U.S. patent application number 12/817547 was filed with the patent office on 2011-09-29 for buckling restrained brace.
This patent application is currently assigned to NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH LABORATORIES. Invention is credited to Pao-Chun LIN, Keh-Chyuan TSAI, Chih-Yu WEI, An-Chien WU.
Application Number | 20110232221 12/817547 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 44654763 |
Filed Date | 2011-09-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20110232221 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
TSAI; Keh-Chyuan ; et
al. |
September 29, 2011 |
BUCKLING RESTRAINED BRACE
Abstract
A buckling restrained brace is for connection between two
connecting plates of a framework, and includes a restraining unit
and an axial member. The axial member includes a middle section
surrounded by the restraining unit, two first coupling sections,
and two second coupling sections. The first coupling sections are
connected respectively and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal
end portions of the middle section. Each first coupling section has
a portion exposed from a respective one of longitudinal ends of the
restraining unit, and is formed with a first coupling groove for
engaging a respective one of the connecting plates. The second
coupling sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to
the opposite longitudinal ends of the middle section. Each second
coupling section has a portion exposed from a respective one of the
longitudinal end portions of the restraining unit, and is formed
with a second coupling groove for engaging a respective one of the
connecting plates.
Inventors: |
TSAI; Keh-Chyuan; (Taipei,
TW) ; LIN; Pao-Chun; (Taipei City, TW) ; WEI;
Chih-Yu; (Taoyuan County, TW) ; WU; An-Chien;
(Taipei, TW) |
Assignee: |
NATIONAL APPLIED RESEARCH
LABORATORIES
Taipei City
TW
|
Family ID: |
44654763 |
Appl. No.: |
12/817547 |
Filed: |
June 17, 2010 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/656.9 ;
29/897.3; 52/657 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 9/021 20130101;
E04H 9/0237 20200501; Y10T 29/49623 20150115; E04H 9/028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/656.9 ;
52/657; 29/897.3 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/92 20060101
E04B001/92; E04C 2/38 20060101 E04C002/38; E04B 1/38 20060101
E04B001/38; B21D 47/00 20060101 B21D047/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 25, 2010 |
TW |
099108880 |
Mar 25, 2010 |
TW |
099205208 |
Claims
1. A buckling restrained brace adapted to be connected fixedly
between two connecting plates of a framework of a building, said
buckling restrained brace comprising: a rigid restraining unit
extending in an axial direction and having opposite longitudinal
ends; and an axial member including a middle section that extends
in the axial direction and that is surrounded by said restraining
unit, a pair of first coupling sections that are connected
respectively and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal end
portions of said middle section, each of said first coupling
sections extending in the axial direction, having at least a
portion exposed from a respective one of said longitudinal ends of
said restraining unit, and being formed with a first coupling
groove adapted for engaging a respective one of the connecting
plates, and a pair of second coupling sections that are connected
respectively and perpendicularly to said opposite longitudinal end
portions of said middle section, each of said second coupling
sections extending in the axial direction, being spaced apart from
a corresponding one of said first coupling sections in a first
transverse direction transverse to the axial direction, having at
least a portion exposed from a respective one of said longitudinal
ends of said restraining unit, and being formed with a second
coupling groove adapted for engaging a respective one of the
connecting plates.
2. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 1, wherein:
said middle section of said axial member is formed as an elongated
plate, said elongated plate being formed with first and second side
surfaces that are opposite to each other in a second transverse
direction transverse to the axial direction and the first
transverse direction; and each of said first and second coupling
sections of said axial member has a first coupling segment that is
connected to said first side surface of said middle section, and
that has an exposed part exposed from a corresponding one of said
longitudinal ends of said restraining unit, and a second coupling
segment that is connected to said second side surface of said
middle section, and that has an exposed part exposed from a
corresponding one of said longitudinal ends of said restraining
unit, and cooperating with said exposed part of said first coupling
segment to define a corresponding one of said first and second
coupling grooves.
3. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 2, wherein
each of said first and second coupling segments of said first and
second coupling sections of said axial member further has a
connecting part connected to said exposed part of a corresponding
one of said first and second coupling segments and surrounded by
said restraining unit.
4. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 3, wherein
said connecting part of each of said first and second coupling
segments of said first and second coupling sections of said axial
member has an end surface opposite to said exposed part of a
corresponding one of said first and second coupling segments in the
axial direction and inclining toward said exposed part of the
corresponding one of said first and second coupling segments.
5. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 2, wherein
said end portions of said middle section of said axial member are
exposed respectively from said longitudinal ends of said
restraining unit.
6. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 5, wherein
said middle section of said axial member further has a main portion
disposed between said end portions, and two converging portions,
one of said converging portions interconnecting said main portion
and one of said end portions, the other one of said converging
portions interconnecting said main portion and the other one of
said end portions, each of said converging portions converging from
a corresponding one of said end portions toward said main
portion.
7. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 2, wherein
said restraining unit includes a rigid surrounding member
surrounding said axial member and having an inner surrounding
surface that faces said axial member, each of said first and second
coupling segments of said first and second coupling sections of
said axial member being in contact with said inner surrounding
surface of said surrounding member.
8. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said restraining unit has a rectangular cross-section.
9. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said middle section of said axial member has an intermediate
segment and first and second lateral segments connected
respectively to opposite lateral ends of said intermediate segment
in the first transverse direction, said first lateral segment
interconnecting integrally said first coupling sections to form a
first plate, said second lateral segment interconnecting integrally
said second coupling sections to form a second plate.
10. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 9, wherein:
each of said first coupling sections of said axial member has a
maximum width in a second transverse direction transverse to the
axial direction and the first transverse direction that is larger
than that of said first lateral segment of said middle section of
said axial member, and includes a converging part that is connected
integrally to said first lateral segment and that converges toward
said first lateral segment; and each of said second coupling
sections of said axial member has a maximum width in the second
transverse direction that is larger than that of said second
lateral segment of said middle section, and a converging part that
is connected integrally to said second lateral segment and that
converges toward said second lateral segment.
11. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 9, wherein
each of said first and second lateral segments of said middle
section of said axial member is connected perpendicularly to said
intermediate segment of said middle section of said axial member
such that said middle section has an H-shaped cross-section.
12. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 9, wherein
said intermediate segment of said middle section of said axial
member is formed with an elongated slot extending in the axial
direction.
13. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 9, wherein
said restraining unit includes a rigid surrounding member
surrounding said axial member and having an inner surrounding
surface that faces said axial member, each of said first and second
coupling sections of said axial member having opposite distal edges
in the second transverse direction that are in contact with said
inner surrounding surface of said surrounding member.
14. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said middle section of said axial member has a first lateral
segment interconnecting integrally said first coupling sections to
form a first plate, and a second lateral segment spaced apart from
said first lateral segment in the first transverse direction and
interconnecting integrally said second coupling sections to form a
second plate.
15. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 14, wherein:
each of said first coupling sections of said axial member has a
maximum width in a second transverse direction transverse to the
axial direction and the first transverse direction that is larger
than that of said first lateral segment of said middle section of
said axial member, and a converging part that is connected
integrally to said first lateral segment and that converges toward
said first lateral segment; and each of said second coupling
sections of said axial member has a maximum width in the second
transverse direction that is larger than that of said second
lateral segment of said middle section, and a converging part that
is connected integrally to said second lateral segment and that
converges toward said second lateral segment.
16. The buckling restrained brace as claimed in claim 14, wherein
said restraining unit includes a rigid surrounding member
surrounding said axial member and having an inner surrounding
surface that faces said axial member, each of said first and second
coupling sections of said axial member having opposite distal edges
in the second transverse direction that are in contact with said
inner surrounding surface of said surrounding member.
17. An axial member adapted for use in a buckling restrained brace,
the buckling restrained brace to be connected fixedly between two
connecting plates of a framework of a building and including a
rigid restraining unit that extends in an axial direction and that
has opposite longitudinal ends, said axial member comprising: a
middle section extending in the axial direction and adapted to be
surrounded by the restraining unit; a pair of first coupling
sections connected respectively and perpendicularly to opposite
longitudinal end portions of said middle section, each of said
first coupling sections extending in the axial direction, having at
least a portion adapted to be exposed from a respective one of the
longitudinal ends of the restraining unit, and being formed with a
first coupling groove adapted for engaging a respective one of the
connecting plates; and a pair of second coupling sections that are
connected respectively and perpendicularly to said opposite
longitudinal end portions of said middle section, each of said
second coupling sections extending in the axial direction, being
spaced apart from a corresponding one of said first coupling
sections in a first transverse direction transverse to the axial
direction, having at least a portion adapted to be exposed from a
respective one of the longitudinal ends of the restraining unit,
and being formed with a second coupling groove adapted for engaging
a respective one of the connecting plates.
