Patent ID: 8590258
Filing Date: 2013-11-26
Classification: E04H,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A buckling restrained brace comprising: a generally elongated core plate with a first end and a second end and a longitudinal axis, and a medial region, with an attachment means on each end of said core plate, with said core plate configured to sustain compression forces and tensile forces from said ends; a discrete spring layer of corrugated material surrounding some or all surfaces of at least said medial region of said core plate, with said discrete spring layer comprising a spacing and resilient or degrading material in sliding engagement with said core plate, with said discrete spring layer defining a zone of compression around said core plate and providing a standoff spacer layer from a grout matrix surrounding said discrete spring layer, and providing a space for expansion of said core plate; a casing tube enclosing said core plate and spaced apart from said core plate, with said casing tube configured to sustain expansion forces and prevent said core plate from buckling, said casing tube further comprising a first end plate and a second end plate, with said end plates defining a core plate passage for passage of said core plate through said end plates; said grout matrix between said discrete spring layer and said casing tube; one or more positioning stops attached to said core plate and extending away from said core plate into said grout matrix, toward but not attached to a casing tube interior surface; one of more positioning dowels attached to said casing tube and extending into said grout matrix, but not attached to or touching said core plate; with said discrete spring layer providing a resilient or degrading and displaceable layer and an expansion space for expansion of said core plate, and with said and casing tube and said grout matrix serving as a buckling restraining element if sufficient force is applied to said ends of said core plate, and with said core plate configured to absorb seismic shocks or other forces in tension and in compression, with said casing structure limiting a tendency to buckle of said core plate.