Moment frame for inclined roof structure

Abstract

A moment frame for a sloped roof structure is disclosed that includes a lateral brace system having a high initial stiffness and includes yield links that can effectively dissipate energy generated within the lateral brace system when subjected to a lateral load.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Priority) This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 150,460, filed on February 17, 2021, entitled "MOMENT FRAME FOR A SLOPED ROOF CONSTRUCTION", and claims the benefit of priority of U.S. Patent Application No. 17 / 674,532, filed on February 17, 2022, entitled "MOMENT FRAME FOR A SLOPED ROOF CONSTRUCTION", the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to hysteresis damping for structures used in sloped roof structures, and more particularly to a lateral bracing system configured to provide a high degree of energy dissipation by hysteresis damping with a high initial stiffness such that energy is dissipated at a low displacement threshold within a sloped roof structure.

Background Art

[0003] Shearing stresses due to natural phenomena such as earthquakes and strong winds can have a devastating impact on the structural integrity of a sloped roof structure. The lateral forces generated during such natural phenomena can cause the top of the wall to move laterally relative to the bottom of the wall, and this movement can lead to damage or structural failure of the wall and, in some cases, the collapse of the building.

[0004] In residential, warehouse, and small building structures, lateral bracing systems have been developed to address the devastating effects of possible shearing stresses on the structural integrity of light steel frame structures. Although various designs are known, one type of lateral bracing system includes vertical studs spaced apart from each other and beams fixed to the studs and extending between the studs. In structures including a sloped roof, the beams can extend from the vertical columns at an obtuse or acute angle.

[0005] Many conventional lateral bracing systems initially withstood lateral loads well but failed under repeated lateral loads that often occur during very strong earthquakes or high winds, resulting in damage. When a lateral bracing system significantly yields or fails, the entire system must be replaced.

Summary of the Invention

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] This technology relates to a lateral bracing system for a moment frame used in an inclined roof structure. The moment frame includes a pair of vertical columns arranged at intervals and a pair of beams extending from the columns at the roof angle and connected to each other at the roof apex. Each column may include a top having a connection surface perpendicular to the axial length of the beam when assembled.

[0007] The moment frame can further include a pair of lateral bracing systems used to attach the beams to the columns. Each lateral bracing system can further include a pair of buckling restraint brace devices attached to the upper and lower flanges of the beam. Each buckling restraint brace device includes a yield link attached between the beam and the column and a buckling restraint plate covering a portion of the yield link. In one embodiment, the yield link can be fixed to the end face of the column using a right-angle plate (perpendicular to the main plane of the yield link). In a second embodiment, the yield link can be fixed to the upper end of the column using a flat plate (parallel to the plane of the yield link). By providing the connection surface of the column perpendicular to the axial length of the beam, the tensile and compressive forces acting on the yield link by the beam and the column are restricted to the plane of the yield link.

[0008] In one example, the present technology relates to an inclined roof structure, which includes a beam having a major axis at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, a column having a connecting surface configured at an angle perpendicular to the major axis of the beam, a shear tab attached between the column and the beam and between the upper and lower flanges of the beam, and a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam. The lateral bracing system includes first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper and lower flanges of the beam. Each of the buckling restraint brace devices is a yield link having a first end connected to the column and a second end connected to the beam, and includes a narrow portion defining first and second notches on both sides of the yield link. The yield link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, and to dissipate the stress in the structure. The yield link is provided with first and second spacers respectively fitting into the first and second notches, and a buckling restraint plate configured to be attached on the yield link and the spacers, and configured to sandwich the yield link and the spacers between the buckling restraint plate and one surface of the upper and lower flanges of the beam.

[0009] In a further example, the present technology relates to an inclined roof structure, the inclined roof structure comprising a column having an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof and a connecting surface adjacent to the upper edge, a beam having a major axis at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, a shear tab attached between the column and the beam and between the upper and lower flanges of the beam, and a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam, the lateral bracing system comprising first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper and lower flanges of the beam, the first buckling restraint brace device comprising a first end portion having a first planar portion having a first surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the column, a second end portion having a second planar portion having a second surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the first flange of the beam, and a narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the narrow portion defining a first notch and a second notch on both sides of the first yield link, the first yield link being configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, so as to dissipate the stress in the structure, a first yield link, first and second spacers respectively fitting into the first and second notches, and a buckling restraint plate attached on the first yield link and the spacers and configured to sandwich the first yield link and the spacers between the buckling restraint plate and the first flange of the beam.

