Yield Link Brace Connector

Abstract

The lateral reinforcement system includes a frame and a brace assembly. The brace assembly may include at least one diagonal brace, which is secured to the frame by a gusset plate. One or both ends of the diagonal brace may be secured to the gusset plate by a yield link assembly. The yield link assembly may include a varying number of stacked fuse plates, depending on the design strength required for the lateral reinforcement system. Each fuse plate may include first and second ends, which are bolted to the diagonal brace and the gusset plate, respectively, and a central yield region containing one or more mechanical fuses. The mechanical fuses are configured to distribute inelastic strain across the entire yield region.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to hysteresis attenuation of a structure used in a single-story building or a multi-story building, and particularly to a reinforcement system configured to provide high energy dissipation and high initial stiffness by hysteresis attenuation and to dissipate energy within a single-story building or a multi-story building.

Background Art

[0002] Deformation of structural members due to natural phenomena such as seismic activity and strong winds may have a devastating impact on the structural integrity of lightweight frame buildings. Due to the lateral force generated during such natural phenomena, the upper part of the frame or structure moves horizontally relative to the lower part, and as a result of this movement, there is a risk of damage to the building, damage to the structure, and in some cases, collapse of the building.

[0003] It is known to provide a diagonal brace assembly within a frame including horizontal beams and vertical columns. Such a diagonal brace assembly includes diagonal braces having one or both ends connected to the frame by gusset plates. It is known to provide a yield connector between the brace and the gusset plate, and the yield connector undergoes inelastic bending deformation when a lateral load is applied to the frame. The advantage of such a yield connector is that by using an elastic-inelastic material or an elastic-plastic material such as steel for the yield connector, it is possible to maintain and predict the structural integrity and / or load-bearing capacity of the diagonal brace. Examples of such yield connectors are shown, for example, in the patent publications of U.S. Patent No. 8,683,758B2 and U.S. Patent No. 9,514,907B2. In such applications, the strength and deformation capacity of the diagonal brace assembly are controlled by the strength and deformation capacity of individual yield connectors.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0004] Embodiments of the present invention broadly relate to a lateral reinforcement system used in the column / beam frame of a building. In the embodiment, the lateral reinforcement system includes a diagonal brace assembly comprising diagonal braces, one or both ends of which are connected to the frame by gusset plates. The lateral reinforcement system further includes a yell link, which has a first end fixed to a gusset plate and a second end fixed to one end of the brace. [Effects of the Invention]

[0005] The lateral reinforcement system possesses sufficient rigidity and stiffness to provide high resistance to deflection caused by applied lateral loads. However, if the lateral load exceeds a controllable and predictable level, the structure of this technology stably yields at the yield link. This hysterically dampens the applied lateral load from the system, dissipating a large amount of energy and preventing damage to the frame. Furthermore, the energy dissipation and stable yielding of the yield link allow the frame to withstand repeated deflection under lateral loads without breaking. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0006] [Figure 1] This is a front view of a frame and brace assembly according to one embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 2] This is a front view of a frame and brace assembly according to another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 3] This is an exploded perspective view of a brace assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 4] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 5] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 6] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 7]This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 8] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 9] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 10] This is a front view of various fuse plate configurations according to embodiments of this technology. [Figure 11] This is a front view of an ear link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 12] This is a top view of a cover plate according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 13] This is a top view of a U-shim according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 14] This is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the central yield region according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 15] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 16] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 17] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 18] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 19] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 20] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 21] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 22] These are a cross-sectional end view and a side view of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of this technology. [Figure 23]An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 24] An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 25] An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 26] An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 27] An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 28] An end view and a side view of a cross-section of a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 29] A diagram showing a yield link assembly connecting a beam to a column according to another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 30] A diagram showing a yield link assembly connecting a moment frame to a foundation according to another embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31A] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31B] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31C] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31D] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31E] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Figure 31F] Diagrams of various multi-story lateral reinforcement systems each including a yield link assembly according to an embodiment of the present technology. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0007] (Detailed explanation) The present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In embodiments, the present invention relates to a lateral reinforcement system comprising a frame and a brace assembly. In embodiments, the brace assembly may include at least one diagonal brace fixed to the frame by a gusset plate. One or both ends of the diagonal brace may be fixed to the gusset plate by a yield link assembly. In embodiments, the yield link assembly may comprise a number of stacked fuse plates depending on the design strength required for the lateral reinforcement system. Each fuse plate includes a first end bolted to a diagonal brace, a second end bolted to a gusset plate, and a central yield region comprising one or more mechanical fuses. The mechanical fuses are configured to distribute inelastic strain throughout the yield region.

[0008] In addition to the stacked fuse plates, the yield link assembly may further include a cover plate to limit out-of-plane buckling of the fuse plates and a U-shim positioned between the cover plate and the fuse plate stack. The U-shim provides a gap that reduces or prevents friction between the top fuse plate and the cover plate of the stack. The yield link assembly provides high initial stiffness to the lateral reinforcement system and can effectively dissipate energy generated within the lateral reinforcement system under lateral loads.

[0009] It should be understood that the present invention can be implemented in a variety of forms and should not be limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided to make this disclosure thorough and complete and to fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. In fact, the invention encompasses variations, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments, and these variations, modifications, and equivalents fall within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, the following detailed description of the invention provides many specific details to help fully understand the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention can be implemented without these specific details.

