Seismic wall fuse

Abstract

One or more seismic wall fuses that wrap around the edge of a building wall, the seismic wall fuses having a first wall panel on one side of the wall and a second wall panel on the other side of the wall, and an edge panel along the edge of the wall connected to the first and second wall panels. Each of the first and second wall panels have: a top portion that is attached to the wall, a mid-portion that deforms to absorb seismic stresses, and a bottom portion that is also attached to the wall. In operation, the mid-portion of the first wall panel expands while the mid-portion of the second wall panel simultaneously contracts (or vice versa), thereby dissipating seismic energy in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the wall, which could otherwise topple the wall.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 598,471, of same title, filed Mar. 7, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates in general to structures for dissipating seismic energy in a building, and in particular to structures for dissipating seismic energy in a concrete building wall.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of seismic devices exist for reinforcing different building structures and for helping to dissipate earthquake energy in buildings. Such devices may include various yielding devices and / or various vibration damping devices. A seismic fuse is an example of such a yielding device. In short, a seismic fuse is a steel assembly that is positioned between the ends of two beam sections and deforms as the beam sections move with respect to one another. Typically, a seismic fuse is installed with its two beam sections being connected to opposite diagonal corners of the frame of a wall. As such, the seismic fuse provides seismic reinforcement in directions in the plane of the wall itself.

[0004] Although seismic fuses are very useful, they are limited in that they only dissipate seismic energy across the plane of a wall. What would instead be desirable is to provide a seismic wall fuse assembly that would instead dissipate seismic loading in a plane perpendicular to the wall itself (for example, when one side of the wall is under tension and the other side of the wall is under compression). As such, the desired seismic fuse would dissipate energy in directions that would otherwise tend to topple over the wall.

[0005] In addition, it would also be desirable to provide such a seismic fuse system that is both fast and relatively easy to assemble. It would also be desirable to provide such a new seismic wall fuse system that can be easily retrofit into existing building walls, and especially onto concrete walls connected to building foundations. As will be shown, the present invention provides such a system.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a seismic wall fuse that is easy to attach onto the side edge of a building wall (such as a concrete building wall) to provide seismic energy dissipation. A unique advantage of the present system is that it resists seismic loading perpendicular to the plane of the wall (e.g.: when one side of the wall is under compression and the other side of the wall is in tension). As such, the present system resists seismic energy in the direction of the wall “toppling over”.

[0007] In preferred aspects, the present system provides a seismic wall fuse, comprising: a first wall panel and a second wall panel, wherein the first and second wall panels are positioned in parallel on opposite sides of an edge of the wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall panels comprise: a top portion that is configured to be attached to the wall, a mid-portion that is configured to deform to absorb seismic stresses, and a bottom portion that is also configured to be attached to the wall. In operation, the mid-portion of the first wall panel deforms to expand while the mid-portion of the second wall panel simultaneously deforms to contract, and vice versa.

[0008] In other preferred aspects, the present system provides a seismic wall fuse system, comprising: first and second planar wall panels, each comprising: a non-deformable planar top portion that is configured to be positioned flat against a wall and be connected to the wall; a non-deformable planar bottom portion that is configured to be positioned flat against the wall and be connected to the wall; and a deformable planar mid portion connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions, wherein the deformable mid portion is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion lengthens or shortens.

[0009] In various aspects, the first and second planar wall panels may be disposed on the same side of the wall or on opposite sides of the wall. The first and second planar wall panels may also be disposed in a nested relationship, i.e.: positioned flat against one another on the same side of the wall. In various aspects, the first and second planar wall panels may be disposed parallel to one another or perpendicular to one another, all keeping within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, each of the first and second planar wall panels have slots cut inwardly from opposite side edges of the wall panels, and these slots are disposed above and below a series of the laterally extending slits.

[0011] Under seismic stress, both the laterally extending slits and the slots widen when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to expand, and narrow when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to contract. Preferably, both the first and second planar wall panels both deform in a direction parallel to the plane of the wall.

[0012] In various preferred aspects, the seismic wall fuse also includes an edge panel connected on one side to the first wall panel and on another side to the second wall panel. The edge panel is oriented perpendicular to the first and second wall panels such that the seismic wall fuse wraps around the edge of a wall.

[0013] In optional preferred embodiments, two or more of the present seismic wall fuses may be nested to wrap one around the other around the edge of the wall.

[0014] In further optional embodiments, a connection plate may be used to secure the seismic wall fuse to the building foundation. This connection plate may optionally be positioned in a nested configuration with one or more of the seismic wall fuses.

[0015] A unique advantage of the present system is that the same connectors that are to secure the first wall panel to one side of the wall may be used to secure the second wall panel to the opposite side of the wall. This may be achieved by having a plurality of wall connectors (such as bolts) passing through aligned holes in the first and second wall panels. In addition, the same connectors can be used to secure the seismic wall fuse to a base plate connected to the building foundation (thereby securing the seismic wall fuse to the building foundation while avoiding the need for additional connectors and fasteners).

[0016] The mid-portions of the wall panels deform (i.e.: expand or contract) to dissipate seismic energy. In preferred aspects, the mid-portions of each wall panel comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits / These slits may preferably be diamond shaped. The mid-portions of these wall panels may also have a plurality of slots that are cut inwardly from opposite sides of the wall panel. These slots are preferably cut into opposite sides of the wall panel to widen when the wall panel is stretched, and to narrow when the wall panel is compressed.

