Seismic Bracing Yield Fuse for Nonstructural Components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing seismic bracing systems for nonstructural building components do not adequately account for ductile yielding, leading to the need for increased anchor forces and larger, heavier designs that are not compatible with existing commercial products, and lack evaluation of relative strength components.
Innovation Solution
Development of lightweight, compact seismic bracing yield fuses that allow ductile yielding, enabling the use of an Omega factor of 1.0 instead of 2.5, and incorporating fuse members with various configurations such as dog-bone or corrugated shapes to absorb seismic forces without sudden failure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid braces or cable braces with sufficient strength are used to resist seismic forces, then the nonstructural items are adequately restrained, but the anchor forces must be increased by a factor of 2.5 and the design becomes heavier and more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical behavior parameter of the brace from rigid to ductile by introducing a fuse member that is designed to yield plastically under seismic loads. This parameter change allows the brace to absorb energy through controlled deformation rather than relying solely on high-strength rigid connections, thereby reducing the required anchor forces and overall weight of the brace assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The fuse member acts as an intermediary element between the rigid brace and the anchor connections. It mediates the seismic forces by yielding in a controlled manner, protecting the anchor connections from experiencing the full force magnitude. This intermediary mechanism allows the use of lighter anchorages while maintaining reliable seismic restraint.
2Strength
If commercially available brace connections designed to be strong and rigid are used, then the brace assembly has sufficient strength and stiffness, but the anchor forces must be multiplied by 2.5 under 2012 IBC requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the brace assembly into distinct functional components: a rigid brace portion for providing structural connectivity, and a separate fuse member for absorbing seismic forces through yielding. This segmentation allows the rigid brace to maintain its strength and stiffness while the fuse member independently manages the force demands on the anchor connections, enabling the use of Omega=1.0 instead of Omega=2.5.
3Reliability
If energy absorbing ductile connection devices are used in building braces, then ductile yielding is achieved, but the devices are too large and heavy for nonstructural items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the ductile yielding functionality in a small, localized fuse member with specific geometric features (such as reduced cross-section or notches) that promote controlled plastic deformation. This localized approach to ductility provides the necessary energy absorption capability in a compact form factor suitable for nonstructural bracing applications, rather than requiring large-scale ductile connection devices.
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 seismic bracing yield fuses provide superior performance by allowing ductile yielding, reducing anchor forces by 250% and enabling cost-effective, practical designs that meet size and weight limitations for nonstructural items.
Implementation Method 1
The fuse member is configured to undergo ductile yielding in a length dimension upon application of a tensile force along the length dimension of the fuse member
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic bracing yield fuse includes at least one housing member, and a fuse member housed within or mounted externally to the at least one housing member. The fuse member is configured to undergo ductile yielding in a length dimension upon application of a tensile force along the length dimension of the fuse member, and the at least one housing member is configured to accommodate a change in length of the fuse member resulting from the ductile yielding.