Strapping System and Method to Reinforce Framed Structures

Abstract

A network of straps is placed over a framed structure and roof decking and secured to the foundation. A tensional force is applied to the straps. The tensioned straps are then secured at strap crossing points, the roof decking, roof structural members and wall structural members. The method also provides special treatment for straps crossing apex ridges or valleys of the structure's roof. Additional framing blocks are included under the roof decking to accommodate fastening the straps to the primary structural members. The runner straps pass through slits cut into roof decking near where the sidewalls attach to the roof joists and rafters. An added framing member or supporting structural device is also installed above the top plate of the stud wall to support the roof decking as tension is applied to the straps. The method calls for determining standard strap spacing based on the design resistance required to counter external forces that could be encountered at the construction location. The straps are placed on all sides at the standard spacing. Special adjustments to the spacing are made to accommodate larger than standard spacing door, garage, and framed openings. The number and configuration of straps is dependent on Building Codes and engineered design guidelines. By securing the strap network to the structure under tension, the strap network provides a distributed resistance force throughout the entire structure greatly enhancing its strength against external winds, internal vacuums, and earthquakes. Suitable straps can be fabricated from range of materials and composites such as metallic and non-metallic banding, a combination of non-metallic banding with wire reinforcement, wire mesh or wire rope.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]N / ASTATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT[0002]N / ABACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]The present invention relates to devices and methods for improving the resistance of a structure to lateral and vertical forces acting upon it. The most common sources of lateral and vertical forces acting on a structure are weather phenomena such as hurricanes, tornados, microbursts, etc. and earthquakes. Without some type of reinforcement means, most structures have relatively poor inherent resistance and are subject to significant damage from such events. For example, strong winds blowing into the sidewall of a structure will exert lateral and oblique forces against the wall and also upward forces on the roof as the forces accumulate and strengthen at building indentions, corners and roof eaves. Exterior framed structure finish veneers such as brick and concrete stucco provide mass and some resistance to lateral wind forces. Othe...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0009]The present invention is a reinforcing system applied to an entire structure that when installed, greatly increases the structure's resistance over prior methods yet can be applied affordably. The principal behind the present invention is that, when interconnected, a series of binding elements is stronger than that of each individual element attached at various points in a framed structure. An additional principal is that the framed structure is being structurally reinforced without using framed members having low tensile strength as part of the reinforcement system. The invention is comprised of plurality of strapping elements placed on top of the roof decking of a structure, extending down the side walls of the structure, and attached to the structure's foundation. Each strapping element is tensioned after being set in place. Once all of the strapping elements are in place and tensioned, the straps are secured to the structure at various locations and at points where the straps intersect. Once fastened together, the straps form an extremely strong web of reinforcement throughout the entire the structure. Resistance to wind loads, for example that may be applied to only one side of the house are actually spread throughout the entire structure due to the network of interconnected straps. Thus, the structure's integrity cannot be lost by the failure of any one element as is typical with devices that are attached at various points in a framed structure.

[0013]It is a further object of the invention to provide a structure stabilizing method that presents a simple approach to designing and installing a network of interconnected, tensioned straps to accommodate a wide range of building types, sizes and roofing configurations.

Problems solved by technology

Without some type of reinforcement means, most structures have relatively poor inherent resistance and are subject to significant damage from such events.

Interiors and structures are often damaged from the separation of roof decking from framing members.

Wood, the most common framed structure building material, has relatively poor tensile strength.

None of the existing concepts or devices addresses the overall structure and roof decking by connecting all of the structural and decking components with one network system that allows the entire structure and the individual components to act together to counter external forces.

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