[0017] In optional preferred aspects, the present system may also include a plurality of foundation connectors and base plate connecting the bottom portions of the wall panels down into a concrete wall foundation. Optionally, shear keys in the bottom of the wall may also be used.

[0018] In further optional aspects, the present system may be stacked such that one seismic fuse may positioned overtop of another one, running up along the edge of the wall.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the present system is that it provides a system that uses few materials, and limited parts. It is therefore fast and easy to fabricate and to install.

[0020] Moreover, in addition to being useful with concrete walls, the present system may also be used with wood, masonry, cross-laminated timber, etc. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present system is not limited to use solely with concrete walls and structures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of the present seismic wall fuses being nested together with a connection plate on a base plate, with the wall itself removed for clarity of illustration.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the connection plate and two of the present seismic wall fuses being nested together around the edge of a building wall, adding a portion of the wall itself.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a rear elevation view of a wall panel in a non-stressed position.

[0024] FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the wall panel in a non-stressed position.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the wall panel in an expanded state.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the wall panel in a compressed state.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a top sectional plan view of a building wall showing the two of the present seismic wall fuses positioned at opposite ends of the building wall.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a close-up view similar to FIG. 6A, but showing only one of the present seismic wall fuses and its attachment to a connection and base plate.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the present system installed on opposite sides of a building wall, showing the system's linkage to a building foundation, prior to any seismic loading of the wall or deformation of the present seismic fuse's wall panels.

[0030] FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A, but shows movement of the wall in a shear direction (i.e.: parallel to the plane of the wall). FIG. 7B also shows corresponding deformation of each of the seismic wall fuses at opposite ends of the wall.

[0031] FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of a preferred wall panel.

[0032] FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of a preferred wall panel configured to nest against the wall panel of FIG. 8A.

[0033] FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 8A and 8B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0034] FIG. 8D is a view corresponding to FIG. 8C, but with the components assembled together.

[0035] FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an alternate wall panel.

[0036] FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of an alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 9A.

[0037] FIG. 9C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 89B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0038] FIG. 9D is a view corresponding to FIG. 9C, but with the components assembled together.

[0039] FIG. 10A is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel.

[0040] FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 10A.

[0041] FIG. 10C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 10A and 10B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0042] FIG. 10D is a view corresponding to FIG. 10C, but with the components assembled together.

[0043] FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel.

[0044] FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 11A.

[0045] FIG. 11C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 11A and 11B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0046] FIG. 11D is a view corresponding to FIG. 11C, but with the components assembled together.

[0047] FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 9B, prior to being placed on one side of a wall.

[0048] FIG. 12B is a view corresponding to FIG. 12A, but with the components assembled together.

[0049] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a wall panel being positioned inside a wall parallel to the plane of the wall.

[0050] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, with the wall panels positioned at an interior location.

[0051] FIG. 13B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13A.

[0052] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, with the wall panels positioned at an exterior location.

[0053] FIG. 14B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14A.

[0054] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls aligned with one another.

[0055] FIG. 15B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 15A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] The exploded view of FIG. 1 and the assembled view of FIG. 2 show a pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B which are nested together, wrapping around the edge of a building wall. It is to be understood that the present system encompasses embodiments having only one seismic wall fuse 10, a pair of nested seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B, or optionally three or more seismic wall fuses nested together, as desired.

[0057] As seen in the Figures, each wall fuse 10A and 10B preferably comprises a first wall panel 20 and a second wall panel 30. As seen in FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B, the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are configured to be positioned in parallel on opposite sides of a wall W. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B both wrap around the edge of wall W (in addition to being nested one inside the other, as shown).

[0058] In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first wall panel 20 comprises:a top portion 50 that is configured to be attached to the wall,

[0060] a-mid portion 52 that is configured to deform to absorb seismic stresses, and

[0061] a bottom portion 54 that is configured to be attached to the wall.

[0062] Second wall panel 30 has a similar (e.g.: identical, but reversed / mirrored) shape to first wall panel 20. In operation, for example, when seismic loading perpendicular to the plane of wall W acts in a direction to topple the wall over, the mid-portion 52 of the first wall panel 20 deforms to expand while the mid-portion 52 of the second wall panel 30 simultaneously deforms to contract. Conversely, the mid-portion 52 of the first wall panel 20 deforms to contract while the mid-portion 52 of the second wall panel 30 simultaneously deforms to contract. As a result, the seismic loading is resisted by the present seismic fuse on both sides of wall W.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows an example of the wall panel 20 pulled by seismic forces F to expand whereas FIG. 5 shows an example of the wall panel 20 with seismic forces F compressing the panel. (Note: FIGS. 4 and 5 are somewhat exaggerated views to clearly illustrate the deformation in the present system).

[0064] In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first (i.e.: front) wall panel 20 and the second (i.e.: back) wall panel 30 are connected together by an edge panel 40 which is connected on one side to the first wall panel 20 and on another side to the second wall panel 30. As can best be seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B, edge panel 40 is oriented perpendicular to the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 such that the seismic wall fuse 10 can be positioned to wrap around the edge of wall W as seen in FIG. 2.

