Building wall and building

Abstract

This building wall (10) comprises: a horizontal member (12); a first load-bearing panel (21) that is arranged above the horizontal member (12); a second load-bearing panel (22) that is arranged above the horizontal member (12) and that neighbors the first load-bearing panel (21); and a first joining member (41) that joins the horizontal member (12) with the first load-bearing panel (21) and the second load-bearing panel (22). The first load-bearing panel (21) and the second load-bearing panel (22) are joined to the horizontal member (12) in a manner not contacting the same via the first joining member (41). The first joining member (41) includes a first portion (41A) that is positioned between the horizontal member (12) and the first load-bearing panel (21), and a second portion (41B) that is positioned between the horizontal member (12) and the second load-bearing panel (22). At least part of the second portion (41B) is formed integrally with the first portion (41A).

Description

Building walls and structures

[0001] The present disclosure relates to building walls and buildings.

[0002] The building described in Patent Document 1 has a wall equipped with a cross member (called a girth in the document) and a load-bearing panel (called a unit load-bearing wall frame for a wooden frame structure in the document). A plurality of load-bearing panels are connected to the cross member. The load-bearing panels are arranged above and below the cross member.

[0003] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-100896

[0004] The bearing panels may move due to the shaking of the building caused by wind, earthquakes, etc. The movement of the bearing panels applies force to the cross members. If the bearing panels move due to the shaking of the building, the cross members may be deformed.

[0005] (1) A wall of a building that is one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a cross member, a first load-bearing panel arranged above the cross member, a second load-bearing panel arranged above the cross member and adjacent to the first load-bearing panel, and a first connecting member that connects the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel to the cross member, wherein the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel are connected to the cross member by the first connecting member so as not to contact the cross member, and the first connecting member includes a first part that is located between the cross member and the first load-bearing panel and connects the first load-bearing panel to the cross member, and a second part that is located between the cross member and the second load-bearing panel and connects the second load-bearing panel to the cross member, and at least a portion of the second part is formed integrally with the first part.

[0006] When a building sways, shear forces are generated by the rotation of multiple load-bearing panels. Specifically, when a building sways, the multiple load-bearing panels sway at roughly the same cycle. In other words, when a building sways, the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel rotate in the same direction. For example, near the cross member, the end of the lower part of the first load-bearing panel facing the second load-bearing panel moves upward, while the end of the lower part of the second load-bearing panel facing the first load-bearing panel moves downward. In this case, shear forces are generated in the cross member at the two ends that receive forces from the end of the lower part of the first load-bearing panel facing the second load-bearing panel and the end of the lower part of the second load-bearing panel facing the first load-bearing panel.

[0007] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the second section is integrally formed with the first section. Therefore, the portion where the first and second sections are integrated can absorb the force from the end of the first load-bearing panel moving upward and the force from the end of the second load-bearing panel moving downward. This reduces the shear force applied to the cross member. The first connecting member suppresses the shear force generated in the cross member at the portion corresponding to the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross member due to the shear force.

[0008] (2) The wall of the building described in (1) above further comprises a third load-bearing panel arranged below the cross member, a fourth load-bearing panel arranged below the cross member and adjacent to the third load-bearing panel, and second connecting members connecting the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel to the cross member, wherein the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel are connected to the cross member by the second connecting members so as not to come into contact with the cross member, and the second connecting member includes a third portion located between the cross member and the third load-bearing panel and connecting the third load-bearing panel to the cross member, and a fourth portion located between the cross member and the fourth load-bearing panel and connecting the fourth load-bearing panel to the cross member, at least a portion of the fourth portion being formed integrally with the third portion, and a midline located between the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel coinciding with a midline located between the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel.

[0009] When a building is shaking, the third and fourth load-bearing panels rotate in the same direction. For example, near the cross member, the end of the upper part of the third load-bearing panel facing the fourth load-bearing panel moves upward, while the end of the upper part of the fourth load-bearing panel facing the third load-bearing panel moves downward. At this time, shear forces are generated in the cross member at the part that receives forces from two ends: the end of the upper part of the third load-bearing panel facing the fourth load-bearing panel and the end of the upper part of the fourth load-bearing panel facing the third load-bearing panel.

[0010] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the fourth section is integrally formed with the third section. Therefore, the portion where the third and fourth sections are integrated can absorb the force caused by the end of the third load-bearing panel moving upward and the force caused by the end of the fourth load-bearing panel moving downward. This reduces the shear force applied to the cross member. The second connecting member suppresses the shear force generated in the cross member at the portion corresponding to the third and fourth load-bearing panels, thereby further suppressing deformation of the cross member due to the shear force.

[0011] (3) In the wall of a building described in (2) above, the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member by a connecting member disposed inside the cross member. According to this configuration, the first connecting member and the second connecting member are connected by the connecting member. Therefore, the force generated when a load-bearing panel disposed above the cross member rotates is transmitted to the load-bearing panel disposed below the cross member via the connecting member. Therefore, the connecting member suppresses the stress applied to the cross member due to the force generated when the load-bearing panel disposed above the cross member rotates, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross member due to the force generated when the load-bearing panel disposed above the cross member rotates.

[0012] The "force when a load-bearing panel placed above a cross member rotates" refers to the force that the end of the load-bearing panel applies to the cross member when the load-bearing panel rotates. Here, the "force that the end applies to the cross member" includes both the force that the end pushes the cross member and the force that the end pulls the cross member.

[0013] (4) In the wall of the building described in (2) or (3) above, each of the first load-bearing panel, the second load-bearing panel, the third load-bearing panel, and the fourth load-bearing panel has a panel fastening portion, each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member has a joining fastening portion, the panel fastening portion of each of the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the first connecting member by a first connecting member, and the panel fastening portion of each of the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the second connecting member by a second connecting member different from the first connecting member.

[0014] According to this configuration, the first connecting member can connect the first and second load-bearing panels to the first joining member, and the second connecting member can connect the third and fourth load-bearing panels to the second joining member.

