U.S. patent application number 11/881489 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-29 for seismic support and reinforcement systems.
Invention is credited to Brian W. Deans, Dustin W. Deans.
Application Number | 20090025308 11/881489 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40294015 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-29 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090025308 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Deans; Brian W. ; et
al. |
January 29, 2009 |
Seismic support and reinforcement systems
Abstract
The present invention includes a set of reinforcement and
support devices for existing or new roof, ceiling and/or floor
systems together with numerous variations that may be installed
into existing buildings or new buildings to help prevent separation
of wood or metal roof, ceiling and/or floor systems from the
concrete, masonry or other types of walls supporting these systems
in commercial, industrial and/or residential buildings. One
embodiment includes a set of three brackets that are installed in a
triangularly shaped arrangement along a side of a primary support
beam and to the wall underneath a ledger, thus anchoring the
support beam to the wall of the structure and stabilizing the roof,
ceiling or floor it supports. Another embodiment includes a single
integrated unit that attaches to the wall underneath the ledger and
to an adjacent support board, thus anchoring the support board (and
the system it supports) to the wall of the structure. Another
embodiment includes an angle iron with predrilled holes that
attaches through the ledger directly to the wall to reinforce the
ledger and extend the area of horizontal support provided by the
ledger. Other embodiments provide support structures that may be
attached and arranged to provide specific structural support at
designated locations, and/or to provide wall-to-wall structural
support across the span of a roof, ceiling or floor. All
embodiments may be adapted for use with ceilings, roofs or
floors.
Inventors: |
Deans; Brian W.; (Point
Richmond, CA) ; Deans; Dustin W.; (Las Vegas,
NV) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MARK D MILLER;KIMBLE, MACMICHAEL & UPTON
5260 NORTH PALM AVENUE, SUITE 221
FRESNO
CA
93704
US
|
Family ID: |
40294015 |
Appl. No.: |
11/881489 |
Filed: |
July 26, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
52/92.2 ;
52/655.1; 52/656.9; 52/745.21 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04H 9/02 20130101; E04B
5/12 20130101; E04G 2023/0248 20130101; E04C 3/02 20130101; E04G
23/0218 20130101; E04H 9/0237 20200501; E04C 2003/026 20130101;
E04G 23/0237 20130101; E04H 9/028 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/92.2 ;
52/655.1; 52/656.9; 52/745.21 |
International
Class: |
E04B 9/30 20060101
E04B009/30; E04B 7/00 20060101 E04B007/00; E04C 2/38 20060101
E04C002/38; E04H 9/02 20060101 E04H009/02; E04B 9/00 20060101
E04B009/00 |
Claims
1. A reinforcing structure for a system spanning between walls of a
building comprising a first elongated rigid member for attachment
along a side of a beam, a second elongated rigid member for
attachment underneath a ledger adjacent to said beam such that one
end of said first member is pivotally attached to and forms a
corner with one end of said second member, and a third elongated
rigid member for pivotal attachment to opposite ends of said first
and second members, said three members forming a triangularly
shaped structure.
2. The reinforcing structure of claim 1 further comprising a pair
of wall mounting plates provided at opposite ends of said second
member, each such plate having a plurality of openings therein for
receiving bolts for attaching said mounting plates to a wall
adjacent to said ledger.
3. The reinforcing structure of claim 1 further comprising at least
one opening provided along said second member for receiving at
least one bolt for attaching said second member to an underside of
said ledger through said at least one opening.
4. In combination, a system spanning between walls of a building
and a reinforcing structure, said reinforcing structure comprising
a first elongated rigid member attached along a side of a beam of
said system, a second elongated rigid member attached underneath a
ledger adjacent to said beam such that one end of said first member
is attached to and forms a corner with one end of said second
member, and a third elongated rigid member attached to opposite
ends of said first and second members, said three members forming a
triangularly shaped structure.
5. The combination of claim 4 further comprising a pair of wall
mounting plates provided at opposite ends of said second member,
each such plate having a plurality of openings therein, and at
least one mounting bolt attaching each such mounting plate to said
wall.
6. The combination of claim 4 further comprising at least one
opening provided along said second member and at least one bolt
attaching said second member to an underside of said ledger through
said at least one opening.
7. A method of reinforcing a system spanning between walls of a
building comprising the steps of: a. attaching a first elongated
rigid member along a side of a beam adjacent to a ledger of said
system; b. attaching a second elongated rigid member underneath
said ledger adjacent to said beam; c. attaching one end of said
first member to one end of said second member forming a corner; and
d. attaching a third elongated rigid member to opposite ends of
said first and second members, said three members forming a
triangularly shaped structure.
8. The method of claim 7 further comprising the steps of: e.
attaching a fourth elongated rigid member along an opposite side of
said beam; f. attaching a fifth elongated rigid member underneath
said ledger adjacent to said beam; g. attaching one end of said
fourth member to one end of said fifth member forming a corner; and
h. attaching a sixth elongated rigid member to opposite ends of
said fourth and fifth members, said three members forming another
triangularly shaped structure.
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86. A reinforcing structure for a building comprising a first
elongated member attached to a first support board, a second
elongated member attached to a second support board adjacent to
said first support board such that one end of said first member is
attached to and forms a corner with one end of said second member,
and a third elongated member is attached to opposite ends of said
first and second members, said three members forming a triangularly
shaped structure.
87. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 further comprising at
least one wall mounting plate provided with at least one of said
members, each such plate having at least one opening therein for
receiving at least one bolt for attaching such mounting plate to a
support board.
88. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 further comprising at
least one opening provided along said second member for receiving
at least one bolt for attaching said second member to a second
support board through said at least one opening.
89. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein each of said
support boards is a member selected from the group of a ledger, a
beam, and a purlin.
90. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein said first
support board is a ledger.
91. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein at least two of
said elongated members are pivotally attached to one another.
92. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein two elongated
members are attached to support boards such that at a corner formed
by said two elongated members is adjacent to a corner formed by the
intersection of two support boards.
93. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein at least one of
said elongated members comprises internal and external hollow
sleeves movably disposed over one another.
94. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 further comprising a
rigid triangularly shaped member attached to a corner formed by the
intersection of two support boards.
95. The reinforcing structure of claim 86 wherein at least one of
said elongated members is attached to a support board via a mount
selected from the group of a plate, a bracket, and a plate having
brackets located thereon.
96. A method of reinforcing a building comprising the steps of: a.
attaching a first elongated member to a first support board; b.
attaching a second elongated member to a second support board; c.
attaching one end of said first member to one end of said second
member forming a corner; and d. attaching a third elongated rigid
member to opposite ends of said first and second members, said
three members forming a triangularly shaped structure.
97. The method of claim 96 wherein each of said support boards is a
member selected from the group of a ledger, a beam, and a
purlin.
98. The method of claim 96 wherein said first support board is a
ledger.
99. The method of claim 96 wherein at least two of said elongated
members are pivotally attached to one another.
100. The method of claim 96 wherein two elongated members are
attached to support boards such that at a corner formed by said two
elongated members is adjacent to a corner formed by the
intersection of two support boards.
101. The method of claim 96 further comprising the step of
attaching a rigid triangularly shaped member at a corner formed by
the intersection of two support boards.
102. The method of claim 96 wherein at least one of said elongated
members is attached to a support board via a mount selected from
the group of a plate, a bracket, and a plate having brackets
located thereon.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] The present invention relates to reinforcing and supporting
roof, ceiling or floor systems, and more particularly to methods
and apparatus for providing improved support for new and existing
roof, ceiling or flooring systems to help prevent failure in the
event of seismic activity, wind, water, excessive weight buildup
and the like.