[0065] In preferred aspects, a plurality of wall connectors 60 pass through the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 to connect the first and second wall panels to opposite sides of the wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 have apertures 51 passing therethrough, and the apertures 51 in each of the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are preferably aligned such that the wall connectors 60 simply pass through the aligned apertures. Wall connectors 60 may be bolts or any other suitable form of connectors.

[0066] FIG. 1 also illustrates a base plate 100 and a connection plate assembly 110. Base plate 100 is positioned under wall W (FIG. 2), and seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B are nested inside connection plate assembly 110 (FIG. 2). The same wall connectors 60 can pass through apertures in the connection plate assembly 110, thereby using only a single bolt connector 60 to fasten seismic wall fuses 10 and 10B and connector plate assembly 110 together. Connector plate assembly 110 is secured to base plate 100 which is in turn secured to foundation anchors 120.

[0067] Further preferred details of the shape of wall panels 20 can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. (Wall panel 30 is preferably a mirror image of wall panel 20). The mid-portions 52 of each wall panel may preferably include a plurality of laterally extending slits 70, which may optionally be diamond shaped. In addition, the mid-portions 52 of each wall panel 20 or 30 may comprise a plurality of slots 81, 82 and 83 cut inwardly from opposite sides of the wall panel.

[0068] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the wall panel deforms to absorb seismic stresses by widening slots 81, 82 and 83 when the wall panel is stretched, or as can be seen In FIG. 5, the wall panel deforms to absorb seismic stresses by narrowing the slots 81, 82 and 83 when the wall panel is compressed.

[0069] As can also be seen, slots 81, 82 and 83 can preferably be arranged such that:

[0070] slot 81 separates the top portion 50 and the mid-portion 52 of the wall panel;

[0071] slot 82 separates upper and lower regions of the mid-portion 52 of the wall panel; and

[0072] slot 83 separates the mid-portion 52 and the bottom portion 54 of the wall panel.

[0073] As illustrated, slots 81 and 83 are cut inwardly from one side, whereas slot 82 is cut inwardly from the opposite direction.

[0074] It is to be understood that the illustration of slits 70 and slots 81 to 83 are merely exemplary and that the present invention is not limited to this specific illustrated embodiment. As such, other patterns of slots and slits are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate top sectional plan views of a pair of the present seismic wall fuses wrapping around the edges of a wall W. The passage of connector bolts 60 through wall W and through wall panels 20 and 30 and through connector plate assembly 110 can be seen.

[0076] FIG. 6A further illustrates an optional shear key 150 in wall W and base plate 100 may have a member (which may be steel) 160 that is received up into the bottom of shear key 150. This shear key structure is also seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B described below.

[0077] FIGS. 7A and 7B specifically illustrate the case of seismic loading in a shear direction in the plane of wall W. Note, this direction of loading is perpendicular to the “toppling” loading deformations described in the other Figures. As seen in FIG. 7A, foundation anchors 120 are received down into foundation 130. Foundation 130 may optionally be a concrete foundation and foundation anchors 120 may optionally be steel rebar. FIG. 7A illustrates the case of no seismic loading. FIG. 7B shows the case of seismic shear loading. As can be seen, a seismic wall fuse 10A (which may optionally comprise a nested pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B similar to FIGS. 1 and 2) will expand (to the state / position shown in FIG. 5) whereas an opposite a seismic wall fuse 10B (which may also optionally comprise a nested pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B similar to FIGS. 1 and 2) will be compressed (to the state / position shown in FIG. 4). In this particular case, wall panels 20 and 30 in seismic wall fuse 10A will be expanded together and wall panels 20 and 30 in seismic wall fuse 10B will be compressed together. As can be appreciated, therefore the present system can therefore resist seismic loading in both perpendicular directions (i.e.: the direction perpendicular to the wall that would otherwise topple the wall and in the shear direction in the plane of the wall). This feature of the present invention is very advantageous in that seismic loading is often in a direction that is at an oblique angle to the wall (i.e.: a direction that has components both parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the wall). Simply put, the present system can resist seismic loading in all directions.

[0078] Next, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate wall panels 20 (similar to wall panels 20 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). However, in this embodiment, an additional beam 25 spans between the pair of wall panels 20 as seen in the exploded view of FIG. 8C and the assembled view of FIG. 8D. Beam 25 is received in slots 82. As can also be seen in FIG. 8C, wall W can have a recess R into which both panels 20 are received when nested one on top of the other such that the two wall panels 20 will be flush with the plane of the wall W. As can also be seen, edge panel 40 can instead be replaced with a series of parallel beams 42.