[0010] As used herein, “up” and “down,” “upper” and “lower,” “vertical” and “horizontal,” and their forms are used illustratively and descriptively only and are not intended to limit the description of this technology if the position or orientation of the subject matter can be changed. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms “substantially” and / or “about” mean that a given dimension or parameter may vary within the manufacturing tolerances permitted for a given application. In one embodiment, the manufacturing tolerance is ±0.15 mm or ±2.5% of a given dimension.

[0011] For the purposes of this disclosure, connections may be direct or indirect (e.g., connections via one or more other components). Where it is stated that a first element is connected, fixed, attached, or linked to a second element, the first and second elements may be directly connected, fixed, attached, or linked to each other, or they may be indirectly connected, fixed, attached, or linked to each other. Where it is stated that a first element is directly connected, fixed, attached, or linked to a second element, there are no intervening elements between the first and second elements (except for adhesives or molten metals used to connect, fix, attach, or link the first and second elements).

[0012] Referring to Figure 1, a front view of a lateral bracing system 100 used in a single-story or multi-story structure is shown. The lateral bracing system 100 includes a steel frame 102 and a yield link brace connector in the form of a brace assembly 104. The steel frame may include a pair of vertical columns 106 and horizontal beams 108 that are bolted or otherwise fixed to the top of the vertical columns 106. The lower part of the vertical columns may be fixed to the foundation if the frame 102 is on the ground floor, or fixed to another frame 102 if the frame 102 is on an upper floor. Each of the columns 106 and beams 108 may be formed of steel having a standard web and flange cross-section, such as an S-section or W-section, but other cross-sections are also conceivable. The lengths of the columns and beams may vary depending on the application. Preferably, the frame 102 is formed to have sufficient strength so as not to exceed the yield stress level for the maximum force transmitted by the brace assembly 104, thereby preventing yielding in the frame 102 and retaining it in the brace assembly 104.

[0013] The brace assembly 104 is provided to dissipate lateral loads acting on the beam-column frame 102. The brace assembly 104 functions by absorbing lateral loads through bending during compression and stretching during tension, transmitting the load to the building's foundation or the floor below. These features of the brace assembly 104 allow it to dissipate energy from seismic activity, wind, etc., preventing that energy from being transmitted to the structure supported by the frame 102.

[0014] The brace assembly 104 may be fixed to the frame 102 by gusset plates 110 which are welded or otherwise attached to the diagonal corners of the frame 102. The brace assembly may include a diagonal brace 112 and one or more yield link assemblies 114 connecting one or both ends of the diagonal brace 112 to the gusset plate 110. In the embodiment of Figure 1, a pair of yield link assemblies 114 are shown, one at each end of the diagonal brace 112. However, in other embodiments, a single yield link assembly 114 may be provided at the upper or lower end of the diagonal brace 112. Details of the yield link assembly 114 are described below with reference to Figures 3 to 28.

[0015] The diagonal brace 112 may be a standard S-section or W-section beam, having first and second flanges 116 and a web 118 extending between the first and second flanges. The beam may also have a different configuration. For example, the diagonal brace 112 may be an HSS-section tube. In one example, the thickness of the flange 116 may be 1-13 / 16 inches, but in other embodiments, the flange thickness may vary. In one example, the thickness of the web 118 may be 1 inch, 3 / 4 inch, or 1 / 2 inch, but in other embodiments, the web thickness may vary beyond these. The length of the diagonal brace 112 may vary depending on the lengths of the column 106 and the beam 108.

[0016] The embodiment of the lateral reinforcement system 100 shown in Figure 1 includes one brace assembly 104 extending between opposing corners of a frame 102. Alternatively, one or both ends of the brace assembly 104 may be fixed to a gusset plate 110 mounted along the length of a column 106 and / or beam 108. Figure 2 is a front view of such an embodiment, in which the lateral reinforcement system 100 includes a pair of brace assemblies 104, with the first end of each brace assembly 104 attached to a corner of a column 106 and the second end of each brace assembly 104 fixed to a gusset plate 110 attached to the middle of a beam 108. In other embodiments, the lateral reinforcement system 100 may have various brace assembly configurations. Figures 31A to 31F show some of other lateral reinforcement systems 100.

[0017] As described above, one or both ends of the diagonal brace 112 may be fixed to the frame 102 by a yield link assembly. Figure 3 shows one of the diagonal braces 112 from Figure 2 fixed to the gusset plate 110 by a yield link assembly 114, and an enlarged exploded perspective view of the yield link assembly 114 connecting the second diagonal brace 112 from Figure 2 to the gusset plate 110. Each yield link assembly 114 comprises a first group of stacked fuse plates 120a, a first U-shim 122a (not visible in Figure 3), and a first cover plate 124a (covering and concealing the first U-shim 122a) on the first surface of the web 118 of the brace 112. Each yield link assembly 114 further comprises a second group of stacked fuse plates 120b, a second U-shim 122b, and a second cover plate 124b on the second surface of the web 118.

