Modular safety system

A method of providing seismic retrofitting to a preexisting structure, the method comprising:

• installing a safety module in the preexisting structure, wherein the safety module comprises:
• a frame comprising;
• a first vertical side support frame member;
• a second vertical side support frame member spaced apart from the first vertical side support frame member;
• a horizontal beam coupled to, disposed on top of, and spanning a distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• and
• a reinforced horizontal ceiling or floor diaphragm spanning the distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• coupling the safety module directly to a footing, wherein the safety module is configured to withstand the forces of a seismic event, and wherein the safety module is seismically isolated from the preexisting structure by a flexible expansion joint.

A method of providing low-cost seismic retrofitting to a preexisting structure lacking sufficient seismically protective features, wherein the method comprises:

• installing one or more safety modules in the preexisting structure, wherein the one or more safety modules each comprises:
• a frame comprising:
• a first vertical side support frame member;
• a second vertical side support frame member spaced apart from the first vertical side support frame member;
• a plurality of horizontal beams coupled to, disposed on top of, and spanning a distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• and
• a reinforced horizontal floor or ceiling diaphragm spanning the distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• wherein the one or more safety modules are configured to withstand the forces of a seismic event;
• coupling at least one of the safety modules directly to a footing;
• and
• leasing the one or more safety modules to the owner of the preexisting structure.

A modular safety system comprising:

• a safety module for installation in and seismic retrofitting of a pre-existing structure, wherein the safety module comprises a frame comprising:
• a first vertical side support frame member;
• a second vertical side support frame member spaced apart from the first vertical side support frame member;
• a plurality of horizontal beams coupled to, disposed on top of, and spanning a distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• and
• a reinforced horizontal ceiling or floor diaphragm spanning the distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• wherein the safety module is configured to withstand the forces of a seismic event, and
• wherein the safety module is coupled directly to a footing.

A modular safety system comprising:

• a safety module for installation in and seismic retrofitting of a pre-existing structure, wherein the safety module comprises a frame comprising:
• a first vertical side support frame member;
• a second vertical side support frame member spaced apart from the first vertical side support frame member;
• a plurality of horizontal beams coupled to, disposed on top of, and spanning a distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• and
• a reinforced horizontal floor diaphragm spanning the distance between the first and second vertical side support frame members;
• wherein the safety module is configured to withstand the forces of a seismic event, and
• wherein the safety module is seismically isolated from the structure by a flexible expansion joint, wherein the expansion joint comprises a first side and a second side, and wherein the expansion joint is fixed to the safety module or the structure at only the first side of the joint.