Ribbed Modular Wall Panel Assembly for Shear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stick frame construction methods in building design face challenges in enhancing the shear strength of vertical or wall components, particularly in resisting in-plane lateral forces such as wind and earthquakes, which can lead to racking and structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A specially configured modular steel stiff wall panel assembly featuring continuous unitary layers with central and ribbed tracks, where central ribs, first ribs, and second ribs are linearly aligned and coplanar, providing improved resistance to shear, racking, and impact forces through a structural configuration that includes studs engaged with these tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If standard stick frame construction is used, then the building frame achieves a relatively high strength to weight ratio, but the shear strength of vertical wall components is insufficient to resist in-plane lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The wall panel is divided into multiple segments including a central portion, first wall track, second wall track, and multiple studs. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for specific functions while working together to resist lateral forces through a distributed structural system
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds dimensional complexity by incorporating ribs that extend in directions perpendicular to the stud axes. The central ribs, first ribs, and second ribs create a three-dimensional ribbed structure that resists lateral forces through multiple geometric dimensions rather than relying solely on stud strength
2Strength
If bracing and sheathing are added to wood stick frame construction to increase shear strength, then the potential for racking is reduced, but the device complexity and construction time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functions of wall panels, bracing, and sheathing into a single integrated modular assembly. The wall panel body with its ribbed structure and track-stud configuration combines structural paneling with lateral force resistance in one component, eliminating the need for separate bracing and sheathing layers
Solution Approach 2:
The modular wall panel assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides the wall surface, structural support, and lateral force resistance. The central portion, wall tracks, and ribs work together to perform both enclosure and structural bracing functions that traditionally required separate components
3Strength
If the geometry of metal studs is modified to increase overall shear strength, then the shear strength of the frame is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of modifying the entire stud geometry throughout, the invention adds local reinforcement through ribs that are positioned specifically at critical locations where lateral forces are transmitted. The central ribs and wall track ribs are strategically placed to provide localized strength enhancement without requiring complex stud geometry modifications along their entire length
Data Source
AI summary
A modular stiff wall panel assembly for a building structure includes a modular wall panel having a central portion has central ribs spaced therealong, a first wall track engaged with the central portion and having first ribs spaced therealong, and a second wall track engaged with the central portion and having second ribs spaced therealong wherein the second wall track is oppositely spaced from the first wall track, and a plurality of studs engaged with the central portion, the first wall track, and the second wall track. The central ribs, the first ribs, and the second ribs are linearly aligned, respectively, and registered parallel to a longitudinal axis of the studs, respectively. The central ribs, the first ribs, and the second ribs are coplanar on a single plane and disposed at an end-to-end pattern along an entire longitudinal length of the wall panel.