The buckling-restrained brace that is capable of being fixed to connected portions of a structure using bolts, the brace includes: a plate member extending in an axial direction, and in which bolt holes for fixing the bolts are formed at end portions of the plate member in the axial direction; and a buckling-restrained member configured to restrain a center portion of the plate member in the axial direction to prevent the plate member from buckling, wherein the buckling-restrained member includes a pipe member surrounding the plate member from the outside in a radial direction, and a filler filling the gap between the pipe member and the plate member, and the plate member includes a fixing plate, a portion of which is embedded in the filler, and the remaining portion is protruded from the filler in the axial direction, and in which the bolt hole is formed at an end portion of the remaining portion in the axial direction.

A structural yielding link, particularly for use in an eccentrically braced frame arrangement or in a linked column frame arrangement having a first end having a means for connecting to a face of a first beam and a second end having a means for connecting to a face of a second beam; a first variable cross-section portion and a second variable cross-section portion extending from the first end and from the second end, respectively; and a constant cross-section portion joining the first variable cross-section portion and the second variable cross-section portion.

A beam coupler adapted to couple two beams mounted side by side. One coupler comprises a central plate mounted to the first beam, comprising two central-plate side faces in the coupling orientation; and a longitudinal oblong hole providing a passage connecting the two side faces. The coupler also comprises a pair of side plates mounted to the second beam, each comprising an interior face to neighbor the central plate; an exterior face; and a circular side-plate hole providing a passage connecting the interior face with the exterior face. The coupler further comprises compression means applying an inward preload over the plates, comprising a body extending between the exterior faces through the circular and oblong holes. The oblong holes allow displacement of the body of the compression means therein in the longitudinal direction upon a displacement of the plates resulting from a deflection of the beams.

An immersion platform includes a dome configured to display a predetermined scene. The dome includes an outer perimeter. A plurality of sensory accessories are configured to stimulate at least one sense of a user. The sensory accessories include at least one of an air blower module, a lighting module, an audio module, a scent module, a haptic vibration module, a temperature module, a floor module, and brain stimulation features. A controller is configured to display the predetermined scene on the dome and to activate the plurality of accessories according to a predetermined timeline.

A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. The upper and lower connectors allow for coupling to adjacent upper and lower connectors, respectively, allowing for addition of a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure. Also, ways of coupling adjacent upper connectors and coupling of adjacent lower connectors when coupling a modular unit to a pre-existing modular structure are provided.

The biodegradable composite insulation material is made from date palm leaf fibers and powdered okra. The date palm leaf fibers have a concentration of between 50 wt % and 90 wt % of the biodegradable composite insulation material, and the powdered okra has a concentration of between 10 wt % and 50 wt % of the biodegradable composite insulation material. The biodegradable composite insulation material is prepared by mixing date palm leaf fibers and powdered okra, in the above concentrations, to form a mixture. This mixture is then wetted with water, added to a mold, and heated under pressure to form a compressed article. The compressed article is then dried to form the biodegradable composite insulation material.

A solar tracking carport comprises a supporting structure including a foundation and at least two columns connected or connectable to the foundation; a three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck having a length from a first edge to a second edge of at least one car, the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck including one or more upper blocks, each of the upper blocks being rigid at least in its longitudinal direction, each of the upper blocks including at least one solar panel; a deck frame configured to support the one or more upper blocks, the deck frame including a torque transmitting member; a rotation enabling connection configured to rotatably connect at least the torque transmitting member of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck to the at least two columns of the supporting structure; and a drive system configured to control tilting of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck about the supporting structure over one axis of rotation to a first maximum angle in a first direction and to a second maximum angle in a second direction, the first maximum angle preventing the first edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a first minimum threshold height, the second maximum angle preventing the second edge of the three-dimensionally rigid canopy deck from going below a second minimum threshold height.

A lateral bracing system having high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating stresses generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

A connector assembly, having an upper connector coupled to a lower connector and a gusset plate sandwiched between the upper and lower connectors. Also, disclosed is a hoistable connector assembly, a lifting frame assembly, a coupling system for modular frame units, a method for assembling a module unit using the connector assembly, and a modular frame unit and building having the connector assembly.

A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.