GB2470992A

GB2470992A - Structural wind post for reinforcing block wall

Info

Publication number: GB2470992A
Application number: GB201008782A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Martin Charles Holland
Original assignee: ZEMLA Pty Ltd
Current assignee: ZEMLA Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-06-09
Filing date: 2010-05-26
Publication date: 2010-12-15
Anticipated expiration: 2030-05-26
Also published as: GB201008782D0; AU2010202130B2; GB2470992B; AU2010202130A1

Abstract

A building support 11 for use in a brick wall 25 to transfer shear loads. The support comprises an elongate element providing a plurality of projections 19 which extend from the longitudinal length of the elongate element. The projections are spaced apart so that in use they are retained between adjacent courses of bricks. The projections are preferably cut-outs on two parallel sidewalls joined by a web in either a U-shaped or Z-shaped configuration. A drip barrier and gripping means on the projections may be provided. In use the support spans the height of the wall and ties adjacent bricks together.

Description

Building Support

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to a building support. In particular this invention is directed to a building support for use in a structure to distribute shear loads experienced by the structure.

Background Art

Trad itionally,structures of a brick construction, particularly domestic buildings, have no additional support considerations to distribute shear forces which a wall of the building may experience when exposed to external loads, such as wind, or internal loads caused by pressure differentials.

In the past this has not presented a significant issue as buildings were made from heavier materials: bricks, roofing materials and the supporting structure for the roof were all heavier. In addition openings in walls were of smaller area. As materials and structures have become lighter, and windows and doors bigger, the inherent ability of a wall to withstand loads has diminished.

More recently, vertical posts have been placed in the cavity between the internal and external brick walls. The number and position of these posts vary according to the configuration of the wall and the anticipated wind load which will be experienced by the wall. In order to properly act as shear connectors, the posts are required to be tied in' to the wall. This task typically requires the positioning of the post and the attachment of a hook type bracket to the post whereby a portion of the bracket is embedded in a mortar joint of the wall, or otherwise connected to the wall. In addition, galvanised flashing is attached to the post to prevent capillary action transferring moisture from the external brickface to the internal wall. Due to the tedious nature of this process construction workers typically omit to include the posts, do not position the posts where required; do not use the number of posts and/or fail to adequately tie in the posts. As a result the ability of the wall to withstand the loads it was originally designed to withstand has been compromised.

Furthermore, after the building has been accessed by engineers and the number and position of posts required has been calculated, the plans may change slightly; window and door openings may differ and the posts may no longer be able to be positioned where originally calculated. This may weaken the wall.

Furthermore, most current post constructions do not provide support for a wall moving in the vertical plane. Such movement obviously can create cracks within the wall, weakening the wall.

Traditional posts themselves are both very heavy and expensive and required further expense as two different construction personnel are required to erect and fit into position due to inherent complexities.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

It is an object of this inventionto provide a building support which will assist in distributing the shear force experience by a structure.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

The present invention provides a building support for use in the construction of a member in a structure, such as a wall or floor in a building, to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the member being made from a plurality of units, the building support comprises: an elongate element providing a plurality of projections adapted to extend from the longitudinal length of the elongate element, each projection being spaced from adjacent projections by a distance at least substantially equal to the height of the units used to construct the member, wherein each projection is adapted to be retained between adjacent units so as to retain the building support with respect to the wall.

Not all the projections may be required to be retained between adjacent units.

The requirement of the building support will be dictated by the nature of the structure and the loads which will be experienced by that structure.

The member may generally be a planar member.

The projections may be formed in a sidewall of the elongate element wherefrom they may be caused to extend outwardly.

The elongate element may be in the form of a section having two side walls and a web connecting the two side walls. The sidewalls may be parallel.

Each projection may be adapted to extend outwardly from at least one side wall.

The size of the projections can be varied according to the shear loads required to be transferred.

In use the building support may be located in a cavity between two planar members, such as in a cavity of a double brick house. With such a building support projections may extend outwardly from both side walls.

The projections may incorporate gripping means to assist in retaining the projections between the adjacent units. The gripping means may be in the form of a hole extending through the projection.

In one aspect of the invention the web connects the two sidewalls at ends thereof such that the cross sectional shape of the elongate element is Z-shaped.

Such a configuration includes those Z-shaped profiles where the web interconnecting the sidewalls is at an angle thereto, as well as those whereby the web is perpendicular relative to each sidewall.

Each projection may be planar in shape, and act as a shear connector transferring shear flow to the brick wall.

