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: Described herein is a curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.

Abstract: A method of seismic retrofitting a concrete structure includes removing material from a portion of the concrete structure by irradiating the portion with a laser beam having a laser energy density. The method further includes positioning a stabilization structure in proximity to the portion of the concrete structure. The method further includes attaching the stabilization structure to the portion of the concrete structure, whereby the stabilization structure provides structural support to the concrete structure.

Abstract: A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of dissipating inter floor seismic energy within buildings and other large structures which are subject mechanical deformation in response to seismic activity, wind shear, vibration, and so forth. The present invention provides displacement amplification methods and apparatus which increase the dissipation of seismic energy that is coupled from the building under deformation to a seismic damper. By way of example, the displacement amplifier is exemplified in a number of embodiments that utilize mechanical lever arms, gear sets, and combination amplifier/dampers to amplify energy dissipation.

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: A take up device for a building structure, e.g. holdown for securing the building structure to a foundation, has a housing secured by fasteners to the building structure, the housing defining a cylindrical chamber containing a piston and fluid, with a piston rod projecting from the housing. The piston rod is connected to a foundation anchor, and a fluid passage interconnects portions of the cylindrical chamber at opposite sides of the piston. The fluid passage is provided with a one-way valve, which allows the housing to move upwardly relative to the piston, to maintain the tightness of the connection to the anchor bolt, but resists opposite movement of the housing.

Abstract: Device (1) able to limit the amplitude of the relative movement of two elements of a civil engineering structure and for absorbing the deformation energy of this structure when the latter is subjected to an accidental stress. The device (1) includes: at least one portion able to undergo a plastic deformation at the time of the relative movement of the two elements of the structure, a guiding device for guiding the plastic deformation of the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation, the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation and the guiding device forming a single piece element.

Abstract: A device for connecting a beam to pillars, or similar load-bearing structural elements, for constructing buildings, particularly multi-story buildings, by way of prefabricated concrete components. The device comprises a first connection for connecting the two end regions of the beam to the pillars and a second connection for connecting two intermediate regions of the longitudinal extension of the beam to the pillars. The first connection is constituted by connection elements of the interlocking type and the second connection comprises at least two rigid inclined ties, each of which connects an intermediate region of the beam to a region of the respective pillar which lies at a higher level than the region where the tie is coupled to the beam.

Abstract: A seismic roof motion-absorbing gap cover assembly includes an elongated y-axis slideway affixed to a building unit B on one side of the gap and extending parallel to the gap and a y-axis slider slidably received on the y-axis slideway. Roof support members are secured to the y-axis slider in spaced apart relation against horizontal movements. A roof having one end affixed to a building unit A on the other side of the gap spans the gap and is supported on the roof support members by elongated spaced-apart x-axis slide members for movement along an x-axis perpendicular to the gap. Each x-axis slide member has a length such that it is supported by the roof support member throughout a range of displacements in the x-axis direction of the building units between maximum and minimum design displacements in an earthquake from a neutral position.

Abstract: A buckling restrained brace includes an elongate, hollow sleeve, an elongate yielding core extending substantially through the length of the sleeve, and a buckling constraining element between the yielding core and the inner surface of the hollow sleeve and spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core, leaving a gap therebetween. The buckling constraining element may be spaced apart from and, thus, the gap may exist between two or more surfaces of the yielding core. Additionally, an inner sleeve, or liner, may be positioned between the buckling constraining element and the yielding core, with the liner being spaced apart from at least one surface of the yielding core. The buckling restrained brace is useful in absorbing loads, such as seismically induced loads, that are exerted upon a steel frame.

Abstract: A system for reinforcing tall buildings. The building comprises an internal frame comprising a plurality of horizontal floor beams and a plurality of vertical columns extending between adjacent floor beams. The reinforcing system comprises diagonal bracing members connected between vertically spaced floor beams at an angle to both the floor beams and the columns.

Abstract: The storage system comprises a metal structure in which vertical column are connected by means of diagonal members and linking members, whereby at least two diagonal members are provided with at least one dissipative zone, while the linking members are adapted for undergoing elastic deformation when at least one dissipative zone is undergoing a plastic stretching.