[0003] 2. Description of the Prior Art
[0004] Many types of buildings may be heavily damaged by seismic
movement, high winds and other natural disasters. These include,
but are not limited to, tilt-up buildings that have concrete walls
which are formed and poured and cured flat on top of existing slabs
on grade and then raised into position, masonry walls,
pour-in-place concrete walls, or block walls. These varieties of
walls anchor to roof systems constructed of wood usually with a
series of primary beams (glued laminated beams--GLB's), secondary
timber beams or purlins, joists spanning from purlin to purlin,
wall mounted ledgers, or simply beams with joists spanning in
between. Such buildings will simply be referred to herein as
"buildings." In these types of buildings, the plywood sheathing
acts as a diaphragm which ties the roof to the wall along with
assorted metal connectors such as nails, straps, bolts or other
transfer mechanisms. On older buildings, the transfer mechanisms
are likely to be substandard either because of design deficiencies,
installation shortcomings, or both, and thus are not up to current
Uniform Building Code (UBC) standards. The devices of the present
invention may be used to upgrade (retrofit) the connections used in
the aforementioned structures, and may also be used in new
construction.
[0005] Aside from seismic and wind forces, a common roof failure
results from a build-up of rain or water from pipe leakages because
of clogged roof drains or snow build-up. Additionally, roof mounted
equipment and/or material stored on a roof may contribute to wall
separation from the roof. When this occurs, roof collapse is often
the result. Another contributing factor in roof collapse is
improper placement of anchor bolts that connect the walls to a
ledger that is bolted to the inside of the wall at the roof level
and subsequently to the roof plywood with nails. At the location
where anchor bolts are positioned in line with the wood grain of
the ledger, the natural grain of the wood essentially defines a
fault line that is prone to splitting, which would allow the wall
to separate from the roof diaphragm. Factors that exacerbate the
aforementioned splitting are oversized drilling of bolt holes
which, when combined with nuts that are over-tightened, may cause
the (round) cut washer to bend inward at the center and exert force
that causes the upper portion of the wooden ledger to separate from
the lower portion. This phenomenon occurs to some degree even when
stronger plate washers are used. Many older buildings have cut
washers at such locations.
[0006] Another vulnerable connection is where a GLB is anchored to
a column which is part of the perimeter, or where a GLB hangs onto
the wall with only a metal hanger with no direct column support
from below. A similar vulnerability exists where a concrete column
using a prefabricated metal saddle for anchoring a GLB has been
poorly installed (i.e., poor pouring, casting of the column).
Ordinarily, when a connector such as a GLB beam seat is installed
according to specifications, the bolts connecting the GLB to the
GLB beam seat saddle pre-drilled holes are approximately two inches
(plus or minus) from the bottom of the GLB. When installed on a GLB
that may be 24 inches or more in height, the connection is
inadequate by current building codes. In addition, when the holes
drilled in the GLB for anchorage to the aforementioned GLB beam
seat are oversized, this makes the edge of the drilled hole even
closer to the bottom of the GLB. Also, as is often the case, when
these saddle connectors are installed out of level either side to
side or end for end, this already questionable installation is
worsened.
[0007] Locations where one GLB is connected to another in a linear
manner (abut end to end), but do not adjoin inside of a saddle that
is supported by a column, usually are connected with a hinge
connector that allows the two beams to stay connected, but they may
separate due to the swinging action of a hinge connector. This is a
system deficiency that usually occurs during a seismic event. The
aforementioned movement results in loosening of the nails that are
critical to the structural integrity of the roof diaphragm
system.
[0008] Purlins which anchor to the wooden ledgers that bolt to the
walls should have a purlin anchor strap which is embedded into the
concrete when the concrete is poured. These purlin straps are
usually anchored to purlins using only nails, and are not designed
to provide vertical counterforce either upward or downward, even
when installed properly.
[0009] It is therefore desirable to provide methods and apparatus
for retrofitting existing roofing, ceiling or flooring systems, and
for use in new roofing, ceiling or flooring installations, that
provide improved support to help prevent failure in the event of
seismic activity, wind, water, excessive weight buildup and the
like. It is also desirable to provide numerous alternative methods
and apparatus that may be combined, adapted and intermingled for
use with various roofing system sizes, shapes and
configurations.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides a number of alternative
roofing, ceiling or flooring system support structures that may be
used to improve the tension and vertical strength of a wide variety
of roof, ceiling or flooring systems. One set of embodiments of the
present invention is made up of three elongated tension members.
All three components may be shortened, lengthened or sized to
accommodate individual building specifications by the engineer of
record. These components, when prefabricated on-site, create a
triangle shaped system having one member anchored to the side of a
beam, a second member anchored to the concrete (or block or
masonry) wall and forming a corner with the first member, and the
remaining member connecting the ends of the first and second
members forming a hypotenuse of the triangle. In alternative
embodiments, another such triangular shaped system may be installed
on the opposite side of the aforementioned beam in mirror image
fashion.
[0011] The above-described embodiments are designed for
installation under the ledger or other analogous structure in order
to supply a counter force to seismic movement of the primary beam
and ledger relative to the wall in the vertical plane. In addition,
these systems supply a counter force to GLB movement in the
horizontal plane at the GLB/wall connection through the first
component that is attached to the wall, and through the second
component that is attached to the beam. This aforementioned
connection also provides additional vertical support to the GLB at
this location. The opposite end of the first component (away from
the GLB), also bolts to the wall under the ledger providing
additional vertical support. The hypotenuse component acts as a
brace for the wall between beams, and provides a counterforce to
wall movement in two planes: lateral movement of the wall at a
right angle to the roof diaphragm, and horizontal wall movement
both toward the roof and outward from the roof. In some
embodiments, the components of this embodiment are symmetrical at
each end to the opposite end, so that the second and third
components may be used on either side of the beam, and/or be
installed with the angle-iron flange facing up or down. When used,
the mirror image systems may be attached to each other through the
beam.
[0012] A second set of embodiments of the present invention include
a single welded frame that accomplishes essentially the same
objectives as the first set of embodiments, but which uses the
secondary beam (purlin) in place of the primary beam (GLB) as the
initial anchoring roof element. In place of the duality of
installed frames that may be used as part of the first set of
embodiments, the second set of embodiments uses a prefabricated
frame that is installed under the purlin, with two angle irons
several feet apart (e.g. four feet), with the purlin intersecting
the ledger in between the two aforementioned angle-irons. In most
existing structures, the purlin will already be anchored to the
ledger with a pre-existing purlin hanger. The two angle-irons
provide vertical support for the ledger that the purlin supports.
The remainder of the integrated structure is made up of two
additional arms or angle straps (preferably 2''.times.1/4''),
having one end welded to each angle-iron. These arms traverse at an
angle (preferably 45 degrees) inward, and the opposite ends are
welded together at their junction forming a saddle that encompasses
the purlin at a distance (e.g. two feet) out from the ledger. This
saddle is bolted to the purlin with multiple bolts that complete
the connection from wall to purlin.
[0013] The above described elements provide a counter-force to wall
movement relative to the roof diaphragm element in three planes.
The two angle straps provide a counter-force to lateral wall
movement parallel to the length of the wall. The two angle-iron
members provide vertical support at the ledger. The saddle, through
the angle-iron connection, provides a counter-force to seismic
forces that either push the wall into or away from the roof
diaphragm system.
[0014] In one aspect of the second set of embodiments, a single
welded or molded unit is provided with two sections of rigid
material (e.g. angle iron) that bolt to the wall under the ledger
at two locations, both locations approximately 2 feet to the side
of where the purlin intersects the ledger that is bolted to the
aforementioned wall. A flat rigid strap (preferably metal) is
attached or welded to each section of angle iron and extends at an
approximately 45 degree angle where they are attached or welded to
the lower portion of a rigid (preferably steel) saddle which in
turn bolts through the purlin and into the opposite side of the
saddle. The two sections of angle iron that bolt to the concrete
wall under the ledger provide vertical support to the ledger and
consequently to the intersecting purlin where the purlin is
anchored to the ledger. The lateral anchoring force provided by the
two flat straps which are welded to the angle iron and the saddle
transfer force along the plane of the roof diaphragm to the
aforementioned wall and replace or supplement both the embedded
bolts that anchor the ledger to the wall and the diaphragm
perimeter nailing of the roof plywood. This system is not intended
to supplement the vertical load capabilities of the purlin hanger
since the purlin hanger should be adequate in the aforementioned
vertical plane when these embodiments are installed and keep the
purlin from separating from the wall. The two angled straps which
anchor on opposite sides of the purlin exert a counter force to any
seismic lateral movement of the wall relative to the roof
diaphragm.
