Abstract: A buckling-restrained brace includes a core and a restrainer, the core includes a first steel plate having a first yield point, a second steel plate having a second yield point different from the first yield point, and a third steel plate having a third yield point different from the first yield point, the first steel plate is sandwiched between the second steel plate and the third steel plate, and a length of a first yielding segment of the first steel plate in the axial direction is different from a length of the second yielding segment of the second steel plate in the axial direction, and is different from a length of the third yielding segment of the third steel plate in the axial direction.

Abstract: A support device for a premanufactured structure can include a support platform; a connector coupled to the support platform with a device fastener, the device fastener configured to adjust, upon tightening, a connector offset distance defined between the connector and the support platform; and a plurality of struts coupled to the connector and configured to be coupled to the premanufactured structure, each of the plurality of struts coupled to the connector and configured to transfer a portion of the weight of the premanufactured structure to the support platform via the connector.

Abstract: An energy dissipation device includes a primary core module, a housing module, first and second outer plates, an energy dissipation unit, first and second preload tension members and a resilient compression unit. When the primary core module and the housing module are subjected to an external force, the first and second preload tension members stretched by the external force, and the resilient compression unit is compressed, such that relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module is generated. The energy dissipation unit generates a retarding force during the relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module, so as to dissipate the kinetic energy generated as a result of the external force.

Abstract: Wall structures and methods of manufacturing wall structures are described. The wall structures include a frame, a foam panel attached to the frame, a brace disposed in a cavity defined by the frame, and a foam layer. The wall structures can impart a high wall racking strength and good thermal performance through the combination of the foam layer, brace, and the foam panels.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a damping system that utilizes a space between an inner building and a stair chamber installed outside the inner building to control vibration of an earthquake applied to a building or a building structure, and more particularly, to a damping system utilizing a space between a stair chamber and an inner building, which is installed in a building structure including the inner building and the stair chamber to damp a transverse force due to seismic waves.

Abstract: A shear wall panel utilizes improved corner connection to effectively connect vertical chords and horizontal tracks of the shear wall panel to diagonal brace members and accommodating anchoring of the panel frame to horizontal building components. The panel frame uses structural corner brackets interiorly mounted to the corners of the panel adapted to receive anchor bolt connection adjacent the corner and diagonal bracing connection at a position spaced from the anchor bolt connection. Preferably, the shear wall panel is manufactured in a factory and shipped to a job site as a finished panel frame.

Abstract: A buckling-restrained brace includes a telescopic inner restrained member, an outer restrained member sleeved outside the inner restrained member and the L-shaped energy dissipation element between the inner restrained member and the outer restrained member; the inner restrained member includes a first steel square tube and a second steel square tube which are connected by insertion; the L-shaped energy dissipation element includes four L-shaped fuses, and two ends of the four L-shaped fuses are connected to the four right-angle sides of the first steel square tube and the second steel square tube by bolts, respectively; and the inner section of the outer restrained member is square, the outer restrained member covers the L-shaped energy dissipation element, and a certain gap is disposed between the outer restrained member and the L-shaped energy dissipation element. The buckling-restrained brace is simple to disassemble and replace, and the buckling-restrained members are convenient to reuse.

Abstract: A damped reinforced joint for a beam-column connection is provided for improving the resistance of steel-framed buildings against progressive collapse. Prestressing cables extend across each joint, and each prestressing cable is partially encased within a bent pipe. Each bent pipe may have multiple bends, forming a rippled or undulating shape. The prestressing cables strengthen the connections in the joints, and the bent pipes provide damping for dissipation of seismic energy and the like, thus improving resistance to earthquakes and other seismic, vibratory and/or shock events to the building frame.

Abstract: The invention is a frame for carrying a load in a wind turbine. The frame comprises a first and a second beam extending in a lengthwise direction, a third beam extending in a transverse direction between a first joint on the first beam and a second joint on the second beam. The third beam is configured for carrying the load. The frame further comprises a stress-inducing cross-shaped structure forming four legs joined at an intersection and extending therefrom towards four ends, where two of the four ends are attached on opposite sides of the joint on the first beam and the other two of the four ends are attached on opposite sides of the joint on the second beam. To prevent excessive deflection of the third beam and of the cross-shaped structure, the cross-shaped structure is decoupled from the third beam and therefore allowed to move e.g. without touching the third beam.

