U.S. patent application number 14/795351 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-29 for structural connection mechanisms for providing discontinuous elastic behavior in structural framing systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Timothy A. Hayes. Invention is credited to Timothy A. Hayes.
Application Number | 20150308106 14/795351 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51520895 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150308106 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hayes; Timothy A. |
October 29, 2015 |
STRUCTURAL CONNECTION MECHANISMS FOR PROVIDING DISCONTINUOUS
ELASTIC BEHAVIOR IN STRUCTURAL FRAMING SYSTEMS
Abstract
A structural frame for a building includes first and second
structural members, with a discontinuous elastic zone at locations
where the first and second structural members are coupled and
through which a load passes therebetween. Discontinuous elastic
zone connections couple the first and second structural members and
are configured to provide elasticity in the structural frame and
dampen the effects of transient loads on the structural frame. Each
discontinuous elastic zone connection includes faying surfaces
opposing each other, fastening devices configured to secure
respective first and second structural members, and a compression
element positioned on each fastening device configured to act in
combination with a fastening device to regulate movement of the
faying surfaces relative to each other, and thus regulate the
behavior of the discontinuous elastic zone connection resulting
from loads applied by first and second structural members on
opposing sides of a respective discontinuous elastic zone.
Inventors: |
Hayes; Timothy A.;
(Whitefish Bay, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Hayes; Timothy A. |
Whitefish Bay |
WI |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51520895 |
Appl. No.: |
14/795351 |
Filed: |
July 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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13803386 |
Mar 14, 2013 |
9080339 |
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14795351 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/167.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/1903 20130101;
E04H 9/0215 20200501; F16B 7/00 20130101; E04B 1/19 20130101; E04H
9/02 20130101; F16B 5/0266 20130101; E04B 2001/2442 20130101; E04B
2001/2415 20130101; E04B 2001/2448 20130101; E04H 9/024
20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/98 20060101
E04B001/98; E04B 1/19 20060101 E04B001/19; E04H 9/02 20060101
E04H009/02 |
Claims
1. A structural frame for a building comprising: a plurality of
first structural members; a plurality of second structural members
coupled to the plurality of first structural members, with a
discontinuous elastic zone being present at a location where a
respective first structural member is coupled to a respective
second structural member through which a load passes between the
first and second structural members during a loading event; and a
plurality of discontinuous elastic zone connections configured to
couple the plurality of first structural members to the plurality
of second structural members, the discontinuous elastic zone
connections configured to enhance elastic characteristics of the
structural frame and its response to transient loads; wherein each
of the plurality of discontinuous elastic zone connections
comprises: faying surfaces either rigidly connected to or formed as
part of respective first and second structural members, with the
faying surfaces opposing each other and either in contact with each
other or separated by a compression element in an interstitial
space between the opposing faying surfaces; fastening devices
configured to secure a respective first structural member to a
respective second structural member; and a compression element
positioned on each fastening device, the compression element
comprising a singular component or plurality of deformable
components in a stacked arrangement; wherein the compression
element is configured to act in combination with a respective
fastening device so as to regulate movement of the faying surfaces
relative to each other, and thus regulate the behavior of the
discontinuous elastic zone connection resulting from loads applied
by respective first and second structural members on opposing sides
of a respective discontinuous elastic zone.
2. The structural frame of claim 1: wherein the fastening devices
comprise bolts configured to secure a respective first structural
member to a respective second structural member, the bolts having
nuts positioned thereon; wherein the compression element comprises
a plurality of Belleville washers placed in a stacked arrangement
on a respective bolt, the plurality of Belleville washers being
arranged in a parallel stack, a series stack, or a combination of
parallel stacks and series stacks; and wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone is formed by opposing faying surfaces aligned and
oriented to maintain a pre-load orientation of the first and second
structural members.
3. The structural frame of claim 1: wherein the plurality of first
structural members comprises a plurality of vertically oriented
columns configured to provide gravity and lateral load resisting
support to the structural frame; wherein the plurality of second
structural members comprises a plurality of horizontally oriented
beams coupled to the plurality of columns at a plurality of
intersections; wherein the plurality of horizontally oriented beams
are coupled to the plurality of columns at the plurality of
intersections by way of a plurality of beam-to-column connections
configured to affix respective beams to a respective column, with
each of the plurality of beam-to-column connections being
positioned beneath a respective beam at an intersection; and
wherein the discontinuous elastic zone at a respective intersection
comprises the connections between the column and the beams and the
connections between the beams and the beam-to-column
connections.
4. The structural frame of claim 3: wherein each of the plurality
of beams includes top and bottom flanges and a web extending
between the top and bottom flanges, the bottom flange comprising a
plurality of bolt holes formed therein, with a bottom side of the
bottom flange being a faying surface; wherein each of the plurality
of beam-to-column connections comprises a plurality of bolt holes
formed in a top flange thereof, a top surface of the flange being a
faying surface opposing the faying surface of the beam positioned
thereabove; wherein a beam is positioned relative to a respective
beam-to-column connection such that the plurality of bolt holes
formed in the bottom flange of the beam are aligned with the
plurality of bolt holes formed in the top surface of the
beam-to-column connection; and wherein a fastening device is
positioned at and through each respective bolt hole and compression
element to couple the beam to the beam-to-column connection, and
pretension the compression element.
5. The structural frame of claim 3 wherein each of the plurality of
beams further comprises an end plate formed on an end of the beam
positioned at a respective intersection, the end plate being spaced
apart from the column by a gap therebetween and being vertically
oriented so as to be generally parallel with a respective column;
and wherein a first shear restraint block is affixed to the
beam-to-column connection and to the column in the gap between the
end plate and the column, and a second shear restraint block is
affixed to the bottom side of the beam and in contact with an end
of the beam-to-column connection, the first and second shear
restraint blocks functioning to space the column from the beam so
as to allow for rotation and tilting of the beam during a loading
event.
6. The structural frame of claim 5: wherein the end plate includes
a plurality of bolt holes formed therethrough; wherein a respective
column positioned adjacent the end plate includes a plurality of
bolt holes formed therethrough on a surface thereof that is
parallel to the end plate; and wherein a fastening device is
positioned at and through each respective bolt hole and
corresponding compression element to couple the beam to the column,
and pretension the compression element.
7. The structural frame of claim 6 wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone connection further comprises a plurality of Belleville
washers or another compression element positioned in the gap
between the end plate and the column, with the fastening devices
that couple the beam to the column being thru-bolted from the end
plate to the column through the Belleville washers or through or
adjacent to the another compression element.
8. The structural frame of claim 3 wherein each of the
discontinuous elastic zone connections further comprises a
compression element positioned between a respective beam and
beam-to-column connection to regulate forces therebetween.
9. The structural frame of claim 3 wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone connections are configured to apply a self-righting
force to the plurality of columns, such that the columns return to
their original vertical orientation, or to an approximate but
serviceable vertical orientation, after application of a lateral
load induced by a design seismic event or other design event to the
structural frame, which would exceed the elastic range of a rigid,
non-discontinuous elastic zone connection.
10. The structural frame of claim 3 wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone connections are configured to extend the elastic range
of the beams or the columns or the connections between them such
that a pre-determined inter-story drift or total building drift of
the structural frame may be achieved without plastic deformation of
the beams or the columns that is greater than the elastic range
achievable with rigid connections.
11. The structural frame of claim 1 wherein the plurality of first
structural members and the plurality of second structural members
collectively form a plurality of braces positioned in frame bays
formed by respective pairs of columns and beams of the structural
frame, the plurality of braces configured to transfer lateral loads
applied to the structural frame to a foundation of the structural
frame, increase the rigidity of the structural frame, and
contribute damping to offset effects of transient loads; and
wherein selected frame bays include either a single brace in a
diagonal orientation, a pair of braces in a chevron brace
arrangement, or a pair of braces in a x-brace arrangement connected
by a single plate or pair of plates positioned over or near the
beam column intersection or other location on the column or beam
for attachment of the brace to the columns or beams.
12. The structural frame of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality
of braces comprises: an outer sleeve having a main body and a
plurality of flanges extending outwardly from the main body, the
outer sleeve having: a first end having a flange formed thereon and
being configured to provide a zone that behaves with greater
elasticity than the main body when the brace is acting in
compression; and a second end having a flange formed thereon and
being configured to provide a zone that behaves with greater
elasticity than the main body when the brace is acting in tension;
an inner sleeve at both ends of the outer sleeve positioned at
least partially within the outer sleeve, each of the inner sleeves
including: a first end configured to mate with one of the plurality
of columns or beams; and a second end positioned within the outer
sleeve, with a flange positioned between the first and second ends
and extending outwardly from a main body of the inner sleeve; and a
plurality of connection mechanisms configured to couple the outer
sleeve to the inner sleeves, wherein each of the plurality of
connection mechanisms comprises: a bolt configured to extend
through a lateral support ring when necessary and a pair of aligned
bolt holes formed in the flanges on the outer and inner sleeves to
affix the outer sleeve to the inner sleeve, the bolt including a
nut thereon to secure the bolt within the bolt holes; and a
compression element positioned on the bolt, the compression element
comprising a plurality of deformable components in a stacked
arrangement; wherein the compression element on one side of the
outer sleeve is configured to elastically absorb a range of tension
forces, and the compression element on the other side of the outer
sleeve is configured to elastically absorb a range of compressive
forces to maximize elasticity of the structural frame in order to
make use of interstory drift.