[0015] Where the purlins intersect the concrete wall at intervals
of, for example, 8 feet, the only lateral connection through this
8-foot range is the nailing through the roof plywood. These
embodiments add lateral support at, for example, 2-feet from the
aforementioned intersection, so that in this example, the original
8 foot span is now only 4 feet.
[0016] Installation of systems of the second embodiments described
above is the first step in establishing a strut connection
embodiment that may extend from one end of the building to the
opposite end along a series of purlins that are in line and end
with similar embodiments on the opposite end of the building.
[0017] When an original ledger is installed, often the holes were
oversized and/or the nuts were over-tightened which bends the cut
washer into the gap created by the oversized hole and forces the
ledger to split or be vulnerable to splitting when seismic or wind
forces are at play. When the upper portion of the ledger rotates
inward and the wall separates from the roof diaphragm, support for
the purlins is compromised and the wall moves away from the
building.
[0018] In another aspect of the invention, one or more retro-washer
embodiments are provided to replace existing cut or plate washers
that anchor the ledger to the wall. These retro-washers provide
support for the full length of the washer. The retro-washers are
manufactured in varying lengths to accommodate different sized
ledgers. The wider part of the angle-iron is drilled with at least
two holes, with one hole an inch closer to the center of the washer
to allow for varying bolt locations and allow for the washer to
extend closest to the bottom of the sheathing. When a retro-washer
cannot be installed because the bolt is too close to the plywood
then this washer may not be necessary anyway. In most embodiments,
the retro-washers are provided with an outwardly extending flange.
These flanges project out from the ledger and supply the strength
that distributes force along the full length of the retro-washer
when the original nut is replaced on the bolt. These embodiments
are essentially upgraded washers that are designed to stop a ledger
from splitting along the natural grain line that intersects the
hole drilled for anchoring the ledger to the wall. The
retro-washers are designed to replace existing cut washers or plate
washers. The size and length of the retro washers will vary
depending on the size of the ledger and the structural engineer
specifications based on individual building conditions.
[0019] In one embodiment, a retro washer is essentially an angle
iron approximately 2''.times.1''.times.11'' long that holds the
upper portion of the ledger from rotating inward and also provides
supplemental strength intended to keep the ledger from splitting
through use of two 1/4''.times.21/2'' self tapping screws. In this
embodiment, each end of the washer has one screw intended to keep
the upper and lower portion of the ledger from separating.
[0020] Another set of embodiments is similar to that of the second
set described above, providing structures for wall-to-wall support
along the purlins. In these alternative embodiments, a bracket is
provided on one or both sides of the saddle that is attached to the
purlin. A transition bracket is then provided further down the
purlin. This transition bracket has two welded brackets on each
side of the purlin. One welded bracket is for attachment of a PT
cable that traverses the length of the building through drilled
holes in the primary beams (GLB's) and connects to a mirror image
system on the opposite end of the building. The second transition
bracket has a shrouded assembly bolted to it that connects to the
angled flange on the saddle embodiment which is installed on the
purlin directly adjacent to the aforementioned purlin. This may be
provided on one or both sides of the purlin, thus connecting three
purlins to a pair of PT cables that spans the building. These
systems may be incorporated onto the adjacent set of 3 purlins, and
the next set of 3, and so on, providing wall-to-wall support along
these purlin sets. The purlins that run in-line with the center
purlin establish a strut line through the length of the building at
each purlin to GLB connection, the connection may be shimmed tight
to establish the compression requirements as stated by the
structural engineer. In effect, these systems are capable of
anchoring 20 or more feet of wall to the roof diaphragm.
[0021] Another set of embodiments is similar to those of the first
set described above. In these embodiments, a shrouded system is
used in place of an angle-iron for both the tension and compression
required elements required by current building codes. This system
installs above the bottom of the purlin/ledger ceiling line and
consequently will clear almost all ceiling mounted equipment. The
shroud anchors to a stud welded to a plate which is anchored to the
wall through the ledger and just below the joist system. At the
wall, the rigid plate (preferably metal) that is anchored to the
wall also has a stud welded on its face which is angled outward
toward a purlin/GLB intersection several feet (e.g. approximately
16 feet) out from the wall. The shrouded assembly which may include
an all-thread bolt and rubber spacing washers, is covered with a
larger series of cylinders with threaded connections for anchorage
to adjoining cylinders. This shroud assembly supplies the
compression element to this system when it is tight at each end of
each segment of the shroud. Each piece of the shroud has a threaded
male end and female end. The required overlap length will be
painted red on the male threaded portion for inspection purposes.
If no red painted threads are visible, the required overlap is
assured. The inner portion of the shroud assembly (which also may
be all-thread) will have a similar red designated male thread
coloration with the same purpose.
[0022] The threaded portion of the shroud (rod) passes through any
purlin not intended for final anchorage, penetrating a drilled hole
with no washer or nuts that would connect the rod to the
intersecting purlin. The outer portion of the shroud will be
tightened to a wedge shaped washer that installs on each side of
any intersecting purlins for purpose of supplying the required
compression element of current building codes. The threaded portion
supplies the tension requirements when it is attached to the
GLB/purlin intersection with an angle-iron that has a stud welded
to it and angled toward the stud at the wall bracket.
[0023] Most components of the embodiments disclosed herein are
symmetrical at each end which allows these individual components to
be used on either side of a GLB or purlin or with flanges either up
or down to allow the systems to clear any ceiling-mounted
equipment, fire sprinkler systems, or conduit that may conflict
with these systems. This means fewer parts are required to be
manufactured and stocked, making installation simpler and less
expensive.
[0024] The fact that these systems can be installed to clear
ceiling mounted obstructions is a large advantage over other
systems that must be installed completely beneath purlins and
ledgers thus restricting use of the aforementioned space.
[0025] Another advantage of these systems is that it may be
slightly altered to allow for use when a pitched roof or angled
walls or beams require adjusted lengths to be used.
[0026] Another advantage of the systems is that they provide
vertical as well as horizontal support to ledgers and beams.
[0027] Another advantage of these systems is that the wall
anchorage plates have a staggered hole pattern which allows for the
use of any combination of holes to be used for concrete wall
anchorage. This means that if the primary hole is obstructed due to
embedded steel or conduit then the next staggered hole may be used
and then the next if necessary without damaging expensive drill
bits or drilling into steel that has structural value and should
not be damaged.
[0028] The fact that most of the wall anchoring and drilling of
concrete walls required for metal plate connections installation is
accomplished below the ledger means that a magnetic resonance
imager can only see 7'' into the wall, or when a ledger is over the
wall, only 3.5'' into the concrete after first penetrating the
3.5'' thick ledger. The result is being able to drill holes into
the concrete with little or no risk of hitting obstructions.
[0029] Another advantage of these systems is the use of
pre-positioned bolt holes along with the metal connecting straps
that connect one angle iron to its twin on the opposite side or
end, thus eliminating any location issues in positioning the holes
to be drilled into wood beams or the concrete wall.
[0030] Another advantage of these inventions is that they are
comprised of relatively light weight materials which should not
require any special equipment to hoist them into place, but can be
lifted into place using a man-lift along with the installer.