[0015] (5) In the wall of the building described in (4) above, the first connecting member has a first plate-shaped portion including both a part of the first portion and a part of the second portion, and a first rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the first plate-shaped portion is fixed to the upper surface of the cross member, and the first rising portion extends upward from the first plate-shaped portion, the second connecting member has a second plate-shaped portion including both a part of the third portion and a part of the fourth portion, and a second rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the second plate-shaped portion is fixed to the lower surface of the cross member, and the second rising portion extends downward from the second plate-shaped portion.

[0016] According to this configuration, the first connecting member is fixed to the first plate-shaped portion so that the first raised portion extends upward from the first plate-shaped portion, resulting in a T-shaped cross-section of the first connecting member. This improves the durability of the first connecting member against forces applied to the connecting member from load-bearing panels arranged above the cross member. Similarly, the second connecting member is fixed to the second plate-shaped portion so that the second raised portion extends downward from the second plate-shaped portion, resulting in a T-shaped cross-section of the second connecting member. This improves the durability of the second connecting member against forces applied to the second connecting member from load-bearing panels arranged below the cross member.

[0017] (6) A building according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the wall of the building described in any one of (1) to (5) above. This configuration allows the wall to be configured so that the cross members are less likely to deform while the multiple load-bearing panels are connected to the cross members, thereby improving the durability of the building.

[0018] According to the building walls and buildings disclosed herein, deformation of cross members can be suppressed.

[0019] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a building according to the present embodiment; FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a wall of the building of FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a wall of the building of FIG. 1; FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a wall of the building of FIG. 1; FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a first connecting member; FIG. 6 is a plan view of a first connecting member; FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the periphery of a connection member in a wall of the building of FIG. 1; FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram showing forces applied to a cross member when a building shakes, for a wall according to a reference example; FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing forces applied to a cross member when a building shakes, for a wall according to the present embodiment.

[0020] <Embodiment> A building 1 and a wall 10 of the building 1 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to Figs. 1 to 9 .

[0021] <Building> As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the building 1 is a medium-sized building, a large-sized building, a medium-rise building, or a high-rise building. Preferably, the building 1 is a wooden building. Figure 1 illustrates a four-story house as the building 1. Note that in some countries, such as the United Kingdom and Australia, the terms "first floor" and "second floor" in this specification may be interpreted as "ground floor" and "first floor," respectively. The building 1 includes a foundation 2, exterior walls 3, a roof 4, and a frame structure 11. The frame structure 11 constitutes the framework of the building 1. The frame structure 11 includes columns 5, upper cross members 17, beams, and girders. The exterior walls 3 are provided on the frame structure 11. The roof 4 is provided on the frame structure 11.

[0022] The building 1 includes a wall 10. A part or all of the exterior wall 3 is formed by the wall 10. If the building 1 has an interior wall, a part or all of the interior wall may be formed by the wall 10.

[0023] <Wall> The wall 10 is constructed by connecting a plurality of load-bearing panels 20 to the skeleton 1A of the building 1 with connecting members 50. The skeleton 1A includes a cross member 12. The load-bearing panels 20 are arranged above and below the cross member 12. In this embodiment, the wall 10 is constructed as a two-story continuous load-bearing wall in which the load-bearing panel 20 constituting the exterior wall 3 of the first floor and the load-bearing panel 20 constituting the exterior wall 3 of the second floor are arranged with the cross member 12 in between.

[0024] 2, the frame structure 11 constitutes a part of the skeleton 1A of the building 1. In this embodiment, the skeleton 1A includes the foundation 2 and the frame structure 11.

[0025] The cross member 12 is, for example, a horizontal beam. In one example, the cross member 12 is made of wood. In one example, the cross member 12 is made of laminated timber. Preferably, the vertical dimension of the cross section of the cross member 12 is 450 mm or less. Preferably, the horizontal dimension of the cross section of the cross member 12 is 120 mm or less.

[0026] The skeleton 1A is formed with openings 14. In the skeleton 1A, the openings 14 include a first opening 15 on the second floor and a second opening 16 on the first floor. The first opening 15 is surrounded by the cross member 12, an upper cross member 17 arranged above the cross member 12, and the column 5. The second opening 16 is surrounded by the foundation 2, the cross member 12, and the column 5.

[0027] <Strength-bearing panel> The strength-bearing panel 20 is placed in the opening 14 of the skeleton 1A so as not to come into contact with the skeleton 1A. The strength-bearing panel 20 is rectangular when viewed from the front in an attached state in which the strength-bearing panel 20 is attached to the skeleton 1A. The strength-bearing panel 20 is joined to the skeleton 1A at its four corners.

[0028] The load-bearing panel 20 is made of plywood in which multiple components are laminated. Examples of components that make up the load-bearing panel 20 include wooden boards, laminated boards, resin plates, insulating resin components, and inorganic materials. In one example, the load-bearing panel 20 is made by laminating wooden boards, resin plates, and insulating resin components. In another example, the load-bearing panel 20 is made of cross-laminated timber. In yet another example, the load-bearing panel 20 includes an inorganic material.

[0029] The exterior wall 3 may be configured so that the load-bearing panels 20 are exposed to the interior space of the building 1. At least a portion of the surface of the load-bearing panels 20 facing the interior may be exposed to the interior. For example, if the load-bearing panels 20 are configured using cross-laminated wooden boards, the load-bearing panels 20 are arranged so that the surface of the load-bearing panels 20 facing the interior space is exposed to the interior. This allows the interior to have a wood-grain look.

[0030] The wall 10 includes, as the load-bearing panels 20, a first load-bearing panel 21 and a second load-bearing panel 22. The wall 10 further includes, as the load-bearing panels 20, a third load-bearing panel 23 and a fourth load-bearing panel 24. Specifically, the wall 10 includes a cross member 12, the first load-bearing panel 21, the second load-bearing panel 22, and a first connecting member 41. The wall 10 further includes the third load-bearing panel 23, the fourth load-bearing panel 24, and a second connecting member 42.

