Seismic Washer and Tie Bracket for Retrofitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current seismic retrofitting methods for older buildings are costly and require complex installations, often necessitating the use of cranes or scaffolding, which can be prohibitively expensive and may lead to building condemnation.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a seismic retrofit system that includes a seismic washer and a seismic tie bracket, where the seismic washer features a threaded fastener with a plate washer and a bolt configuration that allows for easy alignment and secure attachment to structural building components, thereby strengthening connections between walls, floors, and frames.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy steel straps are used for seismic retrofitting, then connection strength is improved, but installation complexity and cost increase due to requiring cranes or scaffolding
Solution Approach 1:
The heavy steel strap is segmented into multiple lightweight bracket components that can be individually installed and assembled, eliminating the need for cranes or scaffolding while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functions of the steel strap, connection hardware, and mounting elements into an integrated bracket system that combines strength with ease of installation
2Manufacturing precision
If custom made steel straps with precise hole alignment are used, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket design incorporates universal mounting features with pre-configured hole patterns that can accommodate various wall and floor configurations without requiring custom fabrication, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining precision
Solution Approach 2:
The brackets are pre-manufactured with precisely aligned holes and connection points before installation, transferring the precision requirement to the manufacturing phase where it can be efficiently achieved through standardized production processes
3Reliability
If traditional seismic retrofitting methods are used, then structural integrity is improved, but installation cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates adjustable and adaptable features that allow installers to quickly configure connections to match existing building structures, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses lightweight, easily replaceable bracket components that can be quickly installed and removed if necessary, reducing both installation cost and time while achieving the required structural reinforcement
Data Source
AI summary
A seismic washer and a seismic retrofit system including a seismic washer are provided. The seismic washer includes a fastener comprising a first opening and a washer fixedly attached to and extending from the fastener. The washer includes a second opening provided perpendicular to the first opening. The second opening is configured to receive a bolt that couples the washer to a structural building component. The seismic retrofit system includes the seismic washer and a seismic tie bracket comprising a first arm and a second arm. The first and second arms are disposed in intersecting planes to form an angle bracket. The fastener of the seismic washer is fixedly attached to the first and second arms of the seismic tie bracket proximate to the intersection of the first and second arms of the tie bracket.