At SCIS, we don’t just build with steel—we build for safety, resilience, and the future. Alongside our expertise in steel fabrication and erection, we are proud to bring to our clients the next generation of earthquake protection technology: Seismic Friction Brakes (SFBs).

What Are Seismic Friction Brakes?

Seismic Friction Brakes (also called friction dampers) are passive energy dissipation devices that absorb and dissipate the energy of an earthquake or windstorm before it damages the main structure. Unlike conventional shear walls or sacrificial members, these devices are designed to protect the building itself—so the structure remains safe, stable, and operational immediately after a seismic event.

Why Should They Be Employed?

• Safety First: Reduces the risk of structural damage and collapse.
• Cost Effective: Lowers material usage and foundation loads, cutting down construction costs.
• Time Saving: Prefabricated assemblies make projects faster to deliver.
• Sustainability: Less concrete and steel consumption means a lighter environmental footprint.
• Future Ready: Helps buildings meet upgraded seismic codes without major redesigns.

Why SCIS?

As a trusted steel fabricator and erector, SCIS understands the backbone of your building—its frame. We are uniquely positioned to integrate Seismic Friction Brakes directly into your steel structures with precision and quality. From design collaboration and detailing to on-site installation, our team ensures that the devices are seamlessly fitted, delivering maximum performance with minimal disruption.

Importance in Steel Buildings

Steel composite and high-rise structures are particularly vulnerable to lateral seismic forces. Traditionally, they rely on heavy shear walls, which increase dead loads, complicate construction, and reduce usable space. With Seismic Friction Brakes, these challenges are eliminated:

• Buildings remain lighter and more efficient
• Structural frames take advantage of steel’s tensile strength while SFBs handle seismic energy.
• Architects get greater design freedom without compromising on safety

At SCIS, we believe that strong buildings must also be smart buildings. With Seismic Friction Brakes, we bring world-class technology to your projects—ensuring safety, savings, and sustainability in every structure we help create.