[0079] Next, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternate wall panels 20B. Wall panels 20B are similar to wall panels 20, but instead have two middle slots 82A and 82B which are cut inwardly from opposite edges of the panels. FIGS. 9C and 9D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0080] Next, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate alternate wall panels 20C. Wall panels 20C are similar to wall panels 20 and 20B, but instead have no middle slots cut inwardly from opposite edges of the panels. Instead, the series of slits 70 are positioned between slots 81 and 83. FIGS. 10C and 10D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0081] Next, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate alternate wall panels 20D. Wall panels 20D are similar to wall panels 20, 20B and 20C, but instead have their series of slots 70 horizontally offset from one another (i.e.: not directly above one another), as shown. FIGS. 11C and 11D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0082] Next, FIG. 12A shows an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 9B, prior to being placed on one side of a wall. FIG. 12B is a view corresponding to FIG. 12A, but with the components assembled together. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present system in which wall panels 20 are only placed on one side of a wall W. In this embodiment, connection plate 110 is a simple plate, rather than an assembly that wraps around the edge of the wall W. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B shows the situation where the present system is added as a retrofit to an existing building wall when access may not be possible to the other side of the wall (for example, an underground wall in a building).

[0083] FIG. 12C shows an alternate embodiment with a wall panel 20 being positioned within a wall parallel to the plane of the wall acting as a “knife plate” within the wall.

[0084] It is to be understood that the present system provides embodiments in which a pair of wall panels 20 are positioned in parallel (either on both sides of a wall, or on top of one another). These embodiments have been described above. It is also to be understood that the present system also provides embodiments in which the pair of wall panels 20 are not positioned in parallel. These embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 15B, as follows.

[0085] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D and 20D connected to building walls W1 and W2 which intersect at a right angle. FIG. 13B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13A but showing that the positioning of wall panels 20D can be positioned at an interior location (FIG. 13A).

[0086] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D again connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, but with the wall panels 20D instead positioned at an exterior location. FIG. 14B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14A.

[0087] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D connected to building walls W1 and W3 wherein walls W1 and W3 are aligned with one another in parallel. FIG. 15B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 15A.

[0088] In summary, the present seismic wall fuse system provides one or two planar wall panel 20, with each wall panel 20 comprising: a non-deformable planar top portion 50 that is configured to be positioned flat against a wall and be connected to the wall; a non-deformable planar bottom portion 54 that is configured to be positioned flat against the wall and be connected to the wall; and a deformable planar mid portion 52 connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions 50 and 54, wherein the deformable mid portion 52 is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion 52 comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits 70 with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion 52 lengthens or shortens.

[0089] As illustrated in the Figs., the first and second planar wall panels 20 may be disposed on the same side of the wall, or on opposite sides of the wall, and / or disposed in a nested relationship, positioned flat against one another on the same side of the wall. They may also be disposed parallel or perpendicular to one another.

[0090] In various aspects, mid portion 52 of the first wall panel deforms to expand while the mid portion 52 of the second wall panel deforms to contract. Specifically, both the laterally extending slits 70 and the slots 81, 82, 83 widen when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to expand, and wherein both the laterally extending slits 70 and the slots 81, 82, 83 narrow when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to contract.

[0091] Lastly, it is to be understood that the presently described and claimed invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described herein but also covers embodiments and variations within the scope of knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]The exploded view of FIG. 1 and the assembled view of FIG. 2 show a pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B which are nested together, wrapping around the edge of a building wall. It is to be understood that the present system encompasses embodiments having only one seismic wall fuse 10, a pair of nested seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B, or optionally three or more seismic wall fuses nested together, as desired.

[0057]As seen in the Figures, each wall fuse 10A and 10B preferably comprises a first wall panel 20 and a second wall panel 30. As seen in FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B, the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are configured to be positioned in parallel on opposite sides of a wall W. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B both wrap around the edge of wall W (in addition to being nested one inside the other, as shown).

[0058]In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first wall panel 20 comprises:a top portion 50 that is configured to be attached to ...

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is a Continuation-In-Part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 598,471, of same title, filed Mar. 7, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present invention relates in general to structures for dissipating seismic energy in a building, and in particular to structures for dissipating seismic energy in a concrete building wall.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] A variety of seismic devices exist for reinforcing different building structures and for helping to dissipate earthquake energy in buildings. Such devices may include various yielding devices and / or various vibration damping devices. A seismic fuse is an example of such a yielding device. In short, a seismic fuse is a steel assembly that is positioned between the ends of two beam sections and deforms as the beam sections move with respect to one another. Typically, a seismic fuse is installed with its two beam sections being connected to opposite diagonal corners of the frame of a wall. As such, the seismic fuse provides seismic reinforcement in directions in the plane of the wall itself.

[0004] Although seismic fuses are very useful, they are limited in that they only dissipate seismic energy across the plane of a wall. What would instead be desirable is to provide a seismic wall fuse assembly that would instead dissipate seismic loading in a plane perpendicular to the wall itself (for example, when one side of the wall is under tension and the other side of the wall is under compression). As such, the desired seismic fuse would dissipate energy in directions that would otherwise tend to topple over the wall.

[0005] In addition, it would also be desirable to provide such a seismic fuse system that is both fast and relatively easy to assemble. It would also be desirable to provide such a new seismic wall fuse system that can be easily retrofit into existing building walls, and especially onto concrete walls connected to building foundations. As will be shown, the present invention provides such a system.SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] The present invention provides a seismic wall fuse that is easy to attach onto the side edge of a building wall (such as a concrete building wall) to provide seismic energy dissipation. A unique advantage of the present system is that it resists seismic loading perpendicular to the plane of the wall (e.g.: when one side of the wall is under compression and the other side of the wall is in tension). As such, the present system resists seismic energy in the direction of the wall “toppling over”.