Abstract: A buckling-restrained brace with a flat energy dissipation element, a building with the brace and an assembly method of the brace belongs to the field of force-resisting members of structural engineering. The brace includes a telescopic inner restrained member, an outer restrained member sleeved outside the inner restrained member, and the flat energy dissipation element between the inner and outer restrained members; the inner restrained member includes a first and a second steel square tube which are connected; the flat energy dissipation element includes four flat fuses, and two ends of each fuse are connected to four sides of the first and second steel square tube by bolts; and the inner section of the outer restrained member is square, the outer restrained member covers the flat energy dissipation element, and a certain gap is disposed between the outer restrained member and the flat energy dissipation element.

Abstract: A metal joint for joining, to a frame built by appropriately combining a horizontal structural member and a vertical structural member, a rectangular panel fitted into the frame includes a base member made of a rectangular metal plate, and cylindrical members which are each made of a metal cylinder, and are fixed onto opposite surfaces of the base member. The base member is adapted to be disposed between the frame and the panel. The cylindrical members are adapted to be fitted into circular holes formed in the frame and the panel.

Abstract: A wind turbine includes a nacelle which houses components including a generator connected to a rotor. The nacelle includes a cover and a skeleton, the skeleton including a plurality of connected elongated skeleton members. The skeleton members include a first skeleton member, a second skeleton member non-parallel to the first skeleton member, and a bolt extending in parallel with the second skeleton member for connecting the second skeleton member and the first skeleton member. Also, a method is presented for removing a component housed in a nacelle of a wind turbine, including disconnecting a second skeleton member from first skeleton members, removing the second skeleton member from a path of removal of the component, and removing the component along the path.

Abstract: A shearwall is disclosed for use in lightweight or other constructions to transmit lateral shear forces and dissipate energy on the construction. In examples, the shearwall includes a central panel formed of wood, and side plates formed of steel. The side plates may be affixed at lower corners of first and second opposed surfaces of the central panel. Each side plate may include a fastening plate for affixing the side plate to the central panel, and a restraint plate which fits within a reduced area section of the central panel between the first and second surfaces.

Abstract: The disclosed technology provides a seismic yielding connector. The seismic yielding connector includes a U-shaped plate configured to connect a side stud of a panel to another component of a panel and a yielding plate located between the U-shaped plate and the side stud of the panel. A high-strength bolt connects the U-shaped plate, the yielding plate, and the side stud of the panel to a structural column. A bushing is located between the U-shaped plate and the structural column.

Abstract: Disclosed is a gusset plate connection with sliding end plates for a buckling-restrained brace, including central plate (1), first rib plate (2), second rib plate (3), horizontal end plate (4), first horizontal tie plate (5), second horizontal tie plate (6), bolts (7) and unbonding layers (8). Horizontal end plate (4) is perpendicular to central plate (1) and fixedly disposed on a lower end surface of central plate (1). First horizontal tie plate (5) and second horizontal tie plate (6) are both disposed on an upper surface of horizontal end plate (4) and are located at two sides of central plate (1), respectively. Unbonding layers (8) are each disposed at a bottom surface of horizontal end plate (4), between horizontal end plate (4) and first horizontal tie plate (5), and between horizontal end plate (4) and second horizontal tie plate (6). The components are connected by means of bolts (7).

Abstract: The structure earthquake-resistance design method may include an earthquake-resistance calculation using the structure design data; a required ground acceleration calculation wherein at the required ground acceleration, the earthquake-resistance matches the external vibration-force; and an earthquake magnitude calculation wherein the earthquake magnitude is calculated at a predetermined distance at which the required ground acceleration is available.

Abstract: A bracket useful for seismic bracing of conduits is described. The bracket is placeable over a threaded rod and includes sidewalls for accepting a fastener and a pair of apertures for attaching to a brace. Certain brackets are stackable, allowing for the attachment of multiple braces from a single anchored rod. Other brackets include two parts that allow the bracket to be assembled about a threaded rod without removing elements which might previously be attached to the rod.

