About

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
Innovation
Durafuse Frames
Leadership

Justin Marshall
President

Paul Richards
VP of Research and Development
Dr. Richards is the inventor of DuraFuse Frames and continues to lead innovation at the company. He received his PhD from the University of California, San Diego (UCSD) and spent 12 years on the faculty at Brigham Young University prior to starting DuraFuse Frames.
Durafuse Frames
History
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.