[0018] The example in Figure 3 includes four fuse plates 120a on one side of the web 118 of the brace 112 and four fuse plates 120b on the other side of the web 118. As will be described below, this number of fuse plates is only one of several possible combinations of fuse plates. The first group of fuse plates 120a, the first U-shim 122a, and the first cover plate 124a may be stacked in a mirror image arrangement with the second group of fuse plates 120b, the second U-shim 122b, and the second cover plate 124b. In another embodiment, the fuse plates 120a and 120b of each group do not necessarily have to be stacked in a mirror image arrangement with respect to each other. In this specification, fuse plates 120a and 120b may be simply referred to as fuse plates 120. U-shims 122a and 122b may also be simply referred to as U-shims 122, and cover plates 124a and 124b may also be simply referred to as cover plates 124.

[0019] The first and second groups of fuse plates 120, the first and second U-shims 122, and the first and second cover plates 124 may be fastened to the web 118 of the brace by bolts 126. In particular, the bolts 126 pass through all of the fuse plates, U-shims, and cover plates on the first surface of the web 118, through the web 118, and through all of the fuse plates, U-shims, and cover plates on the second surface of the web 118. As shown in Figure 3, the bolts 126 may be fastened with nuts, washers, and / or other fasteners. In other embodiments, fastening methods other than bolts may be used.

[0020] All of the first and second groups of fuse plates 120 may be fastened to the gusset plate 110 by bolts 128. In particular, the bolts 128 may penetrate all of the fuse plates on the first surface of the gusset plate 110, penetrate the gusset plate 110, and penetrate all of the fuse plates on the second surface of the gusset plate 110. As shown in Figure 3, the bolts 128 may be fastened with nuts, washers, and / or other fasteners. In other embodiments, fastening methods other than bolts may be used.

[0021] A third group of bolts 130 may be provided, which penetrate the legs provided on the first and second cover plates 124, the U-shim 122, and the first and second group fuse plates 120, and fix a portion of the cover plate to the U-shim and the legs of the fuse plate, as described below.

[0022] As described below, the first and second group fuse plates 120a and 120b have different lengths. Therefore, some bolts 126 and 128 penetrate each fuse plate 120, while others penetrate only the longer fuse plate 120. The third group of bolts 130 penetrate not only each fuse plate 120, but also the first and second U-shims 122 and the first and second cover plates 124.

[0023] A pair of alignment plates 134 are bolted to the first and second flanges 116 of the brace 112. The pair of alignment plates 134 are bolted to the flanges 116 such that the slots of the plates 134 extend beyond the ends of the brace 112. When the brace 112 is secured to the gusset plate 110 by the yield link assembly 114, the gusset plate 110 is housed within the slots of the alignment plates 134.

[0024] Figure 4 is a top view of the first (small) fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP1. As shown, the first fuse plate FP1 includes a first end 136 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 138 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 136 and the second end 138 has six bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may be different. The first fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 136 and the second end 138 and includes a central yield region 140 having one or more mechanical fuses 142 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The central yield region 140 will be described in detail below. The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 140 are surrounded by legs 144 fixed to and extending from the first end 136. In another embodiment, the leg portion 144 may be fixed to the second end portion 138 and extend from the second end portion 138. In yet another embodiment, the leg portion may extend from both ends 136 and 138 and converge in a gap in the center of the central yield region. This embodiment may be used in either the fuse plate or U-shim described herein. The leg portion 144 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches long and 1.5 inches wide. The legs of each fuse plate 120 described below may have similar dimensions. Each of the leg portions 144 has a bolt hole for receiving the bolt 130 described above.

[0025] In this embodiment, FP1 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 2 feet 8.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 136 may be 5-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 138 (from the end of the leg 144) may be 8-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 140 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and other dimensions may be different in other embodiments.

[0026] In one embodiment, the mechanical fuse 142 of FP1 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP1 is 30 kip (typically, the yield link assembly includes each type of plate pair, i.e., a first fuse plate 120a provided on one side of the brace 112 and a fuse plate 120b provided on the opposite side of the brace 112). Here, phi (φ) is a safety factor applied to the yield strength of the steel to ensure that the steel can withstand the set load without breaking, and Pn is the nominal strength of the steel member. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of a pair of plates FP1 may be greater than or less than 30 kip.

[0027] Figure 5 is a top view of a second (small) fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP2. As shown, the second fuse plate FP2 includes a first end 146 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 148 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. The second fuse plate may have the same structure as FP1, except that the corners of FP2 are not chamfered, whereas the corners of FP1 are chamfered. In another embodiment, the corners of FP1 and / or FP2 may or may not be chamfered. FP2 may have a central yield region 150 with a mechanical fuse 152 and legs 154 along the upper and lower edges of the central yield region. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 152 of FP2 may be configured such that the design strength φPn per pair of plates FP2 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the plate FP2 pair may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0028] Figure 6 is a top view of a third fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP3. As shown, the third fuse plate FP3 includes a first end 156 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 158 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 156 and the second end 158 may have nine bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may differ. The third fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 156 and the second end 158 and includes a central yield region 160 comprising one or more mechanical fuses 162 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 160 are fixed to the first end 156 and surrounded by legs 164 extending from the first end 156. In another embodiment, the legs 164 may be fixed to the second end 158 and extend from the second end 158. Each of the legs 164 includes a bolt hole for receiving the bolts 130 described above.