13. The structural frame of claim 11 wherein each of the plurality
of braces comprises: an inner sleeve located at the center portion
of the brace and having a main body and a plurality of flanges
extending outwardly from the main body, the inner sleeve having: a
first end having a flange formed thereon and being configured to
provide a zone that behaves with greater elasticity than the main
body when the brace is acting in compression; and a second end
having a flange formed thereon and being configured to provide a
zone that behaves with greater elasticity than the main body when
the brace is acting in tension; an outer sleeve located on each end
of the inner sleeve positioned at least partially outside of the
inner sleeve, each of the outer sleeves including: a first end
configured to mate with one of the plurality of columns or beams;
and a second end positioned outside the inner sleeve, with a flange
positioned between the first and second ends and extending
outwardly from a main body of the outer sleeve; and a plurality of
connection mechanisms configured to couple the inner sleeve to the
outer sleeves, wherein each of the plurality of connection
mechanisms comprises: a bolt configured to extend through a lateral
support ring when necessary and a pair of aligned bolt holes formed
in the flanges on the outer and inner sleeves to affix the inner
sleeve to the outer sleeve, the bolt including a nut thereon to
secure the bolt within the bolt holes; and a compression element
positioned on the bolt, the compression element comprising a
plurality of deformable components in a stacked arrangement;
wherein the compression elements on one side of the inner sleeve
are configured to provide greater elasticity in response to tension
forces as compared to compression forces, and the compression
elements on the other side of the inner sleeve are configured to
provide greater elasticity in response to compression force as
compared to tension force.
14. The structural frame of claim 12 wherein the compression
element comprises a plurality of Belleville washers in a stacked
arrangement, with the plurality of Belleville washers being in a
parallel stack, a series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks
and series stacks.
15. The structural frame of claim 11 wherein, when a frame bay
includes a pair of braces in a x-brace arrangement, the brace
includes a splice and pass-through feature for the other brace in
the x-brace arrangement.
16. A structural frame for a building comprising: a plurality of
vertically oriented columns configured to provide gravity and
lateral load resisting support to the structural frame; a plurality
of horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns
at a plurality of intersections; a plurality of beam-to-column
connections configured to couple the plurality of vertically
oriented columns to the plurality of horizontally oriented beams at
the plurality of intersections; a plurality of braces positioned in
at least a portion of frame bays of the structural frame that are
formed by respective pairs of columns and beams, each of the
plurality of braces comprising a multi-piece brace having a
plurality of brace portions; and a plurality of discontinuous
elastic zone connections to couple the plurality of beams to the
plurality of columns via the plurality of beam-to-column
connections and/or to couple the first brace portion to the second
brace portion, or the second brace portion to the third brace
portion, wherein each of the plurality of connection mechanisms
comprises: wherein each of the plurality of discontinuous elastic
zone connections comprises: a plurality of connection mechanisms;
and a compression element positioned on each of the plurality of
connection mechanisms, the compression element comprising single
component or a plurality of deformable components in a parallel
stack, a series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks and
series stacks; wherein the compression element is configured to
provide elasticity and damping in the structural frame in response
to transient loads and overloading applied to the structural
frame.
17. The structural frame of claim 16 wherein each of the plurality
of beams and beam-to-column connections includes a plurality of
holes formed in a flange thereof, with the plurality of holes
formed in the flange of a respective beam being aligned with the
plurality of holes formed in the flange of a respective
beam-to-column connections such that a connection mechanism is
positioned at and through a respective hole to couple the beam to
the beam-to-column connection.
18. The structural frame of claim 16 wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone connection further comprises an interstitial material
positioned between a respective beam and beam-to-column connection
to regulate compression forces therebetween.
19. The structural frame of claim 16 wherein each of the plurality
of beams further comprises an end plate formed on an end of the
beam positioned at a respective intersection, the end plate being
spaced apart from the column by a gap therebetween and being
vertically oriented so as to be generally parallel with a
respective column; wherein each of the column and the end plate
includes a plurality of holes formed therethrough, with the
plurality of holes formed in the column being aligned with the
plurality of holes formed in the end plate such that a connection
mechanism is positioned at and through a respective hole to couple
the column to the end plate on the beam.
20. A structural frame for a building comprising: a plurality of
vertically oriented columns configured to provide gravity and
lateral load resisting support to the structural frame; a plurality
of horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns
at a plurality of intersections; a plurality of beam-to-column
connections affixed to the plurality of vertically oriented columns
at the intersections, each of the plurality of beam-to-column
connections being positioned beneath a respective beam at an
intersection such that the beams are positioned on the
beam-to-column connections; a plurality of braces positioned in a
portion of frame bays of the structural frame formed by respective
pairs of columns and beams, each of the plurality of braces
comprising a multi-piece brace having a first brace portion, a
second brace portion, and a third brace portion; and a plurality of
connection mechanisms to couple the plurality of beams to the
plurality of columns and to the plurality of beam-to-column
connections or to couple the first brace portion to the second
brace portion and the second brace portion to the third brace
portion, wherein each of the plurality of connection mechanisms
comprises: a bolt and nut arrangement; and a pair of parallel
plates at right angle to the bolt; and a spring assembly positioned
to one or both outer sides of the plates, or positioned in an
interstitial space between the plates, with the bolt of the bolt
and nut arrangement passing through the plates and spring assembly
with or without pretension applied to the bolt; wherein the spring
assembly comprises one of a plurality of deformable members having
spring-like properties arranged in a parallel stack, a series
stack, or a combination of parallel stacks and series stacks, or a
compressible material with spring-like properties; wherein the
spring assembly is configured to enhance the elastic
characteristics of the structural frame and its response to
transient and non-transient loads; and wherein the discontinuous
elastic zone connection is configured to cause or actively assist
in realignment of the structural frame following a design seismic
or other transient loading event.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of and claims
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/803,386 filed Mar.
14, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its
entirety.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Embodiments of the invention relate generally to structural
framing systems and, more particularly, to structural connection
mechanisms that are included in a structural framing system
(primary, secondary, or other), to provide and allow for
discontinuous elastic behavior of such system(s) for load
conditions where plastic ductile behavior of commonly used beams
and connection mechanisms would otherwise be relied upon. The
discontinuous elastic behavior as described herein is achieved by
constructing one or more of the structural framing system's
connections, e.g., a beam to column connection, in a manner that
comprises a zone in the load path of the connection where the
stress strain behavior is more elastic than the elastic modulus of
the base materials from which the connection is constructed of if
constructed as a rigid connection, would predict.
[0003] In areas prone to seismic loading events, structures such as
buildings and bridges often include seismic force resistive systems
integrated therein. These seismic force resistive systems attempt
to protect the structure and control damage, loss of life and
contents by mitigating the detrimental effects of forces associated
with such loading events, such as by safely enhancing ductility and
damping characteristics of the structure. One response of a
structure to a seismic event is drift of the structure, i.e.,
lateral deflection. The amount of drift experienced by a structure
for a given seismic load is, in part, determined by the stiffness
of the structure, with drift being smaller for stiffer structures
and larger for less stiff structures of equal mass.
[0004] The amount of drift allowed for a structure (i.e., drift
limits) is prescribed by building codes and is dependent upon many
things, generally including the type of forces imposing the drift,
such as: seismic, wind, or other transient loads; building
construction; use of the structure; finishes attached to or
contained inside the structure; etc. Probability of occurrence,
expected magnitude of load, and occupancy are given strong
consideration as well. In structures where relatively large amounts
of drift resulting from seismic events are deemed by building codes
to be acceptable, it is often desirable to take maximum advantage
of such allowance so as to reduce the required strength of the
structure as compared to stiffer structures designed for less
drift. A similar approach may be desirable relative to other
transient loading conditions which result in horizontal or vertical
deflections of structures. In the case of seismic loading, current
codes allow drift that in many circumstances results in flexure of
conventional rigid connections that exceeds the elastic limits of
materials used to construct such conventional connections. To
insure safety, the conventional method of achieving allowable drift
for seismic loads therefore relies on the plastic ductile behavior
of a designated portion of the structural frame whereat the strain
will exceed the elastic limits, in a manner which is safe but
predicted to cause damage to structural components.
[0005] Considerable prevalent existing technology achieves the
allowable amount of drift resulting from seismic events through a
"weak beam-strong column" philosophy where beam components in the
structure exhibit elastic behavior at low levels of seismic
loading, followed by inelastic plastic ductile behavior as seismic
loading increases within the service load range, at a prescribed
location near columns of beams with end moment resistance or at the
intersection of a beam and chevron cross brace between floor
diaphragms. In a weak beam-strong column structure, the columns are
expected to perform in an elastic manner. In the weak beam-strong
column philosophy, it is presumed that seismic events that load
structural components, most notably beams and braces, beyond their
elastic capacity, i.e. plastic inelastic behavior, will result in a
structure that is misaligned, exhibiting deformed structural
members following such an event. It is further presumed that such
misalignment and deformation may be significant enough to render
the building uninhabitable and in some cases unrepairable. That is,
the plastic inelastic behavior of beams experienced at higher
seismic loading may result in a condition where repair is not
practical or economical following seismic events.