[0031] The first strength panel 21 is disposed above the cross member 12. The second strength panel 22 is disposed above the cross member 12 and adjacent to the first strength panel 21. The first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22 are connected to the cross member 12 by first connecting members 41 so as not to come into contact with the cross member 12. The first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22 are disposed in the first opening 15 of the skeleton 1A. The first strength panel 21 is disposed so that a first space S1 is provided between the lower surface 21B of the first strength panel 21 and the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12, and a second space S2 is provided between the upper surface 21A of the first strength panel 21 and the lower surface 17B of the upper cross member 17. The second strength panel 22 is arranged so that a third space S3 is provided between the lower surface 22B of the second strength panel 22 and the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12, and a fourth space S4 is provided between the upper surface 22A of the second strength panel 22 and the lower surface 17B of the upper cross member 17.

[0032] The third strength panel 23 is disposed below the cross member 12. The fourth strength panel 24 is disposed below the cross member 12 and adjacent to the third strength panel 23. The third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 are connected to the cross member 12 by second connecting members 42 so as not to come into contact with the cross member 12. The third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 are disposed in the second opening 16 of the skeleton 1A. The third strength panel 23 is disposed so that a fifth space S5 is provided between the lower surface 23B of the third strength panel 23 and the upper surface 2A of the foundation 2, and a sixth space S6 is provided between the upper surface 23A of the third strength panel 23 and the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12. The fourth strength panel 24 is arranged so that a seventh space S7 is provided between the lower surface 24B of the fourth strength panel 24 and the upper surface 2A of the foundation 2, and an eighth space S8 is provided between the upper surface 24A of the fourth strength panel 24 and the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12.

[0033] The midline C2 located between the third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 coincides with the midline C1 located between the first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22. The midline C1 is a line located midway between the end face of the first strength panel 21 facing the second strength panel 22 and the end face of the second strength panel 22 facing the first strength panel 21, when viewed from the front in the installed state. The midline C2 is a line located midway between the end face of the third strength panel 23 facing the fourth strength panel 24 and the end face of the fourth strength panel 24 facing the third strength panel 23, when viewed from the front in the installed state. The end face of the first strength panel 21 facing the second strength panel 22 is flush with the end face of the third strength panel 23 facing the fourth strength panel 24, when viewed from the front in the installed state. When viewed from the front in the installed state, the end face of the second strength panel 22 facing the first strength panel 21 is flush with the end face of the fourth strength panel 24 facing the third strength panel 23 .

[0034] Each of the first load-bearing panel 21, the second load-bearing panel 22, the third load-bearing panel 23, and the fourth load-bearing panel 24 has a panel fastening portion 32. The panel fastening portion 32 is preferably provided at each of the four corners of the load-bearing panel 20.

[0035] As shown in Figure 4, an interior material 6 is provided at the lower end of the surface of the load-bearing panel 20 facing the interior space so as to hide the connecting member 50. An example of the interior material 6 is a baseboard. A base material 7 and an exterior material 8 are provided on the outer surface of the load-bearing panel 20. The base material 7 and the exterior material 8 extend downward below the lower end of the load-bearing panel 20 so as to hide the connecting member 50.

[0036] <Panel Fastening Member> As shown in Figures 3 and 4, the load-bearing panel 20 has a panel fastening member 30 fixed to the load-bearing panel 20. The panel fastening member 30 is a member for constituting a panel fastening portion 32. Figure 3 is a cross-sectional view of the wall 10 taken along line B-B in Figure 4. Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the wall 10 taken along line A-A in Figure 3.

[0037] Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the joint between the cross member 12 and the second load-bearing panel 22, but the joints between the cross member 12 and the other load-bearing panels 21, 23, and 24 are also configured to conform to the joint structure shown in Figure 4.

[0038] The panel fastening member 30 is made of steel. The panel fastening member 30 is made of a plate-shaped member. The panel fastening member 30 is made of, for example, a metal plate. The panel fastening member 30 has an embedded portion 31 and a panel fastening portion 32. The embedded portion 31 is inserted into a slit 25 provided on the end surface of the load-bearing panel 20. The slit 25 is provided in the middle portion of the load-bearing panel 20 in the thickness direction. The embedded portion 31 is fixed to the load-bearing panel 20 by a fastening member 80. The embedded portion 31 is provided with a first through hole 33 through which the fastening member 80 is inserted. Examples of the fastening member 80 are a bolt and nut set, a rivet, a nail, or a drift pin. The same applies to the fastening member 80 used hereinafter in this specification.

[0039] The panel fastening portion 32 is configured integrally with the embedded portion 31. The panel fastening portion 32 is a portion to which the connecting member 60 is fastened. In one example, the panel fastening portion 32 is connected to the joining member 50 via two connecting members 60. The panel fastening portion 32 protrudes from the end surface of the load-bearing panel 20. The panel fastening portion 32 is provided with a second through hole 34 through which the fastening member 80 is inserted.

[0040] The panel fastening member 30 is fixed to the load-bearing panel 20 so that the main surface of the plate-like member that constitutes the panel fastening member 30 is parallel to the main surface of the load-bearing panel 20. When the panel fastening member 30 is fixed to the load-bearing panel 20, the central axis of the second through hole 34 of the panel fastening portion 32 is perpendicular to the main surface of the wall 10.

[0041] <Connecting Member> As shown in FIG. 3 , the connecting member 50 connects the cross member 12 and the plurality of load-bearing panels 20 together.

[0042] The first connecting member 41 is fixed to the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12 by fastening members 80. The first connecting member 41, which serves as the connecting member 50, connects the first and second load-bearing panels 21 and 22 to the cross member 12. The first connecting member 41 includes a first portion 41A and a second portion 41B. The first portion 41A is located between the cross member 12 and the first load-bearing panel 21, connecting the first load-bearing panel 21 to the cross member 12. The second portion 41B is located between the cross member 12 and the second load-bearing panel 22, connecting the second load-bearing panel 22 to the cross member 12. The first portion 41A is located in the first space S1 between the lower surface 21B of the first load-bearing panel 21 and the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12. In one example, the first portion 41A is coupled to the panel fastening portion 32 of the first load-bearing panel 21 via two connecting members 60. The second portion 41B is located in the third space S3 between the lower surface 22B of the second load-bearing panel 22 and the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12. In one example, the second portion 41B is coupled to the panel fastening portion 32 of the second load-bearing panel 22 via two connecting members 60.