Abstract: A bracing device has a supporting module and a restraining module 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 connecting heads are respectively formed on two connecting ends of the axial segment. The restraining module has at least one restraining board and at least one viewing hole. The at least one restraining board has a restraining frame and a filling member mounted in the restraining frame. The at least one viewing hole is formed through the restraining module and aligns with the axial segment of the at least one supporting element.

Abstract: A system for retrofitting a building to make the building more earthquake resistant. The system includes a seismically-tuned (S-T) frame. The S-T frame is configured to absorb a first portion of the forces imparted by an earthquake and transfer a second portion of the forces in a distributed manner to areas of a building such that they can be better withstood. The system also includes a rigid truss diaphragm. The rigid truss diaphragm is connected to the S-T frame and configured to transfer the second portion of the forces imparted by an earthquake to an overlying structure.

Abstract: A passive damper with a first set of parallel disposed plates and a second set of parallel disposed plates, that overlap one another in an alternating fashion at a rotational joint with damping pads between the plates. The rotational joint comprises a pin or bolt inserted through apertures in the plates and there is a connection hole in each of the plates of the second set of plates for receiving a connection pin (6) therein for connecting the second set of plates to a members of a structure. The connection holes in a selection of the plates of the second set of plates is shaped and dimensioned to provide a predetermined amount of clearance with said connection pin so that the connection pin can move inside the connection holes of the selection of plates taking part in the damping action of the damper.

Abstract: Negative stiffness systems and methods for seismic protection of a structure is described. A system can include a negative stiffness device having a first linkage pivotably connected to an anchor frame at a first pivot point and pivotably connected the movement frame at a second pivot point. The negative stiffness device can include a spring having a first end operably coupled to the anchor frame and a second end operably coupled to a movement frame. In a rest state, the spring can be compressed to exert a preload force to the first linkage and the anchor frame and not displace the first linkage and the movement frame. In an engaged state, the spring can be configured to apply a force to the first linkage such that the movement frame is displaced in a same lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force can be amplified by the first linkage.

Abstract: A truss for use in a staggered truss system in provided. The truss includes at least one slip joint for allowing relative movement between the top chord of the truss and the bottom chord of the truss. The staggered truss system may be suitable for use in seismic regions.

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: Assemblies, methods, and an apparatus for damping vibrational energy induced to a reinforced skin structure are disclosed. The reinforced skin structure includes an outer wall and at least one stringer coupled to the outer wall. The method includes providing a damping apparatus that includes a stiffening member configured to adjust at least one of a bending mode and a torsional twisting mode of the stringer and an energy dissipation member configured to dissipate vibrational energy of the stringer. The stiffening member includes at least two elongated members that are spaced a distance apart and at least one truss member that extends obliquely between the at least two elongated members. The damping apparatus is attached to the at least one stringer. The damping apparatus may be configured to dampen vibration in the range of between about 200-600 Hz.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a steel pipe stiffening brace member which has a shaft constituted of a main shaft member and an auxiliary shaft member and a stiffening steel pipe obtained by connecting side edges of four flat steels surrounding the shaft to each other. In the stiffening steel pipe, inside nook portions facing a side edge of the main shaft member are formed in stiffening members 25 and 26 having a V- or L-shaped cross section by fillet welding, and outside corner portions 25b and 26b are formed in the stiffening members 25 and 26 by partial penetration welding. Thereafter, side edges of the stiffening members 25 and 26 are abutted against each other, outside corner portions 27b and 28b are temporarily assembled by partial penetration welding, and outside corner portions 25b and 26b and outside corner portions 27b and 28b are subjected to partial penetration welding.

Abstract: Provided is a damping device including a cylindrical body sealed with an inner cover and an outer cover at both ends, a support rod coupled to one end of the cylindrical body to perform an axial motion, the support rod including a moving plate having a damping orifice in the cylindrical body, the support rod including a nut configured to adjust a length of the support rod at an inner side end received in the cylindrical body, and a buffering device configured to store elastic energy in one of a first spring and a second spring based on a moving direction of the moving plate, the buffering device including the first spring inserted in the inner cover, the second spring inserted in the outer cover, and a lubricant in the cylindrical body.