[0007] In preferred aspects, the present system provides a seismic wall fuse, comprising: a first wall panel and a second wall panel, wherein the first and second wall panels are positioned in parallel on opposite sides of an edge of the wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall panels comprise: a top portion that is configured to be attached to the wall, a mid-portion that is configured to deform to absorb seismic stresses, and a bottom portion that is also configured to be attached to the wall. In operation, the mid-portion of the first wall panel deforms to expand while the mid-portion of the second wall panel simultaneously deforms to contract, and vice versa.

[0008] In other preferred aspects, the present system provides a seismic wall fuse system, comprising: first and second planar wall panels, each comprising: a non-deformable planar top portion that is configured to be positioned flat against a wall and be connected to the wall; a non-deformable planar bottom portion that is configured to be positioned flat against the wall and be connected to the wall; and a deformable planar mid portion connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions, wherein the deformable mid portion is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion lengthens or shortens.

[0009] In various aspects, the first and second planar wall panels may be disposed on the same side of the wall or on opposite sides of the wall. The first and second planar wall panels may also be disposed in a nested relationship, i.e.: positioned flat against one another on the same side of the wall. In various aspects, the first and second planar wall panels may be disposed parallel to one another or perpendicular to one another, all keeping within the scope of the present invention.

[0010] In preferred embodiments, each of the first and second planar wall panels have slots cut inwardly from opposite side edges of the wall panels, and these slots are disposed above and below a series of the laterally extending slits.

[0011] Under seismic stress, both the laterally extending slits and the slots widen when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to expand, and narrow when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to contract. Preferably, both the first and second planar wall panels both deform in a direction parallel to the plane of the wall.

[0012] In various preferred aspects, the seismic wall fuse also includes an edge panel connected on one side to the first wall panel and on another side to the second wall panel. The edge panel is oriented perpendicular to the first and second wall panels such that the seismic wall fuse wraps around the edge of a wall.

[0013] In optional preferred embodiments, two or more of the present seismic wall fuses may be nested to wrap one around the other around the edge of the wall.

[0014] In further optional embodiments, a connection plate may be used to secure the seismic wall fuse to the building foundation. This connection plate may optionally be positioned in a nested configuration with one or more of the seismic wall fuses.

[0015] A unique advantage of the present system is that the same connectors that are to secure the first wall panel to one side of the wall may be used to secure the second wall panel to the opposite side of the wall. This may be achieved by having a plurality of wall connectors (such as bolts) passing through aligned holes in the first and second wall panels. In addition, the same connectors can be used to secure the seismic wall fuse to a base plate connected to the building foundation (thereby securing the seismic wall fuse to the building foundation while avoiding the need for additional connectors and fasteners).

[0016] The mid-portions of the wall panels deform (i.e.: expand or contract) to dissipate seismic energy. In preferred aspects, the mid-portions of each wall panel comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits / These slits may preferably be diamond shaped. The mid-portions of these wall panels may also have a plurality of slots that are cut inwardly from opposite sides of the wall panel. These slots are preferably cut into opposite sides of the wall panel to widen when the wall panel is stretched, and to narrow when the wall panel is compressed.

[0017] In optional preferred aspects, the present system may also include a plurality of foundation connectors and base plate connecting the bottom portions of the wall panels down into a concrete wall foundation. Optionally, shear keys in the bottom of the wall may also be used.

[0018] In further optional aspects, the present system may be stacked such that one seismic fuse may positioned overtop of another one, running up along the edge of the wall.

[0019] Yet another advantage of the present system is that it provides a system that uses few materials, and limited parts. It is therefore fast and easy to fabricate and to install.

[0020] Moreover, in addition to being useful with concrete walls, the present system may also be used with wood, masonry, cross-laminated timber, etc. It is to be understood, therefore, that the present system is not limited to use solely with concrete walls and structures.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0021] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a pair of the present seismic wall fuses being nested together with a connection plate on a base plate, with the wall itself removed for clarity of illustration.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1, showing the connection plate and two of the present seismic wall fuses being nested together around the edge of a building wall, adding a portion of the wall itself.

[0023] FIG. 3A is a rear elevation view of a wall panel in a non-stressed position.

[0024] FIG. 3B is a front elevation view of the wall panel in a non-stressed position.

[0025] FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the wall panel in an expanded state.

[0026] FIG. 5 is a front elevation view of the wall panel in a compressed state.

[0027] FIG. 6A is a top sectional plan view of a building wall showing the two of the present seismic wall fuses positioned at opposite ends of the building wall.

[0028] FIG. 6B is a close-up view similar to FIG. 6A, but showing only one of the present seismic wall fuses and its attachment to a connection and base plate.

[0029] FIG. 7A is a front elevation view of the present system installed on opposite sides of a building wall, showing the system's linkage to a building foundation, prior to any seismic loading of the wall or deformation of the present seismic fuse's wall panels.

[0030] FIG. 7B is similar to FIG. 7A, but shows movement of the wall in a shear direction (i.e.: parallel to the plane of the wall). FIG. 7B also shows corresponding deformation of each of the seismic wall fuses at opposite ends of the wall.

[0031] FIG. 8A is a front elevation view of a preferred wall panel.

