Masonry Veneer Support Bracket with Eccentric Brace
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Solution Overview
Problem
In contemporary masonry veneer construction, the air gap between the veneer and insulation complicates the removal of excess mortar, leading to potential blockage of weep holes and drainage issues, while shelf angles can cause moisture-related rusting and staining. Additionally, non-standard installation requirements, such as mounting on concrete structures with reinforcement bars, pose challenges for optimal anchor placement and load transfer.
Innovation Solution
A masonry veneer support assembly featuring a shelf angle, a shelf angle mounting bracket with adjustable legs, and a brace that defines a load path eccentric to the mounting fitment, allowing for non-invasive and adjustable anchoring to concrete slabs, thereby addressing issues of mortar removal, moisture, and load distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If shelf angles are used to support masonry veneer, then structural support is provided, but moisture-related rusting and staining occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful function of the shelf angle by removing it from direct contact with the masonry veneer. Instead, a shelf angle seat is provided on the bracket that receives the shelf angle, while the bracket itself (not the shelf angle) contacts the veneer through the shelf angle seat. This separation prevents moisture trapped by fallen mortar on the shelf angle from causing rusting that would leak and stain the outside of the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket serves as an intermediary element between the shelf angle and the masonry veneer. The bracket's shelf angle seat receives the shelf angle, and the bracket structure itself provides the mounting surface for the veneer, acting as a mediator that prevents direct contact between the shelf angle and moisture-prone areas.
2Reliability
If air gap is left between insulation and masonry veneer, then condensation is managed, but excess mortar removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third dimension by providing brackets that extend outwardly from the wall structure in addition to the horizontal shelf angle. This creates a vertical dimension for mortar removal access, allowing excess mortar to be removed from the inside of the wall structure without compromising the horizontal air gap between insulation and veneer. The bracket structure provides a new spatial dimension for jointing operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shelf angles are mounted in close proximity, then multiple installation requirements are met, but anchor placement and load transfer become challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate multiple installation scenarios. The bracket includes a back for mounting to the wall structure, legs with shelf angle seats for receiving shelf angles, and can be positioned at various heights and spacings to meet different installation requirements (floor slab level, window/door sills, different veneer styles). This multi-functional design simplifies anchor placement and load transfer compared to using multiple separate shelf angles.
Data Source
AI summary
A support assembly for mounting masonry veneer to supporting wall structure has a first shelf angle, a second shelf angle, and a first shelf angle mounting bracket. Each shelf angle mounting bracket has an upwardly extending back that mounts to the supporting wall structure, and a web extending forwardly away from the wall structure. The web has at least a first shelf angle mounting seats formed in a lower region thereof that hangs downwardly of a vertical load shear transfer connection. A brace is mounted to the bracket. The brace underhangs the cantilevered supporting structure, and provides a moment reaction. The brace has a non-intrusive interface with the supporting structure. That interface may be in compression and the brace may act as a strut. The brace may be thermally isolated from the bracket. The brace may fit within the space envelope of a stud wall.