Slotted Settlement Anchor Assembly for Fire-Rated Wall Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Differential settlement between structural elements in buildings, caused by variations in foundation conditions and material properties, leads to issues like uneven floors and separation between walls, which existing technologies fail to adequately address without compromising structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
An anchor assembly with an elongate slot allows for sliding engagement between structures, accommodating relative movement while maintaining connection, and is designed to fail at high temperatures to maintain firewall integrity during fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional rigid anchors are used to connect structures, then structural integrity is maintained, but differential settlement causes separation and cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor incorporates a slot that allows the fastening member to slide along its length, transforming the rigid connection into a dynamic system that can accommodate relative movement between structures while maintaining the connection. This dynamic feature allows the anchor to adapt to differential settlement without failing.
2Strength
If rigid connections are used between structures, then connection strength is maintained, but relative movement due to settlement causes structural damage
Solution Approach 1:
The slot allows the fastening member to move dynamically in response to relative displacement between structures, maintaining connection strength while preventing the harmful effects of rigid constraints that would lead to separation and cracking.
3Adaptability or versatility
If anchors are designed to accommodate movement, then differential settlement is addressed, but connection reliability may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The slot provides a controlled movement mechanism that maintains connection reliability by keeping the fastening member engaged with both structures while allowing for relative displacement. The dynamic design ensures the connection remains intact throughout the movement range.
4Strength
If standard anchors are used in firewall assemblies, then structural connection is achieved, but firewall integrity is compromised during fires
Solution Approach 1:
The anchor is designed with temperature-dependent material properties that cause it to lose strength and fail at high temperatures, preserving firewall integrity. This parameter change approach allows the anchor to function normally at operating temperatures but sacrificially fail when exposed to fire conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides an anchor assembly for attaching a first structure to a second structure. The anchor assembly has a body having a first face and a second face. The first face is transverse to the second face and has an elongate slot. The second face has a through hole. The body is fabricated from a material that fails at a temperature in excess of 1,000° F. A fastening member is positioned in the elongate slot for connecting the first face to the first structure and for sliding engagement with the elongate slot in response to relative movement of the first structure and the second structure.