[0029] In an embodiment, FP3 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 3 feet 2.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 156 may be 8-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 158 (from the end of the leg 164) may be 11-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 160 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 162 of FP3 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP3 in the yield link assembly 114 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the pair of plates FP3 may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0030] Figure 7 is a top view of a fourth fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP4. As shown, the fourth fuse plate FP4 includes a first end 166 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 168 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 166 and the second end 168 may have 12 bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may differ. The fourth fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 166 and the second end 168 and includes a central yield region 170 comprising one or more mechanical fuses 172 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 170 are fixed to the first end 166 and surrounded by legs 174 extending from the first end 166. In another embodiment, the legs 174 may be fixed to the second end 168 and extend from the second end 168. Each of the legs 174 includes a bolt hole for receiving the bolts 130 described above.

[0031] In an embodiment, FP4 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 3 feet 8.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 166 may be 11-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 168 (from the end of the leg 174) may be 1 foot 2-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 170 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 172 of FP4 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP4 in the yield link assembly 114 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the pair of plates FP4 may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0032] Figure 8 is a top view of a fifth fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP5. As shown, the fifth fuse plate FP5 includes a first end 176 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 178 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 176 and the second end 178 has 15 bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may differ. The fifth fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 176 and the second end 178 and includes a central yield region 180 comprising one or more mechanical fuses 182 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 180 are surrounded by legs 184 fixed to and extending from the first end 176. In another embodiment the legs 184 may be fixed to and extending from the second end 178. Each of the leg portions 184 includes a bolt hole for receiving the bolt 130 described above.

[0033] In an embodiment, FP5 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 4 feet 2.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 176 may be 1 foot 2-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 178 (from the end of the leg 184) may be 1 foot 5-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 180 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 182 of FP5 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP5 in the yield link assembly 114 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the pair of plates FP5 may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0034] Figure 9 is a top view of a sixth fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP6. As shown, the sixth fuse plate FP6 includes a first end 186 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 188 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 186 and the second end 188 has 18 bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may differ. The sixth fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 186 and the second end 188 and includes a central yield region 190 comprising one or more mechanical fuses 192 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 190 are surrounded by legs 194 fixed to and extending from the first end 186. In another embodiment the legs 194 may be fixed to and extending from the second end 188. Each of the leg portions 194 includes a bolt hole for receiving the bolt 130 described above.

[0035] In an embodiment, FP6 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 4 feet 8.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 186 may be 1 foot 5-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 188 (from the end of the leg 194) may be 1 foot 8-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 190 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 192 of FP6 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP6 in the yield link assembly 114 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the pair of plates FP6 may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0036] Figure 10 is a top view of a seventh fuse plate 120 used in the first and second groups of fuse plates. This fuse plate 120 is sometimes referred to as FP7. As shown, the seventh fuse plate FP7 includes a first end 196 configured to be fixed to the brace 112 and a second end 198 configured to be fixed to the gusset plate 110. Each of the first end 196 and the second end 198 has 21 bolt holes, although in another embodiment the number of bolt holes may differ. The seventh fuse plate 120 is located between the first end 196 and the second end 198 and includes a central yield region 200 comprising one or more mechanical fuses 202 (three mechanical fuses in the illustrated embodiment). The upper and lower edges of the central yield region 200 are surrounded by legs 204 fixed to and extending from the first end 196. In another embodiment the legs 204 may be fixed to and extending from the second end 198. Each of the leg portions 204 includes a bolt hole for receiving the bolt 130 described above.

[0037] In an embodiment, FP7 may be a steel plate 3 / 4 inch thick, 5 feet 2.25 inches long, and 10 inches wide. The length of the first end 196 may be 1 foot 9-1 / 2 inches, the length of the second end 198 (from the end of the leg 204) may be 1 foot 11-1 / 2 inches, and the length of the central yield region 200 may be 1 foot 6.25 inches. The dimensions described above are examples, and different dimensions may be used in other embodiments. In an embodiment, the mechanical fuse 202 of FP7 may be configured such that the design strength (maximum allowable load) φPn per pair of plates FP7 in the yield link assembly 114 is 60 kips. In another embodiment, it should be understood that the design strength of the pair of plates FP7 may be greater than or less than 60 kips.

[0038] The wire link assembly 114 may include various numbers of fuse plates FP1-FP7 and various combinations of fuse plates FP1-FP7 on the upper and lower surfaces of the web 118 of the brace 112. As described above, in the embodiment, the same combination of fuse plates is used on both the upper and lower surfaces of the web 118. Figure 11 is a top view of the brace 112, which is secured to the gusset plate 110 by stacked fuse plates F2, F3, and F4 (for clarity, the U-shim 122 and cover plate 124 are omitted in Figure 11). Similar combinations of fuse plates F2, F3, and F4 may also be provided on the opposite side of the web 118 (not shown).

[0039] The fuse plates may be stacked on top of each other such that the longest fuse plate is directly fixed to the web 118, and they become the same size or smaller as they move away from the web 118. As described above, the fuse plates are fixed to the web 118 using bolts 126. In the embodiment shown in Figure 11, six bolts 126 are provided through each of plates F2, F3, and F4. Three bolts 126 are provided through both plates F3 and F4. Another set of three bolts 126 is provided through plate F4 only.

[0040] As described above, each of the pair of fuse plates F2, the pair of fuse plates F3, and the pair of fuse plates F4 has a design strength of 60 kip. By using multiple pairs, the design strengths are added together, and the design strength of the embodiment in Figure 11, including the pair of fuse plates F2, the pair of fuse plates F3, and the pair of fuse plates F4, is 60 + 60 + 60 = 180 kip. Under earthquake, wind, and other lateral loads, the yield link assembly 114 of the brace assembly 104 absorbs energy by undergoing hysteresis damping and periodic plastic deformation. The combination of fuse plates F1 to F7 is selected to match the desired overall design strength of the yield link assembly 114. This overall design strength is based on the amount of energy absorbed by the lateral reinforcement system 100. Further examples of yield link assemblies 114 and their design strengths with respect to different combinations of fuse plates are described below with reference to Figures 15 to 28.