Abstract: A curtain wall system for multi-story buildings that is highly resistant to the damage caused by multidirectional swaying motions in building frames during an earthquake. In a conventional curtain wall system, each story is connected structurally to the stories above and/or below it. Earthquake-induced swaying motions of the building frame cause significant load transfers from story to story and cause such a conventional curtain wall system to be susceptible to earthquake damage. Not only does this damage necessitate expensive repairs, but serious threats to life safety are imposed when debris falls from a damaged wall system. In contrast, each story of the earthquake-immune curtain wall system is structurally isolated (i.e., decoupled) from adjacent stories, which produces the beneficial effects of minimizing wall system damage and the attendant risks of falling debris (in the forms of broken glass, stone, concrete, etc.) during an earthquake.

Abstract: A manually adjustable structural load transferring device and system for providing tension and compression force transfer between a plurality of spaced building structural members. A pair of load transfer members are each provided with a threaded first end and a second end, the threaded first end of one of the pair of members having threads of opposite pitch to those of the first end of the other one. A coupler member has first and second threaded ends engaged with the threaded first ends of the pair of load transfer members so that the length of the assembly can be adjusted by relative rotation between the coupler member and the load transfer members. An end connection device is attached to the second end of each of the load transfer members, the end connection device including a plurality of fastener apertures and a plurality of bolt apertures for securing the base plate to a building structural member.

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: 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: This invention is a structural joint having a diagonal brace, beam and column fixedly attached with respect to each other by parallel gusset plates disposed in face-to-face relationship on opposite sides of the brace, beam and column and extending from the column along the sides of the beam and the brace. The other end of the diagonal brace may be attached to another structural joint of beam and column, or to another beam only, or to another column only, by fixedly attaching with respect each other, as the case may be, the parallel gusset plates disposed in face-to-face relationship on opposite sides of the brace, beam and column.

Abstract: A Flare Strut System including a plurality of strut pairs, each forming an assembly for transferring force between wall and a roof continuity element. Each assembly is comprised of two elongated strut elements, or load transfer members, each including a longitudinal rotation and adjustment member at one end thereof, a first end connector assembly for facilitating connection of one end of the strut element to a wall, and a second end connector assembly for facilitating attachment of the other end of the strut element to a continuity element connection assembly, the latter assembly being adapted to combine with a corresponding connection assembly and sandwich the continuity element therebetween. Each strut element is adapted to angularly intersect both the engaged wall and the continuity element at acute angles which are determined by the particular buildings design.

Abstract: In order to design an infrastructure of an elevated bridge, first a target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td for the infrastructure are set in connection with an assumed earthquake motion. Subsequently, a yield seismic coefficient for the target ductility factor &mgr;d and target natural period Td is obtained from a yield seismic coefficient spectrum for the assumed earthquake motion as a design seismic coefficient Kh. On the other hand, a target yield rigidity Kd corresponding to the target natural period Td is obtained. Subsequently, the design seismic coefficient Kh is used to obtain a design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd and a displacement corresponding to the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is obtained as a design yield displacement &dgr;d from the target yield rigidity Kd. Subsequently, the design horizontal load bearing capacity Hd is distributed into a horizontal force Hf to be borne by the RC rigid frame and a horizontal force Hb to be borne by the damper-brace.

Abstract: There is disclosed a brace-type damper mounting structure, which provides a highly-reliable stabilized joint member to produce sufficient damper functions against external turbulent force such as earthquakes and wind, and is so rational as to achieve higher workability. According to the mounting structure of the present invention, brace-type dampers are placed in V-shaped arrangement, for instance, to the inside of frames composed of columns and beams of a reinforced concrete structure. When the brace-type dampers are placed in the frames of columns and beams, one end of each brace-type damper is connected to a band-shaped reinforcing plate united to the outer surface part of each column through a gusset plate with a pin, separately from each beam. The other end of each brace-type damper is connected to a gusset plate, which is projecting from the upper surface of an anchoring member embedded in each beam, with a pin.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuity tie for providing both tension and compression resistance to externally induced movement of building structural members. A central body member is provided with a plurality of bolt mounting apertures in a staggered pattern and a pair of end plates having a rod aperture. One embodiment employs a tubular central body member having a hollow interior; another embodiment employs a generally U-shaped central portion with flanking flanges. Both embodiments can be mounted to building structural members separated by an intervening building structural member, with the continuity ties being secured together by means of a single rod arranged in the rod apertures in each continuity tie and secured in place by means of nuts. The staggered bolt patterns reduce the probability of mounting all bolts in a defect region of a timber building element. The hollow tube embodiment is symmetric and cannot be installed backwards. The rod aperture may be centered or offset from the central axis of the continuity tie.