The projections may be formed from one or both sidewalls whereby the projection is cut out of the sidewall and then bent outwardly therefrom to provide a planar projection extending outwardly substantially perpendicular to the sidewall.

In another aspect of the invention the web connects the two side walls at ends thereof such that the cross sectional shape of the elongate element is U-shaped.

Each projection may be triangular in shape.

Each projection may be formed from the sidewall whereby the projection is cut out of the sidewall and formed into the required shape. Each projection may be provided by two sections cut-out of the sidewall. The two sections may be secured together by welding, riveting or other fastening means. Each section may provide a flap.

Each projection may be formed from the sidewalls whereby the projection is cut from the centre of the sidewall and formed into the required shape. The size of the projection creates a predetermined area between the edges of the projection and the external edge of both the sidewall and the web.

Preferably the web has a drip barrier to minimise moisture transfer across the cavity. The drip barrier may extend along the longitudinal length of the web. The drip barrier may be in the form of a groove or slots formed in the web.

Preferably the building support has a first end which is supported on a body, such as a buildings footings, prior to construction of the planar member. A first end of the elongate element may have one or more tabs cut therein whereby the tabs may be extended outwardly to provide a larger area upon which the support member is supported by the body. The building support may be anchored to the body.

The building support may have a second end secured to the structure to provide lateral stability.

In another aspect of the invention each projection is secured to the building support by embedding it between the bricks with mortar. Each projection acts as a shear connector when embedded between the bricks with mortar.

Other fastening means such as welding, riveting may be used.

The present invention further provides a building support for use in the construction of a wall to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the wall is made from a plurality of units, the building support comprises: an elongate element providing a plurality of projections which extend from the longitudinal length of the elongate element, each projection being spaced from adjacent projections by a distance at least substantially equal to the height of the units used to construct the wall, wherein each projection is adapted to be retained between adjacent units so as to retain the building support with respect to the wall.

The present invention provides a reinforced composite wall or floor comprising a building support, as herein before described, and a wall or floor made of a plurality of units, such as bricks, timber, etc. The present invention provides a method of manufacturing a building support for use in the construction of a planar member to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the method comprises: cutting out a plurality of projections along opposed sides of a sheet of metal bending the sheet to provide two sidewalls interconnected by a web; bending each projection outwardly towards an adjacent projection about a pivot line located at the connection between the projection and the sidewall.

The method may incorporate further bending of the projection until the projection contacts or is located adjacent an adjacent projection to form a triangular projection.

The method may incorporate folding the projection at a point adjacent the pivot point. Once formed, this will provide a triangular projection having an increased capacity to transfer shear.

The method may also incorporate a process of fixing adjacent projections to each other once the triangular projection has been formed.

In the specification the term units' includes all types of building materials including bricks, timber, concrete blocks; limestone blocks. Also the plurality of units are understood to include units of different dimensions and/or materials within the floor or wall construction.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a building support according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a double brick structure with the building support located in a cavity therebetween; Figure 3 is a front view of a projection of the building support shown in figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of a projection of the building support shown in figure 1; Figure 5 is a sectional view of a projection of the building support shown in figure 1; Figure 6 is a perspective view of a building support according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 is a front view of a projection of the building support of figure 6; Figure 8 is a side view of a projection of the building support of figure 6; Figures 9 to 12 represent a method of forming the building support as shown in figure 1, according to an embodiment of the invention.; Figure 13 is a perspective view of a building support according to a third embodiment of the invention; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a building support according to a fourth embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 is a top view of a building support according to a fifth embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 is a cross sectional view of a double brick structure with the building support of the fourth embodiment located in a cavity therebetween.

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention The invention according to the embodiments shown in the figures is in the form of a building support 11. The building support 11 is in the form of an elongate element formed to have two sidewalls 13 with a web 15 extending between ends 17 of each sidewall joining the sidewalls 13 together. Each sidewall 13 has a plurality of projections 19 extending outwardly therefrom. The building support 11 also has a drip groove 21 extending along the longitudinal length of the web 15.

An application in which the building support 11 is used is shown in figure 2. In this application the building support 11 is located in a cavity 23 between two planar members, in this case two walls 25 of a house. The walls are made of a plurality of units, in this case bricks. Obviously the invention could equally be applied where the units are of different material/s.

The number of building supports 11 required during construction is dependent on various factors, including the size of the planar member, the number of openings required in the planar structure, as well as the loads to which the structure will be exposed.

When being installed, the building support 11 is best braced in a vertical orientation before the walls are constructed. During construction, it is preferable that the walls are formed to be in engagement with the sidewalls 13 of the building support 11 (or very close to).

