Adjustable Veneer Tie Anchoring Masonry Walls
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing facade support systems, such as veneer ties, face challenges in securely anchoring outer masonry walls to inner wall members, particularly in maintaining alignment and stability due to variations in mortar-filled bed joints, which can lead to displacement under external forces like wind and seismic activity.
Innovation Solution
A veneer tie system comprising an insertion portion, an adjustment element, and a securing element, where the adjustment element is movable relative to the securing element to position the insertion portion within the bed joint, allowing for adjustable anchoring and enhanced stability through a corrugated design and frangible links for easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-position veneer tie is used to anchor the outer wall to the inner wall, then the anchoring system is simple in structure, but it cannot compensate for variations in bed joint positions and may lead to displacement under external forces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the attachment portion of the veneer tie movable relative to the insertion portion. The attachment portion can adjust its position along the length of the veneer tie body, allowing it to accommodate variations in bed joint positions while maintaining secure anchoring to the inner wall member. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by enabling the system to adapt to different conditions without requiring a completely complex adjustable mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable attachment portion is added to allow adjustment for bed joint variations, then the adaptability to different bed joint positions is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment portion is designed to be movable along the veneer tie body, providing adaptability to different bed joint positions. This dynamic feature allows the system to accommodate variations in mortar joint thickness and position while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and device complexity.
3Strength
If the veneer tie is secured rigidly to the inner wall member, then the anchoring strength is maximized, but the ability to accommodate position variations and reduce stress concentration is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The movable attachment portion allows the veneer tie to adjust its position, distributing stresses more effectively and accommodating variations in bed joint positions. This dynamic adjustment maintains anchoring strength while improving reliability by preventing stress concentration and displacement under external forces such as wind and seismic activity.
Data Source
AI summary
A veneer tie for use in a wall to join an inner wall member and an outer wall member of the wall. The outer wall member is formed from a plurality of successive courses of masonry units with a mortar-filled bed joint between each two adjacent courses. The veneer tie includes an insertion portion configured for disposition in the bed joint and an attachment portion. The attachment portion includes an adjustment element and a securing element. The securing element defines a first opening that receives a fastener to secure the attachment portion to the inner wall member. The adjustment element is secured to the insertion portion and is movable relative to the securing element in order to move the insertion portion relative to the outer wall member to position the insertion portion in the bed joint.