18. The axial member as claimed in claim 17, wherein: said middle
section is formed as an elongated plate, said elongated plate being
formed with first and second side surfaces that are opposite to
each other in a second transverse direction transverse to the axial
direction and the first transverse direction; and each of said
first and second coupling sections has a first coupling segment
that is connected to said first side surface of said middle
section, and that has an exposed part to be exposed from a
corresponding one of the longitudinal ends of the restraining unit,
and a second coupling segment that is connected to said second side
surface of said middle section, and that has an exposed part
adapted to be exposed from a corresponding one of the longitudinal
ends of the restraining unit, and cooperating with said exposed
part of said first coupling segment to define a corresponding one
of said first and second coupling grooves.
19. The axial member as claimed in claim 18, wherein each of said
first and second coupling segments of said first and second
coupling sections further has a connecting part connected to said
exposed part of a corresponding one of said first and second
coupling segments and to be surrounded by the restraining unit.
20. The axial member as claimed in claim 19, wherein said
connecting part of each of said first and second coupling segments
of said first and second coupling sections has an end surface
opposite to said exposed part of a corresponding one of said first
and second coupling segments in the axial direction and inclining
toward said exposed part of the corresponding one of said first and
second coupling segments.
21. The axial member as claimed in claim 18, wherein said end
portions of said middle section are opposite to each other in the
axial direction and are to be exposed respectively from the
longitudinal ends of the restraining unit.
22. The axial member as claimed in claim 21, wherein said middle
section further has a main portion disposed between said end
portions, and two converging portions, one of said converging
portions interconnecting said main portion and one of said end
portions, the other one of said converging portions interconnecting
said main portion and the other one of said end portions, each of
said converging portions converging from a corresponding one of
said end portions toward said main portion.
23. The axial member as claimed in claim 18, the restraining unit
including a rigid surrounding member to surround said axial member,
the surrounding member having an inner surrounding surface to face
said axial member, wherein each of said first and second coupling
segments of said first and second coupling sections is adapted to
be in contact with the inner surrounding surface of the surrounding
member.
24. The axial member as claimed in claim 17, wherein said middle
section has an intermediate segment and first and second lateral
segments connected respectively to opposite lateral ends of said
intermediate segment in the first transverse direction, said first
lateral segment interconnecting integrally said first coupling
sections, said second lateral segment interconnecting integrally
said second coupling sections.
25. The axial member as claimed in claim 24, wherein: each of said
first coupling sections has a maximum width in a second transverse
direction transverse to the axial direction and the first
transverse direction that is larger than that of said first lateral
segment of said middle section, and a converging part that is
connected integrally to said first lateral segment and that
converges toward said first lateral segment; and each of said
second coupling sections has a maximum width in the second
transverse direction that is larger than that of said second
lateral segment of said middle section, and a converging part that
is connected integrally to said second lateral segment and that
converges toward said second lateral segment.
26. The axial member as claimed in claim 24, wherein each of said
first and second lateral segments of said middle section is
connected perpendicularly to said intermediate segment of said
middle section such that said middle section has an H-shaped
cross-section.
27. The axial member as claimed in claim 24, wherein said
intermediate segment of said middle section is formed with an
elongated slot extending in the axial direction.
28. The axial member as claimed in claim 24, the restraining unit
including a rigid surrounding member to surround said axial member,
the surrounding member having an inner surrounding surface to face
said axial member, wherein each of said first and second coupling
segments of said first and second coupling sections is adapted to
be in contact with the inner surrounding surface of the surrounding
member.
29. The axial member as claimed in claim 17, wherein said middle
section has a first lateral segment interconnecting integrally said
first coupling sections, and a second lateral segment spaced apart
from said first lateral segment in the first transverse direction
and interconnecting integrally said second coupling sections.
30. The axial member as claimed in claim 29, wherein: each of said
first coupling sections has a maximum width in a second transverse
direction transverse to the axial direction and the first
transverse direction that is larger than that of said first lateral
segment of said middle section, and a converging part that is
connected integrally to said first lateral segment and that
converges toward said first lateral segment; and each of said
second coupling sections has a maximum width in the second
transverse direction that is larger than that of said second
lateral segment of said middle section, and a converging part that
is connected integrally to said second lateral segment and that
converges toward said second lateral segment.
31. The axial member as claimed in claim 29, the restraining unit
including a rigid surrounding member to surround said axial member,
the surrounding member having an inner surrounding surface to face
said axial member, wherein each of said first and second coupling
sections of said axial member has opposite distal edges in the
second transverse direction that are adapted to be in contact with
the inner surrounding surface of the surrounding member.