[0043] The second connecting member 42 is fixed to the underside 12B of the cross member 12 by fastening members 80. The second connecting member 42, which serves as the connecting member 50, connects the third and fourth load-bearing panels 23 and 24 to the cross member 12. The second connecting member 42 includes a third portion 42A and a fourth portion 42B. The third portion 42A is located between the cross member 12 and the third load-bearing panel 23, connecting the third load-bearing panel 23 to the cross member 12. The fourth portion 42B is located between the cross member 12 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24, connecting the fourth load-bearing panel 24 to the cross member 12. The third portion 42A is located in a sixth space S6 between the upper surface 23A of the third load-bearing panel 23 and the underside 12B of the cross member 12. In one example, the third portion 42A is coupled to the panel fastening portion 32 of the third load-bearing panel 23 via two connecting members 60. The fourth portion 42B is located in an eighth space S8 between the upper surface 24A of the fourth load-bearing panel 24 and the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12. In one example, the fourth portion 42B is coupled to the panel fastening portion 32 of the fourth load-bearing panel 24 via two connecting members 60.

[0044] A specific example of the connecting member 50 will be described with reference to Figures 5 and 6. Figures 5 and 6 illustrate a first connecting member 41 as the connecting member 50. The second connecting member 42 has substantially the same structure as the first connecting member 41. The connecting member 50 is made of, for example, steel. The connecting member 50 is made of, for example, a metal plate.

[0045] The connecting member 50 has a plate-shaped portion 51 and a rising portion 52. The plate-shaped portion 51 is fixed to the cross member 12 by a plurality of fastening members 80. The plate-shaped portion 51 is provided with third through holes 53 through which the fastening members 80 are inserted. The fastening members 80 inserted through the third through holes 53 fix the connecting member 50 to the cross member 12. The third through holes 53 are located midway through the plate-shaped portion 51 in the short direction of the plate-shaped portion 51.

[0046] The rising portion 52 is fixed to the plate-like portion 51. The rising portion 52 is, for example, welded to the plate-like portion 51. A fourth through hole 57 is provided in the rising portion 52. The fourth through hole 57 is provided in the in-plane rising portion 55. When the connecting member 50 is fixed to the cross member 12, the central axis of the fourth through hole 57 in the rising portion 52 is perpendicular to the main surface of the wall 10.

[0047] The rising portion 52 includes an in-plane rising portion 55 that extends along the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 51 in a plan view, and an out-of-plane rising portion 56 that extends along the lateral direction of the plate-shaped portion 51.

[0048] The in-plane rising portion 55 is located at the middle of the plate-shaped portion 51 in the short direction of the plate-shaped portion 51. The in-plane rising portion 55 is interrupted in a portion in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 51. A third through hole 53 is provided in the plate-shaped portion 51 at the interrupted portion of the in-plane rising portion 55. The out-of-plane rising portion 56 is provided continuously from both ends of the in-plane rising portion 55 in the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 51.

[0049] The in-plane rising portion 55 and the out-of-plane rising portion 56 each extend perpendicularly from the plate-like portion 51. When the connecting member 50 is fixed to the cross member 12, the in-plane rising portion 55 and the out-of-plane rising portion 56 each protrude perpendicularly from the plate-like portion 51. A connecting member 60 is fastened to the in-plane rising portion 55. In the cross section of the connecting member 50 in the attached state, the plate-like portion 51 and the in-plane rising portion 55 form a T-shape. In the cross section of the connecting member 50 in the attached state, the plate-like portion 51 and the out-of-plane rising portion 56 form a T-shape.

[0050] 3, the longitudinal direction of the plate-shaped portion 51 coincides with the longitudinal direction of the cross member 12. In the first connecting member 41, one side of the plate-shaped portion 51 in the longitudinal direction is the first portion 41A, and the other side of the plate-shaped portion 51 in the longitudinal direction is the second portion 41B. In the second connecting member 42, one side of the plate-shaped portion 51 in the longitudinal direction is the third portion 42A, and the other side of the plate-shaped portion 51 in the longitudinal direction is the fourth portion 42B.

[0051] The first connecting member 41 has a first plate-shaped portion 43 including both a portion of the first portion 41A and a portion of the second portion 41B, and a first raised portion 44 including a connecting fastening portion 54. The first plate-shaped portion 43 is fixed to the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12. The first raised portion 44 extends upward from the first plate-shaped portion 43. The second connecting member 42 has a second plate-shaped portion 45 including both a portion of the third portion 42A and a portion of the fourth portion 42B, and a second raised portion 46 including the connecting fastening portion 54. The second plate-shaped portion 45 is fixed to the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12. The second raised portion 46 extends downward from the second plate-shaped portion 45.

[0052] The first portion 41A is a portion of the first connecting member 41 that is located in the first space S1. The second portion 41B is a portion of the first connecting member 41 that is located in the third space S3. At least a portion of the second portion 41B is formed integrally with the first portion 41A. For example, the first plate-shaped portion 43 of the second portion 41B is formed integrally with the first plate-shaped portion 43 of the first portion 41A.

[0053] The third portion 42A is a portion of the second connecting member 42 that is located in the sixth space S6. The fourth portion 42B is a portion of the second connecting member 42 that is located in the eighth space S8. At least a portion of the fourth portion 42B is formed integrally with the third portion 42A. For example, the second plate-shaped portion 45 of the fourth portion 42B is formed integrally with the second plate-shaped portion 45 of the third portion 42A.

[0054] The joining member 50 has a joining fastening portion 54. In one example, a connection member 60 is fastened to the joining fastening portion 54. The joining fastening portion 54 is connected to the panel fastening portion 32 of the load-bearing panel 20 by the connection member 60. The first joining member 41 and the second joining member 42 each have a joining fastening portion 54. As shown in FIG. 5 , the joining fastening portion 54 is a portion of the rising portion 52 that includes the fourth through hole 57.