[0006] Another drawback to existing weak beam-strong column
technology is that construction of systems employing the philosophy
typically require field welding the connection of beams to columns,
or of beams to beam stubs in the case of columns shop fabricated as
"trees". Beams with large (thick) flanges are often required by the
structural design. Compared to shop fabrication, the limitations of
field welding of these large flanges (e.g., shortcomings of SMAW or
FCAW processes, lack of heat treatment, more variable environmental
conditions, etc.) leaves welds susceptible to flaws which can be
controlled to a higher degree in a shop environment where: a)
additional more advantageous welding processes may be employed; b)
pre- and post-weld heat treatments may be used; c) environmental
conditions that effect weld quality can be controlled; and d)
positioning techniques employed. For example, the field welding of
such flanges often occurs in outdoor job site environments at
remote and elevated areas, with completing of the weld possibly
taking several hours or more in damp, windy, cold conditions, such
that moisture, pre-weld temperature of the weldment, interpass
temperature, and ambient humidity may adversely affect consumables
and the strength of the weld. Post-weld heat treatment of
structural connections in the field, i.e., construction sites, is
impractical and seldom performed, leaving no thorough remedy to
residual stress in and around the weld zone induced by heating and
cooling from the field welding process. Flaws most often associated
with environmental conditions, access, and less than optimal
positioning of the weld joint may also occur more frequently when
field welding the beams to columns compared to shop welding, such
as slag inclusions and lack of fusion which is sometimes found near
the web in the lower flange of the beam where mechanized wire
brushing and grinding is not feasible, visibility of the weld
puddle is impaired, and inadequate overlapping of starts and stops
tend to occur.
[0007] Another prior art mechanism for achieving ductile behavior,
a variation of the strong beam-weak column approach, includes
"fused" connections that take advantage of friction or plastic
deformation or sacrificial components to provide the flexure
necessary for achieving the allowable drift for seismic loading.
That is, fused connections are intended to undergo plastic
deformation, and/or friction modulated movement along faying
surfaces or other (non-elastic) failure during a seismic event,
allowing some form of permanent displacement or deformation of the
connection as a result of a design level seismic event. While such
fused connections may purport to have self-realignment properties,
such self-realignment associated with the fused connections relies
in fact primarily on the response of bracing and columns, and is
achieved without the assistance of the connection.
[0008] Therefore, it would be desirable to provide a structure and
associated seismic force resistive system that extends the elastic
range of structural framing elements such that the allowable drift,
more specifically the inter-story drift, i.e., incremental drift
between adjacent floor levels, for a design seismic event, may be
achieved without plastic deformation of beams, columns, or bracing.
It would further be desirable for such seismic systems to enable
self-realignment of the structure to its pre-seismic event
orientation and save economical realignment in instances where
design loads and allowable drift have been experienced or narrowly
to moderately exceeded. It would be still further desirable for
such seismic systems to make economical use of fabrication
advantages typically associated with controlled factory assembly
and fabrication for critical heavy welds as compared to field
assembly such as positioning, gas metal arc welding, submerged arc
welding, normalizing, heat treatment and stress relief, and provide
for greater use of bolted field connections in lieu of field welded
connections, thereby reducing field man hours per connection and
quality control requirements relative to field welded connections
vs. shop welded connections.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0009] Embodiments of the invention are directed to a structure and
associated seismic force resistive system that extends the elastic
range of structural framing elements.
[0010] In accordance with one aspect of the invention, a structural
frame for a building includes a plurality of first structural
members and a plurality of second structural members coupled to the
plurality of first structural members, with a discontinuous elastic
zone being present at a location where a respective first
structural member is coupled to a respective second structural
member through which a load passes between the first and second
structural members during a loading event. The structural frame
also includes a plurality of discontinuous elastic zone connections
configured to couple the plurality of first structural members to
the plurality of second structural members, with the discontinuous
elastic zone connections configured to enhance the elastic
characteristics of the structural frame and of its response to
transient loads. Each of the plurality of discontinuous elastic
zone connections includes faying surfaces either rigidly connected
to or formed as part of respective first and second structural
members, with the faying surfaces opposing each other and either in
contact with each other or separated by a compression element in an
interstitial space between the opposing faying surfaces. Each of
the plurality of discontinuous elastic zone connections also
includes fastening devices configured to secure a respective first
structural member to a respective second structural member and a
compression element positioned on each fastening device, with the
compression element comprising a singular component or plurality of
deformable components in a stacked arrangement. The compression
element is configured to act in combination with a respective
fastening device so as to regulate movement of the faying surfaces
relative to each other, and thus regulate the behavior of the
discontinuous elastic zone connection resulting from loads applied
by respective first and second structural members on opposing sides
of a respective discontinuous elastic zone.
[0011] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a
structural frame for a building includes a plurality of vertically
oriented columns configured to provide gravity and lateral load
resisting support to the structural frame, a plurality of
horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns at
a plurality of intersections, a plurality of beam-to-column
discontinuous elastic zone connections configured to couple the
plurality of vertically oriented columns to the plurality of
horizontally oriented beams at the plurality of intersections, a
plurality of braces positioned in frame bays designated to resist
drift, and transfer shear to the base, formed by respective pairs
of columns and beams each comprising a multi-piece brace having a
plurality of brace portions, and a plurality of discontinuous
elastic zone connections to couple the plurality of brace portions
to each other, so as to enhance the elastic characteristics of the
structural frame and its response to transient loads on the
structural frame in discontinuous elastic zones through which a
load passes during a loading event. Each of the plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections comprises a plurality of
connection mechanisms and a compression element positioned on each
of the plurality of connection mechanisms and comprising single
component or a plurality of deformable components in a parallel
stack, a series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks and
series stacks, wherein the compression element is configured to
enhance the elastic characteristics of the structural frame and its
response to transient and non-transient loads, and wherein the
compression element is configured to provide elasticity and damping
in the structural frame in response to transient loads and
overloading applied to the structural frame.
[0012] In accordance with still another aspect of the invention, a
structural frame for a building includes a plurality of vertically
oriented columns configured to provide gravity and lateral load
resisting support to the structural frame, a plurality of
horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns at
a plurality of intersections, a plurality of beam-to-column
connections affixed to the plurality of vertically oriented columns
at the intersections and being positioned beneath a respective beam
at an intersection such that the beams are positioned on the
beam-to-column connections as a discontinuous elastic zone
connection, and a plurality of braces positioned in frame bays
designated to resist drift of the structure, and transfer shear to
the base, formed by respective pairs of columns and beams, each of
the plurality of braces comprising a multi-piece brace having a
first brace portion, a second brace portion, and a third brace
portion. The structural frame also includes a plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections to couple the plurality of
beams to the plurality of columns via the plurality of
beam-to-column connections, wherein each of the plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections comprises a bolt and nut
arrangement, a pair of parallel plates at right angle to the bolt,
and a spring assembly positioned to one or both outer sides of the
plates, or positioned in an interstitial space between the plates,
with the bolt of the bolt and nut arrangement passing through the
plates and spring assembly with or without pretension applied to
the bolt. The spring assembly comprises one of a plurality of
deformable members having spring-like properties arranged in a
parallel stack, a series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks
and series stacks, or a compressible material with spring-like
properties, with the spring assembly being configured to enhance
the elastic characteristics of the structural frame and its
response to transient and non-transient loads.
[0013] Various other features and advantages will be made apparent
from the following detailed description and the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The drawings illustrate preferred embodiments presently
contemplated for carrying out the invention.
[0015] In the drawings:
[0016] FIGS. 1-4 are schematic diagrams of portions of various
structural frame configurations, according to embodiments of the
invention.
[0017] FIGS. 5 and 5A are detailed views of an interconnection
location in the structural frame of FIGS. 1-4 and discontinuous
elastic zone connection located thereat, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0018] FIGS. 6-8 are schematic diagrams of a fastening device and
compression element for use in the discontinuous elastic zone
connection of FIGS. 5 and 5A, according to an embodiment of the
invention.
[0019] FIG. 9 is a top view of an interconnection location in the
structural frame of FIGS. 1-4 and the discontinuous elastic zone
connection located thereat, according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0020] FIG. 10 is a top view of an interconnection location in the
structural frame of FIGS. 1-4 and the discontinuous elastic zone
connection located thereat, according to another embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 11 is a detailed perspective view of an interconnection
location in the structural frame of FIGS. 1-4 and discontinuous
elastic zone connection located thereat, according to another
embodiment of the invention.
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram illustrating a shifting of
columns and beams in the structural frame of FIGS. 1-4 undergone
responsive to application of a horizontal load such as but not
limited to seismic or wind, and of a self-righting force applied by
a discontinuous elastic zone connection, according to an embodiment
of the invention.
[0023] FIGS. 13A-13C are schematic diagrams of a structural brace
included in the structural frame of FIGS. 1-4, including
discontinuous elastic zone connections incorporated therein,
according to an embodiment of the invention.
[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram of an adaptation of the
structural brace of FIGS. 13A-13C that forms a damper which may be
positioned in a manner similar to the braces included in the
structural frame of FIGS. 1-4, or as a drag strut.
[0025] FIGS. 15A-15E are schematic diagrams of a structural brace
included in the structural frame of FIGS. 1-4, including
discontinuous elastic zone connections incorporated therein,
according to another embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0026] The operating environment of the invention is described with
respect to a structural element, frame or framing system for a
building or other structures subjected to transient loads, i.e.,
short term loading events including but not limited to seismic,
wind, impact, machine, explosion, impulse, and moving loads.
