Stiffness decoupler for base isolation of structures
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United States of America Patent
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Aug 26, 1997
Issued Date -
N/A
app pub date -
May 22, 1996
filing date -
Mar 29, 1991
priority date (Note) -
Expired
status (Latency Note)
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Abstract
A stiffness decoupling assembly (22) is provided for the protection of buildings or other structures (20) subject to earthquakes, in order to prevent collapse or catastrophic failure of such structures (20). The preferred decoupling assembly (22) includes a plurality of elongated, relatively flexible, concrete-filled pipes (28) rigidly connected to the structure (20) and extending downwardly toward an underlying foundation (26), with at least certain of the pipes (28) being coupled to the foundation (26) for resisting overturning of the structure (20). A primary load-bearing column (46) rests upon the foundation (26) and receives the array of pipes (28); bearing means (32) is interposed between the upper end of the column (46) and structure (20) for permitting relatively lateral movement therebetween. The invention serves to decouple the lateral stiffness from the load-carrying strength of the column (46), to thereby reduce the transmissibility of ground acceleration to the protected structure (20). The invention may also be used in conjunction with small buildings such as houses (156) situated atop basement walls (158); in such cases, the concrete-filled pipes (168) are positioned in spaced relationship to the basement walls (158), the latter serving as the primary load-bearing member.
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