[0041] As described above, the laminate of fuse plates 120 is covered with U-shims 122 and a cover plate 124. The cover plate 124 is provided to confine the fuse plates 120 and limit their out-of-plane buckling. Figure 12 is a top view of the cover plate 124. The cover plate 124 may be 3 / 4 inch thick, 1 foot 11-3 / 4 inches long and 10 inches wide, but in another embodiment it may have different dimensions. The cover plate 124 includes bolt holes 206 for receiving bolts 126 and bolt holes 208 for receiving bolts 130 that pass through the legs of each fuse plate.

[0042] The fuse plate 120 is longer than conventionally designed fuse plates and can withstand greater axial forces. Therefore, the cover plate 124 needed to be redesigned to optimize out-of-plane buckling. For example, the optimal design was found to include a flat cover plate 124, as shown in Figure 12, having the dimensions and thickness described above. Furthermore, the number and position of the bolt holes 208 (and the bolt holes for receiving the bolts 130 located in the legs of the fuse plate) were optimized. In particular, it is desirable that some degree of plastic deformation be allowed in the form of out-of-plane buckling of the mechanical fuse located in the central yield region of the fuse plate. However, if the out-of-plane buckling was too large, the fuse plate rubbed against the cover plate 124. It is desirable to prevent such rubbing, as will be explained below. It was found that the position of the bolt holes 208 directly affects the degree of out-of-plane buckling in the central yield region of the fuse plate. When the bolt holes 208 were too close to the bolt holes 206, or when multiple bolt holes 208 were used, the out-of-plane resistance in the central yield region of the fuse plate became too large. Conversely, if bolt hole 208 is absent, or if bolt hole 208 is too far from bolt hole 206, the out-of-plane buckling becomes too large, causing the fuse plate to rub against the cover plate.

[0043] Therefore, the number (one per arm) and position of the bolt holes 208 were selected so as to optimize the out-of-plane buckling of the central yield region of the fuse plate. In one embodiment, the bolt holes 208 may be 14 inches center-to-center from the second row of bolt holes 206 along the longitudinal axis of the cover plate 124. The second row of bolt holes 206 may be 3 inches center-to-center from the first row of bolt holes along the longitudinal axis of the cover plate 124, and the center of the first row of bolt holes may be 1.5 inches from the adjacent edge of the cover plate 124.

[0044] Furthermore, it was found that in the novel design of the fuse plate 120, out-of-plane buckling occurred during plastic deformation, resulting in friction (rubbing) with the cover plate 124. Therefore, it was devised to place a U-shim 122 between the fuse plate 120 laminate and the cover plate 124. Figure 13 is a top view of the U-shim 122. The U-shim may have a thickness of 10 gauge (0.126 inches), a total length of 1 foot 11-3 / 4 inches, and a total width of 10 inches, although in another embodiment, it may have different dimensions. The U-shim 122 is designed to have a hollow central region 210, which defines a leg portion 212 extending from one end of the U-shim 122. The leg portion 212 may coincide with the edge of the fuse plate laminate and may have a length of 1 foot 6.25 inches and a width of 1.5 inches. An elongated bolt hole 216 for receiving the bolt 130 described above may be provided along the length of the leg portion 212. The U-shim may further have a bolt hole 215 for receiving the bolt 126 described above. The U-shim has the advantage of preventing the fuse plate 120 from rubbing against the inner surface of the cover plate 124. This is because it is known that if the fuse plate rubs against the cover plate 124, the fuse plate will use energy to overcome friction rather than to use it to absorb energy generated from wind or seismic events through plastic deformation.

[0045] Figure 14 is an enlarged top view of a cross-section of the central yield region. The mechanical fuses in the central yield region of various fuse plates have a shape designed to evenly distribute inelastic strain across various parts of the mechanical fuse. The fuse plate may be oriented such that the normal stress caused by deflection occurs substantially parallel to the surface (rolling direction) of the plate material. In another embodiment, the orientation of the surface may be any orientation with respect to the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate.

[0046] Figure 14 shows the central yield region 200 located between the first end 196 and the second end 198 of FP7. However, in embodiments, the central yield region shown in Figure 14 and described below may be the central yield region of any of the fuse plates FP1 to FP6 (in embodiments, FP1 may have a slightly different design, as described below). As described above, the central yield region 200 contains a number of mechanical fuses 202. Although three mechanical fuses are shown in the figure, in other embodiments, the number of mechanical fuses may be other numbers (e.g., one, two, four, five, or six). In other embodiments, the number of mechanical fuses may be even more. The individual mechanical fuses behave sequentially such that the overall deformation of the connections within the central yield region is the sum of the deformations of the individual mechanical fuses.