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: A self-centering damper has an elongated damping body and at least one returning device. The elongated damping body has at least one 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 rib plates respectively connected to the end segments of the damping body, a supporting rib plate securely connected to the damping body between the holding rib plates and at least one pre-stressed stay wire extending through the supporting rib plate and connected the holding rib plates in a tension condition.

Abstract: A connecting fitting includes a vertical frame attachment section 15a that can be attached to an inner surface of a vertical web 7a of a vertical frame 7A, 7B by way of bolts B2 in a state where the vertical frame attachment section 15a is disposed along the vertical web 7a, a brace attachment plate 14, connected to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which enables attachment of an end of a brace 10A, 10B at a position inward of the vertical frame 7A, 7B, and a fixing plate 11, welded to the vertical frame attachment section 15a, which can be fixed to a beam member 4 or a foundation 2 in a state where the fixing plate 11 is disposed along an outer surface of a lateral frame 8A, 8B facing outward in a state of being disposed to make up a frame shape.

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: 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 lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: A negative stiffness device and method for seismic protection of a structure is described. In one embodiment, the device has an anchor frame and a movement frame laterally translatable relative to the anchor frame. The anchor frame and movement frame have respective extension portions. A linkage is pivotably connected to the extension portion of the anchor frame. A compressed spring has a first end is attached to the extension portion of the movement frame and a second end attached to the linkage. The compressed spring has a spring force. In a rest state, the compressed spring does not apply a lateral force to the movement frame. In an engaged state, the compressed spring is configured to apply a lateral force to displace the movement frame in a lateral direction of a seismic load. The spring force is amplified by the linkage when the movement frame is laterally displaced to an amplification point.

Abstract: A structure anti-torsion device includes a structural column. The structural column is positioned between adjacent studs of a structural stud wall construction and oriented vertically between the studs. A structural column lower end is fastened to a lower base plate which rests on a wall construction bottom plate. A pair of anchor bolts secured to a foundation extends through the bottom plate and the lower base plate and are fastened to the lower base plate. A structural column upper end is bolted using first and second bolts to an upper base plate. The first and second bolts cooperate through the upper base plate to connect the upper base plate to a double top plate of the wall construction such that the double top plate is connected by the upper base plate, the structural column, and the lower base plate to the foundation.

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: A tensionable hold down clip system for erecting metal studs for building walls, the system including a tensionable member; and a hold down clip having a base portion, a leg portion orthogonal to the base portion, and a mount on the leg portion configured for adjustably connecting the tensionable member to the hold-down clip. A wall using the system may include two main studs and a plurality of common studs extending between a sole plate and a top plate, and hold down clips are disposed on both ends of both main studs. Two tensionable members extend diagonally through the studs and cross each other, and the tensionable members are fastened to mounts on the hold down clips on the upper and lower ends of the main studs.

Abstract: A dual-core self-centering buckling-restrained brace includes a core unit, a restraining unit clamping the core unit therein, a middle sleeve disposed around the an energy dissipating section of the core unit and the restraining unit and having an end welded to one end of the core unit, an outer sleeve disposed around the middle sleeve and having an end welded to the other end of the core unit, two inner plates disposed respectively at two ends of the restraining unit, two outer plates disposed respectively at two ends of each of the middle sleeve and said outer sleeve, at least one first tensing member connecting the first inner plate to the second outer plate, and at least one second tensioning element connecting the first outer plate to the second inner plate.

Abstract: A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

Abstract: A method of reinforcing a structural member comprises positioning a shell around the structural member, placing a force dampening material around an exterior of the shell and securing the force dampening material around the shell. In certain arrangements, the method further includes at least partially filling a space defined between the structural member and the shell with a filler material. In some embodiments, the filler material comprises a concrete, a grout, an epoxy, combinations thereof and/or the like. In one embodiment, the shell comprises a fiber reinforced polymer (e.g., CFRP, GFRP, aramid fibers, epoxy, other resins, etc.). In alternative embodiments, the methods additionally includes placing one or more layers of fiber reinforced polymer around the shell prior to placing a force dampening material around an exterior of the shell. In some embodiments, the layer of fiber reinforced polymer comprises CFRP, GFRP or any other type of fiber reinforced polymer.

