Composite energy absorbing structure

Abstract

A composite structure including a shear wall panel having at least one horizontally-disposed structural member at least partially embedded in a floor slab such that horizontal forces exerted on the floor slab are transferred to the shear wall panel through the structural member.

1 . A composite energy absorbing structure comprising:
 a shear wall panel having at least one horizontally-disposed structural member partially embedded in a floor slab such that horizontal forces exerted on the floor slab are transferred to the shear wall panel through the structural member.   
   
   
       2 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the structural member comprises two or more bars each having an angle shape in cross section and each having a vertical leg and a horizontal leg. 
   
   
       3 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 2 , wherein the structural member includes a concrete engaging element formed in the structural member to enhance the connection between the floor slab and the shear wall panel. 
   
   
       4 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 2 , wherein the two or more bars are made of metal. 
   
   
       5 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 1 , wherein the shear wall further comprises:
 a frame having an opening; and   an energy absorber disposed in the opening.   
   
   
       6 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 5 , wherein the energy absorber comprises:
 one or more ductile members; and   two or more bracing members that support the one or more ductile members within the opening, wherein, when a force is applied to the energy absorber, the one or more ductile members deform to absorb energy.   
   
   
       7 . The composite energy absorbing structure of  claim 5 , wherein the frame further comprises:
 at least one vertically-disposed frame member; and   connector elements that connect the at least one frame member to the at least one structural member.   
   
   
       8 . A method of forming a composite structure in a building including one or more floor slabs, comprising:
 forming a shear wall panel having a structural member; and   at least partially embedding the structural member in a floor slab, such that horizontal forces exerted on the floor slab are transferred to the shear wall panel through the structural member.   
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the shear wall panel has at least two structural members and the method further includes the step of embedding each of the structural members in a floor slab. 
   
   
       10 . The method of  claim 8 , wherein the step of forming a shear wall panel comprises:
 connecting a vertically-disposed frame member to the structural member to form a frame having an opening; and   disposing an energy absorber in the opening.   
   
   
       11 . The method of  claim 10 , wherein the step of disposing an energy absorber in the opening comprises:
 connecting respective first ends of two or more bracing members to a ductile member;   disposing the ductile member within the opening; and   connecting respective second ends of the two or more bracing members to the frame.