[0047] Each mechanical fuse 202 includes a roughly rectangular region with rounded edges, which defines a central opening region. A stabilizing bar 214 is provided within the central opening region, extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate. While such stabilizing bars have existed in previous designs, the stabilizing bar 214 in this technology (along with the diameter-reducing section 220 described later) is optimized to match the nominal strength of the fuse plate. For example, the stabilizing bar is designed to be wider than those known in the past. For instance, while the width of stabilizing bars in previous designs was 0.30 inches, in one embodiment, the width of the stabilizing bar 214 may be 0.35 inches to 0.4 inches, most preferably 0.375 inches. It has been found that widening the stabilizing bar prevents the stabilizing bar from buckling before the diameter-reducing section 220 of the mechanical fuse 202 yields.

[0048] The mechanical fuses 202 are secured to each other by connecting intermediate links 218, and also to their ends 196 and 198. Each connecting intermediate link 218 may be about 1 / 4 the height of the rectangular portion of the mechanical fuse 202, and the mechanical fuses 202 may be spaced about 0.25 to 0.5 inches apart. In another embodiment, the connecting intermediate links 218 may space the mechanical fuses at a greater or lesser distance than described above. Each connecting intermediate link 218 may have concave curved surfaces on its upper and lower ends so as to integrate continuously with the substantially rectangular portion of each mechanical fuse 202.

[0049] Each of the roughly rectangular sections may have a reduced diameter section 220 (numbered in one of the mechanical fuses 202) above and below the connecting intermediate link 218, adjacent to the connecting intermediate link. The reduced diameter section 220 is provided to control where plastic deformation and hysteresis damping of the mechanical fuse occur. Specifically, the width of the reduced diameter section is controlled relative to the width of the rest of the mechanical fuse so that plastic deformation and hysteresis damping of the mechanical fuse occur in the reduced diameter section 220. Therefore, the nominal strength of the mechanical fuse and the yield link assembly is directly related to the width of the reduced diameter section. In one embodiment, the width of the reduced diameter section of the fuse plates FP2 to FP7 may be 0.8 to 0.9 inches, but in another embodiment, it may be wider or narrower.

[0050] The central yield region 200 further includes sections 224 located at both ends of the central yield region 200, the sections 224 connecting the outermost connecting intermediate links to the first and second ends of the fuse plate. These sections 224 correspond to half of the mechanical fuse 202 described above and include a reduced diameter portion 220 configured to yield and plastically deform as described above.

[0051] As described above, the leg portion 204 extends from one end (e.g., end 196) and surrounds the upper and lower parts of the mechanical fuse 202. In embodiments, the leg portion 204 may be 0.15 inches to 0.375 inches, more preferably 0.25 inches, away from the mechanical fuse 202 to limit upward or downward deformation of the mechanical fuse. The length of the leg portion is set to minimize lateral movement of the yield link assembly 114 in the event of failure of one or more mechanical fuses.

[0052] Figure 14 also shows stop gaps 226 provided between the ends of each leg 204 and the base, and a pair of abutment portions 228 provided on the gusset-side end 198 of the mechanical fuse. These stop gaps 126 are sized to allow a certain degree of plastic deformation of the mechanical fuse 202 and compression of the central yield region 200, beyond which one or both ends of the leg 204 abut against the abutment portions 226 to prevent further compressive deformation of the yield link assembly 114. Thus, even with large plastic deformation or if one or more mechanical fuses 202 fail, the yield link assembly 114 can maintain a certain degree of structural stability under compression.

[0053] As described above, the fuse plate FP1 may have a slightly different shape in order to achieve an overall design strength of 30 kip. In some embodiments, the reduced diameter portion 220 of the mechanical fuse 142 on the fuse plate FP1 may be smaller than the reduced diameter portion of other fuse plates. In one embodiment, the reduced diameter portion of FP1 may be 0.4 inches to 0.5 inches.

[0054] As described above, the yield link assembly 114 may be fitted with various combinations of fuse plates based on the required overall design strength. Figures 15 to 28 show various examples of yield link assemblies, each containing a different number of fuse plates and having a different design strength. Figures 15 and 16 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield link assembly 114 including a pair of fuse plates FP1 or FP2, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. As described above, when the yield link assembly 114 includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, the overall design strength of the yield link assembly is 30 kips, and when the yield link assembly 114 includes a pair of fuse plates FP2, the overall design strength of the yield link assembly is 60 kips.

[0055] Figures 17 and 18 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this yield ring assembly is 90 kip.

[0056] Figures 19 and 20 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of fuse plates FP3, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this yield ring assembly is 150 kps.

[0057] Figures 21 and 22 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of fuse plates FP3, a pair of fuse plates FP4, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this yield ring assembly is 210 kps.

[0058] Figures 23 and 24 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of fuse plates FP3, a pair of fuse plates FP4, a pair of fuse plates FP5, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this yield ring assembly is 270 kps.

[0059] Figures 25 and 26 are cross-sectional end and side views of a yield ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of fuse plates FP3, a pair of fuse plates FP4, a pair of fuse plates FP5, a pair of fuse plates FP6, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this yield ring assembly is 330 kps.

[0060] Figures 25 and 26 are cross-sectional end and side views of an eel ring assembly 114, which includes a pair of fuse plates FP1, a pair of fuse plates FP2, a pair of fuse plates FP3, a pair of fuse plates FP4, a pair of fuse plates FP5, a pair of fuse plates FP6, a pair of fuse plates FP7, a pair of U-shims 122, and a pair of cover plates 124. The overall design strength of this eel ring assembly is 390 kps.