According to embodiments of the invention, such structural element,
frame, or framing systems can occur and the invention can be
implemented in architectural buildings, bridges, towers, mechanical
process structures and other machine and mechanical designs to
improve their response to various transient and non-transient
loads; and otherwise protect structural frame components and
systems from the adverse effects of overstress. Thus, embodiments
of the invention are meant to encompass a variety of structural
elements, structures and loading events applied thereto.
[0027] Referring to FIGS. 1-4, a structural frame 10 is
schematically illustrated that incorporates embodiments of the
invention. The structural frame 10 includes a plurality of columns
12, beams 14, and braces 20 that are configured to provide load
resisting support to the structural frame 10. The columns 12 and
beams 14 may thus be constructed having a steel I-beam type
construction, for example, or have another suitable construction,
such as being in the form of square/rectangular tube steel, round
tube steel, and/or be formed of another suitable material, such as
wood or concrete, or a combination of two or more of such
materials. The structural frame 10 is anchored, i.e., connected to
the ground, by way of column base plates 16, with the columns 12
and beams 14 in structural frame 10 being joined/coupled together
at a plurality of intersection locations 18 in the structural frame
10. Based on the connection of beams 14 to columns 12 at the
intersection locations 18, the beams 14 are thus positioned to
define a plurality of floors, levels, or truss panels within the
structural frame 10.
[0028] The structural frame 10 also includes braces 20 that are
added to the structural frame 10 between each floor in the
structure, with the braces 20 being arranged between selected pairs
of columns and configured to assist in transferring horizontal
loads collected in floor plates and other members to the anchorage
of the structure, e.g., its foundation. As shown in FIG. 1, and
alternative embodiments including but not limited to depictions in
FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, one or more braces 20 capable of transferring
horizontal loads applied to the frame to column anchorage points 16
of the frame are provided in each frame bay 22 that is defined by a
respective pair of opposing columns 12 and beams 14, with the
braces being connected at intersection locations 18 or at midpoints
21 of beams 14, based on the brace configuration/arrangement.
According to embodiments of the invention, a singular diagonally
oriented brace 20 could be positioned in a frame bay 22, e.g., FIG.
2, or a pair of braces 20, in either an inverted V-shape
arrangement (i.e., Chevron arrangement), e.g., FIG. 3, or an
X-brace arrangement, e.g., FIG. 1, could be positioned in a frame
bay 22. Damper systems such as but not limited to viscous dampers
common to the architectural, engineering, construction industry,
and other general usage may be positioned in line or parallel to
one or more brace(s) 20, or parallel to one or more beam (s) 20
where the bracing is in a chevron configuration. Components of
brace 20 could/may also be configured as depicted in FIG. 14 to
provide damping, as will be explained in greater detail later
herein. The structural frame 10 depicted in FIGS. 1-4 is repeatable
in a common plane with or without braces 20 to form a structural
frame 10 of increased size in two dimensions. Additionally, the
structural frame 10 is repeatable with or without braces 20 in a
plane normal to (or at a lesser angle from) the frame shown in
FIGS. 1-4 so as to form a three-dimensional structural frame, as
will typically be found in building frame systems and other
structural frame systems.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 1-4 the structural frame 10 is designed
and constructed so as to undergo various types of drift in response
to transient loading events, with the drift, i.e., lateral
deflections, identified as 24, in the structural frame 10. The
drift depicted by structural frame 10 is a "mode 1" response where
all lateral deflection occurs in one direction at any given time.
Lateral deflection may also occur in multiple directions at a given
time as is the case with a "mode 2" and higher response. When
structural frames deflect in such multiple directions, a common
response to seismic loading interstory drift--i.e., the drift of
one story relative to the next--may be of equal or greater
significance than the maximum drift of a single point of the
structure. The amount of drift experienced by the structural frame
10 is, in part, determined by the mass of the structure, the
stiffness of the structure, characteristics of the soil to which it
is anchored, and characteristics of the load force(s) acting on
it.
[0030] According to an exemplary embodiment, the structural frame
10 is designed to undergo a relatively large amount of drift and
return to its original orientation without plastic deformation. As
such, structural frame 10 is designed to have a high level of
elasticity with respect to drift. For example, in the case of
seismic loading, the often applied allowable interstory drift in
the range of 1 to 2% of the story height is allowed to occur in a
safe manner without collapse of structural and non-structural
components. The allowable interstory drift is in essence a boundary
used to optimize stiffness, mass, strength and stability of a
structure. Elastic behavior followed by inelastic-plastic behavior
of a weak beam-strong column system and main force resisting system
is often relied upon to safely achieve this allowable drift. In
doing so, maintaining stability of the structure is achieved but
often at the cost of permanent damage to the structure, as the
limit state intended to correspond to design seismic events are
reached or exceeded. The cause of exceeding such elastic limit
state is often the random nature of seismic events. Variability in
construction materials such as the elastic limit of steel, and
assembly of such materials, e.g., welding processes, contribute to
prematurely exceeding the elastic limit state independent of the
random nature of seismic events. Inelastic plastic behavior at
carefully selected locations of beams and braces is relied upon to
relieve stress in other portions of the structure where inelastic
plastic behavior or fracture would cause an unacceptable degree of
instability in the structure. Alternatively, by connecting beams of
ideal strength and stiffness to columns with connections designed
and adjusted to respond elastically prior to reaching the limit
state of the beam's elastic range characterized by additional
flexure in a rotational manner, overload which would initiate
inelastic plastic behavior in such beams and subsequent damage
thereof is avoided. In a similar way, overload in bracing systems
may be controlled by adding connections designed and adjusted to
respond elastically prior to reaching the limit state of the
brace's elastic range characterized by additional flexure in an
axial manner, overload which would initiate inelastic plastic
behavior in such braces and subsequent damage thereof is avoided.
The elastic behavior also provides assistance in restoring the
frame 10 to its pre-seismic event orientation. In this way, a
portion of the extended range of flexure associated with drift,
usually achieved with inelastic plastic behavior, may be achieved
in a more reliable and elastic manner, without damage to frame 10.
Unlike inelastic plastic behavior, elastic behavior provides
self-righting or similar realignment as an additional benefit.
[0031] According to embodiments of the invention, a series of
connection mechanisms/components are provided in the structural
frame 10 at specified locations in order to provide increased
elasticity in the structural frame 10. These connection mechanisms
are termed here below as "discontinuous elastic zone connections"
and are structural connections designed/constructed so as to be
suitable for transient load events and redistribution of
overloading or infrequently encountered load combinations. The
discontinuous elastic zone connections are positioned along the
load path of beams, braces, and struts of the structural frame,
with the discontinuous elastic zones occurring within each
connection at and/or between faying surfaces or similarly
positioned plates or flanges; the discontinuous elastic zone being
further defined as a plane, combination of planes, or other
discrete, mathematically or graphically definable two dimensional
or three dimensional, bounded region through which the load path
between two structural members (e.g., columns, beams, components of
a brace, etc.) passes, with or without a medium or interstitial
material between such faying surfaces, where the structure will
under elevated loading conditions behave elastically without
proportionate corresponding deformation of the faying surfaces or
members they are attached to. The discontinuous elastic zone
connection characteristically provides an increased level of
elastic behavior along or within or between such faying or similar
mating surfaces of the discontinuous elastic zone connection as
compared to the remaining portion of the discontinuous elastic zone
connection and structural member material on either side of the
discontinuous elastic zone connection and, as compared to the
condition where such faying or similar mating surfaces are rigidly
welded or bolted to each other in a common manner where the
elasticity of the connection is essentially the same as the members
which they attach. Thus, as compared to such "rigid" connections
(i.e., fully restrained or full moment connections, wherein
rotation of a beam is restrained relative to a column at the point
of connection to the column, and plastic behavior of the beam is
relied upon, for example), the discontinuous elastic zone
connection beneficially provides an increased level of elastic
behavior to structural frame members and systems.
[0032] In general, each discontinuous elastic zone connection
includes one or more of a fastening device, compression element(s),
a shear restraint, and stabilizing elements. The fastening device
includes fasteners (e.g., bolts, screws, rivets, rods, cables) that
connect structural members of the frame on opposite sides of a
discontinuous elastic zone. The compression element is a
spring-like component that acts in combination with the fastening
device to regulate the behavior of the connection resulting from
forces applied by structural members on opposing sides of the
discontinuous elastic zone. The shear restraint acts as a means of
transferring or restraining shear between opposing sides of the
discontinuous elastic zone and as a reaction point for the force
provided by the fastening device and compression elements. The
stabilizing elements maintain alignment of connected components and
act as a means of transferring or restraining shear transverse to
the beam or brace and accomplish one or more of the following
functions: stabilizing the discontinuous elastic zone connection,
preventing misalignment, and/or preventing application of shear
forces to the fastening device, or limiting or controlling shear
forces applied to the fastening device.
[0033] With particular regard to the compression elements, it is
envisioned that the compression element(s) may be comprised of one
or more of a variety of materials such as but not limited to
metals, plastics, rubber, etc. Additionally, the shape of such
compression elements may be one, a plurality, or a combination of
shapes, including conical, cylindrical, helical, spiral, flat
sheet, solid block, sleeve, etc. When placed as an interstitial
element within the discontinuous elastic zone, or other position
that controls or regulates the discontinuous elastic zone, a
compression element can cause, contribute, and/or assist in
achieving the desired elasticity of the subject connection, be it
associated with a beam, column, brace, drag strut, shear
wall/diaphragm component, or other tension or compression element
of a structure or support system.
