Laminar Fuse Bracket Assembly for Seismic Deformation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural connection devices for load-resisting systems, such as seismic and progressive collapse systems, face limitations in maintaining structural integrity and deformation capacity due to the strength and deformation capacity of individual connecting brackets, which are often restricted by the materials used.
Innovation Solution
A member-to-member connection assembly featuring multiple planar connection brackets with inelastic shear or flexural hinge locations in laminar configurations, combined with lateral restraints to prevent movement perpendicular to the load direction, allowing for increased strength and deformation capacity. The brackets are designed with fuse elements in various geometric orientations and can be interconnected in series or parallel configurations, using materials like structural steel or reinforced polymers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If individual connecting brackets are used for structural connections, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the strength and deformation capacity are limited by the individual bracket's material properties
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting device is divided into multiple individual brackets arranged in a laminar configuration. Each bracket acts as an independent load-resisting element with its own fuse configuration, allowing the total strength to be the sum of individual bracket strengths while maintaining relatively simple individual component designs
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple brackets are combined in a laminar arrangement where they work together to resist loads. The brackets are positioned adjacent to each other with their fuse configurations oriented to collectively accommodate deformations, creating an assembly with enhanced strength and deformation capacity beyond what a single bracket could provide
2Strength
If individual connecting brackets are used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the deformation capacity is restricted by the material's inelastic deformation capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The deformation capacity is segmented across multiple brackets, each contributing its own inelastic deformation capacity through fuse configurations. The total deformation capacity of the assembly is the sum of deformations accommodated by all individual fuse configurations, allowing enhanced performance without requiring each individual bracket to be overly complex
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse configurations are designed with specific geometric orientations and dimensions that control the inelastic deformation behavior. By adjusting parameters such as fuse element geometry, orientation, and arrangement, the deformation capacity can be tailored while maintaining straightforward manufacturing of individual bracket components
3Reliability
If lateral restraints are added to prevent movement perpendicular to load direction, then the reliability of the connection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Lateral restraints are provided at specific locations within the bracket assembly rather than throughout the entire structure. The restraints are positioned to prevent perpendicular movement at critical points where fuse configurations develop inelastic deformations, ensuring reliable load transfer without requiring comprehensive lateral bracing of the entire connection
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution enhances the assembly's strength and deformation capacity, enabling it to absorb seismic forces and preserve the integrity of primary structural members, potentially reducing repair costs by allowing replacement of yielded brackets rather than entire structures after significant loading events.
Implementation Method 1
each providing a known static load capacity and a reliable inelastic deformation capacity upon development of one or more inelastic shear or flexural hinge locations
Implementation Method 2
The inelastic deformations of the fuse elements operate to absorb the seismic forces and displacements thereby preserving the elastic integrity of the primary structural members
Data Source
AI summary
A member-to-member planar connection bracket that includes multiple repeated fuse element configurations that each provide a pre-determined inelastic load-carrying capacity and a reliable inelastic deformation capacity upon development of one or more inelastic hinge locations within the fuse elements. The fuse configurations are interconnected in series such that the total deformation accommodated between first end of the bracket and second end of the bracket is the sum of deformations accommodated by the individual fuse configurations. Multiple brackets are configured in laminar configurations and interconnected to create a connection assembly that provides increased strength or increased deformation capacity as compared to an individual bracket. The connection assembly is used to connect a first structural member and second structural member. The pre-determined maximum inelastic load-carrying capacity of the assembly is less than the elastic load-carrying capacity of the first structural member and the second structural member.