables within a precast, moment resisting frame made up of interconnected columns and beams in which the columns have an outside face provided with an opening and a cable receiving passageway in communication with the opening. The apparatus uniquely includes a cable routing subassembly for conveniently routing the cables from the interior of the moment resisting frame to the opening in the outside faces of the columns. The cable routing subassembly includes a curved tubular member that permits the cable to be inserted into an opening in the outside face of the column either from a first level within the structure that is substantially coplanar with the opening in the outside face of the column, or from a second level within the structure that is below the first level.

Abstract: This invention is a modular anti-seismic protection device to be used in buildings and similar constructions. It discloses a modular base, which is to be laid on the ground below a building's foundation plate, to dampen, dissipate, and cancel out seismic waves.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a weather shelter having a base, the base having a peripheral edge and being secured to the ground, a dome with a circumferential edge, wherein the dome fits completely over the base, the circumferential edge of the dome is located proximally to the peripheral edge of the base, and a doorway.

Abstract: A method for designing a seismic frame. Models of a reinforced concrete rigid frame and a seismic frame structure, respectively, are provided. Based on distances between components and damper load displacement in the seismic frame structure model, a burden (Prc) for the reinforced concrete rigid frame is calculated. A section design of the seismic frame structure is performed according to the elasto-plastic analyses.

Abstract: A seismic brace having a brace arm for fastening to a support rod on one end and a structural portion of a building, on the other end, is attachable to the support rod without disconnecting it by a base bracket hinged to the brace arm and a locking bracket hinged to the brace arm or the base bracket to overlay the base bracket. Both the base bracket and locking bracket have a slot extending from an edge towards the middle with one slot offset form the other by ninety degrees (90°).