[0061] As can be understood, the wire link assembly 114 may be designed with various other fuse plate configurations to provide other desired design strengths. In embodiments, to obtain further configuration possibilities, a single fuse plate stack (e.g., provided on the web 118) may contain only one type of fuse plate FP1 to FP7, or it may contain multiple fuse plates of the same type.

[0062] As described above, the yield link assembly 114 according to any of the embodiments and configurations described above may be provided at one or both ends of the brace 112. When an earthquake or other lateral load occurs, one or more yield link assemblies 114 plastically deform, preventing damage to the frame 102. Furthermore, the energy dissipation and stable yield of one or more yield link assemblies allow the frame 102 to withstand repeated deflections under lateral load without breaking. If one or more of the mechanical fuses fail during yielding, the yield link assembly 114 with the failed mechanical fuse can be removed and replaced to restore its original integrity and load-bearing capacity. The structural frame 102 is not damaged and therefore does not need to be replaced.

[0063] U.S. Patent No. 11,299,880, titled “Moment Frame Connector,” discloses a yarn link assembly 304 for connecting a column 302 and a beam 304, as shown, for example, in Figure 14 of the said patent. It should be understood that the yarn link assembly 114 of the present invention may be adapted for use in connecting a beam to a column, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,299,880. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 29 of this application. As shown, the column 106 may include a pair of face plates 230 that are bolted to the flange of the column. Each of these face plates 230 may include a horizontal portion 232. The first yarn link assembly 234 may have a fuse plate having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the horizontal portion of the upper face plate and the second end being fixed to the upper flange of the beam 108. The second yield link assembly 234 may have a fuse plate having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the horizontal portion of the lower face plate and the second end being fixed to the lower flange of the beam 108. The first and second yield link assemblies 234 may be identical to any of the yield link assemblies described herein, and each yield link assembly 234 may be modified to include one set of fuse plates instead of the mirror-image fuse plate pair in the yield link assembly 114. Other features of the connector disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,299,880 may also be used in the connection shown in Figure 29. U.S. Patent No. 11,299,880 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0064] U.S. Patent No. 11,346,102, titled “Moment Frame Links Wall,” discloses a lateral reinforcement system 100 including a moment frame 101 having a central diaphragm 102 and yield links 110 provided on both sides of the moment frame 101 to secure the moment frame 101 to a foundation. It should be understood that the yield link assembly 114 of this technology may be adapted for use in linking the moment frame to a foundation, as disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,346,102. Such an embodiment is shown in Figure 30 of this application. As shown, the moment frame 240 (such as a shear wall) may be pinned to a foundation 241 (or the floor below) by pivot connectors 242. A pair of face plates 244 may be fixed to the foundation with bolts or the like. Each of these face plates 244 may include a vertical section 245. The first yield link assembly 246 may have a fuse plate having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the vertical portion 245 of the left faceplate 244 and the second end being fixed to the flange 248 of the moment frame 240. The second yield link assembly 246 may have a fuse plate having a first end and a second end, the first end being fixed to the vertical portion of the right faceplate 244 and the second end being fixed to the flange 250 of the moment frame 240. The first and second yield link assemblies 246 may be the same as any of the yield link assemblies described herein, or each yield link assembly 246 may be modified to include one set of fuse plates instead of the mirror-image pair of fuse plates in the yield link assembly 114. Other features of the connector disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 11,346,102 may also be used in the connection shown in Figure 30. U.S. Patent No. 11,346,102 is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0065] Figures 31A to 31F are front views of other lateral reinforcement systems 100. In each of the systems 100 shown in Figures 31A to 31F, the frame 102 has multiple levels. Each frame 102 includes a brace 112 and a brace assembly 104 which includes a plurality of yield link assemblies 114 (only some of these components are reference-labeled in Figures 31A to 31F). The yield link assemblies 114 shown in Figures 31A to 31F may relate to any of the embodiments described herein.

[0066] While the present invention has been described in detail herein, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed herein. Those skilled in the art may modify, substitute, and transform the embodiments disclosed herein in various ways without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. It is a building, A frame comprising vertical columns and horizontal beams, A gusset plate fixed to the aforementioned frame, Braces and, The brace is connected to the gusset plate by an eel link assembly, The aforementioned eel link assembly is A fuse plate assembly comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes stacked, wherein each of the two or more fuse plates in the fuse plate assembly is equipped with one or more mechanical fuses configured to plastically deform when a lateral load is applied to the building, and the lowest of the two or more fuse plates in the fuse plate assembly is directly attached to the brace, A U-shim fixed to the uppermost fuse plate among the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly, wherein the U-shim has a central opening and legs partially defined by the central opening, and the legs are positioned to coincide with the edges of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly. A cover plate fixed to the U-shim, wherein the U-shim prevents friction between the uppermost fuse plate and the cover plate when the mechanical fuses of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly undergo plastic deformation out of plane, architecture.

2. A fuse plate set containing two or more fuse plates of different sizes has six fuse plates of different sizes. The building described in claim 1.

3. A fuse plate set comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes is mounted on the first surface of the brace, and comprises a first fuse plate set comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes, The aforementioned building is attached to the second surface of the brace and further comprises a second fuse plate set including two or more fuse plates of different sizes. The building described in claim 1.

4. The second fuse plate set, which includes two or more fuse plates, is mounted on the second surface of the brace in a mirror image arrangement with the first plate mounted on the first surface of the brace. The building according to claim 3.

