U.S. patent application number 17/187362 was filed with the patent office on 2022-09-01 for cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector and system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Mercer Mass Timber LLC. The applicant listed for this patent is Mercer Mass Timber LLC. Invention is credited to Hercend Mpidi Bita, Ricardo Jose Delgado Sousa Brites, Robert Malczyk.
Application Number | 20220275634 17/187362 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000005612796 |
Filed Date | 2022-09-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220275634 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Malczyk; Robert ; et
al. |
September 1, 2022 |
CROSS-LAMINATED TIMBER AND COLD FORMED STEEL CONNECTOR AND
SYSTEM
Abstract
A cross-laminated timber (CLT) and cold formed steel (CFS)
connector and system is provided. The CLT and CFS connector
comprises a track, at least one fastener, and at least one spring.
The track is configured to connect to at least one CFS stud. The at
least one fastener includes a head and shaft. The at least one
fastener is configured to connect the track to a CLT panel. The at
least one spring is configured to receive the shaft of the fastener
and compress between the head of the fastener and the track.
Methods of installing the CLT and CFS connector and system are also
provided.
Inventors: |
Malczyk; Robert; (Vancouver,
CA) ; Bita; Hercend Mpidi; (Vancouver, CA) ;
Brites; Ricardo Jose Delgado Sousa; (Vancouver, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mercer Mass Timber LLC |
Vancouver |
|
CA |
|
|
Assignee: |
Mercer Mass Timber LLC
Vancouver
CA
|
Family ID: |
1000005612796 |
Appl. No.: |
17/187362 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2021 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04B 1/40 20130101; E04B
2/58 20130101; E04C 2/12 20130101; E04B 5/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04B 1/41 20060101
E04B001/41; E04B 2/58 20060101 E04B002/58; E04B 5/02 20060101
E04B005/02; E04C 2/12 20060101 E04C002/12 |
Claims
1. A cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector
comprising: a track configured to connect to at least one cold
formed steel stud; at least one fastener including a head and a
shaft, the at least one fastener configured to connect the track to
a cross-laminated timber panel; and at least one spring configured
to receive the shaft and compress between the head and the
track.
2. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 1 wherein the track is made from cold formed steel.
3. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 1 wherein the track is U-shaped.
4. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 1 further comprising a spacer configured to nest within the
cross-laminated timber panel.
5. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 4 wherein the spacer is made from steel.
6. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 4 wherein the spacer is made from precast concrete.
7. A cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector
comprising: a first track configured to connect to at least one
first cold formed steel stud; a second track configured to connect
to at least one second cold formed steel stud; at least one first
fastener including a head and a shaft, the at least one first
fastener configured to connect the first track to a first side of a
cross-laminated timber panel; at least one spring configured to
receive the shaft and compress between the head and the first
track; and at least one second fastener configured to connect the
second track to a second side of the cross-laminated timber
panel.
8. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 7 wherein the first track and the second track are made from
cold formed steel.
9. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 7 wherein the first track and the second track are
U-shaped.
10. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 7 further comprising a spacer configured to nest within the
cross-laminated timber panel between the first track and the second
track.
11. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 10 wherein the spacer is made from steel.
12. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 10 wherein the spacer is made from precast concrete.
13. The cross-laminated timber and cold formed steel connector of
claim 7 further including at least one first plate configured to
connect to the first track at the location of the at least one
first cold formed steel stud.
14. A method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold formed
steel connector comprising: positioning a track on a
cross-laminated timber panel, the track configured to connect to a
cold formed steel stud; and attaching the track to the
cross-laminated timber panel with a fastener and a spring assembly,
the fastener including a head and a shaft, the shaft extending
through the spring and the spring positioned between the head and
the track.
15. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 14 further comprising attaching the
cold formed steel stud to the track.
16. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 15 wherein the cold formed steel
stud is attached to the track with at least one second fastener or
by welding.
17. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 15 further comprising inserting a
spacer into the cross-laminated timber panel.
18. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 17 further comprising connecting
the spacer to the track.
19. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 17 wherein the spacer is made from
at least one of steel and precast concrete.
20. The method of installing a cross-laminated timber and cold
formed steel connector of claim 17 wherein the spacer is installed
at the location of the cold formed steel stud.