[0034] According to one embodiment, and as explained in greater
detail below, a discontinuous elastic zone connection can be
implemented for a beam 14 and column 12 (FIGS. 1-4) moment
connection. In such a connection, fasteners/bolts working in
combination with compression elements span the discontinuous
elastic zone to provide clamping forces in a manner later described
herein, that allows the connection to behave as a rigid connection
until a predetermined load on the connection is reached, at which
point angular separation between faying surfaces occurs in an
elastic manner such that the faying surfaces will realign
themselves and again cause the connection to behave as a rigid
connection when the load applied to the connection falls below the
predetermined load. The predetermined load is directly related to
the geometry of the connection compression element characteristics
and preload applied to the compression elements by fastening
devices. When this separation occurs in the angular manner
described, or in a parallel manner as is the case for some
embodiments such as braces and struts described later herein, the
region or zone which expands and contracts provides a discontinuity
in the elastic behavior of the connection and structural system
compared to the condition where the connection was rigidly
connected, e.g., a welded or bolted full moment connection with no
compression element or other spring mechanism. The predetermined
load and characteristics of the discontinuity can be selected and
manipulated to satisfy the requirement of providing minimal
deflection under daily service loads in the case of frame
structures, or static loads in the case of machines; and elastic
behavior with potential for damping when subjected to overloads,
transient loads, and less frequent or rare dynamic loads. In the
case of frame structures, horizontal loads below such predetermined
load cause deflection, i.e., drift 24, to occur according to the
elastic behavior of beam, column and brace members of the
structural frame 10 with the connections between column 12 and beam
14 behaving as rigid, semi rigid, or partially restrained
connections. Additional load beyond the predetermined load will
cause drift 24 to increase according to the elastic behavior of the
beams, columns braces and the discontinuous elastic zone
connections. In one embodiment, the column to beam moment
connection, components bounding the discontinuous elastic zone,
e.g., faying surfaces, or plates within the connection together
with shear restraint and stabilizing elements are configured to
allow hinge action between the beam and column which is regulated
by the fastening devices and compression elements.
[0035] According to another embodiment previously introduced, and
as explained in greater detail below in FIGS. 13 and 15,
discontinuous elastic zone connections can be implemented for a
column, brace (e.g., brace 20) or drag strut, acting in
compression, tension or both. For this embodiment, two
discontinuous elastic zone connections are employed: one with a
compressive element located within the discontinuous elastic zone;
and one with the compressive element located outside the
discontinuous elastic zone. In such a brace, the connection having
the compressive element located within the discontinuous elastic
zone contracts when the brace is loaded in compression beyond the
preload force applied by its connection devices. By contrast, when
the brace is subject to tension, the connection having the
compressive element located outside the discontinuous elastic zone
expands when the brace is loaded beyond the preload force applied
by its fastening devices. By reducing the brace of FIGS. 13 and 15
to a single discontinuous elastic zone connection where the
compressive element is located within the discontinuous elastic
zone, and adding additional compressive elements opposite one of
the flanges bounding that discontinuous elastic zone, a brace or
drag strut with characteristics akin to an oscillating spring may
be constructed, as shown in FIG. 14.
[0036] Referring now to FIGS. 5 and 5A, an intersection location 18
of a column 12 and beams 14 (with or without a brace 20) in
structural frame 10 is shown in greater detail, with a
discontinuous elastic zone connection being implemented at location
18 and in what a discontinuous elastic zone 53, according to an
embodiment of the invention. As shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, each of
column 12 and beams 14 is in the form of a steel "wide flange beam"
similar to an "I-beam" type section having desired dimensions. Each
beam 14 includes a top flange 26 and a bottom flange 28 joined
together by a web 30 and, similarly, column 12 includes a pair of
flanges 32 joined by a web 34. As shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, the
beams 14 are aligned with column 12 along a strong orientation 36,
with an end of each beam 14 being positioned adjacent a flange 32
of column 12. While shown as positioned along the strong
orientation 36 of column 12, it is also recognized that beams 14
may be aligned with column 12 along its weak orientation 38 that is
perpendicular to its strong orientation 36, as explained in greater
detail below and with FIG. 9. At the intersection location 18,
beam-to-column connections 40 are joined to the column 12 and to
beams 14. According to one embodiment, the beam-to-column
connections 40 include short lengths of beam "stubs" that are
welded to column 12 in a manner similar to a haunch, although it is
recognized that other forms or configurations of haunches, corbels,
seated connection bearing surfaces, or brackets could be used for
securing the column 12 to beams 14. According to one embodiment,
the column 12 is shop fabricated as a "tree" with the beam stubs 40
formed thereon in the shop, such that no welding of the stubs 40 to
the column 12 need be performed in the field. The beam stubs 40
have a similar construction to beams 14, having a wide flange beam
construction with a top flange 42 and a bottom flange 44 joined
together by a web 46 and other additional web stiffeners doublers,
and or end plates as necessary to meet load requirements and
provide attachment for bracing. Each beam 14 is positioned on top
of a respective beam stub 40 near the intersection location 18 and
is spaced apart from column 12 with a shear restraint block 48
affixed (e.g., welded) to the beam stub 40 and column 12, and with
the shear restraint block 48 functioning to space the column 12
from the beam 14 by a specified distance/gap 50 that allows for
rotation/tilting of the beam 14 during a loading event, as will be
explained further below. According to one embodiment, a shear
restraint block 49 is also affixed (e.g., welded) to the beam 14
adjacent the end of beam stub 40 and is used to provide shear
restraint in a manner analogous to shear restraint block 48, or
otherwise serve to maintain the distance/gap 50.
[0037] As shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, for each beam 14, a plurality of
bolt holes 52 are formed on the bottom flange 28 on each side of
the web 30, and the beam 14 is positioned on beam stub 40 such that
the bolt holes 52 formed in bottom flange 28 are aligned with bolt
holes 52 formed on top flange 42 of the beam stub 40. While two
bolt holes 52 are shown as being formed on bottom flange 28 of beam
14 on each side of web 30, along with two bolt holes 52 being
formed on top flange 42 of beam stub 40 on each side of beam stub
web 46, it is recognized that a greater number of bolt holes 52
could be formed in the respective bottom and top flanges of the
beam and beam stub 40 (e.g., four or more bolt holes). A series of
connection mechanisms/components that collectively form a
discontinuous elastic zone connection, generally indicated as 54 in
FIGS. 5 AND 5A, are also provided in the structural frame 10 at
specified locations, i.e., at discontinuous elastic zones occurring
within each connection at and/or between faying surfaces or
similarly positioned plates or flanges. The discontinuous elastic
zone connection 54 is designed/constructed so as to be suitable for
transient load events and infrequently encountered load
combinations and provide an increased level of elastic behavior
along or within or between such faying or similar mating surfaces
of the discontinuous elastic zone connection 54 as compared to the
remaining portion of the discontinuous elastic zone connection and
structural member material on either side of the discontinuous
elastic zone connection 54 and, as compared to the condition where
such faying or similar mating surfaces are rigidly welded or bolted
to each other in a common manner where the elasticity of the
connection is essentially the same as the members which they
attach, thus beneficially providing an increased level of elastic
behavior to structural frame members and systems.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 6, and with continued reference to
FIGS. 5 AND 5A, a fastening device-compression element assembly for
coupling faying surfaces without a compression element in the
interstitial space of the discontinuous elastic zone, e.g., between
the faying surfaces of beams 14 to beam stubs 40, is shown in
greater detail, for use as part of a discontinuous elastic zone
connection 54. The fastening device 56 is positioned so as to
extend through bolt holes 52 formed in beam 14 and beam stub 40, to
join the beam 14 to the beam stub 40. According to the embodiment
of FIG. 6, the fastening device 56 is in the form of a bolt,
although it is recognized that other types of fasteners could be
used, such as screws or rivets, for example. The bolt 56 includes a
nut 58 positioned thereon on an end opposite the head 60 of the
bolt 56 to provide for securing of beam 14 to beam stub 40. The
requirement for plate washers 62, and similarly flat washers, and
wedge washers, is to be determined by pattern and practice
standards applicable for materials used, bolt hole configuration,
loads, and requirements of remaining elements in the discontinuous
elastic zone connection 54.
[0039] Referring now to FIG. 7, with continued reference to FIGS.
5, 5A and 6, and also with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14, a
compression element 64 (i.e., spring assembly) is shown positioned
on bolt 56 between bolt head 60 and nut 58 on the side of 28 and/or
42 opposite the faying surface between them 102 that is configured
to provide elasticity to regulate movement between faying surfaces
103 on either side of the discontinuous elastic zone of connection
54. According to an exemplary embodiment, the compression element
64 is composed of a plurality of deformable, replaceable components
66 in a stacked arrangement, such as or similar to stack 68.
