Rod Anchor Structure With Weld Access and Shear Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hold down systems for reinforcing stud walls against seismic and wind loads lack efficient methods for securing threaded rods to the foundation, particularly in high-stress conditions such as earthquakes and hurricanes.
Innovation Solution
An anchor system with a cylindrical body and longitudinal cutouts that allows for secure welding of rods, providing structural integrity and guidance for welds, and includes flanges for enhanced shear resistance and additional anchorage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional anchor systems are used without longitudinal cutouts, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the welding access and structural integrity under load are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor body is segmented by introducing longitudinal cutouts that divide the cylindrical structure into sections. These cutouts create openings into the axial hole, allowing weld access to the rod while maintaining the overall structural integrity. The segmentation enables multiple welding positions without compromising the anchor's strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The cutouts create a third dimension of access by opening into the axial hole from the side wall, allowing welders to access the rod-weld surface from multiple angles. This dimensional change transforms a single-access-point structure into a multi-access structure, improving welding reliability without significantly increasing complexity.
2Ease of operation
If the axial hole is completely open, then welding access is easier, but the guidance and positioning of the rod during welding deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The axial hole has different qualities at different locations: the portions within the cutouts are open to provide welding access, while the portions between cutouts remain enclosed to provide rod guidance and positioning. This local differentiation of hole characteristics simultaneously achieves easy welding access and precise rod positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The axial hole is segmented into open sections (within cutouts) and enclosed sections (between cutouts). The open segments provide welding access while the enclosed segments maintain rod positioning, creating a hybrid structure that satisfies both requirements.
3Strength
If flanges are not included in the anchor design, then the manufacturing process is simpler, but the shear resistance and anchorage capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Flanges are incorporated into the anchor body as preliminary structural elements that extend the bearing surface area. These flanges are formed as integral parts of the anchor during manufacturing, providing enhanced shear resistance and anchorage capability before the anchor is installed and subjected to loads.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The anchor system ensures robust attachment of rods to concrete structures, maintaining structural integrity under load and facilitating efficient transfer of forces, enhancing the stability of stud walls against seismic and wind-induced stresses.
Implementation Method 1
a cylindrical body with an axial hole to receive an end portion of a rod
Implementation Method 2
providing respective openings into the axial hole to expose a correspondingly longitudinal surface of the rebar for welding the rebar to the anchor
Data Source
AI summary
An anchor includes a body having a first end and a second end; the body having a side wall between the first end and the second end; the body including an axial hole extending from the first end into the body, the axial hole for receiving an end portion of a rod; and the body including a first longitudinal cutout extending into the side wall to create a first opening into a first portion of the axial hole to expose an end portion of the rod to be inserted in the axial hole to be welded to the body.