Description
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates generally to the art of
building construction, and more specifically to a connector that
connects cold formed steel and cross-laminated timber.
BACKGROUND
[0002] A cross-laminated timber (CLT) commercial building may
typically be a post and beam configuration. The posts are either
glulam or steel-reinforced concrete and the beams are also glulam
or reinforced concrete. The floor slabs of the building are CLT. A
building comprising cross-laminated timber (CLT) panels such as CLT
floors require a large steel panel under the CLT panel to connect
the CLT panel to cold formed steel (CFS) studs and to support the
load from the CFS studs. The CFS panels connecting the CLT floor to
the CFS studs are heavy, costly, and labor intensive. Concrete
building are heavy requiring a bigger foundations and more robust
lateral systems. Concrete buildings also require re-shoring under
active floors and a large labor crew size. Concrete decks are
fabricated on site leading to a multiple step installation
process.
SUMMARY
[0003] A cross-laminated timber (CLT) and cold formed steel (CFS)
connector is provided. The CLT and CFS connector comprises a track,
at least one fastener, and at least one spring. The track is
configured to connect to at least one CFS stud. The at least one
fastener includes a head and a shaft. The at least one fastener is
configured to connect the track to a CLT panel. The at least one
spring is configured to receive the shaft of the fastener and
compress between the head of the fastener and the track. The CLT
and CFS connector may also include a second track and at least one
second fastener. The second track is configured to connect to at
least on second CFS stud. The at least one second fastener is
configured to connect the second track to a second side of the CLT
panel. A method of installing the CLT and CFS connector is also
provided.
[0004] A CLT and CFS system is provided. The CLT and CFS system
comprises a CLT panel, at least one CFS stud, a track, at least one
fastener and at least one spring. The track is configured to
connect to the at least one CFS stud. The at least one fastener
includes a head and a shaft. The at least one fastener is
configured to connect the track to the CLT panel. The at least one
spring is configured to receive the shaft of the at least one
fastener and compress between the head of the at least one fastener
and the track. The CLT and CFS system may also include a second
track and at least one second fastener. The second track is
configured to connect to the at least one second CFS stud. The at
least one second fastener is configured to connect the second track
to a second side of the cross-laminated timber panel. A method of
installing the CLT and CFS system is also provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed
description will be better understood when read in conjunction with
the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustration, there is
shown in the drawings different embodiments. It should be
understood, however, that the teachings are not limited to the
precise CLT and CFS connector, system, and methods of installation
shown.
[0006] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a CLT and CFS connection with a
precast concrete or wooden spacer.
[0007] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a CLT and CFS connection with a
steel spacer.
[0008] FIG. 3 shows cross-section 3-3 from FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3.
[0010] FIG. 5 shows cross-section 5-5 from FIG. 2.
[0011] FIG. 6 shows cross-section 6-6 from FIG. 1.
[0012] FIG. 7 shows cross-section 7-7 from FIG. 2.
[0013] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a CLT and CFS system.
[0014] FIG. 9 shows an isometric view of a cross section of a CLT
and CFS system.
[0015] FIG. 10 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 9.
[0016] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a building comprised of a
plurality of CLT and CFS connectors and systems.
[0017] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of installing a CLT and
CFS connector.
[0018] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method of installing a CLT and
CFS system.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0019] A cross-laminated timber (CLT) and cold formed steel (CFS)
connector and a CLT and CFS system are provided. The CLT and CFS
connector provides a mechanism to connect CLT panels to CFS studs
to construct a structure such as a building. For example, the CLT
and CFS connector connects CFS studs of walls of a building to a
CLT panel floor. The CLT and CFS connector provides a structural
solution that addresses the shrinkage and compressive and bearing
forces on CLT platform floors. The CLT and CFS connector also
provides a structural solution for in-plan or horizontal movements
of the CLT panel with respect to the CFS studs. The CLT and CFS
connector and system allows lighter building structures and are
conducive for evolving structural code changes. The CLT floor
panels do not require reshoring. Installing CLT and CFS systems
also requires smaller crew sizes than concrete structures. Off-site
fabrication of the CLT and CFS connectors and CLT panels allows for
a single-step installation on-site saving time and/or money.
