Force-resisting devices and methods for structures

A force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure, the device comprising:

• at least one active element having at least a first end and a second end, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and configured to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, wherein the first end of the active element is configured to be connected to a structure;
• and
• at least one frame element disposed about a discontinuous structural element, wherein the frame element is configured to be connected to the second end of the active element, the active element and the frame element are configured to resist forces and reduce stresses and replace stiffness, dissipation, and strength to the structure.

A force-resisting device for transmitting forces and dissipating and absorbing energy across a discontinuous structural element of a structure, the device comprising:

• at least one active element having at least a first end and a second end, the active element having defined force versus deflection properties and configured to transmit force and dissipate and absorb energy, wherein the first end of the active element is configured to be connected to a structure;
• and
• at least one frame element configured to be connected to a discontinuous structural element, said frame element configured to be connected to the second end of the active element, wherein the active element and the frame element are configured to resist forces applied to the structure by transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element.

A method of restoring the stiffness, energy dissipation capacity, and strength of a structure containing a discontinuous structural element, the method comprising the step of:

• transmitting forces across the discontinuous structural element, thereby providing load sharing across the discontinuity.