[0032] FIG. 8B is a front elevation view of a preferred wall panel configured to nest against the wall panel of FIG. 8A.

[0033] FIG. 8C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 8A and 8B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0034] FIG. 8D is a view corresponding to FIG. 8C, but with the components assembled together.

[0035] FIG. 9A is a front elevation view of an alternate wall panel.

[0036] FIG. 9B is a front elevation view of an alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 9A.

[0037] FIG. 9C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 89B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0038] FIG. 9D is a view corresponding to FIG. 9C, but with the components assembled together.

[0039] FIG. 10A is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel.

[0040] FIG. 10B is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 10A.

[0041] FIG. 10C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 10A and 10B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0042] FIG. 10D is a view corresponding to FIG. 10C, but with the components assembled together.

[0043] FIG. 11A is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel.

[0044] FIG. 11B is a front elevation view of another alternate wall panel configured to next against the wall panel of FIG. 11A.

[0045] FIG. 11C is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 11A and 11B prior to being nested together, showing the panels connected to a base place and received onto the edge of a wall.

[0046] FIG. 11D is a view corresponding to FIG. 11C, but with the components assembled together.

[0047] FIG. 12A is an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 9B, prior to being placed on one side of a wall.

[0048] FIG. 12B is a view corresponding to FIG. 12A, but with the components assembled together.

[0049] FIG. 12C is a perspective view of a wall panel being positioned inside a wall parallel to the plane of the wall.

[0050] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, with the wall panels positioned at an interior location.

[0051] FIG. 13B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13A.

[0052] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, with the wall panels positioned at an exterior location.

[0053] FIG. 14B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14A.

[0054] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels connected to building walls aligned with one another.

[0055] FIG. 15B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 15A.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0056] The exploded view of FIG. 1 and the assembled view of FIG. 2 show a pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B which are nested together, wrapping around the edge of a building wall. It is to be understood that the present system encompasses embodiments having only one seismic wall fuse 10, a pair of nested seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B, or optionally three or more seismic wall fuses nested together, as desired.

[0057] As seen in the Figures, each wall fuse 10A and 10B preferably comprises a first wall panel 20 and a second wall panel 30. As seen in FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B, the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are configured to be positioned in parallel on opposite sides of a wall W. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B both wrap around the edge of wall W (in addition to being nested one inside the other, as shown).

[0058] In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first wall panel 20 comprises:a top portion 50 that is configured to be attached to the wall,

[0060] a-mid portion 52 that is configured to deform to absorb seismic stresses, and

[0061] a bottom portion 54 that is configured to be attached to the wall.

[0062] Second wall panel 30 has a similar (e.g.: identical, but reversed / mirrored) shape to first wall panel 20. In operation, for example, when seismic loading perpendicular to the plane of wall W acts in a direction to topple the wall over, the mid-portion 52 of the first wall panel 20 deforms to expand while the mid-portion 52 of the second wall panel 30 simultaneously deforms to contract. Conversely, the mid-portion 52 of the first wall panel 20 deforms to contract while the mid-portion 52 of the second wall panel 30 simultaneously deforms to contract. As a result, the seismic loading is resisted by the present seismic fuse on both sides of wall W.

[0063] FIG. 4 shows an example of the wall panel 20 pulled by seismic forces F to expand whereas FIG. 5 shows an example of the wall panel 20 with seismic forces F compressing the panel. (Note: FIGS. 4 and 5 are somewhat exaggerated views to clearly illustrate the deformation in the present system).

[0064] In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2, the first (i.e.: front) wall panel 20 and the second (i.e.: back) wall panel 30 are connected together by an edge panel 40 which is connected on one side to the first wall panel 20 and on another side to the second wall panel 30. As can best be seen best in FIGS. 6A and 6B, edge panel 40 is oriented perpendicular to the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 such that the seismic wall fuse 10 can be positioned to wrap around the edge of wall W as seen in FIG. 2.

[0065] In preferred aspects, a plurality of wall connectors 60 pass through the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 to connect the first and second wall panels to opposite sides of the wall. Preferably, each of the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 have apertures 51 passing therethrough, and the apertures 51 in each of the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are preferably aligned such that the wall connectors 60 simply pass through the aligned apertures. Wall connectors 60 may be bolts or any other suitable form of connectors.

[0066] FIG. 1 also illustrates a base plate 100 and a connection plate assembly 110. Base plate 100 is positioned under wall W (FIG. 2), and seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B are nested inside connection plate assembly 110 (FIG. 2). The same wall connectors 60 can pass through apertures in the connection plate assembly 110, thereby using only a single bolt connector 60 to fasten seismic wall fuses 10 and 10B and connector plate assembly 110 together. Connector plate assembly 110 is secured to base plate 100 which is in turn secured to foundation anchors 120.

[0067] Further preferred details of the shape of wall panels 20 can be seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B. (Wall panel 30 is preferably a mirror image of wall panel 20). The mid-portions 52 of each wall panel may preferably include a plurality of laterally extending slits 70, which may optionally be diamond shaped. In addition, the mid-portions 52 of each wall panel 20 or 30 may comprise a plurality of slots 81, 82 and 83 cut inwardly from opposite sides of the wall panel.

