Facade Bracket Minimizing Thermal Bridging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal bridging occurs when metal facade supports penetrate building insulation, affecting the thermal performance of buildings, and there is a need for secure attachment of facade supports to ensure a level veneer construction.
Innovation Solution
A facade support system with a bracket configuration that minimizes insulation penetration, featuring a back panel, connecting member, and top flange for attachment to the floor, along with a support angle and washer for secure attachment in the mortar bed joint, reducing thermal bridging and ensuring proper load transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal facade supports penetrate insulation to attach veneer to building, then secure attachment and load transfer are achieved, but thermal bridging occurs reducing thermal performance
Solution Approach 1:
A non-metallic bracket (polymer or composite material) is introduced as an intermediary component between the metal support and the insulation. This bracket attaches to the metal support and extends into the insulation without causing thermal bridging, thereby maintaining both secure attachment and thermal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is made from composite materials (polymer matrix with reinforcement) that combine the benefits of strength and thermal insulation. This composite material provides sufficient mechanical strength for attachment while maintaining low thermal conductivity to prevent thermal bridging.
2Loss of energy
If bracket configuration minimizes insulation penetration, then thermal bridging is reduced, but attachment security must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into multiple components: a metal support for load bearing, a non-metallic bracket for insulation attachment, and a connection mechanism between them. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without compromising the others.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the bracket have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the connection area to the metal support has high strength characteristics, while the portion embedded in insulation has low thermal conductivity and appropriate mechanical properties for secure embedding.
3Manufacturing precision
If facade support system ensures level veneer construction, then construction quality is improved, but complexity of attachment system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is pre-formed with precise geometry and attachment features that ensure proper positioning and levelness of the veneer. This preliminary preparation of the bracket eliminates the need for complex adjustment mechanisms during construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it attaches to the metal support, embeds in the insulation, provides a bearing surface for the veneer, and ensures proper leveling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
A facade support system for attachment to a floor of a structure for supporting a veneer includes a bracket and a support. The bracket attaches to the floor. The bracket includes a back panel, a connecting member extending from the back panel in a first direction and a top flange extending from the back panel in a second direction that is generally opposite the first direction. The top flange attaches to an underside of the floor. The support attaches to the connecting member of the bracket and is to be disposed in a mortar bed joint of the veneer.