32. A method of making a buckling restrained brace, comprising the
steps of: (A) preparing a hollow surrounding member; (B) preparing
an axial member that extends in an axial direction and that
includes a middle section formed as an elongated plate and having
opposite longitudinal end portions and first and second side
surfaces that are opposite to each other in a transverse direction
transverse to the axial direction, and two pairs of first coupling
segments, each pair of the first coupling segments extending in the
axial direction and being connected to the first side surface of
the middle section at a respective one of the longitudinal end
portions of the middle section, each of the first coupling segments
having an exposed part, and two pairs of second coupling segments,
each pair of the second coupling segments extending in the axial
direction, and being connected to the second side surface of the
middle section at a respective one of the longitudinal end portions
of the middle section, each of the second coupling segments having
an exposed part that cooperates with the exposed part of a
corresponding one of the first coupling segments to define a
coupling groove therebetween; and (C) extending the axial member
through the surrounding member such that the exposed parts and the
coupling grooves of the first and second coupling segments are
exposed from the surrounding member.
33. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein: each of the first
and second coupling segments further has a connecting part
connected to the exposed part of a corresponding one of the first
and second coupling segments in step (B); and in step (C), the
connecting parts of the first and second coupling segments are
surrounded by and are in contact with an inner surrounding surface
of the surrounding member.
34. The method as claimed in claim 32, wherein, in step (B), each
of the first coupling segments is connected perpendicularly to the
first side surface of the middle section, and each of the second
coupling segments is connected perpendicularly to the second side
surface of the middle section.
35. The method as claimed in claim 32, further comprising the step
of: (D) filling a curable material between the surrounding member
and the axial member.
36. A method of making a buckling restrained brace, comprising the
steps of: (A) preparing a hollow surrounding member; (B) preparing
an axial member that includes an intermediate segment extending in
an axial direction, and first and second plates connected
perpendicularly and respectively to opposite lateral ends of the
intermediate segment in a first transverse direction transverse to
the axial direction, each of the first and second plates having an
axial length longer than that of the intermediate segment, and
including two coupling sections formed respectively at opposite
ends thereof in the axial direction, each of the coupling sections
of the first and second plates being formed with a coupling groove;
and (C) extending the axial member through the surrounding member
such that a portion of each of the coupling sections and the
coupling grooves of the first and second plates are exposed from
the surrounding member.
37. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein, in step (B), the
intermediate segment of the axial member is formed with an
elongated slot extending in the axial direction.
38. The method as claimed in claim 36, wherein, in step (C), the
surrounding member has an inner surrounding surface that faces the
axial member, each of the coupling sections of the axial member
having opposite distal edges in a second transverse direction
transverse to the axial direction and the first transverse
direction that are in contact with the inner surrounding surface of
the surrounding member.
39. The method as claimed in claim 36, further comprising the step
of: (D) filling a curable material between the surrounding member
and the axial member.
40. A method of making a buckling restrained brace, comprising the
steps of: (A) preparing a hollow surrounding member; (B) preparing
an axial member that includes first and second plates extending in
an axial direction and spaced apart from each other in a first
transverse direction transverse to the axial direction, each of the
first and second plates including two coupling sections formed
respectively at opposite ends thereof in the axial direction, each
of the coupling sections of the first and second plates being
formed with a coupling groove; and (C) extending the axial member
through the surrounding member such that a portion of each of the
coupling sections and the coupling grooves of the first and second
plates are exposed from the surrounding member.
41. The method as claimed in claim 40, wherein, in step (C), the
surrounding member has an inner surrounding surface that faces the
axial member, each of the coupling sections of the axial member
having opposite distal edges in a second transverse direction
transverse to the axial direction and the first transverse
direction that are in contact with the inner surrounding surface of
the surrounding member.
42. The method as claimed in claim 40, further comprising the step
of: (D) filling a curable material between the surrounding member
and the axial member.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priorities of Taiwanese Application
Nos. 099108880 and 099205208, filed on Mar. 25, 2010.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to a buckling restrained brace, more
particularly to a buckling restrained brace that is adapted to be
connected fixedly between two connecting plates of a framework of a
building.
[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art
[0005] A buckling restrained brace is generally used in a steel
framework of a building for absorbing vibration energy generated by
an earthquake so as to minimize damage to the framework resulting
from the shock of the earthquake.
[0006] As shown in FIG. 1, a conventional buckling restrained brace
1 is provided between two connecting plates 14 of a steel framework
13 of a building, and includes an axial member 11 and a restraining
unit 12 that surrounds the axial member 11. The axial member 11 has
end portions longitudinally opposite to each other and connected
respectively to the connecting plates 14 of the steel framework
13.
