Patent ID: 8464479

Claim:
A structural system that is energy-absorbent and fire-resistant comprising: a. a main structure having an at least one peripheral wall, b. an outer shield comprising: i) a movable portion spaced apart from and surrounding a first portion of said at least one peripheral wall of said main structure and defining a gap therebetween, said movable portion having at least one sliding means to slide against a sliding-plane, ii) a fixed portion surrounding a second portion of said at least one peripheral wall of said main structure and supporting said movable portion and extending across a substantial portion of the width of said gap, said fixed portion having a fixed plate defining said sliding-planer; and c. an anchorage system comprised of: a plurality of anchors attached to said movable portion and at least one of said at least one peripheral wall and said fixed portion; wherein said anchorage system is configured to constrain said movable portion of said outer shield from moving and from rotating by initially fixing the movable portion; and wherein, during use, at least a portion of energy is absorbed by the deformation of the outer shield.