Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a novel moment resisting connection system, for use, but not limited to, with a pony-truss bridge system. The connection system comprises multi-hollow sections that can be, but are not limited to, extruded aluminum and a joint or node connector that can be casted, milled, forged or made by any other means.

Abstract: A structural assembly has a first set of first elongate structural members alternately spaced apart from a second set of second elongate structural members by locking blocks, the first set defining a first plane and the second set defining a second plane forming an intersection at an angle with the first plane, the structural members and locking blocks defining an assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection, and a compressive mechanism spanning the assembly of adjoined blocks and structural members at the intersection. Compressing the adjoined blocks and structural members by the spanning compression mechanism locks the blocks and structural members together in a manner to resist applied forces.

Abstract: Among other things, a nacelle of a wind-driven electric generator is supported by a structure that includes at least three legs that define a lower tower that is relatively broad at its lower end and rises to a relatively narrow waist, and a nacelle support that is relatively narrow at its lower end where it is attached to the waist and relatively broader at its upper end where it supports the nacelle.

Abstract: A modular frame connection is formed by abutting a front camming surface of a front camming end of a front fastening plate against a rear camming surface of a rear camming end of a rear fastening plate while a front pierced end of the front fastening plate and rear pierced end of the rear fastening plate are separated, inserting the front and rear camming ends between a front and rear flanges of a post or beam, rotating the front pierced end toward the rear pierced end until a front finger surface of the front camming end is disposed insertably between a front lip of the front flange and a web of the post or beam and abutably to the front flange and a front abutment surface substantially orthogonal to the front fastening plate is disposed abutably to the web, rotating the rear pierced end toward the front pierced end until a rear finger surface of the rear camming end is disposed insertably between a rear lip of the rear flange and the web of the post or beam and abutably to the rear flange and a rear abutmen

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: A display framework connection system comprising a plurality of frame members, preferably tubular, a plurality of end flanges, and a hub system. The hub system can comprise a hub plate assembly and/or a hub casting assembly. In addition, at least one clamp assembly, preferably cylindrical, can be included for circumferential attachment to the outer surface of the frame members to provide for selective removable fastening of various attachments and accessories at positions along the length of the frame members. The hub plate assembly and the hug casting assembly can be connected individually to the frame members, or in combination, to enable selective angular configuration of the frame members to construct a frame construction, such as those commonly utilized in display frame systems.

Abstract: A deployable structure comprising a plurality of pairs of hingeably connected members, a first hinge element; and a second hinge element; wherein the two members of each pair of hingeably connected members are connected to the first and the second hinge elements respectively; and wherein the first hinge element is capable of being stabilized for facilitating stabilization of the deployable structure into a deployed state.

Abstract: A modular adjustable structural support system for the installation of medical equipment above operating rooms or equipment above telecommunications facilities comprising a plurality of girders, plurality of girder connectors, a plurality of steel installation connectors for steel construction, a plurality of concrete installation connectors for concrete construction and plurality of bracing members wherein said components form a grid allowing for moving and interchanging girders.

Abstract: Described is a building connecting apparatus for receiving structural members including frames and panels. The apparatus includes a main body having a central opening for receiving an extension member attached to a slot plate. Receiving plates can be coupled to the apparatus for receiving the structural members with the extension member capable of guiding and aligning the structural members.

Abstract: An apparatus for clamping a module within a structure, e.g. a cold-wall structure, is presented. The apparatus includes a plurality of aligned, movable members defining a plane and having at least one beveled surface in contact with a beveled surface of an adjacent member. Guide wires align the movable members. A guide pin is used to guide the insertion of the apparatus into the structure. A screw mechanism, mounted at one end of the apparatus, engages with a hole in the structure. Rotation of the screw mechanism forces an end of the apparatus into contact with the structure. Continued rotation of the screw mechanism generates a compressive force which induces the movable members to move out of the defined plane in opposite directions relative to adjacent members. Members contact a wall of the structure and the module, thereby clamping the module against the structure.