[0007] However, the restraining unit 12 generally has a square or
round cross-section, and the conventional buckling restrained brace
1 has a relatively heavy weight and a relatively large volume,
thereby resulting in inconvenience when being assembled to the
steel framework 13, and occupying a relatively large space within
the building.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide
a buckling restrained brace that can alleviate the abovementioned
drawbacks of the conventional buckling restrained brace.
[0009] Another object of the present invention is to provide an
axial member adapted for use in a buckling restrained brace.
[0010] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a
method for making a buckling restrained brace.
[0011] Accordingly, a buckling restrained brace of the present
invention is adapted to be connected fixedly between two connecting
plates of a framework of a building. The buckling restrained brace
comprises a rigid restraining unit extending in an axial direction
and having opposite longitudinal ends, and an axial member. The
axial member includes a middle section, a pair of first coupling
sections, and a pair of second coupling sections. The middle
section extends in the axial direction and is surrounded by the
restraining unit. The first coupling sections are connected
respectively and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal end
portions of the middle section. Each of the first coupling sections
extends in the axial direction, has at least a portion exposed from
a respective one of the longitudinal ends of the restraining unit,
and is formed with a first coupling groove adapted for engaging a
respective one of the connecting plates. The second coupling
sections are connected respectively and perpendicularly to the
opposite longitudinal end portions of the middle section. Each of
the second coupling sections extends in the axial direction, is
spaced apart from a corresponding one of the first coupling
sections in a first transverse direction transverse to the axial
direction, has at least a portion exposed from a respective one of
the longitudinal ends of the restraining unit, and is formed with a
second coupling groove adapted for engaging a respective one of the
connecting plates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] Other features and advantages of the present invention will
become apparent in the following detailed description of the
preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings,
of which:
[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a conventional buckling
restrained brace connected to a steel framework;
[0014] FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of a first preferred
embodiment of a buckling restrained brace according to the
invention;
[0015] FIG. 3 is another schematic side view of the first preferred
embodiment;
[0016] FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the first preferred embodiment
taken along line 91-91 in FIG. 3;
[0017] FIG. 5 is another sectional view of the first preferred
embodiment taken along line 92-92 in FIG. 3;
[0018] FIG. 6 is a flow chart of a method of making the first
preferred embodiment;
[0019] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a surrounding member of the
first preferred embodiment;
[0020] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment;
[0021] FIG. 9 is an assembled perspective view of the first
preferred embodiment;
[0022] FIG. 10 is a schematic side view of a second preferred
embodiment of the buckling restrained brace according to the
invention;
[0023] FIG. 11 is another schematic side view of the second
preferred embodiment;
[0024] FIG. 12 is a sectional view of the second preferred
embodiment taken along line 93-93 in FIG. 10;
[0025] FIG. 13 is another sectional view of the second preferred
embodiment taken along line 94-94 in FIG. 10;
[0026] FIG. 14 is a flow chart of a method of making the second
preferred embodiment;
[0027] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a surrounding member of the
second preferred embodiment;
[0028] FIG. 16 is an exploded perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment;
[0029] FIG. 17 is an assembled perspective view of the second
preferred embodiment;
[0030] FIG. 18 is a schematic side view of a third preferred
embodiment of the buckling restrained brace according to the
invention;
[0031] FIG. 19 is another schematic side view of the third
preferred embodiment;
[0032] FIG. 20 is a sectional view of the third preferred
embodiment taken along line 95-95 in FIG. 18;
[0033] FIG. 21 is another sectional view of the third preferred
embodiment taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 18;
[0034] FIG. 22 is a flow chart of a method of making the third
preferred embodiment;
[0035] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a surrounding member of the
third preferred embodiment;
[0036] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective view of the third
preferred embodiment; and
[0037] FIG. 25 is an assembled perspective view of the third
preferred embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
[0038] Before the present invention is described in greater detail,
it should be noted that like elements are denoted by the same
reference numerals throughout the disclosure.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 2, the first preferred embodiment of a
buckling restrained brace 201 according to the present invention is
adapted to be connected fixedly between two connecting plates 9 of
a steel framework of a building. The buckling restrained brace 201
comprises a rigid restraining unit 3 and an axial member 4.
[0040] Further referring to FIGS. 3 to 5, the restraining unit 3
includes a surrounding member 31 extending in an axial direction
(X) and having opposite longitudinal ends. In this embodiment, the
surrounding member 31 is formed with an inner surrounding surface
311 (see FIG. 7).