[0055] <Connection Member> As shown in Figure 3, the wall 10 further includes a connection member 60. The connection member 60 connects the load-bearing panel 20 to the connecting member 50 so that the load-bearing panel 20 does not come into contact with the cross member 12. The connection member 60 is configured to be detachable from the connecting member 50 by fastening members 80. The wall 10 includes, as the connection members 60, a first connection member 60X arranged above the cross member 12 and a second connection member 60Y arranged below the cross member 12 and different from the first connection member 60X. The panel fastening portions 32 of each of the first load-bearing panel 21 and the second load-bearing panel 22 are connected to the connecting fastening portions 54 of the first connecting member 41 by the first connection member 60X. The panel fastening portions 32 of each of the third load-bearing panel 23 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24 are connected to the connecting fastening portions 54 of the second connecting member 42 by the second connection member 60Y.

[0056] 7 , the connecting member 60 includes a first member 61 and a second member 65. The second member 65 may have the same structure as the first member 61, or may have a different structure from the first member 61. In this embodiment, the second member 65 has the same structure as the first member 61.

[0057] The first member 61 and the second member 65 are made of metal plates. The first member 61 and the second member 65 are made of, for example, steel. Preferably, the first member 61 and the second member 65 are made of low yield point steel.

[0058] The first member 61 has a first protrusion 62 and two first fastening portions 63. The first protrusion 62 is provided between the two first fastening portions 63. The first protrusion 62 is formed of a plate bent so as to protrude in a first direction D1, which is one side of the thickness direction of the wall 10. The first protrusion 62 has, for example, a first horizontal portion 62A protruding horizontally from one of the first fastening portions 63, a second horizontal portion 62B protruding horizontally from the other first fastening portion 63, and a first vertical portion 62C connecting the first horizontal portion 62A and the second horizontal portion 62B. The first fastening portion 63 is provided with a fifth through hole 64 through which the fastening member 80 is inserted.

[0059] The second member 65 has a second protrusion 66 and two second fastening portions 67. The second protrusion 66 is provided between the two second fastening portions 67. The second protrusion 66 is formed of a bent plate that protrudes in a second direction D2 opposite to the first direction D1. The second protrusion 66 has, for example, a third horizontal portion 66A that protrudes horizontally from one second fastening portion 67, a fourth horizontal portion 66B that protrudes horizontally from the other second fastening portion 67, and a second vertical portion 66C that connects the third horizontal portion 66A and the fourth horizontal portion 66B. The second fastening portion 67 is provided with a sixth through hole 68 through which a fastening member 80 is inserted.

[0060] The second member 65 is joined to the first member 61 by the fastening member 80. Specifically, the first member 61 and the second member 65 are joined to each other by the fastening member 80 so as to sandwich the joining fastening portion 54 and the panel fastening portion 32.

[0061] The connecting member 60 includes an expandable portion 60A and two fastening portions 60B. In a combined state in which the first member 61 and the second member 65 are combined, the first convex portion 62 and the second convex portion 66 form the expandable portion 60A. The expandable portion 60A expands and contracts due to a force applied to the connecting member 60. In the combined state, one first fastening portion 63 and one second fastening portion 67 form one fastening portion 60B. The two fastening portions 60B are configured to sandwich the expandable portion 60A.

[0062] The expansion / contraction section 60A has a structure that expands and contracts the distance between the two fastening sections 60B. The connecting member 60 contracts to reduce the distance between the two fastening sections 60B or expands to increase the distance between the two fastening sections 60B due to deformation of the expansion / contraction section 60A. When the load-bearing panel 20 moves relative to the cross member 12, the expansion / contraction section 60A expands and contracts, thereby suppressing the force applied from the load-bearing panel 20 to the cross member 12.

[0063] 3 and 4 , the wall 10 further includes connecting members 70. The first connecting member 41 is connected to the second connecting member 42 by the connecting members 70. In one example, the first connecting member 41 is connected to the second connecting member 42 by four connecting members 70. The connecting members 70 are disposed inside the cross member 12. The connecting members 70 are disposed in holes 18 that reach from the upper surface 12A to the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12.

[0064] The connecting member 70 has a main body 71. The main body 71 is disposed in the hole 18 of the cross member 12 so as to extend along the hole 18. The main body 71 is made of, for example, steel material. The main body 71 is made of, for example, round steel. The length of the main body 71 is set according to the beam depth of the cross member 12.

[0065] One end face of the main body 71 is exposed to the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12 when the first connecting member 41 is not attached to the cross member 12. The other end face of the main body 71 is exposed to the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12 when the second connecting member 42 is not attached to the cross member 12. One end face of the main body 71 contacts the lower surface 41Y of the first connecting member 41. The other end face of the main body 71 contacts the upper surface 42X of the second connecting member 42. A first connecting portion 72 is provided on one end face of the main body 71. A second connecting portion 73 is provided on the other end face of the main body 71.

[0066] A fastening member 80 disposed in the third through hole 53 of the first connecting member 41 is fastened to the first connecting portion 72. A fastening member 80 disposed in the third through hole 53 of the second connecting member 42 is fastened to the second connecting portion 73. Fastening holes 74 to which the fastening members 80 are fastened are provided in the first connecting portion 72 and the second connecting portion 73. The fastening member 80 disposed in the third through hole 53 of the first connecting member 41 is fastened to the fastening hole 74 of the first connecting portion 72, thereby fixing the first connecting member 41 to the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12. The fastening member 80 disposed in the third through hole 53 of the second connecting member 42 is fastened to the fastening hole 74 of the second connecting portion 73, thereby fixing the second connecting member 42 to the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12.

[0067] <Function of the embodiment> A first function of the present embodiment will be described. The load-bearing panel 20 may move due to shaking of the building 1 caused by wind, earthquakes, etc. The movement of the load-bearing panel 20 applies a force to the cross member 12 from the load-bearing panel 20.

[0068] FIG. 8 illustrates, as a reference example, a conventional wall 91 in which multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96 are directly attached to a cross member 92. When a building 90 sways, the multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96 sway at approximately the same period. In other words, when the building 90 sways, the multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96 rotate in the same direction. The example in FIG. 8 illustrates an example in which the multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96 provided on a wall 91 of the building 90 rotate counterclockwise as indicated by the arrows due to the shaking of the building 90. A connection portion 97 of the cross member 92 connecting the multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96 receives force from each end of the multiple load-bearing panels 93, 94, 95, and 96. This generates a shear force in the cross member 12 near the connection portion 97.