[0020] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a CLT and CFS connection 100 with
a precast concrete or wooden spacer 400. The CLT and CFS connection
100 includes a track 110 that is configured to connect to a CFS
stud 200 and a CLT panel 300. The track 110 may be made from CFS.
The track 110 is connected to the CLT panel 300 with at least one
spring assembly 120a-n. Each spring assembly 120a-n includes a
fastener and spring (shown in FIG. 2). The CLT and CFS connection
100 may include a spacer 400. The spacer 400 may be comprised of
precast concrete, steel, or wood. The spacer 400 is nested within
the CLT panel 300 at the approximate location of the CFS stud 200.
The spacer 400 is located under a CFS stud or between CFS studs
within construction and engineering tolerances.
[0021] FIG. 2 shows a top view of a CLT and CFS connection 100 with
a steel spacer 400. The CLT and CFS connection 100 has the same
details and embodiments as the CLT and CFS connection 100 of FIG. 1
except the spacer 400 is made of steel instead of precast concrete
or wood. As shown in FIG. 2, the steel spacer 400 may have a
smaller cross-area than the precast concrete or wood spacer
400.
[0022] FIG. 3 shows the cross-section 3-3 from FIG. 1. The CLT and
CFS system 100 may include a first track 110a and a second track
110b. The CLT and CFS system 100 may include a first CFS stud 200a
and a second CFS stud 200b. The first track 110a and the second
track 110b may be made from CFS. The tracks 110a, 110b may be
U-shaped or C-shaped. The tracks 110a, 110b may include a first
flange and a second flange that may be approximately 2 inches in
length. The first track 110a is configured to connect to the first
CFS stud 200a and the second track 110b is configured to connect to
the second CFS stud 200b. The first CFS stud 200a and second CFS
stud 200b may fit snuggly between the first and second flange of
the first track 110a and second track 110b respectively. At least
one second fastener 130a-n connects the second track 110b to a
second side 320 of the CLT panel 300. The CFS studs 200a, 200b may
be connected to the tracks 110a, 110b via fasteners, welded seems,
or friction fit.
[0023] Spring assemblies 120a-n connect the first track 100a to a
first side 310 of the CLT panel 300. The spring assembly 120a-n
includes a fastener 122a-n and a spring 124a-n. Each fastener
122a-n have a head and a shaft. The fastener 122a-n may be a screw.
The spring 124a-n is configured to receive the shaft of the
fastener 122a-n. The spring 124a-n is also configured to compress
between the head of the fastener 122a-n and the track 110a when the
spring assembly 120a-n is installed. The spring assembly 120a-n
accounts for shrinkage and movements of the CLT panel 300 due to
climate variations. For example, in cold and dry conditions, the
height H of a CLT panel 300 may shrink. The height H may shrink
approximately 0.25 inches. Because the spacer 400 is made from
steel, precast contract, or wood, there is minimal to no shrinkage
of the spacer 400. As the CLT panel 300 shrinks, a space is created
between the bottom of the first track 110a and the top 310 of the
CLT panel 300. When the CLT panel 300 shrinks, the end of the
fastener 122a-n embedded in the CLT panel 300 gets pulled down.
When the end of the fastener 122a-n embedded in the CLT panel 300
gets pulled down, the spring 124a-n compresses between the head of
the fastener 122a-n and the top of the track 110a. The springs
124a-n may be installed in a partially compressed condition prior
to shrinkage of the CLT panel 300 taking place. For example, the
springs 124a-n may be compressed approximately 0.25 inches when the
fastener 122a-n is installed. When the CLT panel 300 shrinks, the
spring 124a-n will compress further. The spring assembly 120a-n
connects the CFS stud 200a and the CLT panel 300 while accounting
for movement, such as shrinkage or creep, of the CLT panel 300.
[0024] The spacer 400 is positioned within the CLT panel 300 and
between the first CFS stud 200a and the second CFS stud 200b. The
spacer 400 is positioned so that the first CFS stud 200a bears on
the spacer 400 and load is transferred through the first CFS stud
200a to the second CFS stud 200b. The spacer 400 in FIG. 2 is a
precast concrete or wooden cylinder.
