Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Footing or foundation type – Concrete type
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-12
2003-05-20
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3637)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Footing or foundation type
Concrete type
C052S223100, C052S272000, C052S293100, C052S295000, C052S299000, C052S481100, C052S712000, C052S714000, C052S741100, C052S745090, C052SDIG001
Reexamination Certificate
active
06564519
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the construction of buildings, fabricated wall segments are sometimes built separately and erected on site and are sometimes built on site while coordinated with other aspects of building construction. Fabricated shear walls need to be connected not only to each other but also to underlying and overlying structural elements, such as floors and roofs.
With reference to
FIG. 1
, a building
10
comprising a plurality of wall sections
11
is schematically illustrated in cross-section. During an earthquake, like any other building structural elements, these wall segments are subject to various stresses. Wall segments
12
near building corners, in particular, are subjected to vertical stresses as the central portions of the wall act as a fulcrum. Because these vertical stresses are directed towards horizontal nailing that hold the structures together, corner wall segments
12
are typically referred to as shear walls
12
.
In order to resist stresses to which shear walls
12
are subjected, hold-down devices are often provided to connect the vertical portions of a shear wall
12
to other adjacent building structural elements. While conventional hold-down devices, framing configurations and other connection hardware somewhat assist the ability of shear walls to resist seismic stresses, a need exists for further improvement.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates generally to shear wall constructions, and more particularly to methods and structures for vertically tying fabricated shear wall segments through floor and ceiling structures.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In satisfaction of this need, the present invention provides a shear wall construction that includes close laterally-spaced pairs of vertical studs or posts on each lateral side of a shear wall sheet (e.g., plywood). A channel-defining member is fitted between and affixed to the spaced studs. A tie member extends from the channel-defining member into a vertically-adjacent building structural element.
The channel-defining member generally comprises metal or other structural material, and defines a longitudinal channel generally parallel to the studs. In the illustrated embodiments, the member is a generally tubular element, though in other arrangements the member can comprise a generally C- or U-shaped element. The preferred tie member is a threaded rod that extends from an end plate of the channel-defining member and into a concrete foundation or floor. Similar constructions are provided at opposite lateral ends of the shear wall, such that the shear wall can better resist seismic forces.
Additionally, the preferred embodiments provide a bottom track for aiding and reinforcing the vertical connection. In particular, the bottom track comprises two longitudinal flanges with a plurality of fastener holes therein, and a central longitudinal portion having punched-through holes. The punched-through holes provide downwardly extending protrusions.
In operation, the bottom track is positioned over a concrete form with the flared protrusions from the punched-through holes extending downwardly into a region in which a concrete floor will be formed. Similarly, the tie members extend through the track into the concrete form. Concrete is then allowed to harden around the tie member and track protrusions, such that the bottom track is secured to the concrete floor. The shear wall is then erected over the track and flanges are folded up and fixed to sheat the bottom edge of the shear wall.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1054175 (1913-02-01), Coffin
patent: 1474660 (1923-11-01), White
patent: 2692408 (1954-10-01), Connor
patent: 3264021 (1966-08-01), Artman
patent: 3837754 (1974-09-01), Malcik
patent: 4129975 (1978-12-01), Gabriel
patent: 4271654 (1981-06-01), Jungbluth
patent: 4611948 (1986-09-01), Johnson
patent: 4616950 (1986-10-01), Morris
patent: 4701065 (1987-10-01), Otosa
patent: 4893961 (1990-01-01), O'Sullivan et al.
patent: 5092096 (1992-03-01), Cornell
patent: 5228261 (1993-07-01), Watkins
patent: 5249404 (1993-10-01), Leek et al.
patent: 5353560 (1994-10-01), Heydon
patent: 5367852 (1994-11-01), Masuda et al.
patent: 5375384 (1994-12-01), Wolfson
patent: 5575129 (1996-11-01), Goto
patent: 5678375 (1997-10-01), Juola
patent: 5765333 (1998-06-01), Cunningham
patent: 5809719 (1998-09-01), Ashton et al.
patent: 5813181 (1998-09-01), Ashton et al.
patent: 5921042 (1999-07-01), Ashton et al.
patent: 6006487 (1999-12-01), Leek
patent: 6205725 (2001-03-01), Butler
patent: 6256960 (2001-07-01), Babcock
patent: 6327831 (2001-12-01), Leek
patent: 6389767 (2002-05-01), Lucey
patent: 0476638 (1991-09-01), None
patent: 6-173370 (1994-06-01), None
Letter from ICBO Evaluation Service, Inc. to Robert Lucey, Feb. 27, 1998.
Letter from DGS Division of the State Architect, Oct. 26, 1998.
Lucey Robert Donald
Nelson Ronald F.
Friedman Carl D.
Knobbe Martens Olson & Bear LLP
Nguyen Chi Q.
Zone Four LLC
LandOfFree
Shear wall construction does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Shear wall construction, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Shear wall construction will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3089347