Patent ID: 6412237
Filing Date: 2002-07-02
Classification: E04B,E04H

Abstract:
A rigid framed structure comprising:first and second columns; at least two spaced-apart girders, each having first and second girder ends connected respectively by a girder-to-column coupling to said first and second columns; and at least one girder-to-girder link substantially orthogonal to a long axis of said at least two spaced-apart girders for coupling therebetween; wherein whenever a drift in said rigid framed structure has exceeded a first predetermined value, said at least one girder-to-girder link dissipates seismic energy by inelastic shear yielding; and each of said spaced-apart girders has a depth and said spaced-apart girders has a spacing that ranges substantially from half to two times the depth of each girder.