Shelf Angle Support with Insulating Spacer for Brick Veneer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Commercially available shelf angle support systems for brick veneer or masonry in building construction often suffer from thermal bridging, which reduces the insulation value of building walls by conducting heat away from the building.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves a shelf angle support bracket assembly with a spacer member attached to the building wall, using thermally insulating materials between the spacer and the wall, and between the spacer and the shelf angle, along with adjustable fastening systems to minimize thermal bridging and accommodate variations in wall surface geometry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If commercially available shelf angle support systems are used, then the shelf angle can be supported on the building wall, but thermal bridging occurs that reduces the insulation value of the building wall
Solution Approach 1:
A thermally insulating material is introduced as an intermediary between the shelf angle support system and the building wall. This intermediary layer prevents direct thermal contact while maintaining the structural support function, thereby eliminating thermal bridging and preserving the insulation value of the building wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The support system combines different materials with complementary properties: a structural component for mechanical support and a thermally insulating material for thermal performance. This composite approach allows the system to simultaneously achieve both support reliability and energy efficiency.
2Strength
If a rigid support system is used to support the shelf angle, then the support is structurally sound, but it cannot accommodate variations in wall surface geometry
Solution Approach 1:
The support system incorporates adjustable and adaptable components that can accommodate variations in wall surface geometry. The system transitions from a completely rigid structure to one with dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing it to adapt to non-planar walls while maintaining structural integrity through proper load distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the support system have different properties: some components are rigid for structural strength, while others are flexible or adjustable for adaptability. This local differentiation allows the system to simultaneously achieve structural soundness and accommodation of wall surface variations.
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
This design effectively reduces thermal bridging, maintains desired insulation values, and allows for efficient installation and adaptation to non-planar wall surfaces, enhancing the overall thermal performance of building constructions.
Implementation Method 1
using thermally insulating materials between the spacer and the wall, and between the spacer and the shelf angle
Data Source
AI summary
A shelf angle suitable for supporting a brick veneer is attached to a building wall by way of plural spacer members each comprising inner and outer plates joined by a web of material. The spacer member may comprise a tube or c-section for example. Thermally insulating sheets are compressed between the shelf angle and the spacer member and/or between the spacer member and the building wall. The spacer members are spaced apart along the shelf angle.