Low-Impact Seismic Bracing With Reversible Beam Clasping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anti-seismic bracing systems for buildings are invasive, affecting the structural integrity and aesthetic value, requiring irreversible installations that modify the building and hide its original appearance, and often necessitate long-term demolition sites.

Innovation Solution

A low-visual-impact anti-seismic bracing system using shock transmitters, tubular elements, and a Saint Andrew's cross structure that clasp to existing beams, providing seismic resistance only during earthquakes, with removable and recyclable components that maintain the building's static equilibrium and visibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional anti-seismic bracing systems are installed, then seismic resistance is improved, but the building's aesthetic value and visibility are compromised due to invasive structures and fire protection coatings

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic resistanceVSAvoidbuilding appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The fireproofing function is nested within a transparent glass enclosure that contains the bracing structure. The glass box acts as a container that houses both the seismic bracing elements and the fire protection system, allowing the building to maintain its original appearance while gaining seismic resistance and fire protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

A transparent glass shell encloses the bracing structure, providing fire protection while maintaining visual transparency. This thin film approach allows the protective function to be achieved without obscuring the building's aesthetic value, unlike traditional concrete or masonry coatings.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Reliability

If traditional anti-seismic bracing systems are installed, then seismic resistance is improved, but the building structure is permanently modified requiring long-term demolition sites

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseismic resistanceVSAvoidinstallation reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing system is designed to be dynamic and reversible rather than permanent. The steel tubular bracing elements can be assembled and disassembled without permanent modification to the building structure, allowing for maintenance, replacement, or removal while maintaining seismic protection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The bracing system is divided into separate modular components including steel tubular elements, connection plates, and glass enclosure sections. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed, maintained, or replaced without affecting the entire system or requiring demolition of adjacent structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If fire protection coating is applied, then fire resistance is improved, but the building surfaces are hidden and architectural value is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidbuilding visibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The transparent glass enclosure acts as an intermediary between the fire protection requirement and the aesthetic preservation requirement. It mediates by providing fire resistance through enclosure while allowing light transmission to maintain visibility of the building's architectural features.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system effectively enhances seismic resistance without altering the building's structure or appearance, allowing quick installation and removal, preserving the building's integrity and aesthetic value, and avoiding the need for demolition sites.

Implementation Method 1

two shock transmitters at the base, of two tubular elements which by tie-wrapping clasp to the existing beams

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShock transmission and vibration dissipation: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the shock transmitters, sized according to the magnitude of the seismic zone, make it possible the stiffening of the system only in the event of an earthquake

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSeismic vibration absorption: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4717853A2Low visual impact Anti-seismic bracing system and related kit for its construction

Publication Date: 2026.04.01 IUAV UNIVERSITY OF VENICE

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AI summary

The invention relates to a low visual impact anti-seismic bracing system for a building equipped with horizontal structural elements (20), comprising two pillars (2) a Saint Andrew's cross (3) that can be fixed between the two pillars (2) two upper clasping elements (10) that can be fixed to the upper ends of the pillars (2) wherein the upper clasping elements (10) comprise tie-wrapping means for tying said structural elements (20) so that said structural elements (20) are not modified by the application or removal of the module (1).