5. Further equipped with the first bolt set, The first bolt assembly attaches the first end of each fuse plate included in the first fuse plate assembly, the U-shim, and the cover plate to the brace. The building described in claim 1.

6. The first fuse plate assembly further comprises a second bolt assembly that attaches the second end of each fuse plate included in the first fuse plate assembly to the gusset plate. The building according to claim 5.

7. Each of the one or more mechanical fuses has a substantially rectangular shape with rounded edges and a plurality of reduced diameter portions. The mechanical fuse is configured to undergo plastic deformation in the plurality of reduced diameter portions. The building described in claim 1.

8. Each of the one or more mechanical fuses on each fuse plate is provided with a stabilizing bar that extends along the length of each mechanical fuse and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate. The width of the stabilizing bar is configured such that the plurality of reduced diameter portions undergo plastic deformation before the stabilizing bar undergoes plastic deformation. The building according to claim 7.

9. The fuse plate assembly further comprises legs provided on each of the two or more fuse plates, The legs of each fuse plate are positioned to coincide with the legs of the U-shim. The building described in claim 1.

10. The fuse plate assembly further comprises contact portions provided on each of the two or more fuse plates, The ends of the legs of each fuse plate are separated from the contact portion. When one or more of the mechanical fuses are plastically deformed along the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate, the one or more mechanical fuses are compressed until the ends of the legs come into contact with the contact portion. The end of the leg portion abuts against the contact portion, thereby preventing the fuse plate from being further compressed along its longitudinal axis. The building described in claim 9.

11. A brace assembly that is attached to a gusset plate on the frame of a building, wherein the brace assembly is Braces and, The brace is connected to the gusset plate by an eel link assembly, The aforementioned eel link assembly is A fuse plate assembly comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes stacked, wherein each of the two or more fuse plates in the fuse plate assembly is equipped with one or more mechanical fuses configured to plastically deform when a lateral load is applied to the building, and the lowest of the two or more fuse plates in the fuse plate assembly is directly attached to the brace, A U-shim fixed to the uppermost fuse plate among the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly, wherein the U-shim has a central opening and legs partially defined by the central opening, and the legs are positioned to coincide with the edges of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly. A cover plate fixed to the U-shim, wherein the U-shim prevents friction between the uppermost fuse plate and the cover plate when the mechanical fuses of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly undergo plastic deformation out of plane, Brace assembly.

12. A fuse plate set containing two or more fuse plates of different sizes includes six fuse plates of different sizes. The brace assembly according to claim 11.

13. A fuse plate set comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes is mounted on the first surface of the brace, and comprises a first fuse plate set comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes, The aforementioned building is attached to the second surface of the brace and further comprises a second fuse plate set including two or more fuse plates of different sizes. The brace assembly according to claim 11.

14. The second fuse plate set, which includes two or more fuse plates, is mounted on the second surface of the brace in a mirror image arrangement with the first plate mounted on the first surface of the brace. The brace assembly according to claim 13.

15. Further equipped with the first bolt set, The first bolt assembly attaches the first end of each fuse plate included in the first fuse plate assembly, the U-shim, and the cover plate to the brace. The brace assembly according to claim 11.

16. The first fuse plate assembly further comprises a second bolt assembly that attaches the second end of each fuse plate included in the first fuse plate assembly to the gusset plate. The brace assembly according to claim 15.

17. The fuse plate assembly further comprises legs provided on each of the two or more fuse plates, The legs of each fuse plate are positioned to coincide with the legs of the U-shim. The brace assembly according to claim 11.

18. A brace assembly that is attached to a gusset plate on the frame of a building, wherein the brace assembly is Braces and, The brace is connected to the gusset plate by an eel link assembly, The aforementioned eel link assembly is A fuse plate assembly comprising two or more fuse plates of different sizes stacked, wherein each of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly comprises one or more mechanical fuses configured to plastically deform when a lateral load is applied to the building, and the lowest of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly is directly attached to the brace. Each mechanical fuse in each fuse plate is A roughly rectangular shape with rounded edges, and multiple reduced diameter sections, A fuse plate set comprising two or more fuse plates, each comprising: a stabilizing bar extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate along the length of each of the one or more mechanical fuses, wherein the width of the stabilizing bar is configured such that the plurality of reduced diameter portions plastically deform before the stabilizing bar plastically deforms; A U-shim fixed to the uppermost fuse plate among the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly, wherein the U-shim has a central opening and legs partially defined by the central opening, and the legs are positioned to coincide with the edges of the two or more fuse plates of the fuse plate assembly. The system comprises a cover plate fixed to the U-shim, Brace assembly.

19. The fuse plate assembly further comprises legs provided on each of the two or more fuse plates, The legs of each fuse plate are positioned to coincide with the legs of the U-shim. The brace assembly according to claim 18.

20. The fuse plate assembly further comprises contact portions provided on each of the two or more fuse plates, The ends of the legs of each fuse plate are separated from the contact portion. When one or more of the mechanical fuses are plastically deformed along the longitudinal axis of the fuse plate, the one or more mechanical fuses are compressed until the ends of the legs come into contact with the contact portion. The end of the leg portion abuts against the contact portion, thereby preventing the fuse plate from being further compressed along its longitudinal axis. The brace assembly according to claim 19.

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