Modern seismic-resistant structures require reinforcing steel that can withstand complex loading patterns while maintaining ductility. Field measurements show that during seismic events, reinforcing bars experience yield strengths exceeding 500 MPa, with uniform elongation requirements above 8% and critical UTS/YS ratios of 1.25 or higher to prevent brittle failure modes.

The fundamental challenge lies in developing steel compositions and configurations that simultaneously provide high strength, maintain ductility, and enable controlled energy dissipation during seismic events.

This page brings together solutions from recent research—including double-yield point buckling restraint systems, vanadium-enhanced steel with direct thread connections, spiral fiber-reinforced composite columns, and TMT rebar with optimized C-Mn compositions. These and other approaches focus on practical implementation strategies that meet both strength and ductility requirements for seismic applications.

1. Steel Beam with Integrated Buckling Restraint and Dual Control Energy Dissipation System

中国建筑第八工程局有限公司, CHINA CONSTRUCTION EIGHTH ENGINEERING DIVISION CORPORATION LTD, 2024

A steel beam designed to simultaneously meet the requirements of both bearing energy consumption and seismic vibration control in prefabricated structures. The beam comprises a frame beam assembly, a buckling restraint assembly, and a secondary energy dissipation system. The frame beam assembly provides the primary structural support, while the buckling restraint assembly enables buckling deformation energy dissipation. The secondary energy dissipation system, comprising a vibration-dual control component, further enhances seismic performance through dual control of both bearing and energy dissipation.

CN221219375U-patent-drawing

2. Steel Cage Structure with Nested Cage Bodies and Transverse Reinforcement for Building Beams and Columns

Jiangsu Jiayang Hualian Architectural Decoration Co., Ltd., JIANGSU JIAYANGHUALIAN BUILDING AND DECORATION CO LTD, 2024

Seismic steel cage structure for building beams and columns that improves connection reliability. The structure comprises an outer cage body, an inner cage body, and fiber concrete, where the inner cage body sits atop the outer cage body. The outer cage body is formed by longitudinal steel bars and square stirrups, with adjacent stirrups reinforced by transverse steel bars. This configuration enables robust connection between the outer cage body and the inner cage body when subjected to vertical loads, preventing concrete spalling at the connection interface.

3. Continuous Annealing System for Welded Wire Fabric Using Fluidized Bed Furnace

SACKS IND CORP, 2024

Continuous annealing of welded wire fabric for improved ductility in reinforced concrete construction. The process involves in-line, continuous annealing of the entire welded wire fabric, including the individual wires and weld zones, through a fluidized bed furnace. This eliminates the need for batch annealing operations and enables precise control over annealing conditions across the entire fabric length. The furnace's fluidized bed design allows continuous flow of hot gases through the fabric as it passes through the furnace, eliminating thermal gradients and uneven heating. The annealing process preserves the fabric's natural ductility while achieving improved mechanical properties compared to conventional batch annealing methods.

WO2024065036A1-patent-drawing

4. Reinforced Beam Structure with Integrated U-Shaped Stirrup and Bar Assembly

China Fifth Metallurgical Group Co., Ltd., CHINA MCC5 GROUP CORPORATION LTD, 2024

Seismic-resistant reinforced beam structure comprising a novel reinforcement system that integrates both upper and lower reinforcement elements into a single assembly. The system comprises a U-shaped stirrup assembly and a U-shaped bar assembly, with the stirrups and bars forming a single, continuous reinforcement system. The stirrups are welded to the original beam structure, while the bars are welded to the stirrups. The system is then reinforced with a new concrete layer, with the upper stirrups forming the primary load-bearing structure and the lower stirrups and bars providing additional support.

5. Reinforced Concrete Column with Ultra-High-Strength Steel Bar Cage and Enhanced Anchorage System

SHANGHAI BAOYE GROUP CORP LTD, 2022

Seismic-resistant reinforced concrete column with enhanced anchorage system. The column features a main reinforcement cage formed by ultra-high-strength steel bars, connected to a sleeve and annular steel plate through high-pressure nuts. The cage is then encased in a concrete layer, with a washer between the nuts and a sleeve. This configuration enables the main reinforcement to transmit strain while preventing excessive slippage, while the annular steel plate provides radial support. The cage is then anchored to the stirrups, creating a robust and efficient anchorage system for the main reinforcement.

CN114991386A-patent-drawing

6. Double-Yield Point Steel Bar Buckling Restraint with Threshold-Defined Energy Dissipation Transition

北京市建筑设计研究院有限公司, BEIJING ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN INSTITUTE CO LTD, 2022

A double-yield point steel bar buckling restraint support with limiting function, comprising a primary energy-dissipating section and a secondary energy-dissipating section. The primary section has a lower yield point and is connected to a secondary section that has a higher yield point. The secondary section is connected to the primary section through a limiting interface, with a threshold δ1 between the primary and secondary sections defining the transition from primary to secondary energy dissipation. The primary section and secondary section are connected to a restraining section that provides lateral restraint to prevent buckling of the primary section. The limiting interface between the primary and secondary sections is set at a higher threshold δ2 compared to the primary section, ensuring that the secondary section begins to dissipate energy at a higher point than the primary section.