[0010] In another example, the present technology relates to an inclined roof structure, which includes a vertical column having an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof and an adjacent connecting surface provided at a non-vertical angle and perpendicular to the inclination of the roof, a beam having a major axis at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, and a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam. The lateral bracing system includes first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper and lower flanges of the beam. The first buckling restraint brace device includes a first end portion having a first planar portion with a first surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the column, a second end portion having a second planar portion with a second surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the first flange of the beam, and a first narrowed portion between the first and second end portions. The first narrowed portion defines first and second notches on both sides of the first buckling link. The first buckling link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the first narrowed portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, thereby dissipating the stress in the structure. The first buckling restraint brace device further includes a first buckling restraint plate attached on the first buckling link and configured to sandwich the first buckling link between the buckling restraint plate and the first flange of the beam. The second buckling restraint brace device includes a first end portion having a vertical plate configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the column, a second end portion having a planar portion with a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the second flange of the beam, and a second narrowed portion between the first and second end portions. The narrowed portion defines first and second notches on both sides of the buckling link. The buckling link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the second narrowed portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, thereby dissipating the stress in the structure. The second buckling restraint brace device further includes a second buckling restraint plate attached on the second buckling link and configured to sandwich the second buckling link between the buckling restraint plate and the second flange of the beam.

[0011] This abstract is provided to introduce a simplified selection of concepts that will be further described in the "Detailed Description" below. This abstract is not intended to identify the key features or essential characteristics of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any or all of the disadvantages noted in the "Background".

Brief Description of the Drawings

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BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0024] Next, the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 12. FIGS. 1 to 12 relate to a lateral bracing system for a pitched roof structure in an embodiment. The lateral bracing system has high initial stiffness and includes a yield link that can effectively dissipate the energy generated within the lateral bracing system when subjected to a lateral load. It should be understood that the present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough and complete and will fully convey the invention to those skilled in the art. In fact, the present invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents of these embodiments that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Further, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention can be practiced without such specific details.

[0025] Referring to FIG. 1, a structure 100 is shown having a vertical wall 102 and an inclined roof 104. In the illustrated embodiment, the roof 104 reaches its apex approximately midway between the walls 102. In further embodiments described below, the roof 104 may have its apex at one or the other of the walls 102 and then continuously slope downward toward the other wall. The structure 100 may be supported by one or more moment frames 108 comprising a pair of vertical columns 110 spaced apart and a pair of beams 112 extending from the columns 110 at an angle of the roof and connected to each other at an apex 114. The angle between the columns 110 and the beams 112 can be in the range of, for example, 95° to 135°, but it is understood that the slope of the roof and the angle between the columns 110 and the beams 112 may be smaller or larger than the angle in the embodiment of FIG. 1 as long as the angle in the embodiment of FIG. 1 is greater than 90°. One such lateral bracing system 120 is shown in FIG. 1, but a plurality of such lateral bracing systems may exist in a plane parallel to the length direction of the structure (i.e., toward the back and the front of the paper in FIG. 1).

[0026] The moment frame 108 can further include a pair of lateral bracing systems 120 that couple the columns 110 and the beams 112 to each other on each side of the structure 100. Each lateral bracing system 120 on both sides of the moment frame 108 may be a mirror image of the other, but this is not necessary in further embodiments. Therefore, with the understanding that one lateral bracing system 120 has the same components as the mirror image of the other lateral bracing system of a given moment frame 108, it will be described below.

[0027] FIG. 2 is a side view of one side of the moment frame, showing a column 110 connected to a beam 112 by a lateral bracing system 120 (a part of which is shown). Each of the column 110 and the beam 112 can be formed of structural steel and can have a first and a second flange and a web extending between the first and second flanges. In one example, the flange has a thickness of 1 to 13 / 16 inches, although the flange thickness may be different in further embodiments. In one example, the web can have a thickness of 1 inch, 3 / 4 inch, or 1 / 2 inch, although the web thickness may be different in further embodiments. The flanges of the column 110 and / or the beam 112 may be formed in a so-called standard structural W shape that is orthogonal to the surface of the web. Alternatively, the flange may be formed in a so-called S cross-section where the inner surface forms an angle greater than 90° with the surface of the web. Other beam configurations are also conceivable.

[0028] Each of the columns 110 may be formed from a main portion 110a that extends for most of the length of the column 110 and a top portion 110b formed at the tip of the column 110. The main portion and the top portion may be integrally formed with each other, for example, may include a reinforcing flange 121 at the boundary between the main portion and the top portion. In further embodiments, the main portion and the top portion may be fixed to each other by welding, bolting, or other methods after formation. The main portion 110a may include a first flange that extends vertically (fixed to the wall 102) and a second flange that is angled with respect to the vertical such that the web of the main portion 110a tapers along its length and is wider at the tip of the main portion 110a than at the base of the main portion 110a. In one example, the tip of the main portion 110a may have a width of 24 inches to 60 inches and may taper towards a bottom having a width of 8 inches to 12 inches. These dimensions are illustrative, and the dimensions of the tip and / or the bottom may vary in further embodiments. Both flanges of the main portion 110a may be vertical and parallel to each other in further embodiments. The beam is shown as having a constant depth, although the depth may taper along its length.

[0029] The top 110b may include a first flange that extends vertically from the first flange of the main part 110a (and is fixed to the wall 102). The top 110b may have a second, non-vertical flange. In an embodiment, the second flange is tapered inward from the bottom towards the tip such that the web of the top 110b is wider at the bottom than at its tip. The second flange of the top 110b of the column 110 forms a connection surface to which the beam 112 is fixed via a lateral bracing system.