According to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, the
deformable, replaceable components 66 of compression element 64 are
Belleville washers 66 (i.e., coned-disc springs, conical spring
washers) having a frusto-conical shape that gives the washer a
spring characteristic. The Belleville washers 66 can be formed of
any number of suitable materials and be designed to have a desired
thickness and diameter, with the exact construction/configuration
of the washers 66 being designed to meet the requirements of the
structural frame 10 and based on the anticipated loads that the
frame will be subjected to. Thus, a fastening device-compression
element assembly for coupling faying surfaces without a compression
element in the interstitial space of the discontinuous elastic
zone, as described and depicted in FIG. 6 provides discontinuous
elastic behavior where forces act to move faying surfaces 103 away
from each other, i.e., a tension condition. In contrast, the
assembly shown in FIG. 6 may be modified by locating compression
element 64 between faying surfaces 103, as an interstitial element
as depicted in FIG. 7, thus providing discontinuous elastic
behavior where forces act to move faying surfaces 103 toward each
other, i.e., a compression condition. Utilization of the assemblies
as depicted in FIGS. 6 and 7, in brace 20 (as further described in
FIGS. 13 and 15) will--with appropriate pretension applied via bolt
and nut assembly 60 and 58--provide discontinuous elastic behavior
for both a compression and tension condition. The combination of
the fastening device depicted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7 in the manner
depicted in FIG. 8 and FIG. 14, will provide discontinuous elastic
behavior in an oscillating manner where a tension condition and a
compression condition are alternately applied to structural element
positioned within, and attached to, a structural frame for the
primary purpose of providing damping.
[0040] In addition to the construction of each Belleville washer 66
(i.e., materials, thickness, diameter) being selected, the
arrangement and orientation (e.g., 67, 69 or a combination, or a
variation of 67 and/or 69) of the washers 66 in the washer stack 68
that forms compression element 64 can also be selected and
controlled. That is, the arrangement and orientation of the
Belleville washers 66 in the stack 68 may be controlled in order to
modify the spring constant or amount of deflection provided by
compression element 64, and where desirable, allow for varying the
spring constant with deflection. Stacking in the same direction
will add the spring constant in parallel, creating a stiffer
compression element 64 (with the same deflection). Stacking in an
alternating direction is the same as adding springs in series,
resulting in a lower spring constant and greater deflection. Mixing
and matching the orientations/directions of the Belleville washers
66 thus allows each of the compression elements 64 of discontinuous
elastic zone connection 54 to be designed to have a single or
variable spring constant(s) and deflection capacity which will in
turn allow frame 10 to be designed with a highly diverse range of
drift and deflection characteristics.
[0041] In a parallel stack, hysteresis (load losses) will occur due
to friction between the washers 66. The hysteresis losses can be
advantageous because of the added damping and dissipation of
vibration energy. This loss due to friction can be calculated using
hysteresis methods. Ideally, no more than four washers 66 should be
placed in parallel, i.e. 69. If a greater load is required, then
the factor of safety must be increased in order to compensate for
loss of load due to friction. Friction loss is not as much of an
issue in series stacks 67. In a series stack 67 of washers 66, the
deflection is not exactly proportional to the number of washers.
This is because of a bottoming out effect when the washers 66 is
series 67 are compressed to flat. The contact surface area
increases once the washer 66 is deflected beyond 95%. This
decreases the moment arm and the washers 66 in series 67 will offer
a greater spring resistance. Hysteresis can be used to calculate
predicted deflections in a series stack 67.
[0042] The inclusion of a single Belleville washer 66 or a
plurality of Belleville washers in compression element 64 thus
beneficially provides for designing a compression element 64 to
have a desired specific or variable spring constant and deflection
capacity and to provide a connection with the desired elasticity,
with such properties being easily adjustable by changing the
construction and configuration of the washers 66 in compression
element 64. Different sized washers 66 can be swapped in and out of
the washer stack 68 and the washers 66 can be configured/arranged
differently e.g., series 67, parallel 69, or variations thereof, to
form a washer stack 68 or variation thereof, to achieve essentially
infinite tunability of spring rate while requiring only a limited
number of washer types and sizes. The spring rate of a stack 68 of
identical Belleville washers 66, designed to provide a single
spring constant, can be quickly approximated, counting from one end
of the stack 68 and grouping by the number of adjacent washers 66
in parallel 69. The total spring coefficient of the compression
element 64 is set forth as:
K = k i = 1 g 1 n i , [ Eqn . 1 ] ##EQU00001##
where n.sub.i the number of washers 66 in the i th group, g is the
number of groups, and k is the spring constant of one washer 66.
Arrangements of Belleville washers resulting in multiple spring
constants may be devised to customize the flexural characteristics
of a connection and the frame utilizing it.
[0043] Referring again back to FIGS. 5 AND 5A, the discontinuous
elastic zone connection 54 also is configured to provide for
coupling of beams 14 to columns 12. To provide for use of the
discontinuous elastic zone connection 54 in coupling beams 14 to
columns 12, an end plate 70 is affixed (e.g., welded) to the end of
each beam 14, so as to form a surface parallel to flange 32 on
column 12 or a plate spanning the column flanges 32. The end plates
70 each include a plurality of bolt holes 52 formed therein. In the
embodiment shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, four bolt holes 52 are formed
in each end plate 70, with a pair of vertically aligned bolt holes
52 being generally positioned on opposing sides of web 30 of beam
14, although it is recognized that a greater number of bolt holes
52 could be provided. The bolt holes 52 formed in end plate 70
correspond to a matching number of bolt holes 52 formed in flange
32 of column 12. The bolt holes 52 formed in end plate 70 being are
aligned with the bolt holes 52 formed in the column flange 32.
[0044] The fastening devices and compression elements, e.g. bolts,
nuts and Belleville washers, of discontinuous elastic zone
connection 54 that couple beams 14 to columns 12 may be of similar
construction to the components provided for coupling the beams 14
and beam stubs 40 except that the compression element, e.g.,
Belleville washers, are used as an interstitial element, i.e., FIG.
7, in addition to a non-interstitial element, i.e., FIG. 6. Thus,
fastening devices 56 and compression elements 64 having a
construction as shown in FIG. 8 are provided and are configured to
provide damping in the structural frame 10, or isolation of a
non-structural component from the structural frame 10. The exact
construction of fastening devices 56 and compression elements 64
for coupling the beams 14 and column 12 can be varied, with the
construction of each Belleville washer 66 (i.e., materials,
thickness, diameter) included in each compression element 64 being
selected, as well as the arrangement and orientation of the washers
66 (series 67 vs. parallel 69) in the washer stack 68 that forms
each compression elements 64.
[0045] As shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A, according to one embodiment of
the invention, a stack of Belleville washers 68 is positioned in
the gap 50 between the end plate 70 and the flange 32 of column 12
and forms a compression element within the interstitial space of
the discontinuous elastic zone connection 54. According to an
exemplary embodiment, the fastening devices 56 (i.e., bolts) that
couple the beam 14 to the column 12 are thru-bolted from the end
plate 70 to the column flange 32, through the Belleville washers
72.
[0046] While the intersection location 18 shown in FIGS. 5 AND 5A
illustrates the coupling of the beams 14 with column 12 along a
strong orientation 36 (i.e., with an end of each beam being
positioned adjacent a flange of column), it is recognized that
beams 14 may be aligned with column 12 along a weak orientation 38
that is perpendicular to strong orientation 36. According to one
embodiment of the invention, and as shown in FIG. 9, when beams 14
are coupled to column 12 along the weak orientation 38, a plate 74
is welded to column 12 to provide for coupling of beam stubs 40 and
beam 14 thereto. When beam 14 is coupled to column 12 by way of the
fastening devices 56 (i.e., bolts) and compression elements 64
(i.e., stacks of Belleville washers 66), bolt holes 52 are formed
in plate 74 on column 12 that correspond to the end plate 70
affixed to beam 14. The fastening devices 56 that couple the beam
14 to the column 12 are thru-bolted from the end plate 70 to the
plate 74 on column 12 and, according to one embodiment, also extend
through Belleville washers or other compression elements,
positioned in the gap 50 between beam 14 and column 12. It is also
envisioned that, when coupling beam 14 to column 12 along the weak
orientation 38, fastening devices 56 may be secured to the web 34
of column 12 rather than a separate plate 74 that is affixed to the
column 12. In such an embodiment, the fastening devices 56 would
extend from the end plate 70 on beam 14 to the web 34 of column 12.
Web stiffeners or doublers may be added to web 34 as load
conditions require. In another embodiment, the fastening devices 56
would extend from the end plate 70 on beam 14 through the web 34 of
column 12 to end plate 70 on beam 14 on the opposite side of column
12.
[0047] Referring now to FIG. 10, coupling of wide flange beams 14
to a square tube steel column 75 along each of a strong orientation
36 and weak orientation 38 is shown, according to another
embodiment of the invention. While tube steel column 75 is shown as
having a square construction, where the column orientation is equal
in both directions it is recognized that the column 75 could
instead have a circular construction, rectangular construction, or
other construction, with or without a strong vs. weak orientation
according to additional embodiments of the invention. For
accommodating coupling of beams 14 to tube column 75 along each of
strong orientation and weak orientation 38 as part of the
discontinuous elastic zone connection 54, bolt holes 52 are formed
in walls 76 of the column 75 that correspond to the end plate 70
affixed to each beam 14. According to one embodiment, the fastening
devices/bolts 56 that couple the beams 14 to the column 75 are
thru-bolted from the end plate 70, through opposing walls 76 of
tube column 75, and through end plate 70 on beam 14 on the opposite
side of column 75, with a compression element 64 (comprised of a
plurality of Belleville washers 66) being placed on each bolt
56.
