An energy dissipation device includes a primary core module, a housing module, first and second outer plates, an energy dissipation unit, first and second preload tension members and a resilient compression unit when the primary core module and the housing module are subjected to an external force, the first and second preload tension members stretched by the external force, and the resilient compression unit is compressed, such that relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module is generated. The energy dissipation unit generates a retarding force during the relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module, so as to dissipate the kinetic energy generated as a result of the external force.

A modular construction system comprising: a first prefabricated building component including: a first plurality of support members extending parallel to each other in a first direction; and a first lateral force collector configured to transfer lateral forces; a second prefabricated building component including: a second plurality of support members extending parallel to each other in a second direction; and a second lateral force collector configured to transfer the lateral forces; and a connector extending between the first lateral force collector and the second lateral force collector configured to transfer the lateral forces therebetween.

An article of manufacture for an earthquake safety protection device (ESPD) according to the present invention is disclosed. The ESPD consists of an earthquake support pole and mating support members to create survivable space around the support pole should a room be damaged in an earthquake. The ESPD may also comprise a reinforced frame within an interior door of a building. The reinforced frame resists damage from an earthquake that may prevent the interior door from opening. Opening or removal of the inner door protected by the reinforced frame creates a means of safely exiting a room in spite of damage to the interior door and its corresponding door frame. The ESPD may also include a mechanism to prevent a mobile hospital bed from moving about a room during an earthquake.

The disclosed technology provides a seismic yielding connector. The seismic yielding connector includes a U-shaped plate configured to connect a side stud of a panel to another component of a panel and a yielding plate located between the U-shaped plate and the side stud of the panel. A high-strength bolt connects the U-shaped plate, the yielding plate, and the side stud of the panel to a structural column. A bushing is located between the U-shaped plate and the structural column.

A hybrid shear wall system for construction of massive timber buildings of more than two stories in seismic zones, is provided, which presents a ductile behavior and reduced overturning effect against a lateral load caused by destructive natural events, such as earthquakes or strong winds; the shear wall system comprises an interior frame with articulated nodes of union between columns and sills, to which exterior massive timber panels are joined on both opposite faces, by means of individual energy dissipating connectors; where the frame comprises post-tensioned self-centering means, which together with the articulated nodes, the exterior massive timber panels and the connectors, act together as a unit and allow the shear wall to behave in a ductile manner and with reduced overturning effect under high lateral load.

An outdoor seismic cabinet assembly includes a base located at an outdoor deployment location and a cabinet for housing electronic equipment coupled to the base. The assembly also includes a first post disposed adjacent to a first sidewall of the cabinet and coupled to the base, a second post disposed adjacent to a second sidewall of the cabinet and coupled to the base, and a cross-member disposed adjacent to a top portion of the cabinet. At least one first bracket is coupled to the first post and to the cross-member and at least one second bracket is coupled to the second post and to the cross-member. Other example outdoor seismic cabinet assemblies and seismic cabinet conversion kits are also disclosed.

An energy dissipation device includes a primary core module, a housing module, first and second outer plates, an energy dissipation unit, first and second preload tension members and a resilient compression unit. When the primary core module and the housing module are subjected to an external force, the first and second preload tension members stretched by the external force, and the resilient compression unit is compressed, such that relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module is generated. The energy dissipation unit generates a retarding force during the relative movement between the primary core module and the housing module, so as to dissipate the kinetic energy generated as a result of the external force.

A yielding seismic element includes one or more displacement control elements connected to a yielding element. The yielding element is designed to deform under seismic forces. When the yielding element experiences an instance of local deformation, the displacement control elements interact with a displacement restraint fixed relative to the yielding element. The displacement restraint prevents further deformation at the instance of local deformation.

A ductile anchor attachment (DAA) mechanism is disclosed. Example embodiments are directed to a DAA fuse plate including a bottom section configured to connect to an existing anchor; a tapered lower section; a narrowed neck forming a ductile yield mechanism; a tapered upper section; and a connection mechanism for direct removable coupling of the DAA fuse plate to a structure being anchored, the connection mechanism being in contact with the tapered upper section of the DAA fuse plate, the DAA fuse plate in combination with the connection mechanism being configured to not buckle under compression forces and to adjustably dissipate tension forces acting on the structure being anchored.

Embodiments are directed to base connections, structures including base connections, kits for forming the base connections and/or structures, and method of repairing yielded base connections. In an embodiment, a base connection includes a base plate including a top surface and a bottom surface opposite the top surface. The top surface is configured to be adjacent to a terminal end of a column and the bottom surface adjacent to a foundation. The connection also includes one or more anchor rods attached to the base plate. The anchor rods are configured to secure the base plate to the foundation. The connection includes at least one structural fuse configured to be attached to the column and attached to the base plate. The fuse includes a plate with at least one cutout formed therein. The cutout is configured to form one or more yield regions that are configured to preferentially yield.