7. Seismic Steel Structure with Vanadium-Enhanced Steel and Direct Thread Connection System

SHANXI JINNAN IRON AND STEEL GROUP CO LTD, 山西晋南钢铁集团有限公司, 2022

Seismic steel structure with improved mechanical properties through enhanced vanadium content. The utility model utilizes a novel connection system that enables direct thread connection between steel bars, eliminating the need for separate thread grooves and connection blocks. This system enables precise, high-strength connections while maintaining the structural integrity of the steel bars.

8. Steel Bar with Sequential Flexural and Shearing Sections for Controlled Energy Dissipation

GUANGZHOU UNIVERSITY, Guangzhou University, 2022

Energy-dissipating steel bar for building structures that enables controlled energy absorption under low-impact loads. The bar comprises a fixed end, a bending section, and a connecting end, with the connecting end connected in sequence. The section includes a flexural yielding section, a shearing section, and a final flexural yielding section. The radius of the shearing segment is optimized at 4 inches, enabling efficient energy dissipation while maintaining structural integrity. The design enables controlled energy absorption under low-impact loads, with the connecting end acting as a lever to amplify the energy dissipation effect.

CN215483747U-patent-drawing

9. Composite Steel Tube Concrete Column with Spiral Steel Fibers and Spiral Stirrups

Huaqiao University, HUAQIAO UNIVERSITY, 2020

A composite steel tube concrete column with enhanced ductility and lateral deformation capability through the integration of spiral steel fibers and high-strength concrete. The column features a spiral steel pipe with spiral stirrups, where the spiral structure enables transverse deformation while maintaining longitudinal stability. The spiral fibers enhance the concrete's transverse ductility, allowing it to absorb lateral loads without compromising column integrity. This design enables the construction of ultra-high-strength concrete columns with superior ductility and lateral deformation capabilities compared to conventional methods.

10. Seismic-Resistant TMT Rebar with Controlled Carbon Content in C-Mn Steel

JSW STEEL LTD, 2019

Seismic-resistant TMT rebar with improved mechanical properties and enhanced seismic performance. The rebar achieves its enhanced seismic performance through controlled carbon content in the steel composition, achieved by selectively increasing carbon content in C-Mn steel without microalloying. The composition is optimized through precise control of carbon, Fe, and other alloying elements, with specific attention to achieving the desired microstructure and mechanical properties. The optimized composition enables the production of seismic-resistant TMT rebar with minimum yield strength of 500 MPa and improved UTS/YS ratio of at least 1.25, along with high uniform elongation (more than 8%) and specified yield strength and elongation properties suitable for seismic applications.

11. Composite Shear Wall with Steel Tube Concrete Frame and Diagonal Bracing System

BEIJING UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, Beijing University of Technology, 2019

A shear wall design that combines the benefits of both steel and concrete in high-rise structures. The wall incorporates a diagonal bracing system within its steel tube concrete frame, where prestressed steel rods are strategically placed to enhance seismic performance while maintaining ductility. This innovative approach enables the wall to achieve superior seismic resilience and recoverability compared to conventional reinforced concrete shear walls, particularly under extreme earthquake conditions.

12. Seismic Steel Bar with Ferrite-Bainite Microstructure and Yttrium-Niobium Coating

JIANGSU SHAGANG IRON AND STEEL RESEARCH INSTITUTE CO., LTD., Jiangsu Shagang Iron and Steel Research Institute Co., Ltd., 2018

Seismic steel bar with enhanced corrosion resistance and high-strength properties, developed through a novel production method that combines microstructural composition with surface modification. The bar's microstructure is predominantly composed of ferrite and bainite, while its surface is treated with a yttrium-niobium-yttrium (YN) alloy coating to improve seawater corrosion resistance. This innovative combination enables superior performance in seismic applications while maintaining high strength and flexural properties, particularly at thicknesses above 60 mm.

CN106555123B-patent-drawing

13. Lap Welded Stirrup with Angled Hook Design for Enhanced Seismic Engagement

South China University of Technology, South China University of Technology, 2018

A lap welded stirrup for improving the ductility of frame columns. The stirrup incorporates a unique hook design that enables more effective closure of the stirrup under seismic loading. The hook is positioned at a specific angle relative to the weld line, allowing the stirrup to engage the column's longitudinal reinforcement during seismic events while maintaining its structural integrity. This design addresses the common issue of first stirrup disengagement during seismic loading, while maintaining the column's overall structural integrity.

