Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Facers; e.g. – modules – mutually bonded by internal settable... – Laterally related modules; e.g. – back-to-back
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-10
2001-12-04
Friedman, Carl D. (Department: 3635)
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Facers; e.g., modules, mutually bonded by internal settable...
Laterally related modules; e.g., back-to-back
C052S223700
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324805
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a structural reinforcement system and a reinforcing method for reinforcing the joint sections between structural members applied in wooden buildings such as between a concrete continuous footing and a sill, a concrete continuous footing and a sill and a post, a sill and a post, a sill and a brace, a post and a beam, a post and a girder, two different beams, a beam and a girder or a girt, or alternatively for reinforcing the joint sections between structural members or masonry units such as concrete blocks, pre-cast concrete, stone, or brick.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years, the collapse of buildings and concrete block walls and the like due to strong earthquakes has become a major problem. For example, a particular cause of the collapse of wooden buildings is the portions where a sill and a post, a post and a beam, or a beam and a girder are joined via a tenon and/or a joint, and cases have been substantiated where the vibration of an earthquake has caused the tenon to pull out, or the joint to be destroyed.
As a result, in the recent construction of new wooden buildings, joints between members such as sills, posts, braces and beams have been reinforced by using various types of mounting materials such as nails, bolts, and nuts to attach steel fixtures such as hold down bolts or angle plate reinforcing metal struts to the external side, or both sides of the structural members.
However, in the case of the reinforcement of joints in existing buildings, use of the structural reinforcement system s described above would require the removal of interior finishing of the buildings to expose the joints, and consequently the earthquake proofing reinforcement of existing wooden buildings using the above structural reinforcement systems has proved to be difficult.
In addition, thought has been given to simplifying the attachment of the metal reinforcement fixtures by using nails or screws to attach the reinforcement fixtures to the joints from the outside. However, there are inherent problems with such a technique, such as a deterioration in strength and durability in comparison with a structure using a bolt and nut which is fixed from both the inside and the outside, a lack of reliability of the reinforcement, and a lack of aesthetic appeal of the resulting exterior.
Furthermore, in the case of a structural reinforcement system using the above type of metal reinforcement fixtures, there are also problems of durability, as dew condensation will form on the metal reinforcement fixtures, resulting in rust and corrosion. Moreover, there is also a danger that as a result of the dew condensation generated on the metal reinforcement fixtures, the sills, posts, and beams will deteriorate, and will invite termite damage.
Furthermore, in the case where metal reinforcement fixtures are used to fix rigidly a joint section, there is a danger that the shock during an earthquake will not be absorbed and dispersed, and it will act directly on the structural members, resulting in the rupture of the structural members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention takes the above problems into consideration, with an object of providing a highly reliable structural reinforcement system and reinforcing method for the joint sections of structural members, which is easy to install, has excellent durability, and give less damage to the structural members, moreover it can also be used in existing buildings.
In order to achieve the above object, a structural reinforcement system for joint sections of structural members of the present invention is a structural reinforcement system for reinforcing joints between associated structural members wherein a reinforcing material of a bundled fibrous material is positioned spanning the joint between the structural members, and then opposite end sections of the reinforcing material are inserted into apertures respectively formed in the structural members and fixed in place by anchoring with an adhesive.
Because the joint between the structural members is reinforced with a reinforcing material of a fibrous material with excellent tensile strength, then when vibration resulting from an earthquake or the like is applied to the joint, undesirable occurrences such as the joint rupturing and the tenon pulling out can be prevented. Consequently, the collapse of the buildings or other structures reinforced by this structural members can be prevented.
Furthermore in comparison with reinforcement by metal fixtures, the reinforcement using the present invention is able to absorb the shock applied to the joints, and release the stresses. In particular, by making the fibrous material a twisted type (rope type) or braided type material, the shock absorption capability of the material is increased even further. Moreover, in contrast to metal fixtures, the reinforcing material is able to be cut, enabling the length to be freely adjusted as required by the circumstances. In addition, the problem of dew condensation does not cause, and rust resulting from condensation cannot occur. Furthermore, because dew condensation does not develop, the problems of deterioration in the structural members, and termite damage can also be avoided. In addition, the fibrous material does not lose the aesthetic appeal of the building as shown in the metal fixtures.
It is also possible to have the entire reinforcing material, or alternatively a portion of the reinforcing material impregnated with a resin. In those cases where the reinforcing material is a fibrous material into which has been impregnated a resin, the fibrous material which makes up the reinforcing material can be maintained in a bundled state, thereby improving the handling and workability.
In a reinforcing method for joint sections between structural members according to the present invention, apertures are formed in the joined structural members, the apertures are filled with an adhesive, and then the opposite end sections of a reinforcing material comprising a bundled fibrous material are inserted in the apertures and fixed in place by anchoring with the adhesive. With this method, the joints between structural members can be reinforced with a reinforcing material comprising a fibrous material of superior tensile strength. Consequently when vibration is applied to a joint during an earthquake or the like, undesirable occurrences such as the joint rupturing or the tenon pulling out can be prevented. As a result, the collapse of buildings or other structures constructed from such structural members can be prevented.
Furthermore, in comparison with those cases where reinforcement is conducted using metal fixture reinforcement, the reinforcement is carried out with a reinforcing material which is lightweight, is not bulky, and which is easy to handle. Therefore an installation operation which is simple and displays excellent operating efficiency can be achieved, and the transportation and carrying of the reinforcing material is also easy. Moreover, in comparison with metal fixtures, the fibrous reinforcing material is more able to absorb any shock applied to the joints of the structural members, and disperse the stress, and moreover avoid dew condensation problems, meaning rust will not develop. Furthermore, because dew condensation does not develop, the problems of deterioration in the structural members, and termite damage can also be avoided. Moreover the fibrous material does not affect the aesthetic appeal of the building in the same way as metal fixtures.
In terms of fireproofing, the reinforcing material has heat resistant characteristics at temperatures above the permissible temperature for timber of 260° C., and it is ideally suited for use in fire protection construction type external walls. Furthermore, even if the anchoring of the reinforcing material by adhesive is carried out during winter, the insulating characteristics of timber mean that the temperature inside the apertures will not fall too low, and will be maintained at
Friedman Carl D.
Fukuvi Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.
Pitney Hardin Kipp & Szuch LLP
Varner Steve M
LandOfFree
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