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: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A multi-floor building is protected from seismic forces by coupling a damping system between a pair of truss columns of truss systems, each movable in a cantilever motion in response to the seismic forces to move opposite nodes of the damping system along an enhanced working stroke as compared to prior art frame constructions.

Abstract: An earthquake resistant support structure for an existing residential room comprises four corner members anchored to each of the wall surfaces at each of the vertical corners within the room and four straight bars mounted between the corner members for preventing the walls from forcibly breaking apart during an earthquake. The earthquake resistant support structure further comprises a pair of cables extending diagonally between the opposite corner members for protecting occupants of the room from falling ceiling that might be generated during an earthquake. When the earthquake resistant support structure is properly incorporated into every room within a building, the system of support structures add strength to the existing framework of the building, thereby preventing severe cracking or falling or walls and ceilings during an earthquake.

Abstract: An adjustable support system is provided for a premanufactured building structure. Struts (65, 66) are mounted at their lower or platform ends in support clevises (45, 46), and are mounted to the joists (12, 13) of the building structure. The lower or platform end (78) of the struts can be moved horizontally with respect to the support platform (36) by rotating the adjustment nut (80) on the travel screw (55) of the support clevis. This effectively reorients the strut to a greater or smaller angle with respect to the horizontal, so that the strut bears more or less of the load of the joist and the building structure. Preferably, the rotation of the adjustment nut (80) is accomplished with a torque wrench which provides the installer with an indication of the load being assumed by the strut.

Abstract: There is disclosed a sliding member which slidably contacts an counterpart member with friction and in which a friction force is varied without changing a contact pressure. A sliding member 11 is formed by covering a steel plate with sliding materials 13a to 13e different in friction coefficient. In this case, when a sliding direction of the counterpart member 14 is set to directions of arrows A and B, a sliding material 13a of a low friction coefficient is disposed in the middle, and the sliding materials 13b to 13e are arranged so that the friction coefficient gradually increases toward both terminal sides in the directions of arrows A and B of the sliding material 13a. According to the sliding member 11, the friction force increases as the counterpart member 14 moves in the directions of arrows A and B from the middle.

Abstract: A shear wall panel for a building has a rectangular frame of vertical and horizontal members. Inside of the rectangular frame, at least four diagonal members are joined at their ends to create a multi-segmented assembly having at least three vertices and first and second ends and possibly forming a polygon, one of the at least three vertices secured to each of the vertical and an upper horizontal members, the first and second ends secured to a lower horizontal member. The members are preferably of wood and connected together with toothed plates. The panel is shear connected to a foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel, possibly by a bolt between the foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel and the intersections between the vertical members and the diagonal members. Upper strap connectors attach the upper horizontal member to a roof, floor or wall of the building.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel adapted to substantially close a building opening, the panel including variable shear load resistance means for regulating the shear stiffness of the building when the panel is in a closed position.

Abstract: Lateral motion devices are used in conjunction with shear assemblies to further dissipate shear forces on buildings. In one embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the shear assembly and the upper portion of the wall to permit relative motion therebetween and to absorb and dissipate a portion of the shear forces through expansion and/or compression of spring members. In another embodiment, the lateral motion device is interposed between the foundation and the bottom of the shear assembly and in yet another embodiment, the lateral motion device is embedded in the foundation so as to be interposed between the anchor bolt and the foundation. The shear assembly can be either a panel assembly or an A-frame assembly.