[0069] One possible method for reducing the force applied to the connection portion 97 is to omit two of the load-bearing panels 93 and 96, or two of the load-bearing panels 94 and 95, and arrange multiple load-bearing panels only diagonally across the cross member 12. However, arranging multiple load-bearing panels only diagonally across the cross member 12 places restrictions on the design of the building 90, such as the appearance and window placement. Another possible method is to use steel for the cross member 92, which would improve the durability of the cross member 92. However, from the perspective of ease of dismantling and separating the wall 10, recycling, etc., it is preferable to use wood for the cross member 92.

[0070] Referring to Figure 9, the forces applied from the load-bearing panels 21, 22, 23, and 24 to the cross member 12 in the wall 10 will be described. Figure 9 shows an example in which the load-bearing panels 21, 22, 23, and 24 rotate counterclockwise due to shaking of the building 1 having the wall 10. In the wall 10, the first connecting member 41 is integrally formed with a first portion 41A located between the cross member 12 and the first load-bearing panel 21 and a second portion 41B located between the cross member 12 and the second load-bearing panel 22. Therefore, the first connecting member 41 can withstand both an upward force from the end of the first load-bearing panel 21 and a downward force from the end of the second load-bearing panel 22. Furthermore, the second connecting member 42 is integrally formed with a third portion 42A located between the cross member 12 and the third load-bearing panel 23, and a fourth portion 42B located between the cross member 12 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24. Therefore, the second connecting member 42 can withstand the upward force from the end of the third load-bearing panel 23 and the downward force from the end of the fourth load-bearing panel 24.

[0071] A second effect of this embodiment will be described. In the wall 10, the connecting member 70 connects the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42, so that a force applied to either the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42 is directly transmitted to the other of the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42. This makes it difficult for the force acting from the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42 toward the cross member 12 to be transmitted to the cross member 12.

[0072] Furthermore, the connecting member 70 is made of steel and is therefore resistant to deformation even when a force is applied to either the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42. Therefore, the connecting member 70 can effectively transmit a force applied to either the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42 to the other of the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42.

[0073] A third effect of this embodiment will be described. Since the connecting member 70 is disposed inside the cross member 12, the connecting member 70 is difficult to see in the cross member 12. For this reason, the cross member 12 may be configured as an exposed beam.

[0074] The fourth effect of this embodiment will be described. Because the connecting members 70 are disposed inside the cross members 12, the connecting members 70 can be disposed inside the cross members 12 during the manufacture of the cross members 12. This eliminates the need to place the connecting members 70 in the holes 18 of the cross members 12 at the construction site of the wall 10.

[0075] <Effects of the embodiment> The effects of the present embodiment will be described. (1) The wall 10 of the building 1 includes a cross member 12, a first strength panel 21 arranged above the cross member 12, a second strength panel 22 arranged above the cross member 12 and adjacent to the first strength panel 21, and a first connecting member 41. The first connecting member 41 connects the cross member 12, the first strength panel 21, and the second strength panel 22. The first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22 are connected to the cross member 12 by the first connecting member 41 so as not to come into contact with the cross member 12. The first connecting member 41 includes a first portion 41A located between the cross member 12 and the first load-bearing panel 21 and connecting the first load-bearing panel 21 to the cross member 12, and a second portion 41B located between the cross member 12 and the second load-bearing panel 22 and connecting the second load-bearing panel 22 to the cross member 12. At least a portion of the second portion 41B is formed integrally with the first portion 41A.

[0076] When the building 1 sways, shear forces caused by the rotation of the multiple load-bearing panels 20 are applied to the cross member 12. Specifically, when the building 1 sways, the multiple load-bearing panels 20 sway at approximately the same period. In other words, when the building 1 sways, the first load-bearing panel 21 and the second load-bearing panel 22 rotate in the same direction. For example, near the cross member 12, the end of the lower part of the first load-bearing panel 21 facing the second load-bearing panel 22 moves upward, while the end of the lower part of the second load-bearing panel 22 facing the first load-bearing panel 21 moves downward. At this time, shear forces are generated in the cross member 12 at the portions receiving forces from two ends: the end of the lower part of the first load-bearing panel 21 facing the second load-bearing panel 22 and the end of the lower part of the second load-bearing panel 22 facing the first load-bearing panel 21.

[0077] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the second portion 41B is formed integrally with the first portion 41A. Therefore, the portion where the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B are integrated receives the force caused by the end of the first load-bearing panel 21 moving upward and the force caused by the end of the second load-bearing panel 22 moving downward. This makes it difficult for shear force to be applied to the cross member 12. The first connecting member 41 suppresses the shear force generated in the cross member 12 at the portion corresponding to the portion between the first load-bearing panel 21 and the second load-bearing panel 22, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross member 12 due to the shear force.

[0078] (2) The wall 10 of the building 1 further includes a third load-bearing panel 23 disposed below the cross member 12, a fourth load-bearing panel 24 disposed below the cross member 12 and adjacent to the third load-bearing panel 23, and a second connecting member 42. The second connecting member 42 connects the third load-bearing panel 23 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24 to the cross member 12. The third load-bearing panel 23 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24 are connected to the cross member 12 by the second connecting member 42 so as not to come into contact with the cross member 12. The second connecting member 42 includes a third portion 42A located between the cross member 12 and the third load-bearing panel 23 and connecting the third load-bearing panel 23 to the cross member 12, and a fourth portion 42B located between the cross member 12 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24 and connecting the fourth load-bearing panel 24 to the cross member 12. At least a portion of the fourth portion 42B is formed integrally with the third portion 42A. The midpoint C2 located between the third and fourth load-bearing panels 23 and 24 coincides with the midpoint C1 located between the first and second load-bearing panels 21 and 22.

[0079] When the building 1 is shaking, the third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 rotate in the same direction. As an example, near the cross member 12, the end of the upper part of the third strength panel 23 facing the fourth strength panel 24 moves upward, while the end of the upper part of the fourth strength panel 24 facing the third strength panel 23 moves downward. At this time, shear force is generated in the portion of the cross member 12 that receives force from two ends: the end of the upper part of the third strength panel 23 facing the fourth strength panel 24, and the end of the upper part of the fourth strength panel 24 facing the third strength panel 23.