[0030] In an embodiment, the second flange of the top 110b is provided at a right angle to the long axis of the beam 112 (i.e., along the axial length of the beam) and the slope of the roof 104 when assembled. As will be described below, this configuration ensures that the forces acting on the yield link of the lateral bracing system between the beam and the column remain within the main plane of the yield link.

[0031] FIG. 3 is an enlarged view showing a lateral bracing system 120 that connects the end face of the beam 112 and the connection surface (second flange) of the top 110b of the column 110. The connection surface is designated 122 in FIG. 3. The lateral bracing system 120 is composed of a pair of buckling-restrained bracing devices 124 provided one each on the upper and lower flanges of the beam 112. Each of the buckling-restrained bracing devices 124 includes a "dog bone" shaped yield link 126 shown in an end view in FIG. 3, a top view in FIG. 4, and a perspective view in FIG. 5. According to a first embodiment of the present technology, each of the yield links 126 may include a vertical plate 128 that forms a flange perpendicular to the length and main plane of the yield link at a first end of the link. The vertical plate 128 of each link 126 may include bolt holes 130 (FIG. 4) that allow the plate 128 to be bolted to the connection surface 122 at the upper and lower portions of the beam 112.

[0032] For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the yield link 126 includes a planar portion 132 that extends orthogonally from the plate 128 and has a narrow portion 134 that defines a pair of notches 135. In a further embodiment, the planar portion 132 may not be orthogonal to the plate 128. When a tensile load and a compressive load equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value are applied to the yield link 126, the yield link 126 yields at the narrow portion 134. The portion 134 may alternatively have the same diameter as the adjacent portions, but has a lower yield strength so that the yield link 126 yields at the portion 134 when the yield link 126 is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold value.

[0033] The yield link 126 can further include bolt holes 136 in the planar portion 132 at a second end of the yield link 126 opposite the plate 128. The bolt holes 136 are provided relative to the bolt holes 130 and are provided to enable the second end of the yield link to be bolted to the upper and lower flanges of the beam 112.

[0034] A shear tab 140 may be further attached between the connecting surface 122 and the web of the beam 112. The shear tab 140 may include a flange 142 that is parallel to the connecting surface 122 and configured to be bolted or welded to the connecting surface 122. The shear tab 140 further includes a plate 144 that is parallel to the web of the beam 112 and configured to be bolted to the web of the beam 112. In particular, the plate 144 includes a central circular hole 146 for bolting the plate 144 to the web of the beam 112. The plate 144 further includes an oval hole 148 for bolting the plate 144 to the web of the beam 112 while allowing rotation of the beam relative to the column. As will be described below, when a lateral load greater than a predetermined threshold is applied, the beam rotates relative to the column. The lateral bracing system is configured to allow such rotation, which occurs about an axis passing through the central bolt hole 146. The oval hole 148 has a slot tangent to the radius from the central bolt hole 146 and allows such rotation without damaging the shear tab or the web of the beam. At the same time, the holes 146 and 148 support the beam 112 against the gravity acting on the column 110. The number, position, and size of the oval holes 148 are shown as an example and may be different in further embodiments.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 3, the end face of the beam 112 adjacent to the column 110 may be cut back in the upper and lower flanges to define a notch 149. The notch 149 is formed such that the line between the ends of the cut-back upper and lower flanges passes through the center of the bolt hole 146. This notch 149 allows the beam 112 to rotate relative to the column 110 without restraining the beam in the upper and lower flanges.

[0036] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 5, each of the two buckling restraint brace devices 124 can further include a buckling restraint plate (BRP) 150. After the yield link 126 is bolted or otherwise fixed between the column 110 and the beam 112, the BRP 150 may be bolted onto the yield link 126. The yield link 126 exhibits predictable performance in tension, while the BRP 150 is provided to prevent the unpredictable out-of-plane buckling of the yield link in compression. As seen in FIG. 5, a pair of spacers 152 can be mounted within the notch 135 of the narrow portion 134. Thereafter, one or more bolts can pass through the BRP 150, through each spacer 152 on the opposite side of the yield link 126, and further through the flange of the beam 112 to fix the BRP 150 to each of the two buckling restraint brace devices 124 above and below the beam.

[0037] The spacer 152 may be the same thickness as the yield link 126 and may occupy most or substantially all of the void defined by the notch 135, for example, between 60% and 99%, or for example, 80% to 90% of the area of the notch 135. In this way, the spacer 152 ensures a uniform load distribution of the BRP 150 on the yield link 126 when the BRP 150 is bolted onto the yield link 126.

[0038] The lateral bracing system 120 of the moment frame 108 has the advantage that it can be easily assembled on site. In one example, the yield link 126 and the shear tab 140 can be assembled to the column 110 before arriving at the work site or before the column 110 is erected. Thereafter, when the column 110 and the beam 112 are positioned, the opposite ends of the yield link and the shear tab may be fixed to the beam. These joints can be made, for example, by bolting, and on-site welding is not required.