Abstract: To provide a fixing apparatus for a structural member capable of preventing a first and a second engagement member from disengaging from an engagement groove of a pair of structural members. The first and second engagement members 4, 4? are held in such a manner as being able to move in the direction of the width of the engagement groove A1 by a holding member 5. A coiled spring 7 for biasing the first and second engagement members in the direction away from each other is disposed between the first and second engagement members 4 and 4?. The coiled spring 7 causes the first engagement member 4 to be abutted with a protruding part A2 of the engagement groove A1 of the structural member A and a protrusion of the engagement groove of the other structural member (not shown) and the second engagement member 4? to be abutted with a protrusion A3 of the engagement groove A1 of the structural member A and a protruding part of the engagement groove of the other structural member.

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: There is provided a truss element in which space truss diagonal members can be easily integrally formed by being drawn in a predetermined direction. This truss element is formed in a corrugated shape with mountain portions 1a and valley portions 2 in left and right directions alternately and cut portions 4a, each which is perpendicular to a ridge line 3 of the mountain portion 1 and leaves a bottom of the valley portion uncut, and cut portions 4b, each which is perpendicular to a bottom line 5 of the valley and leaves a peak of the mountain portion uncut, are formed alternately with spaces in a front and back directions.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately spacing neighboring hip roof trusses during the erection process and for permanently bracing the same is comprised of a longitudinal member terminating at each end in truss attachment means adapted for fastening to the horizontal top chord of adjacent hip trusses of different heights. An important characteristic of each embodiment of the subject invention is that a first attachment means is angled above the plane of the longitudinal member while the second attachment means is angled below the same plane, each depending from the longitudinal member at equal but opposite angles. Thusly oriented, each attachment means occupies a plane parallel to the other with the plane of the longitudinal member intersecting both. The slope of the longitudinal member between the parallel planes is predetermined to substantially correspond to the desired pitch of the roof.

Abstract: A structural post arrangement and cooperating clamp assembly positioning and supporting related furniture components, such as beams. The clamping assembly includes a split clamping collar which surrounds the post and defines upper and lower rims for engagement with top and bottom jaws as coupled to a furniture component.

Abstract: A foam panel concrete form is provided for using connectors which extend on each side of a joint in the foam panel concrete form and into complementary shaped openings in ties which hold two adjacent panels in a spaced and parallel relationship. The connector can pass into the openings in adjacent ties with little resistance in a first rotary position of the connector. After the connector is inserted a predetermined distance into the openings, then the connector is rotated to a second rotational position within the openings so that flanges of the connector are disposed on each side of respective ties and thereby hold adjacent ties and the adjacent foam panels in a substantially fixed relationship with respect to each other during a time when concrete is poured between the foam panels.

Abstract: In a building component or shuttering body (2) for the production of a wall structure including to oppositely located and substantially parallel, plate-shaped elements (6, 7) connected by at least two spacers (1), wherein the free space between the plate-shaped elements (6, 7) is fillable with an, in particular, settable mass, e.g. concrete, it is provided that it comprises at least two spacers (1) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene of elevated density, as well as plate-shaped elements (6, 7) of polystyrene, in particular expandable polystyrene, so as to enable the production of a building component (2) in a simple and cost-effective manner.

Abstract: The angular joint of the invention comprises a slide base portion (1) and a sheet metal mobile portion (2) superimposed thereupon, the sheet metal portion (2) including upwardly extending legs (2e) with indenting edges (2g), a bolt (3) being employed in the tightening process of the joint, wherein after the joint has been inserted into the hollow profile members being brought together for connection, the bolt (3) acts so as to exert an upwardly raising force onto the sheet metal mobile portion (2), whilst maintaining base portion (1) at a fixed position, and subsequently leading the sharp indenting edges (2g) of the sheet metal portion (1) to producing an indentation effect into the walls of the corresponding chambers (13a, 13b) of the hollow profiles being angularly connected with the joint, as the joint is being tightened, thereby resulting in a robust, self aligned connection of the hollow profile members.

