Adjustable Masonry Anchor for ICF Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional masonry connectors are not adaptable for use with Insulating Concrete Form (ICF) systems, as they are not compatible with the solid concrete walls and construction methods of ICF systems, which render existing attachment mechanisms operative.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable masonry anchor assembly with a main anchor member and cooperatively engageable masonry tie wire member, where the anchor member is attached to ICF forms before concrete pouring and includes a triangularly shaped anchor portion and a tab member for temporary attachment to ICF ties, and an elongated slot for adjustable positioning with masonry mortar joints.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional masonry connectors are used with ICF systems, then the attachment mechanism can be simple, but the connector is not adaptable to the solid concrete wall structure and construction method
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into two separate members: a main anchor member that is attached to the ICF form before concrete pouring, and a masonry tie wire member that is installed later with the masonry wall. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and installation timing, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The main anchor member is installed in advance by attaching it to the ICF form before the concrete is poured. This preliminary action ensures the anchor is properly positioned within the solid concrete wall structure, making the connector adaptable to ICF systems while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the anchor member is fixed in position, then the attachment mechanism is simple, but it cannot accommodate construction tolerances and alignment with masonry mortar joints
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment portion of the main anchor member includes an elongated slot instead of a fixed hole, allowing the masonry tie wire member to be positioned at different locations along the slot. This dynamic adjustment capability accommodates construction tolerances and enables alignment with masonry mortar joints while adding only minimal complexity to the anchor assembly.
3Reliability
If the connector is designed for solid concrete walls, then it works with ICF systems, but the attachment mechanism becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the connector into two members installed at different times, the design achieves reliable attachment to solid concrete walls through the main anchor member embedded in the concrete, while the overall attachment mechanism remains relatively simple due to the straightforward installation steps for each component.
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor assembly for use in joining together a masonry wall structure and a supporting back wall structure wherein the back wall structure is preferably formed using insulated concrete form (ICF) blocks each having a pair of opposed ICF panels associated therewith, the anchor assembly including an anchor member and a tie member. The anchor member includes an anchor portion adapted to penetrate one of the ICF panels and having at least one opening associated therewith so as to lie between the opposed ICF panels when attached thereto for allowing poured concrete to flow therethrough, and an attachment portion having a tab member positioned and located to overlay an ICF panel flange member when the anchor member is inserted within the ICF panel, the tab member being attachable to the ICF panel flange member. The attachment portion further includes an elongated slot for receiving the tie member, the tie member being adjustably movable along the length of the slot so as to be positionable between the courses of brick or other masonry material associated with the masonry wall structure as the masonry wall structure is being erected.