[0025] FIG. 4 shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 3. The spring
assemblies 120a-n and second fasteners 130a-n are not shown for
clarity. The spacer 400 may be coned shaped so that the spacer 400
is wider at the top or end towards the top or first side 310 of the
CLT panel 300. A spacer 400 that is wider at the top, as shown in
FIG. 4, prevents the spacer 400 from falling out if the spacer 400
is installed prior to lifting the CLT panel 300 into place. The
spacer 400 may also include a membrane or barrier 402. The membrane
or barrier 402 may prevent bleeding of a precast concrete spacer
400 into the surrounding wood CLT panel 300.
[0026] FIG. 5 shows the cross-section 5-5 from FIG. 2. FIG. 4 shows
a CLT and CFS system 100 with a spacer 400 made of steel. The CLT
and CFS system 100 may also include steel plates 410a, 410b between
the end of the spacer 400 and CLT panel 300 and the tracks 110a,
110b. The steel plates 410a, 410b may be connected to the tracks
110a, 110b with fasteners, welded seems, or a threaded end that may
screw into a corresponding threaded hole in the track 110a, 110b.
The steel spacer 400 is connected to the first steel plate 410a.
The steel spacer 400 may be welded to the first steel plate 410a.
The steel spacer 400 may include threads that screw into a
corresponding threaded hole in the steel plate 410a or vice versa.
The steel spacer 400 may have a bearing connection with the second
steel plate 410b.
[0027] FIG. 6 shows cross-section 6-6 from FIG. 1. The first track
110a and the second track 110b are continuous. A plurality of
spring assemblies 120a-n and second fasteners 130a-n connect the
tracks 110a, 110b to the CLT panel 300. The tracks 110a, 110b may
be prepunched or predrilled at the location of the spring
assemblies 120a-n and fasteners 130a-n for quick and efficient
connection of the tracks 110a, 110b to the CLT panel 300. The
quantity and spacing of the spring assemblies 120a-n and fasteners
130a-n depends on loads applied to the structure and engineering
codes and specifications.
[0028] FIG. 7 shows cross-section 7-7 from FIG. 2. The first track
110a and the second track 110b are continuous. The first steel
plate 410a and second steel plate 410b are also continuous along
the length of the CLT panel 300. A plurality of spring assemblies
120a-n and second fasteners 130a-n connect the tracks 110a, 110b to
the CLT panel 300. The spring assemblies 120a-n also extend through
the first steel plate 410a. Fasteners 130a-n connect the second
track 110b and second steel plate 410b to the CLT panel 300. The
tracks 110a, 110b may be prepunched or predrilled at the location
of the spring assemblies 120a-n and fasteners 130a-n for quick and
efficient connection of the tracks 110a, 110b to the CLT panel 300.
The steel plates 410a, 410b may also be prepunched or predrilled at
the location of the spring assemblies 120a-n and fasteners 130a-n
for quick and efficient connection of the steel plates 410a, 410b
to the CLT panel 300. The quantity and spacing of the spring
assemblies 120a-n and fasteners 130a-n depends on loads applied to
the structure and engineering codes and specifications.
[0029] FIG. 8 shows an isometric view of a CLT and CFS system 100.
The CLT and CFS system 100 includes at least one CFS stud 200a,
200b. The CFS studs 200a, 200b may be part of a load bearing CFS
panelized wall. The exterior walls may be non-bearing and
panelized. The CLT and CFS system 100 also includes at least one
CLT floor panel 300. The CLT floor panel 300 may span between 12-20
feet. The CLT floor panel 300 may span greater than 20 feet. The
tracks 110a, 110b may run the length of the CLT floor panel 300.
The CFS studs 200a, 200b are connected to the CLT floor panel 300
via the tracks 110a, 110b. The number and spacing of the CFS studs
200a, 200b depend on the loads and engineering codes and
specifications. A plurality of spring assemblies 120a-n connect a
track 110a to a first or top side 310 of the CLT floor panel 300
between CFS studs 200a.