Abstract: A tension strap connector assembly for use in a stabilizing foundation system for a manufactured home supported by at least one flanged beam. The tension strap connector assembly is adapted at a first end so as to hook around and latch about a flange of the manufactured home support beam. At a second end, the tension strap connector has a strap slot adapted to receive a tension strap of the stabilizing foundation system, wherein the tension strap is attached at one end to a ground anchor. The tension strap connector provides a means for altering the orientation of the tension strap relative to the hook portion so that the tension strap can be arranged in non-perpendicular orientations with respect to the manufactured home without creating a torsional stress concentration within the tension strap.

Abstract: Device (1) able to limit the amplitude of the relative movement of two elements of a civil engineering structure and for absorbing the deformation energy of this structure when the latter is subjected to an accidental stress. The device (1) includes: at least one portion able to undergo a plastic deformation at the time of the relative movement of the two elements of said structure, means for guiding the plastic deformation of the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation, the portion able to undergo a plastic deformation and the guiding means forming a single piece element.

Abstract: An energy dissipation apparatus for installation in structural frames to mitigate seismic effects comprises a scissor-jack system of braces with an energy dissipation device such as a viscous, viscoelastic, or hysteretic damper, or an active or semi-active device, connected between opposing pivot joints of the scissor-scissor jack system. The scissor jack system magnifies displacement so that energy is dissipated more effectively by the damper. Open bay, diagonal, and alternative installation arrangements with respect a structural frame are disclosed.

Abstract: A longitudinal stabilizing system for a premanufactured building having support joists extending along the length of the underside of the building and being supported above the ground by upright piers. The system comprises at least one foundation plate, a joist connector, a plate connector, and a rectilinear strut. The foundation plate is placed between the pier and the ground. The joist connector attaches to the joist of the building. Plate clamps may be used in conjunction with the joist connector to grasp the joist. The plate connector attaches to the foundation plate. The strut is attached to the joist connector at one end and the plate connector at the other end such that the strut slopes downward from the joist towards the ground.

Abstract: A shear wall panel for a building has a rectangular frame of vertical and horizontal members. Inside of the rectangular frame, at least four diagonal members are joined at their ends to create a multi-segmented assembly having at least three vertices and first and second ends and preferably forming a polygon, one of the at least three vertices secured to each of the vertical and an upper horizontal members, the first and second ends secured to a lower horizontal member. The members are preferably of wood and connected together with toothed plates. A lower horizontal member is shear connected to a foundation or laterally stabilized wall or floor below the shear wall panel. Upper strap connectors attach the upper horizontal member to a roof, floor or wall of the building. The upper strap connectors comprises metal straps, a first portion of which have teeth bent out of the metal strap, a second portion of which have holes for nailing through the metal strap into the roof, floor or wall of the building.

Abstract: A building structure utilizes gravity load to balance lateral loads due to seismic or wind motions. The system is comprised of v-shaped tension-only braces located at the centers of heavily loaded girders. The gravity load upon the girders will tend to move upward and counter-balance any lateral movements of the structure. This upward movement, simulating the action of a roly-poly man toy, creates a non-collapse, ever-stable system regardless of how much the seismic or wind loads exceed the original design level.

Abstract: A wall strengthening component for a building construction, the building construction having a plurality of spaced apart vertical studs within a frame of a building wall or the like, the wall strengthening component includes first and second vertical support members disposed in a spaced apart relationship and a plurality of reinforcing members disposed between the first and second vertical support members. The reinforcing members are configured to resist lateral stress directed against the vertical support members such that the position of the first vertical support member is maintained relative to the position of the second vertical support member. The reinforcing members are configured in a truss-like arrangement forming triangular shaped portions between the vertical support members.

Abstract: An apparatus for mitigating seismic load imposing an overturning bending moment upon a multi-level structure comprises a tensioned tendon having a first end fixedly connected to one of the levels proximate one side of the structure and a second end fixedly secured to another of the levels proximate an opposite side of the structure, wherein the tendon is oriented in space between its first and second ends along a predetermined curve selected to provide optimum reaction to said load by running the tendon through intermediate story levels at calculated locations. The apparatus further comprises a supplemental system for connecting the second end of the tendon to the structure. The supplemental system preferably includes a mechanical energy dissipating device and a sacrificially yielding fuse element arranged in parallel with the mechanical energy dissipating device.