Abstract: A floor system includes a pair of joist rim assemblies each having a web defining a first surface. The web also includes a mounting portion defining a second surface offset from the first surface. The joist rim may also include a prong defining a slot along with the web. A joist connector bracket is received within the slot and is connectable to the mounting portion of the web. A joist extends between the pair of joist rim assemblies and is connected to the joist connector bracket of each joist rim assembly.

Abstract: A column-and-beam join structure comprises connecting the column and beam with a pair of split tees. At least one split tee has a web with a portion of the web having a reduced cross-sectional area. The web with the reduced cross-sectional area is located between a flange of the beam and a buckling restraint. The buckling restraint is connected to the flange of the beam with bolts. The sides of the bolts are in the proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web of the split tee having the reduced cross-sectional area. Annular members may be arranged surrounding portions of the bolts that are in proximity to the side surface of the portion of the web having the reduced cross-sectional area.

Abstract: The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor systems together with numerous variations that may be installed into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof, ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and the system it supports) to the wall of the structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a joining structure of a roof truss using thin light-gauge shaped steel. In a joining structure for joining a subsidiary roof with a main roof, a valley bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is inserted and disposed in the longitudinal valley direction of a joining member for joining a rafter forming the subsidiary roof with a truss or a rafter forming the main roof. In a joining structure in which a roof truss upper chord member or a rafter intersects a wall on the upper surface of the wall, a bracket formed by bending a thin steel sheet is disposed at the intersection of these members and fixes the roof truss upper chord member or the rafter to the wall.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a modular frame system for building construction using prefabricated frame components that can be assembled at the construction site easily and quickly. A number of connection mechanisms or joints are employed to connect the beams, columns, trusses, bases and the like. More specifically, they include connections for column to base, column to beam, truss/beam to column, truss to column, and truss to beam. In accordance with an aspect of the invention, a modular frame apparatus for building construction comprises a column; a plurality of prefabricated, modular structural components to be connected to the column; and a plurality of connecting mechanisms each configured and prefabricated to connect one or more of the plurality of modular structural components to the column in a modular manner to form a building module for a building.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a rotor-disc connecting member for a glass curtain wall or roofing, comprising: a support abutment, one end connecting with a truss frame, and the other end connecting with an interconnecting part; and the interconnecting part connecting with one end of at least two support arms. The support abutment connects with the interconnecting part via a ball pivot, and the support arms hinge with the interconnecting part. The present invention is a simple structure and conveniently assembled during the construction phase of a glass curtain wall or roofing.

Abstract: A masonry coupling system for use in commercial and residential construction is described. In one aspect, the invention includes an anchor channel mounted on a structure. The masonry coupling system further includes a key that interfaces the masonry veneer and interlocks with an anchor channel mounted on a structure.

Abstract: A fitting is provided for use in retaining a plurality of accessory members to a vertical modular structural unit of a telecommunications tower or electricity pylon. The unit has a plurality of vertical sides wherein each side has at least one side aperture. The fitting has a body; a body plate attached to the body and so-shaped as to be cooperable with a side of the unit and receivable in intimate engagement within the side aperture; attachments by which the fitting is attachable to the structure and the body plate is retained thereto receivable within the side aperture by retaining bolts; the body having at least one accessory, such as a guy rope, insulator, dish and platform-receiving aperture for retaining the accessory to the body. The shape of the apertures in each unit side which is complimentary with the body plate, provides a lighter, stronger and more efficacious modular unit and tower.