[0031] Another advantage of these inventions is that they may be
prefabricated on the ground and lifted into position as a single
unit. Each of the embodiments may use 1/4'' predrilled holes with
1/4'' self tapping screws for temporary support while holes are
drilled and installed. However, the individual components may be
installed separately when ceiling mounted equipment or
fire-sprinklers conflict. Also, the connecting straps that connect
one end angle iron to its twin may be eliminated when necessary for
ease of installation.
[0032] Another advantage of these systems is that they include
elements that may be readily available from a metal or other
fabricating shop. This means that waiting for fabrication and
delivery from a distant fabricator will not be necessary when a
component is miss-fabricated or job site conditions require
alterations or additional components to be fabricated.
[0033] These systems, in addition to providing a counter force to
seismic or wind events caused by building/wall movement also
provide vertical and horizontal support around the edges of the
roof structure where water or snow build up is most likely to occur
as a result of a clogged roof drain.
[0034] Other seismic retro-fit systems do not provide vertical
support at purlin/wall location but only drill through ledger and
wall and insert a machine bolt through the wall or anchor to the
wall with epoxy cement at about mid height of the ledger. Such
systems provide no vertical support for the ledger and consequently
the connecting purlin which just hangs onto the ledger with a
flanged hanger with usually only nailing through the top flange
into the top of the ledger. The systems of the present invention
attach directly to the wall, thus providing better support. Any
individual components depicted in these several embodiments may be
combined with any other depicted components to achieve the
preferred truss required design.
[0035] Several of the embodiments may be installed substantially
above the ceiling line established by the ledgers and purlins, and
should not conflict with ceiling mounted equipment, fire sprinklers
or conduit that may be mounted on the ceiling.
[0036] Another advantage of the wall-to-wall embodiments is that
only every third purlin need be shimmed and/or bolted at purlin-GLB
intersections. This eliminates approximately 66% of the usually
required hardware at these locations. Each location customarily
uses four welded brackets, two threaded rods, and approximately six
machine bolts, not to mention the labor to install these items.
[0037] The aforementioned qualities and advantages of these
inventions are not intended to be limiting factors when applying
these inventions to individual buildings. Design alterations
specified by a structural engineer are to be expected and should
not limit the use of these inventions in any way.
[0038] Other advantages of these systems will become apparent to
those skilled in the trades when installing and reviewing these
systems and working with structural drawings prepared by a
structural engineer for specific and individual buildings.
[0039] An object of the present invention is to provide reliable,
simple and inexpensive seismic retro-fit systems to upgrade or
replace existing seismic movement resistant connections on
buildings with wood or metal roof, ceiling or flooring systems and
concrete walls.
[0040] Another object of the invention is to provide reliable force
transfer mechanisms that include both tension and compression
capabilities that transfer force from the building walls to the
primary beams (GLB's) and consequently to the purlins, joists and
ultimately to the roof, ceiling or floor plywood diaphragm and
consequently to the walls at opposite ends of the building.
[0041] Another object of the invention is to provide seismic
connections of the type described that either eliminates or lessens
dependence on the roof, ceiling or floor plywood diaphragm
perimeter nailing into the ledger that bolts onto the concrete wall
at the outside perimeter of the building at the roof line and/or at
wood floor connections to concrete walls.
[0042] Another object of the invention is to provide additional
vertical support as well as horizontal support for ledgers, primary
beams and purlin beams.
[0043] Another object of the invention is installing a system that
upgrades existing tilt-up style buildings to comply with current
UBC standards.
[0044] Another object of the invention is to establish a strut line
that crosses the primary beams (GLB's) and connects to 3 individual
purlins to a single wall-to-wall line; essentially anchoring twenty
four linear feet of concrete wall to the selected strut (purlin)
which is connected to the roof plywood diaphragm and ultimately to
a mirror system at the opposite end of the building.
[0045] Additional objects of the invention will be apparent from
the detailed descriptions and the claims herein.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0046] FIG. 1 is a lower perspective view of one embodiment of the
present invention having three main parts, illustrating those parts
attached to each other.
[0047] FIG. 2 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing examples of the
embodiments of FIG. 1 installed thereon.
[0048] FIG. 3 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
2.
[0049] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view along line 4-4 of FIG.
2.
[0050] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional end view along line 5-5 of FIG.
3.
[0051] FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view along line 6-6 of FIG.
3.
[0052] FIG. 6A is an illustration of an embodiment of a random hole
pattern for avoiding obstructions in a wall.
[0053] FIG. 7 is a lower perspective view of another embodiment of
the present invention.
[0054] FIG. 8 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing an example of the
embodiment of FIG. 7 installed thereon.
[0055] FIG. 9 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiment shown in FIG.
8.
[0056] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional end view along line 10-10 of
FIG. 8.
[0057] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional side view along line 11-11 of
FIG. 9.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
present invention.
[0059] FIG. 13 is another perspective view of the embodiment of
FIG. 12.
[0060] FIG. 14 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing examples of the
embodiments of FIG. 12 installed thereon.
[0061] FIG. 15 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
14.
[0062] FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional side view along line 16-16 of
FIG. 15.
[0063] FIG. 17 is a lower perspective view of an alternative
embodiment of the invention of FIG. 7.
[0064] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including the embodiment of FIG. 17.
[0065] FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the support structure
of FIG. 18.
[0066] FIG. 20 is an upper environmental view of a building roof
support structure showing examples of the embodiments of FIGS. 7,
17 and 18 installed thereon
[0067] FIG. 21 is a lower environmental view of the roof support
structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG. 20.
[0068] FIG. 22 is a cross-sectional top view along line 22-22 of
FIG. 21.
[0069] FIG. 23 is a cross-sectional top view along line 23-23 of
FIG. 21.
[0070] FIG. 24 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including that of FIG. 1.
[0071] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including that of FIG. 1.
[0072] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including that of FIG. 1.
[0073] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including that of FIG. 1.
[0074] FIG. 28 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing examples of the
embodiments of FIGS. 1 and 24-27, installed thereon.
[0075] FIG. 29 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
28.
[0076] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional side view along line 30-30 of
FIG. 28.
[0077] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional end view along line 31-31 of
FIG. 28.
[0078] FIG. 32 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing an example of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention installed
thereon.
[0079] FIG. 33 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
32.
[0080] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional side view along line 34-34 of
FIG. 32.
[0081] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional end view along line 35-35 of
FIG. 32.
[0082] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional opposite end view along line
36-36 of FIG. 32.
[0083] FIG. 37 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing an example of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention installed
thereon.
[0084] FIG. 38 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
37.
[0085] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional side view along line 39-39 of
FIG. 37.
[0086] FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional end view along line 40-40 of
FIG. 37.
[0087] FIG. 41 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing an example of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention installed
thereon.
[0088] FIG. 42 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
41.
[0089] FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional side view along line 43-43 of
FIG. 41.
[0090] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional end view along line 44-44 of
FIG. 41.
[0091] FIG. 45 is a cross-sectional end view along line 45-45 of
FIG. 41.
[0092] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including the tubular members of FIGS.
50-52.
[0093] FIG. 47 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including the tubular members of FIGS.
50-52.
[0094] FIG. 48 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including the tubular members of FIGS.
50-52.
[0095] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including the tubular members of FIGS.
50-52.
[0096] FIG. 50 is a top plan view of a building roof support
structure showing an example of an alternative embodiment of the
present invention installed thereon.
[0097] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional side view along line 51-51 of
FIG. 50.
[0098] FIG. 52 is a lower partially cut-away environmental view of
the roof support structure with installed embodiments shown in FIG.
50.
[0099] FIG. 53 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.
[0100] FIG. 54 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.
[0101] FIG. 55 is a perspective view of a support structure of the
present invention that may be used with several of the embodiments
of the present invention including those of FIGS. 1 and 56.
[0102] FIG. 56 is an upper partially cut-away environmental view of
a building roof support structure showing an example of an
alternative embodiment of the present invention installed
thereon.
