Pivotal Column Bracket Assembly for Structural Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing foundation systems are susceptible to damage from adverse weather conditions, such as flooding and seismic activity, leading to structural integrity issues and costly repairs, which are labor-intensive and often unfeasible due to high demand and labor shortages.
Innovation Solution
A column bracket assembly comprising a bottom base bracket and a top base bracket, with pivotally coupled base plates and mounting brackets for cross braces and tension rods, allowing for adaptable installation on various foundation elements and structural supports, enabling easy repair, resettlement, and leveling of structures with minimal labor and cost.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional foundation systems are used, then structural support is provided, but susceptibility to damage from adverse weather conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The foundation system is divided into separate modular components: base brackets that attach to existing foundation elements, support elements (columns), and top brackets that connect to the structure. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and replaced if damaged, improving overall reliability without requiring complete foundation replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
Base brackets serve as intermediary elements between the existing foundation and the support elements. These brackets absorb and distribute lateral forces from adverse weather conditions, protecting the primary foundation structure while providing stable support for the columns.
2Ease of repair
If foundation repair and retrofitting are performed using traditional methods, then structural damage is remediated, but labor costs and installation time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The repair system uses pre-fabricated modular base brackets and support elements that can be independently installed and replaced. This allows damaged components to be addressed individually without requiring complete foundation reconstruction, significantly reducing repair time and labor requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Base brackets are pre-designed with attachment features that simplify installation to basic fastening operations. The modular nature of the system allows components to be prepared in advance and quickly assembled on-site, eliminating time-consuming traditional foundation repair procedures.
3Stability of the object's composition
If rigid foundation connections are used, then structural stability is maintained, but ability to absorb lateral forces from seismic activity and flooding decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between base brackets and support elements allows for controlled movement and rotation during lateral loading events. This dynamic capability enables the system to absorb seismic and flood-induced forces through controlled deformation while maintaining overall structural stability, rather than relying on rigid fixed connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design incorporates features that change their mechanical properties under different loading conditions. During normal operation, connections maintain stable positioning, but during lateral force events, the connections can rotate or deform within designed parameters to absorb energy while preserving structural integrity.
4Reliability
If extensive foundation repair measures are implemented, then structural integrity is restored, but cost and labor requirements become prohibitive
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces expensive traditional foundation repair with modular, pre-fabricated base brackets and support elements. This segmentation allows repair to be performed using standardized, cost-effective components rather than custom concrete work or structural steel, dramatically reducing material and labor costs while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The base brackets and support elements are designed as replaceable components that can be manufactured at low cost. If damage occurs, individual components can be replaced rather than requiring expensive foundation reconstruction, making the system economically viable for repair applications.
Data Source
AI summary
A column bracket assembly is provided. The column bracket assembly comprises a bottom base bracket and a top base bracket, each including a bracket body adapted to receive an end of support element (e.g. a wooden column) and a mounting bracket/plate pivotally coupled to the bracket body and adapted to be coupled to a structural element (e.g. a footing, pile, header, beam etc.). The column bracket assembly optionally includes mounting brackets for installing cross brace brackets and/or tension rods to the bracket bodies. A method of installing the column bracket assembly, and a method of repairing, resettling, shoring, and/or leveling a structure with the column bracket assembly are also provided, along with structures comprising the column bracket assembly.