Reinforced wall structures and methods

Details Reinforced wall structures and methods Reinforced wall structures and methods

2001-11-16

2003-12-16

Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)

Static structures (e.g., buildings)

Insulating insert; e.g., filler in cavity in preconstructed...

Filler spaced from inside face of cavity

C052S742130, C052S309500, C052S506060, C052S508000, C052S506060

Reexamination Certificate

active

06662516

ABSTRACT:

FIELD
The present invention relates to methods for providing structural reinforcement to preexisting wall structures using an adhesive material.
BACKGROUND
There are countless older buildings located in earthquake-prone regions of the world whose walls are susceptible to seismically induced damage. During an earthquake, the ground upon which the building rests moves laterally and/or vertically. These ground motions are transmitted through the building foundation to the building walls. The walls may crack as a result of the ground motions or, if the motions are sufficiently severe, the walls may fail completely and collapse. Damage caused by seismically induced forces is exacerbated in buildings with walls made from weak or brittle materials, such as clay tile, which are susceptible to failure even in the event of a relatively minor earthquake.
Accordingly, it is desirable to reinforce such building walls with bracing to resist the forces created by seismic activity. A common method for retrofitting a preexisting wall structure
6
is illustrated in FIG.
1
. In this method, metal studs
12
are secured to the outside surface of each wall portion
8
of the double wall structure
6
. The studs
12
extend vertically in a parallel array and are securely mounted to the outside surface of each wall portion
8
with suitable masonry ties
14
, such as Helifix screws. An outer wall
16
may be mounted to the metal studs
12
to provide a conventional wall surface and hide the studs.
Although this method is adequate for its intended purpose, that is, for strengthening the wall structure to resist seismic forces, it is a costly and labor-intensive process. Moreover, stud walls added to the inside walls of a building can be intrusive and reduce usable space. In the case of a school, for example, not only would adding the stud walls reduce corridor and classroom space, it would generate the associated costs of removing or replacing items such as chalkboards, lockers, shelving, artwork and cabling.
Conventional wisdom presents obstacles for solving this problem. The cavity between the preexisting walls typically is not easily accessible and some times is enclosed even from the top. The cavity itself usually contains dust, dirt or other contaminants on the wall surfaces which are difficult to clean.
The present invention is directed toward new and nonobvious aspects of methods for retrofitting preexisting wall structures to better resist damage caused by seismic or other forces, as set forth in the claims below.


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El-Zeiny, A. et al., “Seismic Evaluation of the Performance of Retrofitted and Repaired Brick Walls by Means of Expansive Epoxy Injection,” California State University, Fresno, Department of Civil & Geomatics Engineering & Construction, Aug. 2000.
“Report on Prototype Testing of Repair Techniques for Repair of Earthquake Damage to Los Angeles City Hall Exterior Walls under Contract DACW09-72-0067,” prepared by VTN Orange County, May 12, 1972.
Prior to Feb. 12, 2000, foamable polyurethane was used commercially in a retrofit of a structure having two, spaced apart brick walls. In this application, polyurethane was used to fill the space between the two brick walls without forming multiple layers.

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