Abstract: A column/beam connection in a building frame, including an elongate column having faces which join through corners, an elongate beam having an end, and a full-moment nodal connection connecting the end of the beam to the column solely through a pair of next-adjacent corners in the column, with the beam end, as so connected, being spaced from the column face which lies between the mentioned pair of corners. The connection per se features (a) plural standoffs joined to and extending, one each, outwardly from the column's corners at a selected, common elevation located along the length of the column, and (b) a halo collar joined through a gravity-seat-and-lock, full-moment interface connection to each of the standoffs, and, as so joined, spaced by the standoffs from the column faces which lie between the column corners.

Abstract: A trussed embankment dam and wall structure includes a cantilever structure group and a rod member group, and each cantilever structure of the cantilever structure group includes an anchor supporting pillar and a multidirectional connecting board. The lower portion of the anchor supporting pillar is built at a stratum or foundation to support the cantilever structure, and the upper portion of the anchor supporting pillar installs a multidirectional connecting board to a trussed joint structure. After a force is exerted to a rod member of the invention, the force is acted onto the joints of the cantilever structure and transmitted by other rod members. Therefore, each cantilever structure maximizes the supporting effect and provides a dispersive supporting type structure. Unlike the centralized supporting type truss structure, the invention uses the hollow portion of the structure and the malleability of components to create landscapes, fill soil and plant vegetation.

Abstract: A connector plate for securing a building frame together with a building foundation comprises a first section that is secured against an outer surface of the building frame and a second section secured to an outer surface of the foundation. In an embodiment, portions of the outer surfaces of the building frame and foundation are substantially flush. The first section and second section of the connector plate are coplanar and each has one or more holes through which fasteners are inserted and driven into the building frame and foundation.

Abstract: A wind energy plant tower with a load-bearing tower wall, which has a circulating outer periphery and consists of a plurality of wall sections, which each one have one centre section and two border sections running in the longitudinal direction of the tower, which are provided with a plurality of connection bores, wherein the surfaces defined by the border sections run along the outer periphery or in a constant distance to the same, and the connection bores are aligned transversely to the outer periphery.

Abstract: A family of beam cross-connections, including column/beam and beam/beam connections, between beams and columns in a building frame. Each connection within a cross-connection features (a) a pair of parallel-spaced, upright, planar plate components operatively associated with either a side of a column or a side of a beam, (b) an elongate, generally horizontal cross-connection beam including a generally upright, planar central web with an end which, with respect to a pair of such plate components, extends into the space that exists between those components, and (c) a structural relationship involving the plate components in a pair which accommodates (1) vertical-motion placement of a web end between the components, with (2) the automatic establishment thereby of correct relative, spatial, three-dimensional relationships and dispositions of the specific, associated column and/or beam elements so connected.

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips, double chord beams, double beam connectors and modular structural assemblies constructed of double beam chords and connectors and forming modular wall, floor/ceiling and roof assemblies. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: A unitary fitting for mating with and coupling a plurality of T-slot structures. The fitting comprises at least two sections to mate with the T-slot structures, with each of the sections having a first end, a second end, an outer surface circumferentially surrounding said T-slot structure, and an inner surface being capable of mating with one of said T-slot structures. the inner surfaces has at least one rail that extends inwardly into a recess of the T-slot structures. The fitting is formed of one piece construction.

Abstract: An edge beam construction including two vertical perforated rolled shapes with webs inverted toward the center of the beam, and a bottom track having a flange disposed in a vertical position against bottom lips of the vertical rolled shapes. The three basic components of the edge beam are positioned so as to provide access for press joining tools. A building module manufacturing method utilizes the light gauge steel rolled shapes that permit industrialized, automated manufacture of floor, roof and wall panels for modular housing and commercial structures with integrated mechanical and electrical systems and rigid framing for road transport without trailers. The module manufacturing method includes a novel method of constructing and positioning a gable.

Abstract: A structure and a method for producing the structure wherein the structure comprises a framework of purlins supported by clips and plates and upright cylindrical members to form a structure of a fence, wall or a structure and the method comprises supporting the purlins between cylindrical members by the use of clips and plates to produce a structure which may include a slanted or peaked roof and may include windows and doors.