[0068] As can be seen in FIG. 4, the wall panel deforms to absorb seismic stresses by widening slots 81, 82 and 83 when the wall panel is stretched, or as can be seen In FIG. 5, the wall panel deforms to absorb seismic stresses by narrowing the slots 81, 82 and 83 when the wall panel is compressed.

[0069] As can also be seen, slots 81, 82 and 83 can preferably be arranged such that:

[0070] slot 81 separates the top portion 50 and the mid-portion 52 of the wall panel;

[0071] slot 82 separates upper and lower regions of the mid-portion 52 of the wall panel; and

[0072] slot 83 separates the mid-portion 52 and the bottom portion 54 of the wall panel.

[0073] As illustrated, slots 81 and 83 are cut inwardly from one side, whereas slot 82 is cut inwardly from the opposite direction.

[0074] It is to be understood that the illustration of slits 70 and slots 81 to 83 are merely exemplary and that the present invention is not limited to this specific illustrated embodiment. As such, other patterns of slots and slits are also encompassed within the scope of the present invention.

[0075] FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate top sectional plan views of a pair of the present seismic wall fuses wrapping around the edges of a wall W. The passage of connector bolts 60 through wall W and through wall panels 20 and 30 and through connector plate assembly 110 can be seen.

[0076] FIG. 6A further illustrates an optional shear key 150 in wall W and base plate 100 may have a member (which may be steel) 160 that is received up into the bottom of shear key 150. This shear key structure is also seen in FIGS. 7A and 7B described below.

[0077] FIGS. 7A and 7B specifically illustrate the case of seismic loading in a shear direction in the plane of wall W. Note, this direction of loading is perpendicular to the “toppling” loading deformations described in the other Figures. As seen in FIG. 7A, foundation anchors 120 are received down into foundation 130. Foundation 130 may optionally be a concrete foundation and foundation anchors 120 may optionally be steel rebar. FIG. 7A illustrates the case of no seismic loading. FIG. 7B shows the case of seismic shear loading. As can be seen, a seismic wall fuse 10A (which may optionally comprise a nested pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B similar to FIGS. 1 and 2) will expand (to the state / position shown in FIG. 5) whereas an opposite a seismic wall fuse 10B (which may also optionally comprise a nested pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B similar to FIGS. 1 and 2) will be compressed (to the state / position shown in FIG. 4). In this particular case, wall panels 20 and 30 in seismic wall fuse 10A will be expanded together and wall panels 20 and 30 in seismic wall fuse 10B will be compressed together. As can be appreciated, therefore the present system can therefore resist seismic loading in both perpendicular directions (i.e.: the direction perpendicular to the wall that would otherwise topple the wall and in the shear direction in the plane of the wall). This feature of the present invention is very advantageous in that seismic loading is often in a direction that is at an oblique angle to the wall (i.e.: a direction that has components both parallel and perpendicular to the plane of the wall). Simply put, the present system can resist seismic loading in all directions.

[0078] Next, FIGS. 8A and 8B illustrate wall panels 20 (similar to wall panels 20 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B). However, in this embodiment, an additional beam 25 spans between the pair of wall panels 20 as seen in the exploded view of FIG. 8C and the assembled view of FIG. 8D. Beam 25 is received in slots 82. As can also be seen in FIG. 8C, wall W can have a recess R into which both panels 20 are received when nested one on top of the other such that the two wall panels 20 will be flush with the plane of the wall W. As can also be seen, edge panel 40 can instead be replaced with a series of parallel beams 42.

[0079] Next, FIGS. 9A and 9B illustrate alternate wall panels 20B. Wall panels 20B are similar to wall panels 20, but instead have two middle slots 82A and 82B which are cut inwardly from opposite edges of the panels. FIGS. 9C and 9D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0080] Next, FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate alternate wall panels 20C. Wall panels 20C are similar to wall panels 20 and 20B, but instead have no middle slots cut inwardly from opposite edges of the panels. Instead, the series of slits 70 are positioned between slots 81 and 83. FIGS. 10C and 10D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0081] Next, FIGS. 11A and 11B illustrate alternate wall panels 20D. Wall panels 20D are similar to wall panels 20, 20B and 20C, but instead have their series of slots 70 horizontally offset from one another (i.e.: not directly above one another), as shown. FIGS. 11C and 11D show respective exploded and assembled views of this embodiment.

[0082] Next, FIG. 12A shows an exploded perspective view of the wall panels of FIGS. 9A and 9B, prior to being placed on one side of a wall. FIG. 12B is a view corresponding to FIG. 12A, but with the components assembled together. FIGS. 12A and 12B illustrate an alternate embodiment of the present system in which wall panels 20 are only placed on one side of a wall W. In this embodiment, connection plate 110 is a simple plate, rather than an assembly that wraps around the edge of the wall W. The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 12A and 12B shows the situation where the present system is added as a retrofit to an existing building wall when access may not be possible to the other side of the wall (for example, an underground wall in a building).

[0083] FIG. 12C shows an alternate embodiment with a wall panel 20 being positioned within a wall parallel to the plane of the wall acting as a “knife plate” within the wall.

[0084] It is to be understood that the present system provides embodiments in which a pair of wall panels 20 are positioned in parallel (either on both sides of a wall, or on top of one another). These embodiments have been described above. It is also to be understood that the present system also provides embodiments in which the pair of wall panels 20 are not positioned in parallel. These embodiments are illustrated in FIGS. 13A to 15B, as follows.