[0103] FIG. 57 is a cross-sectional side view along line 57-57 of
FIG. 56.
[0104] FIG. 58 is a cross-sectional side view along line 58-58 of
FIG. 56.
[0105] FIG. 59 is a cross-sectional bottom view along line 59-59 of
FIG. 56.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0106] Referring to the drawings wherein like reference characters
designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views,
and referring particularly to FIGS. 1-6, it is seen that a first
embodiment illustrated in these drawings includes three elongated
rigid (preferably metallic) bracket members 70, 80 and 90. These
members may be used independently of each other, they may be used
in combination with other support members, and/or they may be
attached to each other in a triangular fashion as illustrated in
FIG. 1. Some of the alternative and/or independent usages of
members 70, 80 and 90 are described and illustrated in other
embodiments herein.
[0107] In the exemplary triangular embodiments illustrated in FIGS.
1-6, and referring particularly to FIG. 3, it is seen that a first
elongated member 70 is adapted for attachment along the underside
44 of a ledger 40 of a building roof, ceiling or floor support
system. In some embodiments, bracket member 70 is not attached to
ledger 40, but is inserted flush against the lower surface 44 of
the ledger, and is attached directly to the concrete, masonry or
block wall 140 of the building using one or more bolts 26 that are
passed through holes 60 in mounting plate 170. This location
provides supplemental vertical support for the ledger 40 at both
ends of bracket 70. Bolts 26 are engaged with the concrete wall 140
using epoxy or some other suitable adhesive material for permanent
attachment. Detail of this attachment is shown in FIGS. 5 and
6.
[0108] Because the systems of the present invention may be used for
retrofit purposes, structures such as the concrete wall 140 may
already be in existence, and there may be metal structures, holes,
or other irregularities on the surface of wall 140 where each
mounting plate 170 is to be attached. Accordingly, in several
embodiments of the present invention, the mounting holes 60 in
plate 170 are provided in one or more different patterns in order
to improve the opportunities for attaching bolts 26 to wall 140.
See FIG. 6A. It is to be appreciated that any suitable number of
mounting holes may be provided in plate 170, and that these holes
may be provided in any regular, irregular, uniform or random
pattern thereon. Plate 170 may be provided with a reinforcing
flange or gusset 110 which transfers lateral force more evenly, and
helps prevent bending of plate 170. The number of
engineer-specified holes to be used (usually no more than 2 on each
side of the gusset) will leave the balance of predrilled holes
unused. Elongated bracket member 70 has outwardly protruding
flanges at both ends, and holes are provided in these end flanges
to receive bolts or other similar devices to attach the end flanges
to other support structures such as but not limited to members 80
and 90.
[0109] In alternative embodiments, bracket member 70 may be
attached directly to the lower surface 44 of the ledger 40 by using
lag screws or other suitable fasteners. In these embodiments, one
or more openings 68 may be provided along bracket member 70 through
which such fasteners may be passed for attachment to the underside
44 of the ledger 40. It is to be appreciated that the direct
attachment to the bottom 44 of ledger 40 may be done independently
or in conjunction with the previously described attachments
directly to wall 140.
[0110] In the triangular system embodiments of FIGS. 1-6, bracket
member 70 is attached and positioned such that one end is adjacent
to a perpendicularly extending (roof) beam 30. A second elongated
bracket member 80 is attached along one side of the beam 30.
Bracket member 80 includes plates at both ends having openings
through which bolts or other devices are used to attach bracket
member 80 to beam 30. Bracket member 80 also includes outwardly
extending flanges at both ends, and holes are provided in these end
flanges to receive bolts 24 or other similar devices to attach such
end flanges to other support structures such as but not limited to
members 70 and 90. Bracket member 80 preferably sits over the top
of bracket 70 in order to provide supplemental vertical support for
the beam 30. It is to be appreciated that in this embodiment,
bracket members 70 and 80 are installed such that their orientation
is perpendicular, just as beam 30 is perpendicular to ledger 40,
with one end of bracket member 70 attached to the adjacent end of
bracket member 80 near where beam 30 meets ledger 40, using one or
more bolts 24 as shown in FIG. 5. A third bracket member 90 is then
installed diagonally by attachment to each of the open ends of
bracket members 70 and 80, forming the hypotenuse of the triangle
made up of members 70, 80 and 90. Bracket member 90 exerts a
counter force to any lateral wall movement either in, out or
parallel to the wall at a point several feet from the beam 30 along
the length of the wall. This exerted force is transferred to the
roof diaphragm through the beam 30, purlins 120 and ultimately to
the plywood diaphragm system of the roof, ceiling or floor. In this
context, a diaphragm is generally the structural element comprised
of roof plywood nailed to joists, purlins, ledgers and GLB's.
[0111] In some embodiments, a second set of bracket members 70, 80
and 90 is installed on the opposite side of beam 30 in a mirror
image fashion to the first set of such members, as depicted in
FIGS. 2 and 3. In such embodiments, brackets 80 may be attached to
both sides of beam 30 using the same bolts 29 that extend through
beam 30 and protrude out from each side, as shown in FIG. 4.
However, brackets 80 may alternatively be attached separately from
each other using other independent bolts 27.
[0112] The systems of FIGS. 1-6 provide independent seismic support
to beam 30 by providing apparatus and methods for direct attachment
of beam 30 to wall 140, instead of relying only on gravity. These
systems prevent beam 30 from pulling away from or falling down from
wall 140 in the event of seismic movement, high winds, excessive
roof/ceiling/floor weight or the like.
[0113] The alternative embodiments which provide for direct
attachment to the underside 44 of ledger 40 through openings 68
help prevent possible lateral movement of a metal plate that is
attached to a wall 140. These openings 68 may be provided in the
straps connecting the brackets together or on the brackets
themselves, or both.
[0114] Alternative support system embodiments are illustrated in
FIGS. 7-11. These embodiments are designed for use in supporting
roof, ceiling or floor purlins 120, but may also be used with
support beams 30. In these embodiments, a one-piece seismic support
unit 10 is provided that is made up of an elongated cross member 51
and two diagonally oriented arms 50, all of which may be integrated
together. Attachment plates 170 having a pattern of holes 60, as
described above (uniform, irregular or random pattern), are
provided at both ends of cross member 51. In some embodiments,
plates 170 may be provided with a reinforcing flange or gusset 110
which transfers lateral force more evenly, and helps prevent
bending of plate 170. One end of each of arms 50 is attached to one
of the ends of cross member 51, and the opposite ends of arms 50
meet at a junction 152. Junction 152 is formed in the shape of a
squared U, with the bottom sized so as to fit flush underneath a
purlin 120 (or underneath a beam 30). The two opposite sides 151 of
junction 152 extend upward so as to fit flush against the sides of
the purlin (or beam) forming a saddle or beam pocket (i.e., metal
hardware with two sides and a base that the purlins and/or beams
are bolted or nailed into). An installation and fitment of the
junction is illustrated, for example, in FIGS. 9 and 10. This
structure provides vertical support to the purlin (or beam). In
some embodiments, the U-shaped saddle with bottom and sides 151-152
is a separate piece that is welded to the junction of arms 50.
[0115] In alternative embodiments, the two metal straps 50 are
welded to saddle base 152 to provide a lateral counter force from
the wall to the purlin and consequently the diaphragm. The metal
strap 51 that connects the two angle irons to each other is
provided for ease of application purposes and to eliminate side
movement of angle irons 170 attached to wall 140. Strap 51 may be
omitted when ceiling mount equipment is in conflict. If strap 51 is
eliminated, angle irons 170 are attached directly to the ends of
straps 51 for attachment to the wall 140, and holes 60 in the angle
iron 170 may be used to eliminate side movement.