Abstract: A connecting construction for components of a system frame, having frameworks which have frame struts (12) and cross brackets (14) connecting the frame struts (12), a sheet steel corner plate (20) which is arranged in each case in the region in which the cross bracket (14) is connected to the frame strut (12) and which has a corner recess (22) in the corner region of the region in which the cross bracket (14) is connected to the frame strut (12), by means of which a coupling unit can be connected to the frame strut (12), is distinguished in that a further recess (24) is provided approximately level with the corner recess (22) and offset inward, and a further coupling unit having a first coupling element and a second coupling element is provided, it being possible for a frame tube to be connected to the first coupling element, and the second coupling element being designed in such a manner that it can be fastened in the further recess (24) of the sheet steel corner plate (20) with a positive and/or non-positiv

Abstract: An arrangement for framing a lolly column, includes two U-shaped framing members adapted to be wrapped and secured tightly about a lolly column. Each framing member has a U-shaped profile and includes a center member, first and second legs in parallel, spaced apart relation, and a tab extending from an end of each leg in a direction transverse to a lengthwise direction of each leg. There are also four equi-angularly spaced wall members secured to outer surfaces of the framing members for securing elongated 4×4 inch wood framing members thereto such that the wood framing members extend in a direction parallel to the lolly column. Each wall member includes first and second walls forming an outwardly facing right angle therebetween and presenting outwardly facing planar surfaces to which an elongated wood framing member is adapted to be secured.

Abstract: A floor formwork system is disclosed. The floor formwork system comprises a form member having a reinforcement beam attached to a surface of the form member. The reinforcement beam of the floor formwork system is positioned and attached in grooves within or on the contact surface of the form member. The reinforcement beam comprises a plurality of longitudinal rods or members, one or more of which are connected by a diagonal support member. Concrete is added to the assembled form member and reinforcement beam so as to create a floor or ceiling, or other structure. A method of assembling the form work system and use for preparation for a floor or ceiling is also disclosed.

Abstract: A building has a frame which includes of several frame elements parallel to one another and located with a distance to one another. Each frame elements has two vertical supports and at least one horizontal beam. The frame elements are connected to one another to form the frame of the building by uprights which are attached outside to their vertical supports. To connect the supports, the beams and the uprights angles of steel sheet are used which in their legs have holes (19) for passage of connecting elements bent out and released from the legs of the angles, in the manner of nail plates. Connecting are located and attached between vertical supports. The girders (37) bear wall elements which adjoin stops on the vertical supports from the inside.

Abstract: Modular structural components and structural connections including chords and forming strips. Each chord has a generally elongated square main body of four main walls surrounding a central bore and having a T-slot structure adapted to accept a bolt type fastener extending along each exterior main surface. Each forming strip is an elongated plate formed into strip segments oriented at right angles to each other and forming a W-shaped corner region, a face region with a bolt hole and an attachment region, each region forming a mating bearing surface with a surface of a chord.

Abstract: A method of forming a connection, and a connector, that attaches a supported member, such as a deck board, to a supporting member, such as a deck joist. In some forms, each connector attaches a single supported member. In others, the connector attaches two supported members. Many forms of the connector are possible, but all are narrow enough to fit between two supported members laid side-by-side, all are attached to the supported members by fasteners, and all are driven directly into the supporting members. The resulting structure is characterized by the apparent absence of nails or other fasteners.

Abstract: A structural connector for connecting first and second structural members has a substantially planar first flange and an embossment in the first flange, and the embossment in the first flange is formed with first and second sections, the first section generally extending uniformly to a first level above the top surface of the substantially planar first flange, that is different from a level to which the second section generally uniformly extends, the first and second sections being joined to each other at a distinct transition portion where the embossment sharply descends from the level of the first section to the level of the second section. The structural connector can be made with a bend that forms a first member adjacent the first flange and the embossment can extend through the bend into the first member.