14. Prefabricated Shear Wall Double-Row Reinforcing Bar Connection System with Embedded Vertical Bar Structure

Yueyang Yuanda Residential Industrial Co., Ltd., YUEYANG BROAD HOUSING INDUSTRY CO., LTD., 2018

A prefabricated shear wall double-row reinforcing bar connection system for high-rise buildings that eliminates the traditional sleeve connection method. The system features a double-row reinforcing bar structure where the reinforcing bars are embedded vertically between the building components, connecting them through a single row of rebars. This configuration enables precise control over the connection points between building components and the reinforcing bars, ensuring optimal seismic performance, anti-overturning capabilities, and construction quality.

15. Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall with Increased Mesh Density and Surface-Treated Reinforcement

Xi'an Wuhe Civil Engineering New Materials Co., Ltd., XIAN WUHE CIVIL ENGINEERING NEW MATERIALS CO LTD, 2017

Enhancing seismic performance of reinforced concrete shear walls through improved reinforcement mesh density and surface treatment. The device increases steel mesh density and wear reinforcement on the concrete surface, enhancing shear wall resistance and ductility while maintaining bonding performance between the reinforcement and concrete. This approach addresses the common issues of insufficient concrete strength in shear wall construction while maintaining the structural integrity of reinforced concrete.

CN206521954U-patent-drawing

16. Double-Beam Reinforcement Device with Reinforced Concrete Core for Composite Beams

TIANJIN CHENGJIAN UNIVERSITY, Tianjin Chengjian University, 2017

A reinforced concrete composite beam reinforcement device for high-rise structures that enhances seismic performance through double-beam reinforcement. The device comprises a primary beam and a secondary beam that are connected in a double-beam configuration. The primary beam supports the main structure, while the secondary beam provides additional lateral stiffness and ductility through its reinforced concrete core. The device enables improved seismic resistance by combining the strengths of both beams, particularly in high-seismic events where the primary beam may fail due to shear damage.

CN206360399U-patent-drawing

17. Seismic Reinforcement Steel with Controlled Residual Austenite for Duplex Bainite-Ferrite-Martensite Microstructure

UNIV BEIJING JIAOTONG, 2017

Seismic reinforcement steel with enhanced yield strength through the deliberate formation of specific microstructures. The steel contains a controlled amount of residual austenite in its microstructure, which is intentionally retained during processing. This residual austenite microstructure enables the formation of a duplex bainite + ferrite + martensite microstructure, where the bainite and ferrite phases exhibit improved strength retention and ductility compared to traditional martensitic microstructures. The presence of these phases significantly enhances the steel's seismic performance by providing a more stable and ductile structure during loading conditions.

CN106967928A-patent-drawing

18. Steel Reinforcement Sections with Weakened Regions and Shaped Connectors for Enhanced Seismic Energy Dissipation in Concrete Structures

UNIV TSINGHUA, 2017

Energy dissipation technology for seismic-resistant structures through strategically engineered steel reinforcement. The technology involves incorporating specially designed steel sections into concrete structures that exhibit enhanced seismic performance. These sections, which include weakened regions and specially shaped connectors, are strategically positioned to maximize their energy absorption capabilities during seismic loading. By leveraging the energy dissipation capacity of these reinforced sections, structures can achieve improved seismic performance while reducing the risk of catastrophic damage during earthquakes.

19. Composite Column with Spiral Rib Reinforcement and Integrated Built-Beam Structure

GUANGXI UNIVERSITY, 广西大学, 2016

A composite column design that combines spiral rib reinforcement with a built-beam structure to achieve superior seismic performance and ductility. The design features a spiral rib system that binds together to form a composite column, while a built-beam structure provides additional support. The spiral rib system enables excellent seismic performance and energy dissipation capacity, while the built-beam structure enables efficient construction. The combination of these technologies addresses the limitations of traditional spiral rib columns, particularly in terms of construction complexity and cross-sectional shape.

CN205387786U-patent-drawing

20. Reinforced Concrete Shear Wall with Integrated Steel Components via Conjugate Steel Strips

China Aerospace Construction Group Co., Ltd. Shenyang Branch, SHENYANG BRANCH OF CHINA AEROSPACE CONSTRUCTION GROUP CO LTD, 2016

A novel method for enhancing the seismic performance of reinforced concrete shear walls by integrating steel components through a single, interconnected system. The system comprises a reinforced concrete shear wall with strategically placed steel reinforcement, where the steel components are connected through a series of conjugate steel strips. This integrated approach enables the shear wall to achieve improved ductility and seismic performance while maintaining structural integrity, particularly in high-rise buildings where conventional single-beam shear walls may not suffice.

CN205189170U-patent-drawing

21. Steel Plate Shear Wall System with Dual-Slot Beams and Multi-Node Column Configurations

22. Concrete Components with Constrained Tube System and Embedded Reinforcing Steel

23. Method for Designing Concrete Columns with Controlled Buckling and Enhanced Ductility

24. Reinforced Concrete Structure with High-Strength Curved Steel Reinforcement and Three-Point Arches

25. Reinforced Concrete Structure with Single Bar Incorporating Transition Zone for Controlled Ductility and Strength Distribution

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