Belleville springs have been successfully tested to considerably reduce damage in structural systems that are subjected to severe earthquakes. Joint integrity is obviously critical in any structural connection; however, if the connection is too rigid, it can be prone to damage during seismic activity.
Solon Belleville Springs: Prevent Damage to Structural Members
Solon® Belleville Springs were used by the University of Auckland Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering in New Zealand to design and test a live loaded bolted connection. The conclusion of this study was that optimum use of Belleville springs in asymmetric friction sliding structural connections (a sliding high joint / beam-to-column connection) prevents damage to structural members.
Download the article, Stiffness-based approach for Belleville springs use in friction sliding structural connections