Abstract: A cast structural connector connects a structural member, such as a hollow structural section (HSS) or wide flange (W) section member, to a structural frame. The connector is particularly suited for lateral bracing and includes a first end configured to receive the structural member and be welded to the structural member, a second end for connecting to the structural frame, and an intermediate portion. The first end includes beveling allowing compatibility with structural members of varying sizes and enabling complete joint penetration welding thereby developing the full axial strength of the structural member. The intermediate portion provides for transmission of forces as the frame deforms, for example, under severe seismic conditions, and can include a flexural plastic hinge portion. The connector can be welded to the structural frame or connected by a standard fabricated end connection, such as a gusset plate. Casting manufacturing allows for mass production of the connector.

Abstract: A yielding fuse device is provided for use in association with a brace member in a bracing assembly for a structural frame. The device includes arms or elements that yield flexurally when a bracing member moves in an axial direction, with the bracing assembly under either tension or compression loading conditions. The device of the present invention is particularly useful as a mass customized cast device. The device is well suited for seismic bracing applications.

Abstract: A rotary supporting member supports a parallel member rotatably with respect to an upper beam. A first brace connects an opposite-end side of the parallel member with an opposite-end side of a lower beam. A second brace connects another opposite-end side of the parallel member with another opposite-end side of the lower beam. An intersection position of the first brace with the second brace is positioned more adjacent to a side of the upper beam than where an intermediate position between the upper beam and the lower beam is present. Damper members dispose respectively so as to be interposed between the parallel member and the upper beam, connecting the parallel member with the upper beam, and being disposed to make a pair at least on both sides each of which is separated away from the rotary supporting member to interpose the rotary supporting member therebetween.

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: The present invention provides a seismic-incurred-rupture-resistant deformation-recordable buckling-restrained brace and a fabricating method thereof, which includes a concrete filled steel tubular outer sleeve. 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: A structural framework that includes a column, a beam, a brace beam coupled at an angle to the column and the beam, and a gusset plate to connect the brace beam with the column and the beam. The framework also includes a shear plate with horizontally slotted holes to couple to the column to the beam. The structural framework may also include double framing angles or a flex plate coupled to the gusset plate and to the beam via spacer plates to provide for a semi-rigid connection.

Abstract: A damper has two sets of first elongate members, second elongate members that are connected so that they can rotate and that connect the first elongate members to one another, and damping members which attenuate the relative movement between the first elongate members and the second elongate members. The respective first joints of each of the first members are connected to the first connection members and the second connection members so that they can rotate. The first joint of the first elongate member, the first joints of the other first elongate members, and each of the second joints are located along the common axes.

Abstract: The invention provides a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, a metal joint connecting a pair of subject members relatively displaceable in one direction, the metal joint comprising: multiple first attachment portions attached to one of the subject members; a second attachment portion attached to an other of the subject members; and multiple plate portions connecting between the first attachment portions and the second attachment portion to each other, wherein an attachment direction of each of the first attachment portions with respect to one subject member and an attachment direction of the second attachment portion with respect to the other subject member are set so that a surfaces of the plate portions follow a direction of the relative displacement.

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 sway brace attachment for firmly connecting to a beam and other flanged structures, and a method for manufacturing the sway brace attachment. The sway brace attachment includes a main body and an insert that is captured within the main body by a pair of set screws which also engage the flange. Preferably, a third set screw is supported by the main body and engages the opposite side of the flange from the pair of set screws. The main body can be generally rectangular in shape, with a top wall, a pair of side walls extending from the top wall and a pair of bottom walls, which extend inwardly from respective side walls in an overlapping relationship. The sway brace attachment can be used for bracing pipes and other loads, suspended below ceilings and floors, against sway and seismic disturbances.

Abstract: A damping system including a first set of plates having one end thereof attached to a first vertically extending structural element, a second set of plates having one end thereof attached to a second vertically extending structural element spaced in a horizontal direction from the first vertically extending structural element, and arranged such that the first set of plates has a second end portion extending towards and overlapping with a second end portion of the second set of plates at an overlapping region, and further including an energy dissipating material provided in the overlapping region for connecting the first set of plates and the second set of plates.