Reinforcing brace frame

Abstract

A reinforcing brace frame for providing lateral and seismic support when used in a multi-story light-gauge steel/wood framed building is disclosed. The reinforcing brace frame comprises a horizontally extending upper metallic frame member, a pair of spaced metallic frame members having a lower end and an upper end, at least one metallic diagonal member, a plurality of slots and at least one abutting tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The pair of spaced metallic frame members is vertically extended and rigidly connected at opposite ends of the upper metallic frame member to form a rigid upright tubular frame. The reinforcing brace frame is stacked and connected by means of the at least one abutting tube which is then bolted in place using at least one attachment means to secure subsequent reinforcing brace frames to resist lateral seismic loads.

1 . A reinforcing brace frame for providing lateral and seismic support when used in a multi-story light gauge steel/wood framed building comprising:
 a horizontally extending upper metallic frame member;   a pair of spaced metallic frame members having a lower end and a upper end vertically extending and rigidly connected at opposite ends of the upper metallic frame member to form a rigid upright tubular frame;   at least one metallic diagonal member connected to at least one opposite end of the upper metallic frame member using at least one compression plate;   a plurality of slots arranged in the pair of spaced metallic frame members and the at least one metallic diagonal member; and   is at least one abutting tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end inserted through the upper end of the pair of spaced metallic frame members of one reinforcing brace frame and the distal end inserted through the lower end of the pair of spaced metallic frame members of another reinforcing brace frame;   whereby the reinforcing brace frame is stacked and connected by means of the at least one abutting tube which is then bolted in place using at least one attachment means to secure subsequent reinforcing brace frames to resist lateral seismic loads.   
     
     
         2 . The reinforcing brace frame of  claim 1  wherein the plurality of slots is adaptable to allow the penetration of plumbing and electrical elements to pass through the length of the reinforcing brace frame. 
     
     
         3 . The reinforcing brace frame of  claim 1  wherein the at least one compression plate allows the load to transfer across the at least one compression plate for greater loading of the reinforcing brace frame. 
     
     
         4 . The reinforcing brace frame of  claim 1  wherein the reinforcing brace frame may be used in podium construction. 
     
     
         5 . The reinforcing brace frame of  claim 1  wherein the at least one attachment means may be selected from a group consisting of self tapping screws, shot pins and bolt.