[0116] In the integrated embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, and
referring particularly to FIG. 9, it is seen that a cross member 51
is adapted for attachment along the underside 44 of ledger 40 of
the building roof support system. In some embodiments, cross member
51 is not attached to ledger 40, but is inserted flush against the
lower surface 44 of the ledger, and is attached directly to the
concrete wall 140 of the building using one or more bolts 26 that
are passed through holes 60 in mounting plate 170. This location
provides supplemental vertical support for the ledger 40 at both
ends of cross member 51. Bolts 26 are engaged with the concrete
wall 140 using epoxy or some other suitable adhesive material for
permanent attachment. Detail of this attachment is shown in FIG.
11.
[0117] In alternative embodiments, cross member 51 may be attached
directly to the lower surface 44 of the ledger 40 by using lag
screws, fasteners or the like. In these embodiments, one or more
openings 68 are provided along cross member 51 through which such
screws may be passed for attachment to the underside 44 of the
ledger 40. It is to be appreciated that the direct attachment to
the bottom 44 of ledger 40 may be done independently or in
conjunction with the previously described attachments directly to
wall 140.
[0118] Arms 50 extend from each end of cross member 51 to junction
152 underneath a purlin 120 (or beam 30). Anchoring bolts 29 are
passed through openings 60 in flanges 151, and through purlin 120
(or beam 30) to hold junction 152 against purlin 120 (or beam 30).
This system prevents purlin 120 (or beam 30) from pulling away from
ledger 40 or falling down from wall 140 in the event of seismic
movement, high winds, excessive weight or the like.
[0119] FIGS. 12-16 illustrate other reinforcing embodiments of the
present invention. These embodiments include a rigid (preferably
metallic) plate 130 having an optional flange 92 that is generally
orthogonally attached to it, forming a bracket having a generally
L-shaped cross section. Plate 130 includes one or more openings 60
for receiving anchoring bolts 26 that are passed through openings
60, through ledger 40, and into concrete wall 140 as shown in FIG.
16. One or more additional smaller openings 21 are also provided
for attaching plate 130 to ledger 40 using bolts such as 22. One or
more of plates 130 may be attached to a ledger 40 in order to
provide reinforced attachment to wall 140. Flange 92 provides
additional strength to plate 130 to prevent bending of plate 130 in
the event that stress is placed on the ledger 40 from seismic
movement, high winds, excessive roof weight or the like.
[0120] FIGS. 17-23 illustrate alternative embodiments of an
integrated support unit. These alternative embodiments include an
integrated triangular support structure 11 that is similar to that
illustrated in FIGS. 7-11, and previously described (10) as
including a cross member 51 and a pair of arms 50 that meet at a
junction 152 having a pair of opposing side walls 151. In some
embodiments, the U-shaped saddle with bottom and sides 151-152 is a
separate piece that is welded to the junction of arms 50. In the
illustrated embodiments of structure 11, one or both of side walls
151 includes not only openings 60 for attachment to a purlin 120
(or beam 30), but also a support flange 63 having an opening 69
located thereon. Flange 63 may or may not have an angled
orientation. Flange 63 and opening 69 are adapted to receive one
end of a support rod 23. A bracket assembly 67 having a
complementary support flange 63' is also provided, with flange 63'
adapted to receive the opposite end of support rod 23. Flange 63'
may or may not have an angled orientation. Openings 60 are provided
in bracket 63' for attaching bracket 67 to a beam or purlin using
bolts or other suitable devices.
[0121] Detail of an embodiment of rod 23 is shown in FIGS. 22-23.
In this exemplary embodiment, rod 23 includes an inner rod 191, an
inner sleeve 196 and an outer sleeve 197. Inner rod 191 is threaded
at both ends, allowing it to be bolted to flanges 63 and 63' as
shown in FIGS. 22-23. Inner rod 191 is the primary load bearing
member, providing the tension required for wall anchorage. Spacers
198 aid in keeping rod 191 centered inside sleeves 196 and 197, and
also aid in keeping the whole assembly straight, which is important
in terms of compression capability. Spacers 198 may be made of
rubber, plastic or other suitable materials, and are preferably cut
through on one edge so that they may slip over rod 191 and then
return to their original shape. Sleeves 196 and 197 supplement the
compression capability of the inner rod 191. In some embodiments,
the end of the inner sleeve 196 is coded red at a point that
defines the necessary overlap of the inner 196 and outer 197
connection, to indicate whether the inner threaded portion of rod
191 is properly embedded into the outer sleeve 197 of the adjoining
member sufficiently to meet building code requirements or engineer
specifications. It is to be appreciated that in other embodiments,
support rod 23 may be comprised of only inner rod 191 having
threads at both ends.
[0122] In use, an integrated triangular support structure 11 having
flange 63 is installed, as above, with cross member 51 attached
along the underside 44 of ledger 40 (ether directly to ledger 40
through openings 68, or to wall 140, or both), saddle 152
underneath a purlin 120 or beam 30, and walls 151 bolted to the
sides of the purlin 120 or beam 30. A bracket assembly 67 is
installed on an adjacent purlin (or beam) downstream from junction
152. One end of inner support rod 191 is attached to flange 63 on
side wall 151, and the other end of rod 191 is attached to flange
63' on bracket 67 as shown in FIGS. 20-21. If provided, inner
sleeve 196 is rotated relative to outer sleeve 197 for snug fit
against flanges 63 and 63' to optimize support. It is to be
appreciated that the angles of flanges 63 and 63' may be varied as
desired, and will establish an optimum downstream position of
bracket 67 on purlin 120 for receiving the end of rod 23. Anchoring
of this assembly should preferably occur at least every 9 feet when
the assembly is installed under the purlins.
[0123] The triangular support structure 11 of the present
embodiment may be, and preferably is attached to a first and third
purlin, and brackets 67 are attached on either side of a second
intermediate purlin downstream from the triangular support
structures, as shown in FIGS. 20-21. This provides direct
attachment of the downstream purlin to the concrete wall 140. Other
triangular support assemblies may also be attached to any
intermediate purlins. These may be of any type described herein
(11), but preferably of the type (10) illustrated in FIG. 7 or in
FIG. 17 (with or without flange 67).
[0124] In some embodiments, an additional flange 64 is provided on
bracket 67. In other embodiments an additional flange 64 may be
provided or on one or both of flanges 151. This flange 64 is used
to connect to a rod, cable or other elongated support structure 180
that may extend the length of the purlin (or beam) to the opposite
side of the building. Structure 180 may be a PT cable, which is a
flexible plastic encased steel cable that has tension applied to it
after the installation is complete. This applied tension supplies
the counter-force to any seismic wall movement. In such
embodiments, a complementary bracket 67 is provided at such other
end, together with complementary (mirror image) triangular support
structures and rods 23. The complementary bracket 67 (or
complementary flange 151) has a flange 64 to receive the opposite
end of rod or cable 180, and a flange 63' for receiving a rod 23.
Rod 23 is, in turn, attached to a bracket 63 on a triangular
support assembly that is mounted beneath the purlin (or beam) and
beneath ledger 40. These embodiments provide a complete direct
connection from the wall on one side of a building to the wall on
the opposite side of the building. It is to be appreciated that
multiple installations of such embodiments may be made along
selected purlins (or beams) to provide additional wall-to-wall
support structures along the length or width of the roof. It is
also to be appreciated that support structures having dual brackets
67 (one for each of flanges 151) may be employed in these
installations to support two rods 23 extending away from a single
junction 152. In other embodiments, one or both of flanges 151 may
include a bracket 64 for direct attachment to a rod 23.
[0125] A rod or cable 180 may be provided on each side of the
purlin system that spans from one end of the building to the
opposite end where it connects to another identical three-purlin
system. The purlins along the rod or cable line constitute a strut
at each purlin-to-beam connection, which may be approximately every
20 to 24 feet. The intersection of a strut (cabled) purlin 120 and
beam 30 is shown in FIG. 22. Such intersections may be shimmed
where any gap between the purlin and beam exists, thus creating a
line of compression that extends through the entire length of the
building. The purlins on either side of the strut purlin need not
be shimmed. This embodiment constitutes a substantial savings in
labor and material over systems that require as many as four
brackets and two all-thread bolts to connect purlin-to-purlin
through a beam at each location.