[0039] During operation, the pair of buckling restraint brace devices 124 operate in cooperation to resist rotation of the beam 112 relative to the column 110 under lateral loads (i.e., rotation about the shear tab 140). When attempting to rotate in the first direction, the first device of the devices 124 is in tension and the second device is in compression. When attempting to rotate in the opposite direction, the first device is in compression and the second device is in tension.

[0040] The yield link 126 of each device 124 provides high initial stiffness and tensile and compressive resistance against relative movement between the column 110 and the beam 112 under lateral loads, but provides stable yielding and hysteresis energy dissipation under lateral loads exceeding a predictable and controllable level. In particular, the bending strength of the column and the beam can be designed to exceed the moment capacity of the yield link 126, particularly the moment capacity of the narrow portion 134 of the yield link 126. Thus, before the column or beam yields or fails, the yield link 126 yields under lateral loads, and any damage is limited to the yield link that can be easily removed and replaced.

[0041] The BRP150 prevents buckling of the yield link under compressive loads. The shear tab 140 is provided to resist beam end shear (i.e., beam shear orthogonal to the long axis of the beam 112) under vertical and lateral frame loads.

[0042] When a lateral load is applied, the vertical plate 128 of the yield link 126 exerts a force on the connection surface 122 of the column 110 to which the yield link is attached. Accordingly, a reinforcing plate 156 can be optionally attached to the side surface of the connection surface 122 on the side opposite to the side receiving the yield link to resist the force exerted by the yield link. The reinforcing plate 156 is attached perpendicularly to the web of the column top 110b on one or both sides of the web and can resist the force applied from the lower yield link 126 to the portion 110b. The length of the reinforcing plate 156 can be aligned with the major surface (perpendicular to the connection surface 122) of the yield link.

[0043] The second reinforcing plate 156 may be attached to the top of the column 110 to counteract the force applied from the upper yield link 126 to the portion 110b. The second reinforcing plate 156 may be attached to the upper edge of the column top 110b within the plane of the web of the top 110b. As shown in FIG. 3, the upper end of the connection surface 122 may extend above the upper end of the column top 110b so as to receive the vertical plate 128 of the upper yield link 126. The reinforcing plate 156 may be disposed on the side surface of the connection surface opposite to the upper yield link 126 in contact with this top of the connection surface 122. The reinforcing plate 156 can be fixed by methods such as welding, bolting, and adhesion.

[0044] In the embodiments of the present technology shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, since the yield link 126 includes a vertical plate 128 orthogonal to the main surface of the yield link 126, it may be called a vertical plate lateral bracing system. FIGS. 6 to 9 show further embodiments of the present technology called a flat plate lateral bracing system. The flat plate lateral bracing system is similar to the vertical plate lateral bracing system in some respects but has the following differences. Referring first to FIG. 6, a side view of one side of the moment frame is shown, showing a column 210 connected to a beam 212 by a flat plate lateral bracing system 220 (a part of which is shown). Unless otherwise specified below, the column 210 and the beam 212 can have the same configuration as the column 110 and the beam 112, respectively.

[0045] Each of the columns 210 may be formed from a main portion 210a extending over most of the length of the column 210 and a top 210b formed at the top of the column 210. The top 210b may include a first flange that extends vertically from the first flange of the main portion 210a and is fixed to the wall 102. The top 210b may have a second flange that extends at a non-vertical angle. In an embodiment, the second flange is tapered inward from the bottom toward the tip such that the web of the top 210b is wider at its base than at its tip. The second flange of the top 210b of the column 210 forms a connection surface 222 to which the beam 212 is fixed.

[0046] In an embodiment, the connecting surface of the top portion 210b is provided at an angle perpendicular to the long axis of the beam 212 and the slope of the roof 104 when assembled. As will be described below, this configuration ensures that the force acting on the yield link between the beam and the column remains within the plane of the yield link.

[0047] FIG. 7 is an enlarged view showing a lateral bracing system 220 that connects the end face of the beam 212 and the connecting surface 222 of the top portion 210b of the column 210. The lateral bracing system 220 is composed of a pair of buckling restraint brace devices 224 provided one on each of the upper and lower flanges of the beam 212. Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the lateral bracing system 220 and the pair of buckling restraint brace devices 224 can be the same as the above-described lateral bracing system 120 and the pair of buckling restraint brace devices 124, respectively.

[0048] In the second embodiment, the first (lower) buckling restraint brace device 224a includes a yield link 226a, and the second (upper) buckling restraint brace device 224b includes a yield link 226b. The lower yield link 226a may be the same as the above-described lower yield link 126, and at the first end of the link, it includes a vertical plate 228 that is perpendicular to the length and major surface of the yield link 226a and forms a flange. The vertical plate 228 of the link 226a can include bolt holes 230 as described above with respect to FIG. 4, allowing the plate 228 to be bolted to the connecting surface 222 at the bottom of the beam 212.

