Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g. – truss
Reexamination Certificate
1997-10-22
2001-06-05
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Side-by-side terminus shafts; e.g., truss
C052S656900, C052S656100, C052S693000, C052S695000, C052S657000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06240695
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to methods of reinforcing frame walls of building structures against horizontal loads, and includes frame wall reinforcement structures and methods of manufacturing such structures.
2. Description of the Related Art
Conventional frame wall construction in building structures employs vertical studs extending between a sole plate and a top plate, usually with a sheathing panel nailed to the studs to provide some reinforcement against horizontal loads exerted on the frame walls.
It is also well known to further reinforce such frame walls against horizontal loads by means of diagonal bracing extending across and inset into the outer faces of the studs, by angled bracing installed between successive pairs of studs or by diagonal or other sheathing on one or both sides of each wall.
Such conventional methods of reinforcing frame wall construction against horizontal loads are now becoming to be considered as insufficient. For example, observations of results of earthquakes have, in recent times, shown that there is a substantial need to further reinforce frame wall constructions against horizontal earthquake loads.
Such additional reinforcement is desirable, in particular, in the first-storey walls of buildings, which are weakened by the provision of doorways and, also, by the provision of windows which, in general, tend to be larger than those of the remaining storeys of the building, and in addition by the weight of the overlying building structure.
Furthermore, the above-described conventional bracing methods rely on the availability and level of carpentry skills of construction workers. Consequently, there is a real risk that shoddy construction methods may be used by insufficiently skilled workers or for other reasons, resulting in poorly reinforced wall constructions.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of reinforcing a frame wall in a building structure which employs pre-manufactured reinforcement which can be carefully manufactured to accurate tolerances under factory conditions, under controlled environmental conditions, and under careful supervision, before being brought to a construction site for installation in a frame wall.
According to the present invention, a method of reinforcing a building structure including a frame wall against horizontal loads comprises providing a pre-manufactured reinforcement structure which has mutually spaced elongate solid members and a plurality of elongate brace members extending between the side members and angled relative to the side members so as to form, with the side members, a plurality of adjacent triangular structures along the entire length of the side members. The reinforcement structure is installed in the frame wall with the side members vertical.
Since the reinforcement structure comprises triangular structures, it is more resistant to applied forces, e.g. horizontal forces, than conventional stud wall construction. Furthermore, since the reinforcement structure is premanufactured, the reliability of the reinforcement structure does not depend on the level of skills or the environmental conditions at a construction site.
Alternatively, the reinforcement structure may comprise a sheet material extending between and interconnecting members of a frame.
The present method of reinforcing a building structure also, preferably, includes providing pre-manufactured joist support structures, comprising rectangular frames and diagonal brace members, which are installed between and in abutment with joists in the building structure, the joists for structures being located in vertical alignment with the frame walls so as to transmit downwardly acting forces to and from the frame wall instead of relying on rim joists or the like for this purpose.
The present invention also provides substantial increased torsional stiffness to the frame wall.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1849273 (1932-03-01), Broderick
patent: 2073889 (1937-03-01), Trout
patent: 2191804 (1940-02-01), O'Malley
patent: 2538138 (1951-01-01), Webster
patent: 3516215 (1970-06-01), Smith et al.
patent: 4156995 (1979-06-01), Zusman
patent: 4283900 (1981-08-01), Schubert
patent: 4955521 (1990-09-01), Michael
patent: 5505031 (1996-04-01), Heydon
patent: 5904025 (1999-05-01), Bass et al.
patent: 162326 (1949-02-01), None
patent: 259837 (1913-05-01), None
Karalic Meho
Paul Arthur J.
Dorsey Dennis L.
Friedman Carl D.
LandOfFree
Frame wall reinforcement does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Frame wall reinforcement, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Frame wall reinforcement will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2525005