[0085] FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D and 20D connected to building walls W1 and W2 which intersect at a right angle. FIG. 13B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 13A but showing that the positioning of wall panels 20D can be positioned at an interior location (FIG. 13A).

[0086] FIG. 14A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D again connected to building walls intersecting at a right angle, but with the wall panels 20D instead positioned at an exterior location. FIG. 14B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 14A.

[0087] FIG. 15A is a perspective view of a pair of wall panels 20D connected to building walls W1 and W3 wherein walls W1 and W3 are aligned with one another in parallel. FIG. 15B is a top perspective view corresponding to FIG. 15A.

[0088] In summary, the present seismic wall fuse system provides one or two planar wall panel 20, with each wall panel 20 comprising: a non-deformable planar top portion 50 that is configured to be positioned flat against a wall and be connected to the wall; a non-deformable planar bottom portion 54 that is configured to be positioned flat against the wall and be connected to the wall; and a deformable planar mid portion 52 connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions 50 and 54, wherein the deformable mid portion 52 is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion 52 comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits 70 with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion 52 lengthens or shortens.

[0089] As illustrated in the Figs., the first and second planar wall panels 20 may be disposed on the same side of the wall, or on opposite sides of the wall, and / or disposed in a nested relationship, positioned flat against one another on the same side of the wall. They may also be disposed parallel or perpendicular to one another.

[0090] In various aspects, mid portion 52 of the first wall panel deforms to expand while the mid portion 52 of the second wall panel deforms to contract. Specifically, both the laterally extending slits 70 and the slots 81, 82, 83 widen when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to expand, and wherein both the laterally extending slits 70 and the slots 81, 82, 83 narrow when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to contract.

[0091] Lastly, it is to be understood that the presently described and claimed invention is not limited solely to the embodiments described herein but also covers embodiments and variations within the scope of knowledge of a person skilled in the art.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0056]The exploded view of FIG. 1 and the assembled view of FIG. 2 show a pair of seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B which are nested together, wrapping around the edge of a building wall. It is to be understood that the present system encompasses embodiments having only one seismic wall fuse 10, a pair of nested seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B, or optionally three or more seismic wall fuses nested together, as desired.

[0057]As seen in the Figures, each wall fuse 10A and 10B preferably comprises a first wall panel 20 and a second wall panel 30. As seen in FIGS. 2, 6A and 6B, the first and second wall panels 20 and 30 are configured to be positioned in parallel on opposite sides of a wall W. As can also be seen in FIG. 2, the seismic wall fuses 10A and 10B both wrap around the edge of wall W (in addition to being nested one inside the other, as shown).

[0058]In preferred aspects as seen in FIGS. 3A and 3B, first wall panel 20 comprises:a top portion 50 that is configured to be attached to ...

Claims

1. A seismic wall fuse system, comprising:a first planar wall panel, comprising:a non-deformable planar top portion that is configured to be positioned flat against or inside a wall and be connected to the wall;a non-deformable planar bottom portion that is configured to be positioned flat against or inside the wall and be connected to the wall; anda deformable planar mid portion connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions, wherein the deformable mid portion is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion lengthens or shortens.

2. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 1, further comprising:a second planar wall panel, comprising:a non-deformable planar top portion that is configured to be positioned flat against a wall and be connected to the wall;a non-deformable planar bottom portion that is configured to be positioned flat against the wall and be connected to the wall;a deformable planar mid portion connecting the non-deformable top and bottom portions, wherein the deformable mid portion is configured to deform to absorb seismic stress, and wherein the deformable mid portion comprises a plurality of laterally extending slits with material sections therebetween that deform as the mid portion lengthens or shortens.

3. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels are disposed on the same side of the wall.

4. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels are disposed on opposite sides of the wall.

5. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels are disposed in a nested relationship, positioned flat against one another on the same side of the wall.

6. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels are disposed parallel to one another.

7. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels are disposed perpendicular to one another.

8. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the mid portion of the first wall panel deforms to expand while the mid portion of the second wall panel deforms to contract.

9. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the laterally extending slits are diamond-shaped.

10. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second planar wall panels have slots cut inwardly from opposite side edges of the wall panels.

11. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 10, wherein the slots are disposed above and below a series of the laterally extending slits.

12. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 10, wherein both the laterally extending slits and the slots widen when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to expand, and wherein both the laterally extending slits and the slots narrow when the mid portion of the planar wall panels deforms to contract.

13. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 1 or 2, wherein the laterally extending slits extend only part way across the deformable planar mid portion of the wall panel and do not reach the side edges of the wall panel.

14. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, wherein the first and second planar wall panels both deform in a direction parallel to the plane of the wall.

15. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, further comprising:an edge panel connected on one side to the first planar wall panel and on another side to the second planar wall panel, wherein the edge panel is perpendicular to the first and second planar wall panels such that the seismic wall fuse wraps around the edge of the wall.

16. The seismic wall fuse system of claim 2, further comprising:a base plate connected to the bottom of the wall; anda connection plate assembly connected to both the base plate and the first and second planar wall panels.

Images