[0049] According to this second embodiment, the upper yield link 226b may not have a vertical plate and instead may be a generally flat planar component over its entire length. As shown in the end view of FIG. 7, the top view of FIG. 8, and the perspective view of FIG. 9, the yield link 226b is generally planar and has a narrow portion 234 that defines a pair of notches 235. When an axial tensile and compressive load exceeding a predetermined threshold is applied to the yield link 226b, the yield link 226b yields at the narrow portion 234, as described above for the yield link 126. The yield link 226b can further include two sets of bolt holes 236a and 236b (collectively referred to as bolt holes 236) at the first and second opposing ends of the yield link 226b. The bolt hole 236a is provided to enable bolting the first end of the yield link 226b to the upper flange of the beam 212. The bolt hole 236b is provided to enable bolting the second end of the yield link 226b to the upper edge 229 of the column top 210b.

[0050] The upper edge 229 is provided along the inclination of the roof 104 at a non-horizontal angle that coincides with the long axis of the beam 212. The upper edge 229 is also on the same plane as the upper flange of the beam 212. Accordingly, the flat plate yield link 226b lies flat on both the upper flange of the beam 212 and the upper edge 229 of the column 210 and can be bolted to the upper flange of the beam 212 and the upper edge 229 via the bolt holes 236. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the upper end of the connection surface 122 extended above the upper end of the column top 110b, but in this second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the upper end of the connection surface 222 ends at the upper edge 229.

[0051] A shear tab 240 may be further fixed between the connecting surface 222 and the web of the beam 212. The shear tab 240 may be structurally and operationally identical to the shear tab 140. The beam 212 may include notches 249 that are structurally and operationally the same as the notch 149 in the upper and lower flanges. Each of the two buckling restraint brace devices 224 may further include a buckling restraint plate (BRP) 250 and a spacer 252 within the notches 235 of both the yield links 226a, 226b. The BRP 250 and the spacer 252 may be structurally and operationally identical to the BRP 150 and the spacer 152, respectively.

[0052] During operation, the pair of buckling restraint brace devices 224 operate in cooperation to oppose the rotation of the beam 212 relative to the column 210 under lateral loads (i.e., rotation about the shear tab 240). When attempting to rotate in the first direction, the first device of the devices 224 is in tension and the second device is in compression. When attempting to rotate in the opposite direction, the first device is in compression and the second device is in tension.

[0053] The yield links 226a, 226b of each device 224 together provide high initial stiffness and tensile / compressive resistance against relative movement between the column 210 and the beam 212 under lateral loads, but provide stable yielding and hysteresis energy dissipation under lateral loads exceeding a predictable and controllable level. The yield link 226a can transmit tensile and compressive loads (before yielding) to and from the top of the column 210b via the vertical plate 228. The yield link 226b can transmit tensile and compressive loads (before yielding) to and from the top of the column 210b via the bolts within the bolt holes 236b. A reinforcing plate 256 can be optionally attached to the connecting surface 222 to resist the tensile and compressive forces exerted by the yield link 226a. The reinforcing plate 256 may be structurally and operationally identical to the above-described reinforcing plate 156.

[0054] In the above-described embodiments, the roof 104 has an apex generally in the middle between the opposing walls 102 such that the beams 112 / 212 on both sides of the opposing walls 102 slope upward from the connection portions to the columns 110 / 210. In a further embodiment of the present technology shown in FIGS. 10 to 12, the roof 104 may have an apex on one of the walls 102 and slope downward toward the opposite wall 102. In such an embodiment, the moment frame 308 may include a pair of opposing columns 310, between which a beam 312 may extend. The embodiment shown in FIG. 10 includes a single beam 312 between the columns 310, but in further embodiments, there may be more than one beam between the columns 310.

[0055] The moment frame 308 includes a pair of lateral bracing systems 320a and 320b, one of which couples the columns 310 and the beam 312 to each other on each side of the structure of the moment frame 308. On the first side of the structure 100, the beam 312 is angled upward from the column 310 along the slope of the roof 104, and the lateral bracing system 320a on that first side may be the same as the lateral bracing systems 120 / 220 described above in coupling the first column 310 to the beam 312.

[0056] On the second side of the structure 100, the beam 312 is angled downward from the column 310 in the lateral bracing system 320b. FIGS. 11 and 12 are enlarged front views of the column 310, the beam 312, and the lateral bracing system 320b on the second side of the structure 100 according to the two embodiments described above. First, referring to FIG. 11, the column 310 includes a main portion 310a that extends for most of the length of the column 310, similar to the main portions 110a and 210a described above, and a top portion 310b formed at the top of the column 310. The main portion 310a and the top portion 310b may be the same as in the above-described embodiments. The column 310 further includes the top portion 310b. Different from the embodiments described above, the top portion 310b includes a connecting surface 322 that is angled downward. The angle of the connecting surface 322 is provided to be perpendicular to the long axis of the beam 312 and the slope of the roof 104.