[0080] In this regard, with the above-described configuration, at least a portion of the fourth portion 42B is formed integrally with the third portion 42A. Therefore, the portion where the third portion 42A and the fourth portion 42B are integrated together absorbs the force caused by the end of the third load-bearing panel 23 moving upward and the force caused by the end of the fourth load-bearing panel 24 moving downward. This makes it difficult for shear force to be applied to the cross member 12. Because the second connecting member 42 suppresses the shear force generated in the cross member 12 at the portion corresponding to the portion between the third load-bearing panel 23 and the fourth load-bearing panel 24, deformation of the cross member 12 due to shear force can be further suppressed.

[0081] (3) The first connecting member 41 is connected to the second connecting member 42 by a connecting member 70 arranged inside the cross member 12. According to this configuration, the first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42 are connected by the connecting member 70. Therefore, the force generated when the load-bearing panel 20 arranged above the cross member 12 rotates is transmitted to the load-bearing panel 20 arranged below the cross member 12 via the connecting member 70. Therefore, the connecting member 70 suppresses the stress applied to the cross member 12 due to the force generated when the load-bearing panel 20 arranged above the cross member 12 rotates, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross member 12 due to the force generated when the load-bearing panel 20 arranged above the cross member 12 rotates.

[0082] The "force when the load-bearing panel 20 arranged above the cross member 12 rotates" refers to the force that the end of the load-bearing panel 20 applies to the cross member 12 when the load-bearing panel 20 rotates. Here, the "force that the end applies to the cross member 12" includes both the force that the end of the load-bearing panel 20 pushes the cross member 12 and the force that the end of the load-bearing panel 20 pulls the cross member 12.

[0083] (4) The first strength panel 21, the second strength panel 22, the third strength panel 23, and the fourth strength panel 24 each have a panel fastening portion 32. The first connecting member 41 and the second connecting member 42 each have a joining fastening portion 54. The panel fastening portion 32 of each of the first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22 is connected to the joining fastening portion 54 of the first connecting member 41 by a first connecting member 60X. The panel fastening portion 32 of each of the third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 is connected to the joining fastening portion 54 of the second connecting member 42 by a second connecting member 60Y that is different from the first connecting member 60X.

[0084] According to this configuration, the first connecting member 60X can connect the first and second strength panels 21, 22 to the first joining member 41. The second connecting member 60Y can connect the third and fourth strength panels 23, 24 to the second joining member 42.

[0085] (5) The first connecting member 41 has a first plate-shaped portion 43 including both a part of the first portion 41A and a part of the second portion 41B, and a first raised portion 44 including a connecting fastening portion 54. The first plate-shaped portion 43 is fixed to the upper surface 12A of the cross member 12. The first raised portion 44 extends upward from the first plate-shaped portion 43. The second connecting member 42 has a second plate-shaped portion 45 including both a part of the third portion 42A and a part of the fourth portion 42B, and a second raised portion 46 including the connecting fastening portion 54. The second plate-shaped portion 45 is fixed to the lower surface 12B of the cross member 12. The second raised portion 46 extends downward from the second plate-shaped portion 45.

[0086] According to this configuration, the first connecting member 41 is fixed to the first plate-shaped portion 43 so that the first rising portion 44 extends upward from the first plate-shaped portion 43, thereby forming a T-shaped cross section of the first connecting member 41. This improves the durability of the first connecting member 41 against forces applied to the first connecting member 41 from the load-bearing panels 20 arranged above the cross member 12. Similarly, the second connecting member 42 is fixed to the second plate-shaped portion 45 so that the second rising portion 46 extends downward from the second plate-shaped portion 45, thereby forming a T-shaped cross section of the second connecting member 42. This improves the durability of the second connecting member 42 against forces applied to the second connecting member 42 from the load-bearing panels 20 arranged below the cross member 12.

[0087] (6) The building 1 includes a wall 10 of the building 1. With this configuration, the wall can be configured such that the multiple load-bearing panels 20 are connected to the cross members 12 while the cross members 12 are less likely to deform, thereby improving the durability of the building 1.

[0088] <Modifications> The above-described embodiments are examples of possible forms of the building 1 and the walls 10 of the building 1, and are not intended to limit the forms. The building 1 and the walls 10 of the building 1 may take forms different from those exemplified in the above-described embodiments. Examples of such forms include forms in which part of the configuration of the embodiment is replaced, modified, or omitted, or forms in which a new configuration is added to the embodiment. Modifications of the embodiments are shown below.

[0089] Either the first connecting member 41 or the second connecting member 42 may be omitted from the wall 10. In this modified example, the wall 10 is configured as a single-story shear wall. Even if there is only one story of shear panels 20, the shear panels 20 are connected to the cross members 12 by the connecting members 50, thereby suppressing deformation of the cross members 12.

[0090] - The intermediate line C2 located between the third strength panel 23 and the fourth strength panel 24 may be positioned offset from the intermediate line C1 located between the first strength panel 21 and the second strength panel 22.

[0091] The connecting member 70 may be omitted from the wall 10. In this modified example, the joining member 50 may be directly fixed to the cross member 12. In the present embodiment, the first plate-shaped portion 43 of the first portion 41A and the first plate-shaped portion 43 of the second portion 41B in the first joining member 41 are integrally configured, but a part of the second portion 41B and the first portion 41A may be integrally formed by other configurations. For example, the first portion 41A and the second portion 41B may be connected by a rod-shaped part. The same applies to the second joining member 42.

[0092] In the connecting member 50, the rising portion 52 may be provided separately from the plate-shaped portion 51. For example, the rising portion 52 may be configured to be detachable from the plate-shaped portion 51 by the fastening member 80.

[0093] In the embodiment, the first and second load-bearing panels 21 and 22 are arranged adjacent to each other above the cross member 12, but three or more load-bearing panels 20 may be arranged above the cross member 12. Similarly, three or more load-bearing panels 20 may be arranged below the cross member 12.