[0126] Other embodiments of the present invention are illustrated
in FIGS. 24-31. In these embodiments, support brackets 131, 132,
133 and 134 are utilized in conjunction with one or more bracket
members 90 to provide support to a beam 30 without the use of
bracket members 70 or 80. In particular, instead of providing a
single elongated member below ledger 40, a first L-shaped bracket
133 (such L-shaped brackets are sometimes referred to herein as
angle irons) is installed by attachment to beam 30 and to concrete
wall 140 below ledger 40. A second L-shaped bracket or angle iron
131 (or 132) is also attached to wall 140 a distance away from beam
30 below ledger 40. See FIG. 29. Each of brackets 131/132 and 133
includes a plurality of openings 60 on a wall flange (one of the
"L" surfaces of the respective bracket) through which mounting
bolts 26 are passed for anchoring the bracket to the concrete wall.
The pattern of openings 60 may be uniform or random, as with other
bracket hole patterns described previously, in order to provide
multiple opportunities for bolt attachments in case there are
embedded blockages in wall 140. One or more additional holes 60 are
also provided on the remaining flange of bracket 133 allowing for
attachment to beam 30. At least one hole is provided on the
remaining flange of bracket 131 or 132 for attachment to elongated
bracket member 90.
[0127] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 24-31, the first
bracket 133 is preferably provided with triangular upper and/or
lower flanges for improved strength. One flange of this bracket 133
is anchored to wall 140, and the other flange is attached to the
side of beam 30, as shown in FIG. 29. In alternative embodiments,
another of brackets 133 may be installed in mirror-image fashion on
the other side of beam 30. This provides reinforcement through
direct attachment of beam 30 to wall 140. The second bracket 131 is
preferably provided with a gusset 110 for improved strength. One
flange of this bracket 131 is anchored to wall 140 such that the
other flange has a horizontal orientation for engagement with
bracket member 90. One end of an elongated bracket member 90 is
attached to bracket 131, and the other end is extended
perpendicularly from wall 140 and attached to the closest purlin
120. A third L-shaped bracket 134 is attached to this purlin 120
where it abuts against beam 30. One flange of the L is attached to
purlin 120, and the other flange to beam 30. An anchoring plate may
be used to further secure bracket 134 to purlin 120 or beam 30. In
alternative embodiments, another of brackets 134 may be installed
in mirror-image fashion to the purlin on the other side of beam 30;
in such embodiments, the same bolts 29 may be used which pass
through both brackets 134 and beam 30. A fourth L-shaped bracket
132 is provided for attachment to beam 30. This bracket 132 may
include a gusset 110. One flange of bracket 132 is attached to beam
30 such that the other flange has a horizontal orientation for
engagement with one end of a second bracket member 90. Second
bracket member 90 extends diagonally from bracket 131 to purlin 120
where its other end attaches to the purlin and an end of first
bracket member 90. It is to be appreciated that all of the
aforementioned brackets and horizontal members are illustrated in
FIG. 29, but that not all of them may be needed in every situation,
such that different combinations thereof may be used as desired by
the user.
[0128] The embodiments of FIGS. 24-31 provide a direct anchoring of
beam 30 to wall 140 by way of bracket(s) 133, and provides a
further anchoring of beam 30 to wall 140 through bracket members
131, 132 and 90. Further reinforcing and transmission of tension is
provided by intermediate bracket(s) 134. In alternative embodiments
shown in FIGS. 37-40, brackets 131, 132 and/or 133 are used with an
elongated member 90, but bracket 134 and the other member 90 may
not necessarily be used. Instead, a single elongated member 90 is
provided for direct diagonal attachment between wall-mounted
bracket 131 and beam-mounted bracket 132. In many embodiments,
brackets 131 and 132 may be interchanged.
[0129] The embodiments of FIGS. 24-31 and 37-40 may be used when
the beams 30 are, for example, twenty feet apart making the
un-braced section of wall slightly less than 10 feet which may be
acceptable in some buildings. In these embodiments, the L-shaped
brackets may, be installed with no connecting steel straps along
the purlin length or the beam length. That is because, in this
configuration, the length of a pre-fabricated system could make
this embodiment too cumbersome to install as a single unit. The
size and shape of the L-shaped brackets 131-134 vary from the
embodiment of FIGS. 1-7. The two members 70, 80 that bolt together
at the beam/wall intersection are replaced by one angle-iron that
bolts to the beam and through the hole pattern (which may be a
uniform, irregular or random pattern) in the section of the flange
that bolts to the wall, thus providing a counterforce to both
vertical beam collapse and transferring a counter force to seismic
or other wall movement relative to the roof diaphragm. This
aforementioned angle-iron may have a small gusset on top of this
piece that provides vertical support for the ledger where it abuts
the beam.
[0130] The embodiments of FIGS. 32-36 and 41-45 utilize a central
threaded load bearing tension rod 175 that is positioned in
parallel with the beams 30 of the roof system. Rod 175 may be
surrounded by a reinforcing shaft 171 having spacers 198 such as
rubber washers to center its position. One end of rod 175 is
attached to a plate 172 that is anchored to wall 140 through ledger
40 using bolts 26, as shown in FIG. 34. In an alternative
embodiment, plate 172 includes an integrated threaded shaft or
welded stud 185, and rod 175 is engaged to shaft 185 using a
threaded coupler 186 or other similar engagement device (such as a
turnbuckle). Rod 175 is sized such that its opposite threaded end
may be passed through an adjacent purlin 120, where it is secured
on the opposite side of purlin 120 using plate 173 and at least one
nut. It is to be appreciated that rod 175 may be manipulated from
the opposite side of purlin 120 for engagement with turnbuckle 186,
and for securement to plate 173. A separate L-shaped bracket 179 is
provided on the near side of purlin 120 through which rod 175
passes. This bracket includes a horizontally oriented flange
section 179 that included openings for receiving attachment bolts
for connection to diagonally oriented members 90.
[0131] In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 32-36, members 90
are attached to wall brackets 131 that are mounted to wall 140
below ledger 40 at locations between rod 175 and beam 30. In the
embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 41-45, members 90 are attached to
corner brackets 133 that are mounted to wall 140 below ledger 40
adjacent to beams 30. It is to be appreciated that the elements of
these illustrated embodiments could be mixed, such as, for example,
a first member 90 may extend from one side of flange 179 to a
corner bracket 133, and a second member 90 may extend from the
other side of flange 179 to a wall bracket 131. The angle and
length of member 90 depends upon whether the member is attached to
a wall bracket 131 or a corner bracket 133, as well as the position
of such bracket.
[0132] In alternative embodiments, one or more additional brackets
133 may be mounted on beams 30 where they intersect with purlins
120, so that an elongated member 90 may be attached to extend from
each such wall bracket 131 to corner bracket 133. In other
embodiments, one or more corner brackets may 133 may be mounted at
the intersections of beams 30 and purlins 120 without attachment to
any elongated member 90. Each of these alternative embodiments may
be used independently of the others, or in different combinations
with the other embodiments, as illustrated, for example, in FIGS.
33 and 42.
[0133] Rods 171 and 175 may be used when there is a significant
span between primary beams, such as, for example, twenty-two or
twenty-four feet. In such an example, the wall length between the
beam and rod 171 (the center shroud lateral wall anchorage) would
be approximately eleven or twelve feet. Where specifications
require a lesser distance then lesser spans would be used, such as,
for example, six feet between anchorage locations.