[0057] The lateral bracing system 320 in FIG. 11 includes a pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 324, one on each of the upper and lower flanges of the beam 312. The pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 324 in FIG. 11 may be structurally and operationally identical to the pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 124 shown in FIGS. 3 - 5.

[0058] Next, referring to FIG. 12, the column 310 includes a main portion 310a and a top portion 310b formed at the top of the column 310, which may be the same as in the above-described embodiments. Similar to FIG. 11, in the embodiment of FIG. 12, the connecting surface 322 of the top portion 310b is angled downward instead of upward. The angle of the connecting surface 322 in FIG. 12 is provided to be perpendicular to the long axis of the beam 312 and the inclination of the roof 104.

[0059] The lateral bracing system 320 in FIG. 12 includes a pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 324a and 324b, one on each of the upper and lower flanges of the beam 312. The pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 324a and 324b in FIG. 12 may be structurally and operationally identical to the pair of buckling-restraining brace devices 224a and 224b shown in FIGS. 7 - 9.

[0060] It is a feature of the above-described embodiments that the connecting surfaces 122 / 222 of the columns are perpendicular to the long axis of the beam 112 and the inclination of the roof 104 when assembled. Therefore, the angle of the connecting surfaces 122 / 222 varies according to the inclinations of the roof and the beam. By making the connecting surfaces 122 / 222 perpendicular to the axial length of the beam, it is ensured that the loads applied to the yield links 126 / 226a / 226b become tensile and compressive loads within the plane of the yield links.

[0061] Similarly, for the embodiment including the flat yield link 226b, the upper edge 229 of the column is provided at an angle that matches the inclinations of the beam 212 and the roof 104, and the upper edge 229 is in the same plane as the upper surface of the upper flange of the beam 212. By having the upper edge 229 in the same plane as the upper flange of the beam, it is ensured that the loads applied to the flat yield link 226b become tensile and compressive loads within the plane of the yield link.

[0062] As used herein, a connection may be a direct connection or an indirect connection (e.g., a connection through one or more other components). In some cases, when it is mentioned that an element is fixed, connected, or attached to another element, that element may be directly connected to the other element or indirectly connected to the other element through intervening elements. When it is mentioned that a first element is directly fixed, directly connected, or directly attached to a second element, there is no intervening element between the first element and the second element.

