About

Durafuse Frames

History

As a PhD student at the University of California San Diego (UCSD), Paul Richards conducted experiments that showed that steel frames were safe for earthquakes but they would be impractical to repair afterwards. He was consumed with an interest in developing a steel frame connection that could improve earthquake performance and repairability without costing more.

The 2011 Christchurch earthquake demonstrated the need for this type of technology. While modern code-compliant buildings in Christchurch did not collapse, 70% of the buildings in the Christchurch Business District were demolished afterwards because of damage to their beams and columns.

In 2017, Dr. Richards applied for a patent for a special type of fuse plate that can protect the beams and columns in steel buildings. To further develop and refine the concept, Dr. Richards collaborated with experienced steel fabricators. They conducted extensive testing of the connection at full scale to demonstrate its effectiveness and repairability.

With successful test results, code approvals were obtained, and DuraFuse Frames, LLC was created to help engineers, contractors, and building owners adopt this technology for their own buildings. The technology has been widely accepted since it improves building resilience and reduces costs.

Our Mission

Using our patented technologies, we collaborate with clients to design economical buildings that can rapidly return to operation after damaging earthquakes.

Core Values

DuraFuse Frames core values are:

Passion

We are driven to design buildings that enable resilient communities.

Collaboration

We are an extension of each clients design team, working towards a common objective.

Innovation

We continually advance our technologies to lead the profession in economical resilient design.

Durafuse Frames

Leadership

Justin Marshall

President

Dr. Marshall is a nationally recognized expert on seismic design. He has served on several code committees and post-earthquake reconnaissance teams. He received his PhD from Virginia Tech and spent 12 years on the faculty at Auburn University prior to joining DuraFuse Frames.

Jared Adams

Executive Vice President

Mr. Adams has been in the steel moment frame industry for over 20 years. He has collaborated with key design, fabrication, and erection partners on the successful design and construction of over 1,000 steel frame structures throughout the United States. His passion to create positive change through resilient design, business development, and innovation (over 40 patents) are keys to past and future success.

Paul Richards

DuraFuse Frames Inventor

Dr. Richards is the inventor of DuraFuse Frames and continues to innovate and develop technology for design of resilient steel moment frames. He received his PhD from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD), serves on AISC Technical Committees, and started his service on the faculty at Brigham Young University in 2006.

The Resilient Seismic Solution

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