Wedge-Coupled Block Wall Structure for Seismic Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Bricklaying structures are vulnerable to horizontal vibrations and impacts, such as those caused by earthquakes, leading to detachment of blocks and potential collapse, as they lack adequate resistance and often suffer from stress concentration at coupling points.
Innovation Solution
A wall structure using blocks and frames with wedge-shaped coupling parts, where frames are integrated with beams, slabs, and pillars, and blocks are stacked with wedge-shaped protrusions and concave grooves to form a frame structure that moves integrally with the building, allowing for secure coupling and alignment even under misalignment, and using water-swellable water stop rubber for enhanced watertightness and sound insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional bricklaying with mortar is used, then construction is simple and cost-effective, but the structure is vulnerable to horizontal vibrations and impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The wall is divided into modular blocks with standardized wedge-shaped coupling parts, allowing pre-fabricated units to be assembled into a complete structure. Each block contains integrated coupling protrusions and grooves that segment the coupling function across multiple interfaces, improving both construction efficiency and seismic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines concrete blocks with integrated wedge-shaped coupling parts made of reinforcing materials. The composite structure integrates the compressive strength of concrete with the tensile strength of embedded coupling elements, creating a composite wall system that resists both vertical loads and horizontal seismic forces.
2Ease of operation
If blocks are coupled using conventional rectangular joints, then assembly is straightforward, but stress concentrates at corner points during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling interface uses asymmetric wedge-shaped protrusions and grooves instead of symmetric rectangular joints. The wedge shape distributes stress along the inclined surfaces during horizontal loading, preventing stress concentration at corner points while maintaining straightforward assembly through the tapered geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped coupling parts feature curved transition surfaces and rounded edges that distribute stress more evenly compared to sharp rectangular corners. The curved geometry of the wedge interfaces helps dissipate stress concentrations during seismic events while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Ease of manufacture
If frames are not integrated with structural elements, then installation is independent and simple, but frames separate from building during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The frame structure is merged with the block assembly system through integrated coupling mechanisms. The frames incorporate the same wedge-shaped coupling parts that connect blocks to each other, creating a unified structure where frames and blocks move together as a single system during seismic events, eliminating relative movement and separation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped coupling parts serve multiple functions: they connect blocks to each other, connect blocks to frames, and enable the entire assembly to move integrally with the building structure. This universal coupling mechanism simplifies installation while ensuring stable integration with structural elements during earthquakes.
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 solution significantly improves seismic performance by preventing block detachment, enhancing watertightness, sound insulation, and windproofness, while allowing for easier maintenance and reducing the risk of structural damage during earthquakes and external impacts.
Implementation Method 1
an isosceles triangular wedge-shaped protrusion or wedge-shaped concave groove is formed throughout upper, lower, left, and right surfaces of the blocks to allow adjacent blocks to be firmly coupled
Implementation Method 2
using water-swellable water stop rubber for enhanced watertightness and sound insulation
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~1(b)
Figure 2(a)~2(d)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
The present invention relates to a block for decorating an outer wall or an inner wall in construction work and a construction method for bricklaying work, and more particularly, to a wall structure using blocks and frames each having a wedge-shaped coupling part formed therein and a method of constructing a wall using the same, wherein frames, which are integrally formed with beams, slabs, and pillars of a building to serve as a frame structure, are fixed and mounted, an isosceles triangular wedge-shaped concave groove or protrusion is formed on inner surfaces of the mounted frames, and blocks and intermediate blocks, in which an isosceles triangular wedge-shaped concave groove or protrusion is formed, are laid on the frames, thereby solving a disadvantage of bricklaying work in that it is vulnerable to horizontal vibration and improving seismic performance, and, even when misalignment occurs between the blocks or between the blocks and frames due to external impact, allowing the blocks to be restored to their original positions.