[0041] The axial member 4 includes a middle section 41, a pair of
first coupling sections 42, and a pair of second coupling sections
43.
[0042] The middle section 41 extends in the axial direction (X),
and is surrounded by the surrounding member 31 of the restraining
unit 3 (i.e., the inner surrounding surface 311 of the surrounding
member 31 faces the middle section 41). With further reference to
FIG. 8, the middle section 41 has two longitudinal end portions 415
opposite to each other in the axial direction (X) and exposed
respectively from the longitudinal ends of the surrounding member
31. The middle section 41 further has a main portion 416 disposed
between the end portions 415, and two converging portions 417. One
of the converging portions 417 interconnects the main portion 416
and one of the end portions 415, and the other one of the
converging portions 417 interconnects the main portion 416 and the
other one of the end portions 415. Each of the converging portions
417 converges from a corresponding one of the end portions 415
toward the main portion 416. The restraining unit 3 further
includes a curable material 32 filled between the surrounding
member 31 and the middle section 41.
[0043] The first coupling sections 42 are connected respectively
and perpendicularly to the longitudinal end portions of the middle
section 41. The second coupling sections 43 are connected
respectively and perpendicularly to the longitudinal end portions
of the middle section 41. Each of the first and second coupling
sections 42, 43 extends in the axial direction (X). Each of the
second coupling sections 43 is spaced apart from a corresponding
one of the first coupling sections 42 in a first transverse
direction (Y) transverse to the axial direction (X). The middle
section 41 is formed as an elongated plate, which is formed with
first and second side surfaces 411, 412 opposite to each other in a
second transverse direction (Z) transverse to the axial direction
(X) and the first transverse direction (Y). In this embodiment,
each of the first and second coupling sections 42, 43 has a first
coupling segment 441 that is connected to the first side surface
411 of the middle section 41, and that has an exposed part 4411
exposed from a respective one of the longitudinal ends of the
surrounding member 31, and a connecting part 4412 connected to the
exposed part 4411 and surrounded by the surrounding member 31. In
this embodiment, each of the first and second coupling sections 42,
43 further has a second coupling segment 442 that is connected to
the second side surface 412 of the middle section 41, and that has
an exposed part 4421 exposed from a respective one of the
longitudinal ends of the surrounding member 31, and a connecting
part 4922 connected to the exposed part 4421 and surrounded by the
surrounding member 31. The exposed part 4411 of the first coupling
segment 441 of each of the first coupling sections 42 cooperates
with the exposed part 4421 of the second coupling segment 442 of
the corresponding one of the first coupling sections 42 to define a
first coupling groove 443 (see FIG. 9). The exposed part 4411 of
the first coupling segment 441 of each of the second coupling
sections 93 cooperates with the exposed part 4421 of the second
coupling segment 442 of the corresponding one of the second
coupling sections 43 to define a second coupling groove 444. Each
of the first and second coupling segments 441, 442 of the first and
second coupling sections 42, 43 is in contact with the inner
surrounding surface 311 of the surrounding member 31.
[0044] When connecting to the steel framework of the building, the
buckling restrained brace 201 is disposed between the connecting
plates 9 with the middle section 41 of the axial member 4 being
coplanar with the connecting plates 9 and with each of the first
and second coupling sections 42, 43 being perpendicular to the
connecting plates 9, such that each of the first and second
coupling grooves 443, 444 engages a respective one of the
connecting plates 9 (i.e., one of the first engaging grooves 443
and a corresponding one of the second engaging grooves 444 engage
one of the connecting plates 9, while the other one of the first
engaging grooves 443 and a corresponding one of the second engaging
grooves 444 engage the other one of the connecting plates 9). As
such, the surrounding member 31 can be designed to have a
rectangular cross-section as clearly illustrated in FIG. 7, thereby
resulting in a smaller volume thereof than the conventional
buckling restrained brace 1 illustrated in FIG. 1.
[0045] The connecting part 4412, 4422 of each of the first and
second coupling segments 441, 442 has an end surface opposite to
the exposed part 4411, 4421 of a corresponding one of the first and
second coupling segments 441, 442 in the axial direction (X) and
inclining toward the exposed part 4411, 4421 of the corresponding
one of the first and second coupling segments 441, 442. The
presence of the converging portions 417 of the middle section 41 as
well as the end surfaces of the first and second segments 441, 442
strengthens effectively the stiffness and the strength of two ends
of the axial member 4 so that the axial member 4 can have uniform
stress distribution.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 6, a method of making the buckling
restrained brace 201 of this invention comprises steps 901 to
904.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 7, the step 901 is to prepare the hollow
surrounding member 31 that is made of steel and that has a
rectangular cross-section.