[0030] FIG. 9 shows a cross-section of an isometric view of a CLT
and CFS system 100. The CLT and CFS system 100 includes spacers 400
within the CLT floor panel 300 between corresponding CFS studs
200a, 200b. The spacer 400 transfers the load from the CFS load
bearing stud 200a so that the CLT panel 300 is not crushed. The
height of the spacer 400 matches the approximate height H of the
CLT panel 300 prior to shrinkage. Although FIG. 6 shows a precast
concrete spacer 400, the spacer 400 may be steel or wooden. FIG. 10
shows an alternative embodiment of FIG. 9. FIG. 10 shows a spacer
400 that has a cone shape with the top end wider than the bottom
end.
[0031] FIG. 11 shows an isometric view of a structure 700 utilizing
the CLT and CFS system. A plurality of CLT and CFS systems 100 may
be utilized to build a structure 700 such as the framework for a
building. The structure 700 may be a multistory building. The
structure 700 may be a 7-12 story building. Because the structure
700 is comprised of CLT and CFS, the structures 700 are lighter
than concrete and steel structures. There is no need to re-shore
under active floors. The CLT panels 300 can be prefabricated with
the tracks 110 fastened to the CLT panels 300 off-site. The spacers
400 may also be inserted into the CLT panels 300 off-site. On-site,
the CLT panels 300 and tracks 110 may be quickly and efficiently
connected to the CFS studs. The off-site CLT fabrication and single
set installation leads to critical time and labor savings.
[0032] FIG. 12 is a flow chart of a method of installing a CLT and
CFS connector 800. The CLT and CFS connector installed in the
method 800 includes the same embodiments and details previously
described. In step 810, the method 800 may include inserting a
spacer into a CLT panel. The method of installing a CLT and CFS
connector 800 includes the step 820 of positioning a track on a
cross-laminated timber panel. The track is configured to connect to
at least one CFS stud. The track may be positioned where a
plurality of CFS studs of a panelized wall are to be connected to
the CLT panel. The spacer may be connected to the track or plate.
If the spacer is connected to a plate, the plate is connected to
the track. The CLT panel may include predrilled holes or openings
where the spacer is inserted. The spacers are located where the CFS
studs are configured to connect to the track. In step 830, the
track is attached to the CLT panel with a plurality of spring
assemblies. The spring assembly includes a fastener and a spring.
The fastener extends through the spring into the CLT panel. The
fastener may be inserted until the spring is partially compressed.
For example, the fastener may be inserted into the CLT panel until
the spring is compressed 0.25 inches. In step 840, a CFS stud may
be connected to the track. The CFS stud may be connected to the
track via fasteners, welding, or threads. The CFS stud may bear on
the spacer. A plurality of CFS studs may be connected to the track.
The method 800 may include the steps 810-840 in any order.
[0033] FIG. 13 is a flow chart of a method of installing a CLT and
CFS system 900. The CLT and CFS system include the same details and
embodiments of the CLT and CFS system previously discussed. In step
910, the method 900 may include inserting a spacer into the CLT
panel. The method 900 includes the step 920 of positioning a track
on a first side of a CLT panel. The spacer may be connected to the
track or plate. If the spacer is connected to a plate, the plate is
connected to the track. The CLT panel may include predrilled holes
or openings where the spacer is inserted. The spacers are located
where the CFS studs are configured to connect to the track. In step
930, a first side of the track is attached to the first side of the
CLT panel with a plurality of spring assemblies. A spring assembly
includes a fastener and a spring. The fastener extends through the
spring into the CLT panel. The fastener is inserted until the
spring is partially compressed. For example, the fastener may be
inserted into the CLT panel until the spring is compressed 0.25
inch. In step 940, a CFS stud is attached to a second side of the
track. The CFS stud may be attached to the track via fasteners,
welding, or threads. The CFS stud may bear on the spacer in the CLT
panel beneath it. In step 950, a second track may be attached to a
second side of the CLT panel. In step 960, the second track may be
attached to a second CFS stud. The method 900 may include the steps
910-940 in any order.
[0034] Having thus described in detail a preferred selection of
embodiments of the present invention, it is to be appreciated and
will be apparent to those skilled in the art that many physical
changes could be made to the CLT and CFS connector, CLT and CFS
system, method of installing a CLT and CFS connector, and method of
installing a CLT and CFS system without altering the inventive
concepts and principles embodied therein. The present embodiments
are therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and
not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the
appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are therefore to be embraced therein.
* * * * *