Non-Structural Component Bracing Assembly for Seismic Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracing systems for non-structural building components are costly and inefficient in managing high shock and torsion loads during seismic events, requiring closer spacing of bracing assemblies which increases construction and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A bracing assembly comprising a rigid elongate member with mounts that include attachment and connecting portions with oblique projections and through-holes, allowing for secure fixation to both the building and non-structural components, enabling the elongate member to be rigidly fixed between mounts while accommodating non-parallel orientations, thus distributing loads effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid bracing is provided to limit lateral movement of suspended non-structural building components, then the components can withstand shock and vibration events, but more bracing assemblies are required at closer spacing which increases construction and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The mount incorporates a resilient element (spring or elastomeric material) that allows dynamic movement and energy absorption during shock and vibration events. This dynamic capability enables a single bracing assembly to withstand loads that would otherwise require multiple rigid bracing assemblies, reducing the total number of assemblies needed while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element changes its mechanical properties (stiffness, damping) in response to applied loads, allowing the mount to adapt to different shock and vibration conditions. This parameter change enables the single bracing assembly to handle a range of load intensities, replacing the need for multiple fixed-rigidity bracing assemblies.
2Strength
If multiple bracing assemblies are installed at closer spacing to manage high shock and torsion loads, then load management improves, but construction and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element provides dynamic load management by absorbing and dissipating shock and vibration energy through elastic deformation. This dynamic response allows a single mount to handle high shock and torsion loads that would otherwise require multiple static bracing assemblies, reducing construction and maintenance costs while maintaining strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as a pre-installed cushion that absorbs shock loads before they can cause damage to the non-structural building component. This beforehand cushioning capability allows the single bracing assembly to manage high shock loads effectively, replacing the need for multiple closer-spaced assemblies and reducing overall costs.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid bracing components are used to limit lateral movement, then structural stability is improved, but the system becomes more vulnerable to damage from high shock and torsion loads
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element transforms the rigid bracing system into a dynamic system that can accommodate shock and torsion loads through elastic deformation. This dynamic capability maintains lateral movement control under normal conditions while protecting against damage during extreme events, as the resilient element absorbs energy rather than transmitting it directly to the non-structural building component.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element converts the harmful shock and torsion loads into beneficial elastic deformation and energy dissipation. Instead of rigidly resisting these loads and risking component failure, the resilient element absorbs the energy, transforming the harmful effect into a protective mechanism that maintains stability while preventing damage.
Data Source
AI summary
An assembly for bracing a non-structural building component mounted adjacent a surface of a building. The assembly has a rigid elongate member, and first and second mounts. In use, the assembly is to be installed between the surface and the non-structural component, with the first mount secured by a fastener to one of the building and the non-structural component, the second mount secured by a fastener to the other of the non-structural component and the building, and the elongate member extending between the first and second mounts and rigidly fixed thereto. The first mount includes an attachment portion, and a connecting portion that is rigidly joined to the attachment portion and that projects away from the attachment portion. The connecting portion defines a fixing element that has a second mounting face, and one or more through-holes that each extend through the respective fixing element in a direction that is generally transverse to the projecting direction of the connecting portion and opens onto the second mounting face. The elongate member is fixable to the first mount by locating the planar wall portion of the elongate member adjacent the second mounting face, and passing fasteners through the through-holes so as to engage the wall portion of the elongate member and thereby secure the elongate member to the first mount.