Described and shown are passive variable stiffness devices, which are of compact design and configured to produce a restoring force that varies optimally with the isolator displacement when subjected to vibration-inducing loading.

Composite particles of a hard core coated by a layer of hydratable, swellable clay such as bentonite are useful for constructing, modifying and/or supporting lifeline structure such as dams, berms and levees, and/or pipelines or conduits for oil, gas, sewage, water, or cables or wires for transmission of electrical power or data information. The method involves placing the composite particles in a location within, below, or about the lifeline structure, and hydrating them to cause them to swell and fill and seal the voids around the structure to form a resilient support having a high damping ratio and low hydraulic conductivity that is maintained after exposure to strain forces. The composite particles are advantageous in damping seismic waves and reducing the potential damage from an earthquake, explosion, tremor, fatigue loading, or similar seismic event.

Composite particles of a hard core coated by a layer of hydratable, swellable clay such as bentonite are useful for constructing, modifying and/or supporting lifeline structure such as dams, berms and levees, and/or pipelines or conduits for oil, gas, sewage, water, or cables or wires for transmission of electrical power or data information. The method involves placing the composite particles in a location within, below, or about the lifeline structure, and hydrating them to cause them to swell and fill and seal the voids around the structure to form a resilient support having a high damping ratio and low hydraulic conductivity that is maintained after exposure to strain forces. The composite particles are advantageous in damping seismic waves and reducing the potential damage from an earthquake, explosion, tremor, fatigue loading, or similar seismic event.

An improved flood protection system for a home or other building. The flood protection system includes a waterproof membrane that is positioned on the exterior of the building. The membrane has first and second horizontal edges. A sealant is applied to the foundation between the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the foundation of the building. A termination bar mechanically attaches to the foundation, pressing the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the sealant toward the foundation to create a watertight seal.

An improved flood protection system for a home or other building. The flood protection system includes a waterproof membrane that is positioned on the exterior of the building. The membrane has first and second horizontal edges. A sealant is applied to the foundation between the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the foundation of the building. A termination bar mechanically attaches to the foundation, pressing the first horizontal edge of the membrane and the sealant toward the foundation to create a watertight seal.

A pinned base connector affixing a structural member to a foundation at one or more levels of a construction. The pinned base connector includes a baseplate affixed to the foundation. A column support plate is affixed to the baseplate via a pivot block. The pivot block is affixed to the baseplate to allow rotation of the pivot block relative to the baseplate about a first axis. The column support plate is affixed to the pivot block to allow rotation of the column support plate relative to the pivot block about a second axis orthogonal to the first. A column or other structural member may then be affixed to a surface of the column support plate.

A pinned base connector affixing a structural member to a foundation at one or more levels of a construction. The pinned base connector includes a baseplate affixed to the foundation. A column support plate is affixed to the baseplate via a pivot block. The pivot block is affixed to the baseplate to allow rotation of the pivot block relative to the baseplate about a first axis. The column support plate is affixed to the pivot block to allow rotation of the column support plate relative to the pivot block about a second axis orthogonal to the first. A column or other structural member may then be affixed to a surface of the column support plate.

A stabilization system for a building includes a stabilization assembly configured to couple to a floor structure of a building. The stabilization assembly includes a track defining a track path, a weight slidably coupled to the track, and an actuator configured to move the weight along the track path.

Described and shown are passive variable stiffness devices, which are of compact design and configured to produce a restoring force that varies optimally with the isolator displacement when subjected to vibration-inducing loading.

A stabilization system for a building includes a weight assembly configured to be coupled to a floor structure of the building, a seismic sensor configured to provide measurement data relating to a seismic event, and a controller. The weight assembly includes a track defining a track path, a weight slidably coupled to the track, and an actuator coupled to the weight and configured to move the weight along the track path. The controller is operatively coupled to the seismic sensor and the actuator and configured to (a) determine a target response of the weight assembly that mitigates the effect of the seismic event on the building based on the measurement data, and (b) control the actuator to move the weight along the track path according to the target response.