An apparatus for mitigating seismic load imposing an overturning bending moment upon a multi-level structure comprises a tensioned tendon having a first end fixedly connected to one of the levels proximate one side of the structure and a second end fixedly secured to another of the levels proximate an opposite side of the structure, wherein the tendon is oriented in space between its first and second ends along a predetermined curve selected to provide optimum reaction to said load by running the tendon through intermediate story levels at calculated locations. The apparatus further comprises a supplemental system for connecting the second end of the tendon to the structure. The supplemental system preferably includes a mechanical energy dissipating device and a sacrificially yielding fuse element arranged in parallel with the mechanical energy dissipating device. The apparatus may be repeated in symmetrically opposite relation along chosen planes of the structure for protecting against seismic propagation along various directions.
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