[0063] Although 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. Various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. The following items are elements described in the claims at the time of international application. (Item 1) An inclined roof structure, a beam having a major axis at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, a vertical column having a connecting surface configured to be at an angle perpendicular to the major axis of the beam, a shear tab attached between the column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam, and the lateral bracing system comprises first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, and each of the buckling restraint brace devices is a yielding link having a first end connected to the column and a second end connected to the beam, the yielding link having a narrow portion defining first and second notches on both sides thereof, and the yielding link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, and to dissipate the stress in the structure, the yielding link, first and second spacers respectively fitting into the first notch and the second notch, a buckling restraint plate configured to be attached on the yielding link and the spacer, and the yielding link and the spacer are configured to be sandwiched between the buckling restraint plate and one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, the buckling restraint plate, An inclined roof structure. (Item 2) The inclined roof structure according to Item 1, wherein the first end of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices has a vertical plate having a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the column. (Item 3) The inclined roof structure according to Item 2, wherein the vertical plate comprises a plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the vertical plate and the yielding link to the connecting surface of the column. (Item 4) The second end of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices is provided with a flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with one of the first and second flanges of the beam. The inclined roof structure according to item 2. (Item 5) The flat portion is provided with a plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the flat portion and the yielding link to one of the first flange and the second flange of the beam. The inclined roof structure according to item 4. (Item 6) The first end of the yielding link of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices is provided with a first flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the column adjacent to the connecting surface of the column. The inclined roof structure according to item 1. (Item 7) The first flat portion is provided with a first plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the first flat portion and the yielding link to the upper edge of the column. The inclined roof structure according to item 6. (Item 8) The second end of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices is provided with a second flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with one of the first and second flanges of the beam. The inclined roof structure according to item 6. (Item 9) The second flat portion is provided with a second plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the second flat portion and the yielding link to one of the first and second flanges of the beam. The inclined roof structure according to item 8. (Item 10) The shear tab includes a central circular mounting hole and a plurality of elliptical holes arranged at a radial interval from the central circular mounting hole. The inclined roof structure according to item 1. (Item 11) The length of each of the plurality of elliptical holes is oriented perpendicular to the radius from the central circular mounting hole. The inclined roof structure according to item 10. (Item 12) The end of the beam configured to be attached adjacent to the column includes a central web between the first flange and the second flange, and the first flange and the second flange are recessed with respect to the web, defining a first notch and a second notch at the upper and lower portions of the beam at the end of the beam. The inclined roof structure according to item 1. (Item 13) The inclined roof structure according to item 12, wherein the shear tab has a central circular mounting hole, and a line between the concave ends of the first flange and the second flange at the end of the beam passes through the central circular mounting hole. (Item 14) An inclined roof structure, a vertical column having an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof and a connecting surface adjacent to the upper edge, a beam having a major axis at the non-horizontal angle and having a flange along the inclination of the roof, a shear tab attached between the column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam, the lateral bracing system, comprises first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, and the first buckling restraint brace device, is a first yield link, a first end having a first flat portion having a first surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the column, a second end having a second flat portion having a second surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the first flange of the beam, a narrow portion between the first end and the second end, the narrow portion defining a first notch and a second notch on both sides of the first yield link, and the first yield link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, so as to dissipate the stress in the structure, the first yield link, first and second spacers respectively fitting into the first and second notches, a buckling restraint plate attached on the first yield link and the spacer and configured to sandwich the first yield link and the spacer between the buckling restraint plate and the first flange of the beam, the inclined roof structure. (Item 15) The second buckling restraint brace device comprises a second yield link, and the second yield link, a first end having a vertical plate configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the column, a second end having a flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the second flange of the beam, comprising a narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the narrow portion defining a first notch and a second notch on both sides of the yielding link, the yielding link configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, thereby dissipating stress within the structure The inclined roof structure according to item 14 (Item 16) The inclined roof structure according to item 15, wherein the connecting surface is perpendicular to the major axis of the beam (Item 17) The inclined roof structure according to item 14, wherein the first end portion of the first yielding link is bolted to the column, and the second end portion of the first yielding link is bolted to the beam (Item 18) An inclined roof structure, A vertical column, an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, a connecting surface adjacent to the upper edge, provided at a non-vertical angle and perpendicular to the inclination of the roof, the vertical column comprising the connecting surface a beam having a major axis at the non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, a lateral bracing system fixed between the column and the beam, The lateral bracing system comprises first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, The first buckling restraint brace device is a first yielding link, comprising a first end portion having a first planar portion with a first surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the column, a second end portion having a second planar portion with a second surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the first flange of the beam, and a first narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first narrow portion defining first and second notches on both sides of the first yielding link, the first yielding link configured to yield in tension and compression at the first narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, thereby dissipating stress within the structure, the first yielding link and a first buckling restraint plate mounted on the first yielding link and configured to sandwich the first yielding link between the buckling restraint plate and the first flange of the beam The second buckling restraint brace device is a second yielding link A first end portion comprising a vertical plate configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the column. A second end portion comprising a planar portion having a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the second flange of the beam. A second reduced-width portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the second reduced-width portion defining first and second notches on both sides of the yield link, the yield link being configured to yield in tension and compression at the second reduced-width portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the column, and to dissipate stress within the structure, a second yield link. A second buckling restraint plate mounted on the second yield link and configured to sandwich the second yield link between the buckling restraint plate and the second flange of the beam. An inclined roof structure. (Item 19) The inclined roof structure according to item 18, further comprising a shear tab fixed between the column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, the shear tab being configured to define a rotation axis of the beam with respect to the column. (Item 20) The end portion of the beam configured to be attached adjacent to the column includes a central web between the first flange and the second flange, the first flange and the second flange being recessed with respect to the web, defining a first notch and a second notch at the upper and lower portions of the beam at the end portion of the beam, and a line passing through the concave end portions of the first flange and the second flange passes through the rotation axis of the beam with respect to the column, the inclined roof structure according to item 19.

Claims

1. An inclined roof structure comprising: a beam having a major axis at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof; a vertical column having a connecting surface configured to be at an angle perpendicular to the major axis of the beam; a shear tab attached between the vertical column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam; a lateral bracing system fixed between the vertical column and the beam, the lateral bracing system comprising: first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, each of the buckling restraint brace devices comprising: a yielding link having a first end connected to the vertical column and a second end connected to the beam, the yielding link having a narrow portion defining first and second notches on both sides thereof, the yielding link being configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the vertical column, and to dissipate stress within the inclined roof structure; first and second spacers respectively fitting within the first and second notches; a buckling restraint plate configured to be mounted on the yielding link and the spacers, the yielding link and the spacers being configured to be sandwiched between the buckling restraint plate and one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam; An inclined roof structure.

2. The inclined roof structure according to claim 1, wherein the first end of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices has a vertical plate having a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the vertical column.

3. The inclined roof structure according to claim 2, wherein the vertical plate has a plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the vertical plate and the yielding link to the connecting surface of the vertical column.

4. The inclined roof structure according to claim 2, wherein the second end of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices has a planar portion having a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam.

5. The inclined roof structure according to claim 4, wherein the flat portion includes a plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the flat portion and the yielding link to one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam.

6. The inclined roof structure according to claim 1, wherein the first end portion of the yielding link of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices has a first flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the vertical column adjacent to the connecting surface of the vertical column.

7. The inclined roof structure according to claim 6, wherein the first flat portion includes a first plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the first flat portion and the yielding link to the upper edge of the vertical column.

8. The inclined roof structure according to claim 6, wherein the second end portion of the yielding link of each of the first and second buckling restraint brace devices has a second flat portion having a surface configured to be attached in parallel to and in contact with one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam.