[0048] Another embodiment of the invention is provided in FIG. 11,
wherein the discontinuous elastic zone connection 54 includes an
interstitial material 77 positioned between a beam 14 and a
supporting beam stub 40 (or haunch or corbel, alternatively). The
interstitial material 77 may serve as a compression element in lieu
of, or in addition to, the compression element 64 that includes
Belleville washers 66.
[0049] Beneficially, the use of discontinuous elastic zone
connections 54 at intersection locations 18 for coupling beams 14
and columns 12 provides a "strong beam-strong column" construction
in structural frame 10 that does not rely upon inelastic
deformation of structural members, e.g., beams and braces, as
opposed to the typical "weak beam-strong column" construction in
which beams with coped flanges acting as "fuses" are prone to, (and
expected during their design life in a statistically significant
number of instances) undergo inelastic plastic deformation that
renders the beam unrepairable.
[0050] By implementing discontinuous elastic zone connections 54,
greater use of bolted field connections is provided in lieu of
welded connections, thereby reducing field man hours per
column-beam connection and negating/replacing strict quality
control requirements relative to field welded connections. To the
extent that welds are still employed at connection locations 18,
such as the welding of beam stubs 40 to columns 12, such welds can
be performed using factory, i.e., shop assembly, and fabrication
processes and procedures such that the fabrication advantages
(compared to field welding) typically associated with controlled
factory assembly and fabrication (e.g., gas metal arc welding,
submerged arc welding, normalizing, heat treatment, stress relief,
etc.), can be enjoyed. The discontinuous elastic zone connections
54 also beneficially allow for tuning of the structural frame 10
for changing uses and their loadings throughout the life of the
structure, as the specific construction of the discontinuous
elastic zone connection 54 can be altered via the substituting,
switching or addition of specific components e.g. bolts and
Belleville washers thereof.
[0051] In addition to the benefits set forth above that are
achievable by implementing of discontinuous elastic zone connection
54 in a structural frame 10, an additional benefit provided by the
discontinuous elastic zone connections 54 is the self-righting
feature incorporated therein. As shown in FIG. 12, the orientation
of a beam stub 40 and beam 14 in structural frame 10 may be changed
upon application of a transient load or other load in excess of a
prescribed limit to the structural frame 10. The prescribed limit
is presumed to be the load corresponding with the deflection/drift
of structural frame 10 deemed acceptable absent the transient load
criteria e.g. seismic conditions, with the underlying premise that
behavior unique to the discontinuous elastic zone connection 54,
e.g., angular separation of the faying surfaces, be reserved for
relatively rare cases of predictable extreme loading. Despite this
premise, situations may exist where it is desirable to allow
angular separation of the faying surfaces, or parallel separation
of the faying surfaces in the case of other embodiments, in
response to more regular or non-transient loading conditions. It is
intended that both transient and non-transient situations fall
within the scope of this invention.
[0052] In the case of FIG. 12, the load is in the horizontal
direction. Drift in the direction of the load, i.e. away from the
load, beyond the prescribed limit is depicted. This drift of the
columns 12, beam stub 40 and beams 14, and angular separation of
beam stub 40 and beam 14, is counteracted by a spring force
generated by the compression element 64 (FIGS. 6-8) in
discontinuous elastic zone connection 54. That is, the
discontinuous elastic zone connection 54 applies a self-righting
force, indicated as 78, to the plurality of columns 12 and beams
14, such that the structural frame 10, absent the behavior of non
frame materials connected to the frame, returns to its original
(e.g. pre-seismic load event) orientation (e.g. beams 14
horizontal, and columns 12 vertical) when the transient load and
other horizontal loads are removed. This is in contrast to common
weak beam-strong column designs where beams undergo permanent
deformation beyond the prescribed limit and prohibit part or all of
the structure from returning to its original orientation, i.e.,
pre-seismic event.
[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 13A-13C, and with reference back to
FIGS. 1-4, the braces 20 included in structural frame 10 are shown
in detail according to an embodiment of the invention. The brace 20
is constructed to have a multi-piece construction that includes an
outer sleeve 80 and an inner sleeve 82, and a second inner sleeve
91 (i.e., first brace portion 80, second brace portion 82, and a
third brace portion 91), with the inner sleeves 82 and 91 at least
partially nested or positioned within the outer sleeve 80. Each of
the inner sleeves 82, 91 includes an end 84 configured to mate with
a column/beam 12, 14 at an intersection location 18, if the brace
20 is used alone in a diagonal orientation (FIG. 2), or as a cross
brace (FIG. 1), or at an approximate midpoint 21 of a beam 14 when
the braces 20 form a chevron bracing (FIG. 3), or at one of these
or another connection point when used as a drag strut. To connect
the braces 20 to the intersection location 18 and/or midpoint 21, a
plurality of plates, gussets, or other attachment points (not
shown) are used that are located over, under, or near the
beam-column intersection 18 or other location on the column or
beam. A single plate or pair of plates may be used for providing
the connection.
[0054] As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, the brace 20 includes a
discontinuous elastic zone 85 where the outer sleeve 80 is joined
to inner sleeve 91, with the discontinuous elastic zone 85 having
interstitial elements. In joining the sleeves 80, 91, a connection
is made in the discontinuous elastic zone 85 using flanges 95, 96,
compression elements (e.g., Belleville washers, configured for
compression 99) and, where necessary to assure stability of
fastening device 56, one or more lateral support rings 97. The
distance between flanges 95, 96 contracts when brace 20 is loaded
in compression. The distance between flanges 95, 96 remains
constant when brace 20 is loaded in tension.
[0055] The brace 20 also includes a discontinuous elastic zone 93
where the outer sleeve 80 is joined to inner sleeve 82, with the
discontinuous elastic zone 93 having no interstitial element. In
joining the sleeves 80, 82, a connection is made in the
discontinuous elastic zone 93 using flanges 86, 90 and associated
fastening devices and compression elements (e.g., Belleville
washers configured for tension 98 applied to brace 20). The
distance between flanges 86, 90 remains constant when brace 20 is
loaded in compression. The distance between flanges 86, 90 expands
when brace 20 is loaded in tension.
[0056] As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, outer sleeve 80 includes flanges
86, 95 formed thereon at or near the ends of the outer sleeve 80
where it receives the inner sleeves 82, 91. The flanges 86, 95 on
outer sleeve 80 extends outwardly from a main body 88 of the outer
sleeve 80, such that the flanges 86, 95 have a greater diameter
than the outer sleeve 80. The inner sleeves 82, 91 include similar
flanges 96, 90 formed thereon, that is, positioned on main bodies
92, 94 of the inner sleeves 82, 91 at a location between ends 84
and flange 86, 95, parallel to flanges 86, 95. The flange 90, 96 on
inner sleeve 82, 91 extends outwardly from the main body 92, 94
thereof, such that the flanges 90, 96 have a greater diameter than
the inner sleeve 82, 91. According to an exemplary embodiment of
the invention, a diameter of the flange 86, 95 on the outer sleeve
80 is equal to the diameter of the flange 90, 96 on the inner
sleeve 82, 91, such that the flanges 86, 90, and 95, 96 align with
one another.
[0057] Each of flanges 86, 90 on the outer sleeve 80 and inner
sleeve 82, 91 include a plurality of bolt holes 52 formed therein,
with fastening devices 56 (e.g., bolts) being positioned within
bolt holes 52 of the flanges 86, 90, and 95, 96 to couple the outer
sleeve 80 and inner sleeves 82, 91, so as to form the brace 20.
According to embodiments of the invention, the number of bolt holes
52 formed in flanges 86, 90 can vary, with the number of bolt holes
52 formed in flanges 86, 90 being based on the requirements of the
structural frame 10 and based on the anticipated loads that the
structural frame 10 will be subjected to. Thus, anywhere from two
to eight (or more) bolt holes 52 and corresponding fastening
devices 56, or more, may be provided through flanges 86, 90, and
95, 96 to couple the outer sleeve 80 to inner sleeves 82, 91.
[0058] Regarding the construction of a discontinuous elastic zone
connection 100 used to couple the outer sleeve 80 and inner sleeve
82, a number of fastening devices 56 and compression elements 64
configured for responding to tension 98 of brace 20 are included in
discontinuous elastic zone connection 100, with an embodiment of
such a fastening device-compression element being provided in FIGS.
13A-13C. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, and with reference back to FIG.
6, a plurality of bolts 56 is positioned so as to extend through
bolt holes 52 formed in flanges 86, 90 with a nut 58 positioned on
each bolt 56 on an end opposite the head 60 of the bolt 56, to
provide for coupling flanges 86, 90 of the outer and inner sleeves
80, 82. Positioned on each bolt 56 between the flange on the outer
sleeve 86 and nut 58 is compression element 98, which is composed
of a plurality of deformable, replaceable components 66 in a
stacked arrangement 68 with the exact number and orientation (i.e.,
series vs. parallel) of components 66 varying according to
requirements of the structure.