[0094] Although the wall 10 extending from the first to second floors of the building 1 has been illustrated, the wall 10 may extend from the second floor or higher to any floor above that of the building 1. The cross members 12 may be made of steel. For example, the cross members 12 may be H-shaped steel.

[0095] The cross members 12 are not limited to beams. They may be floor materials of the building 1. For example, the same panels as the load-bearing panels 20 may be used as floor materials of the building 1. The floor materials of the building 1 as the cross members 12 may be formed of parallel chord trusses.

[0096] This specification discloses the following technology: [Supplementary Note 1] A wall of a building comprising a horizontal member, a first load-bearing panel arranged above the horizontal member, a second load-bearing panel arranged above the horizontal member and adjacent to the first load-bearing panel, and a first connecting member connecting the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel to the horizontal member, wherein the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel are connected to the horizontal member by the first connecting member so as not to come into contact with the horizontal member, and the first connecting member includes a first portion located between the horizontal member and the first load-bearing panel and connecting the first load-bearing panel to the horizontal member, and a second portion located between the horizontal member and the second load-bearing panel and connecting the second load-bearing panel to the horizontal member, at least a part of the second portion being formed integrally with the first portion.

[0097] [Supplementary Note 2] The wall of a building described in Supplementary Note 1, further comprising: a third load-bearing panel disposed below the cross member; a fourth load-bearing panel disposed below the cross member and adjacent to the third load-bearing panel; and second connecting members connecting the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel to the cross member, wherein the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel are connected to the cross member by the second connecting members so as not to come into contact with the cross member, and the second connecting member includes a third portion located between the cross member and the third load-bearing panel and connecting the third load-bearing panel to the cross member, and a fourth portion located between the cross member and the fourth load-bearing panel and connecting the fourth load-bearing panel to the cross member, at least a portion of the fourth portion being formed integrally with the third portion, and a midline located between the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel coinciding with a midline located between the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel.

[0098] [Appendix 3] The wall of the building according to Appendix 2, wherein the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member by a connecting member disposed inside the cross member.

[0099] [Supplementary Note 4] The wall of the building described in Supplementary Note 2, wherein each of the first load-bearing panel, the second load-bearing panel, the third load-bearing panel, and the fourth load-bearing panel has a panel fastening portion, each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member has a joining fastening portion, the panel fastening portion of each of the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the first connecting member by a first connecting member, and the panel fastening portion of each of the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the second connecting member by a second connecting member different from the first connecting member.

[0100] [Appendix 5] The wall of a building described in Appendix 4, wherein the first connecting member has a first plate-shaped portion including both a part of the first portion and a part of the second portion, and a first rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the first plate-shaped portion being fixed to an upper surface of the cross member, and the first rising portion extending upward from the first plate-shaped portion; the second connecting member has a second plate-shaped portion including both a part of the third portion and a part of the fourth portion, and a second rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the second plate-shaped portion being fixed to an underside of the cross member, and the second rising portion extending downward from the second plate-shaped portion.

[0101] [Supplementary Note 6] A building comprising the wall of the building according to any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 5.

[0102] 1...building, 10...wall, 12...beam, 21...first load-bearing panel, 22...second load-bearing panel, 23...third load-bearing panel, 24...fourth load-bearing panel, 32...panel fastening portion, 41...first connecting member, 41A...first part, 41B...second part, 42...second connecting member, 42A...third part, 42B...fourth part, 43...first plate-shaped portion, 44...first raised portion, 45...second plate-shaped portion, 46...second raised portion, 54...connecting fastening portion, 60X...first connecting member, 60Y...second connecting member, 70...connecting member.

Claims

1. A wall of a building comprising: a cross member; a first strength panel arranged above the cross member; a second strength panel arranged above the cross member and adjacent to the first strength panel; and a first connecting member connecting the first strength panel and the second strength panel to the cross member, wherein the first strength panel and the second strength panel are connected to the cross member by the first connecting member so as not to come into contact with the cross member, and the first connecting member includes a first part located between the cross member and the first strength panel and connecting the first strength panel to the cross member, and a second part located between the cross member and the second strength panel and connecting the second strength panel to the cross member, wherein at least a part of the second part is formed integrally with the first part.

2. The wall of a building as described in claim 1, further comprising: a third strength panel arranged below the cross member; a fourth strength panel arranged below the cross member and adjacent to the third strength panel; and second connecting members connecting the third and fourth strength panels to the cross member, wherein the third and fourth strength panels are connected to the cross member by the second connecting members so as not to come into contact with the cross member, and the second connecting member includes a third portion located between the cross member and the third strength panel and connecting the third strength panel to the cross member, and a fourth portion located between the cross member and the fourth strength panel and connecting the fourth strength panel to the cross member, at least a portion of the fourth portion being formed integrally with the third portion, and a midline located between the third strength panel and the fourth strength panel coinciding with a midline located between the first strength panel and the second strength panel.

3. The wall of a building according to claim 2, wherein the first connecting member is connected to the second connecting member by a connecting member disposed inside the cross member.

4. A wall of a building as described in claim 2 or 3, wherein each of the first load-bearing panel, the second load-bearing panel, the third load-bearing panel, and the fourth load-bearing panel has a panel fastening portion, each of the first connecting member and the second connecting member has a joining fastening portion, the panel fastening portion of each of the first load-bearing panel and the second load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the first connecting member by a first connecting member, and the panel fastening portion of each of the third load-bearing panel and the fourth load-bearing panel is connected to the joining fastening portion of the second connecting member by a second connecting member different from the first connecting member.

5. A wall of a building as described in claim 4, wherein the first connecting member has a first plate-shaped portion including both a part of the first portion and a part of the second portion, and a first rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the first plate-shaped portion being fixed to the upper surface of the cross member, and the first rising portion extending upward from the first plate-shaped portion; and the second connecting member has a second plate-shaped portion including both a part of the third portion and a part of the fourth portion, and a second rising portion including the connecting fastening portion, the second plate-shaped portion being fixed to the lower surface of the cross member, and the second rising portion extending downward from the second plate-shaped portion.

6. A building comprising a wall of the building according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

Images