[0048] As shown in FIG. 8, the step 902 is to prepare the axial
member 4 that extends in the axial direction (X) and that includes
a middle section 41, two pairs of first coupling segments 441, and
two pairs of second coupling segments 442. Each pair of the first
coupling segments 441 extend in the axial direction (X) and are
connected perpendicularly to the first side surface 411 of the
middle section 41 at a respective one of the longitudinal end
portions of the middle section 41. Each pair of the second coupling
segments 442 extend in the axial direction (X) and are connected
perpendicularly to the second side surface 412 of the middle
section 41 at a respective one of the longitudinal end portions of
the middle section 41. The exposed part 4411, 4421 of each of the
first coupling segments 441 cooperates with the exposed part 4411,
4421 of the corresponding one of the second coupling segments 442
to define the first and second coupling grooves 443, 444 (see FIG.
9) therebetween. In this embodiment, the middle section 41, and the
first and second coupling segments 441, 442 are made of steel.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 9, the step 903 is to extend the axial
member 4 through the surrounding member 31 such that the exposed
parts 4411, 4421 and the first and second coupling grooves 443, 444
are exposed from the surrounding member 31, and that the connecting
part 4412, 4422 of each of the first and second coupling segments
441, 442 are in contact with the inner surrounding surface 311 of
the surrounding member 31 so as to stabilize the structure and to
strengthen the structural strength of the buckling restrained brace
201.
[0050] The step 904 is to fill the curable material 32 between the
surrounding member 31 and the middle section 41 of the axial member
4. In this embodiment, the curable material 32 may be structural
concrete or epoxy resin.
[0051] As shown in FIG. 10, the second preferred embodiment of the
buckling restrained brace 202 according to the present invention
has a structure similar to that of the first embodiment. The main
difference between this embodiment and the previous embodiment
resides in the configuration of the axial member.
[0052] As further shown in FIGS. 11 to 13, in this embodiment, the
axial member 6 includes a middle section 61 extending in the axial
direction (X) and surrounded by the surrounding member 31, a pair
of first coupling sections 62 and a pair of second coupling
sections 63.
[0053] The first coupling sections 62 are connected respectively
and perpendicularly to opposite longitudinal end portions of the
middle section 61. With further reference to FIG. 16, each of the
first coupling sections 62 has a portion exposed from a respective
one of the longitudinal ends of the surrounding member 31 and
formed with a first coupling groove 642. The second coupling
sections 63 are connected respectively and perpendicularly to the
opposite longitudinal end portions of the middle section 61. Each
of the second coupling sections 63 is spaced apart from a
corresponding one of the first coupling sections 62 in the first
transverse direction (Y), and has a portion exposed from a
respective one of the longitudinal ends of the surrounding member
31 and formed with a second coupling groove 643.
[0054] The middle section 61 has an intermediate segment 611 and
first and second lateral segments 612, 613 connected respectively
and perpendicularly to opposite lateral ends of the intermediate
segment 611 in the first transverse direction (Y) such that the
middle section 61 has an H-shaped cross-section (see FIG. 13). The
intermediate segment 611 is formed with an elongated slot 641
extending in the axial direction (X). The first lateral segment 612
interconnects integrally the first coupling sections 62 to form a
first plate 68 (see FIG. 16), and the second lateral segment 613
interconnects integrally the second coupling sections 63 to form a
second plate 69 (see FIG. 16). Each of the first and second plates
68, 69 has an axial length longer than that of the intermediate
segment 611. Each of the first and second coupling sections 62, 63
has opposite distal edges in the second transverse direction (Z)
that are in contact with the inner surrounding surface 311 of the
surrounding member 31 (see FIG. 15).
[0055] In this embodiment, each of the first coupling sections 62
has a maximum width in the second transverse direction (Z) that is
larger than that of the first lateral segment 612, and includes a
converging part 621 that is connected integrally to and converges
toward the first lateral segment 612. Each of the second coupling
sections 63 has a maximum width in the second transverse direction
(Z) that is larger than that of the second lateral segment 613, and
includes a converging part 631 that is connected integrally to and
converges toward the second lateral segment 613. Therefore, the
stiffness and the strength of two ends of the axial member 6 can be
strengthened. Preferably, the elongated slot 641 formed in the
intermediate segment 611 of the middle section 61 weakens the
structural strength of the middle section 61, so that the buckling
restrained brace 202 of this embodiment can have uniform stress
distribution.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 14, a method of making the buckling
restrained brace 202 of this invention comprises steps 905 to
908.
