Adjustable Tension Tie for Deck Anchoring Access Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deck anchoring solutions face challenges in accessing internal structural members of buildings, particularly floor joists, due to stringent code requirements and difficulties in installation, while existing holdowns and tension ties lack design features for lighter production, varied installation options, and sufficient tension load capacity.
Innovation Solution
A sheet metal connector designed as a holdown or tension tie that can be easily installed to different internal structural members, utilizing a connector with a seat member and back member disposed at an angle, combined with separate anchors and fasteners, allowing for attachment to 2″ wide structural members, and optimized for use with self-drilling wood screws and concrete anchors, providing a variety of installation options and high tension load capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional holdowns and tension ties are used to anchor decks to buildings, then tension load capacity is achieved, but installation difficulty increases due to inaccessibility of internal structural members
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a seat member for receiving anchors, a back member for attachment to structural members, and side members for reinforcement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates easier installation by allowing the connector to be assembled in confined spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates an adjustable back member that can be positioned at different angles and distances from the seat member, allowing adaptation to various structural member configurations and installation scenarios. This adjustability enables installation in difficult-to-access areas while maintaining structural integrity.
2Strength
If traditional holdowns and tension ties are used, then sufficient tension load capacity is achieved, but weight and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are strategically positioned to provide reinforcement only where needed for tension load capacity, rather than uniformly strengthening the entire connector. This localized reinforcement reduces overall weight and material usage while maintaining sufficient strength for code-required load capacities.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector utilizes composite construction combining sheet metal components with strategic reinforcement elements, optimizing the strength-to-weight ratio. The combination of materials and structures achieves code-required tension capacities with reduced overall weight compared to traditional solid construction methods.
3Reliability
If traditional holdowns and tension ties are used, then structural connection is achieved, but design flexibility and installation option variety are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable back member can be positioned at multiple angles and distances from the seat member, providing design flexibility to accommodate various structural member locations and orientations. This adjustability maintains connection reliability while enabling installation in diverse building configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design with separate anchor reception and structural member attachment functions can be universally applied to different anchoring scenarios including deck-to-building connections, wall anchoring, and other tension-resistant applications, providing versatile installation options while maintaining reliable connections.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection is provided where a connector can act as a holdown or tension tie and transfer tension, uplift, or lateral load between an anchored member and an anchoring member. The connector is used in combination with separate anchor and fasteners. The anchor may be tied to a concrete foundation, another connector of the same type, a wood framing member, or structural member of a similar type, or other supporting or anchoring members.