Abstract: An architectural structural system comprises a structural beam and a structural connector. The structural beam includes a first c-beam and a second c-beam adjacently disposed one in parallel to the other. Each of the c-beams has opposed first and second ends. The structural connector has a plurality of transverse blades with opposed faces, one of the plurality of blades being connectedly disposed between the first and second c-beams.

Abstract: A radial-hinge mechanism includes one or more elongated members arranged and interconnected into a unique, geometry-based, closed-loop assembly often resembling a multi-point star when in its fully-closed mode. The mechanism's signature function is its variable nature of pivoting open from a centralized hinge-core as its substantially circular inner-aperture concurrently contracts in its own circular dimensions. Additionally, the mechanism has a natural susceptibility to spring-biasing techniques to further modify its versatility and performance.

Abstract: A sealable ceiling assembly is provided for use in applications such as clean rooms. The sealable ceiling assembly may include main beams suspended from a support ceiling parallel to each other and cross beams that run perpendicular to the main beams to attach the main beams together. Each cross beam has a bore from which coupling members extend to either side. Each coupling member has a head with a cam surface designed to interlock with a retention slot of the main beam in response to ninety-degree rotation of the coupling member. The coupling members are attached within the bores of the cross beams via set screws that can be rotated after engagement to urge retraction of the coupling members into the bore to tighten engagement of the cross beams with the main beams. Stiffeners may be attached to top nut slots of any of the beams that need reinforcement.

Abstract: The framing fastener is made up of a configuration of plates used to attach any number of posts and beams to each other or to a base material. The framing fastener may include a substantially flat first plate with at least one hole extending there through and a substantially flat second plate with a hook formed at one edge thereof. The first and second plates are attached together such that the first and second plates are substantially coplanar or substantially perpendicular. The first plate of the framing fastener is attached to a post by means of one or more fastening rods. Then a beam is attached to the second plate of the framing fastener by means of one or more fastening rods, one of which rests in the hook.

Abstract: A frame system for a motor vehicle includes a plurality of frame members each having a connector socket defined therein. The system further includes a connector having an outer profile configured to engage the sockets of two of the frame members so as to connect them in a fixed angular relationship. The connectors are composite bodies including a core member and an exterior body which covers at least a portion of the core member and defines a portion of the outer profile of the connector. Also disclosed are frames which employ the system and methods for manufacturing the frames.

Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and track connectors therefore. The system and connectors of the present invention utilize metal framing tracks that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls with at least one recess channel formed longitudinally therein, and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors, comprising at least a connector body, lip or base flange, and two lip receiving grooves, are described. These connectors are capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects and/or recess channels of the track.

Abstract: Composite structures obtained by joining two or more structures of the type which presents pairs of joined tubular elements, whose extremity is hinged in universal joints and in which the universal joints are substantially parallelepiped in form and present four seats of hinging corresponding to the sides faces, in which the universal joints present grooves along the sides of the face, in which are scheduled the seats to hinge the extended elements, in proximity of the edges and parallel to the same edges, that cooperate with C-sectioned fixing elements to hold united two matched universal joints belonging to two structures from join.

Abstract: At a beams-to-column connection of two beams to a column, in which the joint connection comprises both a gravity load-carrying capability and a moment-resisting capability between each beam and column, there is added a beam-to-beam connection across the column, using two gusset plates, facing each other on opposite sides of the joint connection. The gusset plates which are not welded directly to the column in a moment-resisting connection, connect the two beams in a tension, shear and moment-resisting connection with respect to each other. Such beam-to-beam connection by the gusset plates provides the capability of withstanding severe torsional and lateral inelastic deformation due to direct blast pressure. When subjected to violent conditions and upon loss of column support or the loss of integrity of the beams-to-column joint connection, the two beams and gusset plates provide independent beam-to-beam structural continuity, causing the two beams to act as one long beam.