9. The inclined roof structure according to claim 8, wherein the second flat portion includes a second plurality of bolt holes configured to receive bolts for attaching the second flat portion and the yielding link to one of the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam.

10. The inclined roof structure according to claim 1, wherein the shear tab includes a central circular mounting hole and a plurality of elliptical holes arranged at a radial interval from the central circular mounting hole.

11. The inclined roof structure according to claim 10, wherein the length of each of the plurality of elliptical holes is oriented perpendicular to the radius from the central circular mounting hole.

12. The inclined roof structure according to claim 1, wherein an end portion of the beam configured to be attached adjacent to the vertical column includes a central web between the upper flange and the lower flange, and the upper flange and the lower flange are recessed with respect to the central web, defining a first notch and a second notch at the upper and lower portions of the beam at the end portion of the beam.

13. The inclined roof structure according to claim 12, wherein the shear tab includes a central circular mounting hole, and a line between the concave end portions of the upper flange and the lower flange at the end portion of the beam passes through the central circular mounting hole.

14. An inclined roof structure comprising: a vertical column having an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof and a connecting surface adjacent to the upper edge; a beam having a major axis along the non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof; a shear tab attached between the vertical column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam; a lateral bracing system fixed between the vertical column and the beam; wherein the lateral bracing system comprises first and second buckling restraint brace devices respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, and the first buckling restraint brace device is a first yielding link, comprising a first end portion having a first planar portion with a first surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the vertical column; a second end portion having a second planar portion with a second surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper flange of the beam; a narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the narrow portion defining a first notch and a second notch on both sides of the first yielding link, and the first yielding link is configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the vertical column, so as to dissipate the stress in the inclined roof structure; the first yielding link; first and second spacers respectively fitting into the first and second notches; and a buckling restraint plate attached on the first yielding link and the spacers and configured to sandwich the first yielding link and the spacers between the buckling restraint plate and the upper flange of the beam; the inclined roof structure.

15. The second buckling restraint brace device comprises a second yielding link, and the second yielding link comprises a first end portion having a vertical plate configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the vertical column; a second end portion having a planar portion with a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the lower flange of the beam; comprising a narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the narrow portion defining a first notch and a second notch on both sides of the yielding link, the yielding link configured to yield in tension and compression at the narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the vertical column, so as to dissipate stress within the inclined roof structure The inclined roof structure according to claim 14

16. The inclined roof structure according to claim 15, wherein the connecting surface is perpendicular to the major axis of the beam

17. The inclined roof structure according to claim 14, wherein the first end portion of the first yielding link is bolted to the vertical column, and the second end portion of the first yielding link is bolted to the beam

18. An inclined roof structure comprising A vertical column comprising an upper edge at a non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof, and a connecting surface adjacent to the upper edge, provided at a non-vertical angle and perpendicular to the inclination of the roof A beam having a major axis at the non-horizontal angle along the inclination of the roof A lateral bracing system fixed between the vertical column and the beam The lateral bracing system comprises a first and a second buckling restraint brace device respectively provided on the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam The first buckling restraint brace device comprises a first yielding link a first end portion having a first planar portion with a first surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper edge of the vertical column, and a second end portion having a second planar portion with a second surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the upper flange of the beam a first narrow portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the first narrow portion defining a first and a second notch on both sides of the first yielding link, the first yielding link configured to yield in tension and compression at the first narrow portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the vertical column, so as to dissipate stress within the inclined roof structure a first buckling restraint plate mounted on the first yielding link and configured to sandwich the first yielding link between the buckling restraint plate and the upper flange of the beam The second buckling restraint brace device comprises a second yielding link A first end portion comprising a vertical plate configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the connecting surface of the vertical column. A second end portion comprising a planar portion having a surface configured to be attached parallel to and in contact with the lower flange of the beam. A second narrowed portion between the first end portion and the second end portion, the second narrowed portion defining first and second notches on both sides of the yield link, the yield link being configured to yield in tension and compression at the second narrowed portion when a lateral load is applied to the beam and / or the vertical column, and to dissipate stress within the inclined roof structure. A second yield link. A second buckling restraint plate mounted on the second yield link and configured to sandwich the second yield link between the buckling restraint plate and the lower flange of the beam. An inclined roof structure. **Claim 19** The inclined roof structure according to claim 18, further comprising a shear tab fixed between the vertical column and the beam and between the upper flange and the lower flange of the beam, the shear tab being configured to define a rotation axis of the beam with respect to the vertical column. **Claim 20** The end portion of the beam configured to be attached adjacent to the vertical column includes a central web between the upper flange and the lower flange, the upper flange and the lower flange being recessed with respect to the central web, defining a first notch and a second notch at the upper and lower portions of the beam at the end portion of the beam, and a line passing through the concave ends of the upper flange and the lower flange passes through the rotation axis of the beam with respect to the vertical column. The inclined roof structure according to claim 19.

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