Abstract: A plurality of column members 6a, 6b of a rack are joined with an earthquake-damping joint 21. The earthquake-damping joint 24 comprises a deformation portion 24, which is narrower so as to gain increased plastic formability, and a pair of fixing portions 26, which are strengthened with increased thickness, to join an upper joint section 20a and a lower joint section 20b with a plurality of bolts 28 or the like. Said deformation portion 24 is deformed by the horizontal stress applied in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rack and the upper column member 6a moves upwardly, absorbing the vibration energy. Said fixing portions 26 are strengthened by increased thickness so that the bolts 28 do not yield to the shock.

Abstract: A motion-magnifying seismic shock-absorbing construction for placement in the frame of an extremely stiff building structure wherein there is a relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the building in response to a seismic event including a first link connected to the structure and having a shock-absorbing member therein, a plurality of additional links connected between the structure and the first link to transmit to the first link and to the shock-absorbing member therein the relatively small horizontal movement between the floors of the structure due to the seismic event, and the plurality of links including a motion-magnifying linkage for magnifying the aforementioned relatively small relative movement so that a magnified movement is applied to the shock-absorbing member. A building structure containing a plurality of the above motion-magnifying shock-absorbing constructions.

Abstract: A longitudinal stabilizing system for a premanufactured building having support joists extending along the length of the underside of the building and being supported above the ground by upright piers. The system comprises at least one foundation plate, a joist connector, a plate connector, and a rectilinear strut. The foundation plate is placed between the pier and the ground. The joist connector attaches to the joist of the building. Plate clamps may be used in conjunction with the joist connector to grasp the joist. The plate connector attaches to the foundation plate. The strut is attached to the joist connector at one end and the plate connector at the other end such that the strut slopes downward from the joist towards the ground.

Abstract: A longitudinal stabilizing system for a premanufactured building having support joists extending along the length of the underside of the building and being supported above the ground by upright piers. The system comprises at least one foundation plate, a joist connector, a plate connector, and a rectilinear strut. The foundation plate is placed between the pier and the ground. The joist connector attaches to the joist of the building. Plate clamps may be used in conjunction with the joist connector to grasp the joist. The plate connector attaches to the foundation plate. The strut is attached to the joist connector at one end and the plate connector at the other end such that the strut slopes downward from the joist towards the ground.

Abstract: A seismic isolator wherein vibrating units 5 arranged in a multiplex manner are formed of suspension members 53 constituting tensile force bearing members, and frames 51 and bases 52 to which both end portions of the suspension members are joined, adjacent vibrating units 5, 5 being joined together by diagonal members 6 of wire rods constituting compressive force bearing members, whereby the area occupied by the seismic isolator decreases.

Abstract: A shear panel configured to fit between adjacent studs in a stud wall is described. The shear panel in one embodiment of the present invention includes an elongate I-shaped member, a top shear cap, and a bottom shear cap. The elongate I-shaped member includes a central region and two opposing flanges extending longitudinally along opposing outer edges of the central region. The elongate I-shaped member is configured to fit between adjacent studs with the flanges in face to face contact with the faces of the adjacent studs. Each shear cap includes an elongate flat section, a first elongate leg section, and a second elongate leg section. The first and second leg sections extend perpendicularly from the elongate flat section, and the leg sections are configured so that an end of the central region of the I-shaped member fits between the legs.

Abstract: A moveable structural reinforcement system is described including a moveable panel, a metal frame structure connectable to the frame structure of a building opening, the frame structure including a top support member and lateral supports connected on a first end to the top support member, upper load members disposed on the top support member proximate the lateral supports, bottom load members disposed on the second ends of the lateral supports, and load transfer members disposed substantially diagonally on said panel and adapted to releasably engage the upper and lower load members. The load transfer members providing a substantially continuous load path when the panel is in a closed position and the building or structure is subjected to a lateral force.

Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.

Abstract: A system and method is described by which the structural integrity of a building or other structure can be increased and made more resistant to earthquake damage. A structural member may be incorporated into a building structure. At least a portion of the structural member is made of a material that undergoes a shape or phase transformation in response to energy applied. This member can alter the natural frequency of the building structure from a first natural frequency to a second natural frequency when the material undergoes the transformation to make destructive resonance less likely to occur.