Shear Wall Assembly with Seismic Fuse for CLT Connections
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current connectors for cross laminated timber (CLT) subassemblies do not comply with stringent building codes, particularly for shear wall assemblies connecting CLT with cold formed steel and light wood frame sheathed shear walls, lacking ICC listing program compliance.
Innovation Solution
A shear wall assembly incorporating anchors, bolts, a seismic fuse, and a rod, with specific thread configurations and predrilled designs, to securely connect CLT subassemblies and ensure compliance with building codes by facilitating mechanical timber-timber shear and tension transfer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current connectors are used for CLT subassemblies, then installation is simple, but compliance with building codes and ICC listing program is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The connector system is divided into separate components: anchors embedded in CLT subassemblies, bolts for connection, and a seismic fuse element. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall compliance with building codes and ICC listing requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Anchors are pre-installed and embedded within the CLT subassemblies before final assembly. This preliminary action ensures proper positioning and integration of the connection system, facilitating compliance with code requirements for shear wall assemblies while simplifying the final installation process.
2Strength
If a robust connection system is implemented to ensure structural integrity, then safety improves, but manufacturing and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The anchors are designed to be embedded directly into the CLT subassemblies during manufacturing, allowing the subassemblies to self-integrate the connection system. This reduces separate manufacturing steps and simplifies the overall production process while ensuring robust structural connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system merges multiple functions into integrated components: anchors provide both mechanical anchorage and seismic energy dissipation through the fuse element. This merging reduces the number of separate parts needed and simplifies manufacturing while maintaining high structural integrity.
3Reliability
If seismic energy dissipation is incorporated, then safety during earthquakes improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The seismic fuse acts as an intermediary element between the anchors and bolts, specifically designed to dissipate seismic energy through controlled deformation. This intermediary component isolates the complex seismic energy dissipation function from the primary structural connection, simplifying the overall system design while improving earthquake performance.
Data Source
AI summary
A shear wall assembly is provided. The assembly includes a first anchor, a second anchor, a third anchor, a first bolt, a second bolt, a seismic fuse, and a rod. Each anchor includes a hollow tubular body including a first open end, a second open end, an interior including female threads, and an exterior including male threads. Each bolt includes a head and a shank. The shank includes male threads. The shank extends through an open end of an anchor. The male threads of the bolt engage with the female threads of the anchor. The seismic fuse is configured to receive the heads of the bolts and includes a hole. The rod includes an end with male threads. The rod extends through the hole of the seismic fuse into the open end of an anchor. The male threads of the rod engage with the female threads an anchor.