[0134] Wedge washers 178 are used when these embodiments are
utilized with outer rods 171 at any intersecting purlin that the
threaded rod 175 passes through, and outer shroud casing 171 abuts
against. Wedge washer includes at least two holes (preferably
1/4'') for holding the wedge washer 178 in position and preventing
rotation. Washer 178 is drilled so that the outer shroud casing 171
will have full contact with the flat face of the washer as
depicted, for example, in FIG. 43. A nut is not required where the
threaded rod 175 passes through the washers on either side of a
purlin.
[0135] The embodiments of FIGS. 46-52 provide a set of versatile
mounting brackets 161, 162, 163 and 164 which may be used in
conjunction with rods 23, 191, 171 and/or 175. Bracket 162 includes
an angled flange thereon having an opening therein for receipt of
one of the aforesaid rod members. Brackets such as 162 are designed
for attachment directly to ledger 40 and may or may not also be
mounted to wall 140. Brackets 163 and 164 are triangular
wedge-shaped pieces having mounting holes for attachment to a beam
or purlin, and openings for receiving rod 191 or 175. As shown in
FIGS. 50-52, a rod such as 191 or 175 is attached at one end to
bracket 162, and passes through brackets 162 and 163, and through
purlin 120 at an angle. Rod 191 or 175 then extends to and
terminates at bracket 161 which is mounted at a junction between a
purlin 120 and a beam 30. Bracket 161 also includes an angled
flange having an opening for receiving rod 191 or 175. It is to be
appreciated that different combinations of brackets 161-164 may be
used with rods 23, 191, 171 and/or 175 of different lengths,
depending on the positions selected for brackets 161-164. It is to
be appreciated that brackets 161-164 are used to support rods such
as 23, 191, 171 and/or 175, and that these rod-and-bracket systems
may also incorporate other embodiments of the invention such as,
without limitation, brackets 133 and/or 134. It is to be
appreciated that brackets 133 may be used to connect directly to a
wall 140, or between a beam 30 and purlin 120. These embodiments
install completely above the ceiling line of the purlin which means
they should completely clear any ceiling mounted obstructions.
[0136] The embodiments of FIGS. 53-59 provide a set of mounting
brackets 191, 192, 193 and 194 which may be used in conjunction
with elongated bracket members 90. Brackets 191 and 192 each
include an L-shaped flange thereon having an opening therein for
receipt of a bolt for attachment to an end of an elongated member
90. Brackets 191 and 192 also include openings 60 therein for
receiving mounting bolts 24 and/or 26. Brackets such as 191 and 192
are designed for attachment directly to ledger 40 and may or may
not also be mounted to wall 140; brackets 191 and 192 may also be
attached across from each other through a beam or purlin using
bolts 29, as shown in FIG. 58. Brackets 193 have an L-shaped cross
section with a triangular cross flange having an opening thereon
for receiving a bolt for attachment to an end of an elongated
member 90. As shown in FIGS. 56-59, in one embodiment, an elongated
member 90 is attached at one end to a bracket 191 or 192 at ledger
40, and extends to a complementary bracket 191 or 192 on an
adjacent purlin (or beam). In a variation of this embodiment,
member 90 may extend from the ledger bracket 191/192 to a corner
bracket 193 that is mounted at the junction of a beam or purlin. In
the illustrated embodiment, another bracket 191 or 192 is provided
on the other side of the purlin or beam, and a second member 90
extends away from the opposite bracket. This member 90 may
terminate at another of brackets 191/192, or at a corner bracket
193 (as illustrated). It is to be appreciated that different
combinations of brackets 191/192 and/or corner brackets 193 may be
used with elongated brackets 90 of different lengths, depending on
the positions selected for brackets 191, 192 and/or 193. It is to
be appreciated that these embodiments may also incorporate other
embodiments of the invention such as, without limitation, brackets
133 and/or 134. These embodiments install completely above the
ceiling line of the purlin which means they should completely clear
any ceiling mounted obstructions.
[0137] The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 21-22 should be installed
close to or onto the bottom of the roof joists so as to be clear of
any roof mounted equipment or fire sprinkler system anchored to the
bottom of the ledger or purlin.
[0138] In the embodiment of FIG. 17, the angled bracket 63 may be
replaced by a square bracket 64 such as, for example, when a PT
cable is required at 8 foot intervals or at every purlin.
[0139] Most embodiments of these inventions are symmetrical such
that identical or mirror image components may be installed on
opposite sides of the purlins or GLBs.
[0140] Most components in these inventions are fabricated in a
manner that allows use with a different embodiment and/or
component. In addition, some angle iron components used in the
first set of embodiments may be replaced with a shrouded anchor
system since both embodiments provide the required tension and
compression elements. In other embodiments, the shroud assembly may
also be replaced by angle iron(s).
[0141] The shrouded system described in FIGS. 22-23 provides a red
marker that can be used by the installer and inspectors after
installation is complete. This means that an on-site inspector is
not required until the product is completely installed so that
schedules are not affected and the interim inspection costs are
lessened.
[0142] It is to be appreciated that all of the components of the
systems disclosed herein may be shortened, lengthened, increased in
size, both dimensionally and by increasing the thickness of the
component parts at the discretion of the structural engineer as
needed on a building by building basis. In those applications where
a shroud assembly or an angle-iron has a span over 8 feet, it may
be necessary to anchor either or both at a specified intervals.
[0143] It must also be appreciated that while the embodiments,
components and elements of the various systems and structures of
the invention(s) described herein are preferably made of metal, any
of the embodiments, components and/or elements may be made of any
other suitable rigid material (including without limitation
plastics, acrylics, or the like) that provides an appropriate level
of strength and durability.
[0144] At locations that have a wall-to-wall system connecting all
beams to walls, a strut line in line with the aforementioned
anchored beams along the length of the building should be
established with a similar beam to wall connection on the opposite
end of the building.
[0145] In some situations where the embodiment of FIG. 17 is
employed, a building length strut line may be established every 24
feet, every third purlin 120, which means only one third of the
building purlins need to be shimmed for compression. The PT cables
180 that traverse the building (one on each side of the center
purlin in this embodiment along with the shimmed purlin ends where
they abut GLB's) supply the necessary tension and compression
elements required for all three purlins at each installation. This
embodiment illustrates a single system of FIG. 7 installed in the
center purlin of this embodiment and two systems of FIG. 17
installed on both adjacent purlins. Both of the FIG. 17 systems
connect to the angled bracket 63' welded to the side of the
transition bracket. The two PT cables 180 attach to two welded
brackets 64 on the side of the aforementioned transition bracket
and extend the length of the building where they attach to an
identical FIG. 17 assembly.
[0146] It is to be appreciated that different versions of the
invention may be made from different combinations of the various
embodiments, elements and components described above. In
particular, each of the disclosed embodiments, and any of the
sub-elements thereof, may be used in combination with any of the
other embodiments disclosed, or any of the sub-elements thereof.
For example, and without limitation, bracket members 90 may be
attached to extend between any of brackets 131, 132, 133, 134, 191,
192 and/or 193 which brackets may be mounted in various locations
on any or all of a wall 140, ledger 40, beam 30 and/or purlin 120;
and/or such elements may or may not be used with other brackets
such as 70 and 90; and/or such elements may or may not be used with
other support devices such as rods 23, 191, 171 and/or 175 (and
their respective mounting brackets 63, 67, 161-164, 172 and/or 173,
etc.); and/or such elements may be used with brackets 10 and/or 11;
and/or may be used with cabling systems 180. The length and angle
of members such as brackets 90 and rods 23 may be varied according
to the location of the support brackets to which they are
attached.
[0147] It is to be appreciated that the support systems of the
present invention may be employed for use on any support structure
spanning between building walls including without limitation
ceilings, floors, and the like.
[0148] It is to be understood that other variations and
modifications of the present invention may be made without
departing from the scope thereof. It is also to be understood that
the present invention is not to be limited by the specific
embodiments disclosed herein, but only in accordance with the
appended claims when read in light of the foregoing
specification.
* * * * *