[0057] Referring to FIG. 15, the step 905 is to prepare the hollow
surrounding member 31 that is made of steel and that has a
rectangular cross-section.
[0058] Referring to FIG. 16, the step 906 is to prepare the axial
member 6 composed of the middle section 61 that is formed with the
elongated slot 641, and the first and second plates 68, 69 that
have the first and second coupling sections 62, 63 formed with the
first and second coupling grooves 642, 643. In this embodiment, the
middle section 61 and the first and second plates 68, 69 are made
of steel and welded integrally together.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 17, the step 907 is to extend the axial
member 6 through the surrounding member 31 such that a portion of
each of the first and second coupling sections 62, 63 and the first
and second coupling grooves 642, 643 is exposed from the
surrounding member 31, and that the distal edges of each of the
first and second coupling sections 62, 63 are in contact with the
inner surrounding surface 311 of the surrounding member 31 so as to
stabilize the structure and to strengthen the structural strength
of the buckling restrained brace 202.
[0060] The step 908 is to fill the curable material 32 between the
surrounding member 31 and the middle section 61 of the axial member
6.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 18, the third preferred embodiment of the
buckling restrained brace 203 according to the present invention
has a structure similar to that of the second preferred embodiment.
The main difference between this embodiment and the previous
embodiment resides in the configuration of the axial member.
[0062] As further shown in FIGS. 19 to 21, in this embodiment, the
axial member 8 includes a middle section 81 extending in the axial
direction (X) and surrounded by the surrounding member 31, a pair
of first coupling sections 82 and a pair of second coupling
sections 83.
[0063] The middle section 81 has a first lateral segment 811
interconnecting integrally the first coupling sections 82 to form a
first plate 88 (see FIG. 24). Each of the first coupling sections
82 has a portion exposed from a respective one of the longitudinal
ends of the surrounding member 31 and formed with a first coupling
groove 841. The second lateral segment 812 is spaced apart from the
first lateral segment 811 in the first transverse direction (Y) and
interconnects integrally the second coupling sections 83 to form a
second plate 89 (see FIG. 24). Each of the second coupling sections
83 has a portion exposed from a respective one of the longitudinal
ends of the surrounding member 31 and formed with a second coupling
groove 842. Each of the first and second coupling sections 82, 83
has opposite distal edges in the second transverse direction (Z)
that are in contact with the inner surrounding surface 311 of the
surrounding member 31 (see FIG. 23).
[0064] In this embodiment, each of the first coupling sections 82
has a maximum width in the second transverse direction (Z) that is
larger than that of the first lateral segment 811, and includes a
converging part 821 that is connected integrally to and converges
toward the first lateral segment 811. Each of the second coupling
sections 83 has a maximum width in the second transverse direction
(Z) that is larger than that of the second lateral segment 812, and
includes a converging part 831 that is connected integrally to and
converges toward the second lateral segment 812. The third
preferred embodiment has the same advantages as those of the second
preferred embodiment.
[0065] As shown in FIG. 22, a method of making the buckling
restrained brace 203 of this invention comprises steps 909 to
912.
[0066] Referring to FIG. 23, the step 909 is to prepare the hollow
surrounding member 31 that is made of steel and that has a
rectangular cross-section.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 24, the step 910 is to prepare the axial
member 8 including the first and second plates 88, 89 that are
formed with the first and second coupling sections 82, 83 formed
with the first and second coupling grooves 841, 842. In this
embodiment, the first and second plates 88, 89 are made of
steel.
[0068] As shown in FIG. 25, the step 911 is to extend the axial
member 8 through the surrounding member 31 such that a portion of
each of the first and second coupling sections 82, 83 and the first
and second coupling grooves 841, 842 is exposed from the
surrounding member 31, and that the distal edges of each of the
first and second coupling sections 82, 83 are in contact with the
inner surrounding surface 311 of the surrounding member 31.
[0069] The step 912 is to fill the curable material 32 between the
surrounding member 31 and the first and second plates 88, 89.
[0070] While the present invention has been described in connection
with what are considered the most practical and preferred
embodiments, it is understood that this invention is not limited to
the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover various
arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the broadest
interpretation so as to encompass all such modifications and
equivalent arrangements.
* * * * *