[0059] Now regarding the construction of a discontinuous elastic
zone connection 101 used to couple the outer sleeve 80 and inner
sleeve 91, a number of fastening devices 56 and compression
elements 64 configured for responding to compression 99 of brace 20
are included in discontinuous elastic zone connection 101, with an
embodiment of such a fastening device-compression element being
provided in FIGS. 13A-13C. As shown in FIGS. 13A-13C, and with
reference back to FIG. 7, a plurality of bolts 56 is positioned so
as to extend through bolt holes 52 formed in flanges 95, 96, with a
nut 58 positioned on each bolt 56 on an end opposite the head 60 of
the bolt 56, to provide for coupling flanges 95, 96 of the outer
and inner sleeves 80, 91. Positioned on each bolt 56 between the
flange on the inner sleeve 96, and the flange on the outer sleeve
95 is compression element 99, which is composed of a plurality of
deformable, replaceable components 66 in a stacked arrangement 68
with the exact number and orientation (i.e., series vs. parallel)
of components 66 varying according to requirements of the
structure.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 14, a brace 20 for use structural
frame 10 is shown in detail according to another embodiment of the
invention, in which it is desired for the brace 20 to act as an
oscillating spring and provide damping to the frame. The brace 20
is constructed to have a two-piece construction that includes an
outer sleeve 110 and an inner sleeve 112, with the inner sleeve 112
at least partially nested or positioned within the outer sleeve
110. Each of the inner and outer sleeves 112, 110 includes an end
114 configured to mate with a column/beam 12, 14 at an intersection
location 18 (FIG. 4), if the brace 20 is used alone in a diagonal
orientation, or at a beam midpoint 21 when the brace 20 forms a
chevron cross bracing.
[0061] As shown in FIG. 14, with reference back to FIG. 8, a
discontinuous elastic zone connection 116 couples the outer sleeve
110 and inner sleeve 112, with fastening devices 118 and
compression elements 120 being positioned relative to flanges 122,
124 formed on the outer sleeve 110 and the inner sleeve 112. Each
of flanges 122, 124 on the outer sleeve 110 and inner sleeve 112
include a plurality of bolt holes 126 formed therein, with the
fastening devices 118 (e.g., bolts) being positioned within bolt
holes 126 of the flanges 122, 124 to couple the outer sleeve 110
and inner sleeve 112, so as to form the brace 20. The compression
elements 120 are positioned between the flanges 122, 124 of the
inner and outer sleeves 110, 112 within a discontinuous elastic
zone 128, and on one or both sides of the flanges 122, 124 of the
inner and outer sleeves 110, 112 outside the discontinuous elastic
zone 128, but stacked on the same fastening device 118 spanning the
discontinuous elastic zone, so as to form an oscillating spring
mechanism which behaves elastically as a mechanical damper for a
design load.
[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 15A-15E, with reference back to FIGS.
13A-13C, a brace 20 for use structural frame 10 is shown in detail
according to another embodiment of the invention, when braces 20
are arranged within a frame bay 22 in a cross-brace arrangement
(such as in FIGS. 1 and 4). The pair of braces may lie in separate
non intersecting planes with one or both such planes not
intersecting the centroidal axis of one or both columns to either
side of the frame bay. The pair of braces may also lie in the same
plane, where such plane may or may not contain the centroidal axis
of the columns to either side of the frame bay. To enable the cross
braces to occupy the same plane, a hole or similar opening, i.e., a
pass-through 129, where one brace 130 may pass-through the other
131 is provided. FIG. 15 depicts this pass through.
[0063] Embodiments of the invention thus provide discontinuous
elastic zone connections, 100, 101, and 116 for constructing a
structural brace 20, and a structural damping device in the case of
116; that extends the elastic range of structural framing elements
and framing systems, with or without discontinuous elastic zone
connections at beam-to-column intersections, for the purpose of
(including but not limited to) achieving the allowable inter-story
drift associated with a design seismic service load without plastic
deformation of beams 14, columns 12, or braces 20. The
discontinuous elastic zone connections 54, 100, 101, 116 provide a
bias toward self-realignment of the structure subjected to a design
service load, such as a seismic event of a given magnitude and
characteristic, to its pre-service load (e.g., pre-seismic event)
orientation and save economical realignment in instances where
design loads and allowable drift are reached or narrowly exceeded.
The specific construction of the discontinuous elastic zone
connections 54, 100, 101, 116 can be altered via the substituting
or switching of specific components thereof, so as to allow for
tuning of the structural frame 10 for changing uses and their
loadings throughout the life of the structure.
[0064] While discussion in the above described embodiments is
weighted toward use of Belleville washers as a compression element,
it is recognized that other suitable devices could be used as the
compression element in or adjacent to the discontinuous elastic
zone connections of the present invention. That is, while
Belleville washers are emphasized because of their ubiquitous
nature, and documented characteristics, which lend well to
feasibility of achieving the design concept and its construction
with readily available components, it is recognized that the
substitution of other compression elements instead of the
Belleville washers, having similar spring properties, or different
spring like properties is considered to be within the scope of the
invention. Additionally, while discussion in the above described
embodiments use structural steel connections in the context of
building and bridge framing systems subjected to transient loads
e.g. seismic loads, to convey the concepts of the invention, it is
recognized that the same principals are easily adaptable to other
structures constructed of other metals, concrete and wood, and
composite framing systems, with the discontinuous elastic zone
connections of the present invention providing similar benefits and
advantages when used with such materials instead of steel.
[0065] Therefore, according to one embodiment of the invention, a
structural frame for a building includes a plurality of first
structural members and a plurality of second structural members
coupled to the plurality of first structural members, with a
discontinuous elastic zone being present at a location where a
respective first structural member is coupled to a respective
second structural member through which a load passes between the
first and second structural members during a loading event. The
structural frame also includes a plurality of discontinuous elastic
zone connections configured to couple the plurality of first
structural members to the plurality of second structural members,
with the discontinuous elastic zone connections configured to
provide elasticity and damping in response to transient loads
applied to the structural frame. Each of the plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections includes faying surfaces
either rigidly connected to or formed as part of respective first
and second structural members, with the faying surfaces opposing
each other and either in contact with each other or separated by a
compression element in an interstitial space between the opposing
faying surfaces. Each of the plurality of discontinuous elastic
zone connections also includes fastening devices configured to
secure a respective first structural member to a respective second
structural member and a compression element positioned on each
fastening device, with the compression element comprising a
singular component or plurality of deformable components in a
stacked arrangement. The compression element is configured to act
in combination with a respective fastening device so as to regulate
movement of the faying surfaces relative to each other, and thus
regulate the behavior of the discontinuous elastic zone connection
resulting from loads applied by respective first and second
structural members on opposing sides of a respective discontinuous
elastic zone.
[0066] According to another embodiment of the invention, a
structural frame for a building includes a plurality of vertically
oriented columns configured to provide gravity and lateral load
resisting support to the structural frame, a plurality of
horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns at
a plurality of intersections, a plurality of beam-to-column
connections configured to couple the plurality of vertically
oriented columns to the plurality of horizontally oriented beams at
the plurality of intersections, a plurality of braces positioned in
frame bays formed by respective pairs of columns and beams each
comprising a multi-piece brace having a plurality of brace
portions, and a plurality of discontinuous elastic zone connections
to couple the plurality of beams to the plurality of columns and to
the plurality of beam-to-column connections or to couple the
plurality of brace portions, so as to provide elasticity in the
structural frame and dampen the effects of transient loads on the
structural frame in discontinuous elastic zones through which such
loads pass during a loading event. Each of the plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections comprises a plurality of
connection mechanisms and a compression element positioned on each
of the plurality of connection mechanisms and comprising single
component or a plurality of deformable components in a parallel
stack, a series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks and
series stacks, wherein the compression element is configured to
provide elasticity in the structural frame and dampen the effects
of transient loads on the structural frame.
[0067] According to yet another embodiment of the invention, a
structural frame for a building includes a plurality of vertically
oriented columns configured to provide gravity and lateral load
resisting support to the structural frame, a plurality of
horizontally oriented beams coupled to the plurality of columns at
a plurality of intersections, a plurality of beam-to-column
connections affixed to the plurality of vertically oriented columns
at the intersections and being positioned beneath a respective beam
at an intersection such that the beams are positioned on the
beam-to-column connections, and a plurality of braces positioned in
frame bays formed by respective pairs of columns and beams, each of
the plurality of braces comprising a multi-piece brace having a
first brace portion, a second brace portion, and a third brace
portion. The structural frame also includes a plurality of
discontinuous elastic zone connections to couple the plurality of
beams to the plurality of columns and to the plurality of
beam-to-column connections or to couple the first brace portion to
the second brace portion and the second brace portion to the third
brace portion, wherein each of the plurality of discontinuous
elastic zone connections comprises a bolt and nut arrangement, a
pair of parallel plates at right angle to the bolt, and a spring
assembly positioned to one or both outer sides of the plates, or
positioned in an interstitial space between the plates, with the
bolt of the bolt and nut arrangement passing through the plates and
spring assembly with or without pretension applied to the bolt. The
spring assembly comprises one of a plurality of deformable members
having spring-like properties arranged in a parallel stack, a
series stack, or a combination of parallel stacks and series
stacks, or a compressible material with spring-like properties,
with the spring assembly being configured to enhance the elastic
characteristics of the structural frame and its response to
transient and non-transient loads.
[0068] This written description uses examples to disclose the
invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person
skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and
using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated
methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the
claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled
in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope
of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ
from the literal language of the claims, or if they include
equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from
the literal languages of the claims.
* * * * *