As shown in figure 2, each projection I 9a is spaced from an adjacent projection 19b. The distance between adjacent projections 19 in the embodiment shown is equal to the height of the bricks of each wall 25. This allows the projections 19 to be located in the mortar joints of the wall 25, effectively tying the building support 11 to the wall 25. Obviously the projections can be further apart than a single brick height if fewer projections 19 are required. The projections 19 can be spaced to suit a variety of mortar joint spacings.

Figures 1 to 12 are directed to two embodiments of the building support 11.

Figures 1 and 3 to 5 represent a first embodiment of the building support 11 wherein the building support 11 is designed for use with relatively large shear loads. As a result of the increased requirement, the configuration and manufacture of the building support 11 is more complex.

Figures 6 to 8 illustrate a second embodiment of the building support 11 which has a lower capacity than that of the first embodiment. As can be noted by a comparison of at least figures 1 and 6, the shape and size of each projection 19 is different.

The building support 11 may be roll formed from a sheet of material. An embodiment of a method in which the building support 11 shown in figure 1 may be made is shown in figures 9 to 12. In this method a sheet 27 is cut and folded to provide the building support 11. In figure 9 the dotted lines represent the fold lines, whilst the solid lines indicate cut lines. The cuts are made along the solid lines to provide flaps 35 formed from cut outs 29. Folds along the dotted lines are also made to provide the building support 11 b shown in figure 10. The flaps are then folded at fold lines 31, and pivot line 33 to provide the raised flap 35 as shown in figure 11. The flap 35 is further bent about pivot line 33 until adjacent flaps 35a, 35b cooperate to provide the triangular shaped projection 19, as shown in figure 12. simply bending the flaps 35 a, b so as to be in a position to provide the triangular projection 19 may be sufficient. However, if required, flap 35a may be secured to adjacent flap 35b by welding, riveting or other securing means.

The method of manufacturing the building support 11 of the second embodiment is similar to that described above. The only exception is that the flap 35 is not required to be folded at fold line 31.

The building support 11 of the fourth embodiment, as shown in figure 14 has two tabs 39 formed in a first end 41 of the building support 11. In use these tabs 39 are bent so as to be in a perpendicular orientation with respect to the sidewalls 13. The first end 41 may then be positioned and appropriately supported on the footings of the house. In alternative embodiments a separate plate may be used in place of the tabs 39. In some applications consideration may also need to be given to any termite barrier before the building support 11 is put in place.

Figure 16 provides a schematic view of the building support 11 in-situ between two walls 25. In this application the building support is supported on the footings whilst the second end 43 is secured to a ceiling joist 45 to provide further stability thereto.

During manufacture the projections 19 may be cut in to the sidewalls 13 and left in the same plane until the building support 11 is to be used. At site the installer may then position the building support 11 and cause the projections to extend outwardly according to his/her requirement.

The transfer of shear loads between wall 25 and the building support 11 creates a composite member with substantially greater performance. The projections 19 act as shear connections and can be modified in size and area to work with a variety of compressive loadings.

The building support 11 may be precambered to suit application. Also, shear studs can be created on one side of the section only if required.

As the projections 19 are fixed components of the building support 11, the planar member to which the building support 11 is incorporated will also have increased strength in the vertical direction.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. -10-

Claims

Claims: 1. A building support for use in the construction of a member in a structure, such as a wall or floor in a building, to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the member being made from a plurality of units, the building support comprises: an elongate element providing a plurality of projections adapted to extend from the longitudinal length of the elongate element, each projection being spaced from adjacent projections by a distance at least substantially equal to the height of the units used to construct the member, wherein each projection is adapted to be retained between adjacent units so as to retain the building support with respect to the wall.
2. The building support according to claim I wherein the member is a planar member.
3. The building support according to claim I or 2 wherein each projection is formed in a sidewall of the elongate element wherefrom and may be caused to extend outwardly therefrom.
4. The building support according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein the elongate element is in the form of a section having two sidewalls and a web connecting the two sidewalls.
5. The building support according to claim 4 wherein the sidewalls are parallel.
6. The building support according to claim 3, 4 or 5 wherein each projection is adapted to extend outwardly from at least one sidewall.
7. The building support according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the projections incorporate gripping means to assist in retaining the projections between the adjacent units.
8. The building support according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the web connects the two sidewalls at ends thereof such that the cross sectional shape of the elongate element is Z-shaped. -11 -
9. The building support according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each projection is planar in shape.
10. The building support according to any one of claims 4 to 9 wherein projections are formed in one or both sidewalls whereby each projection is cut out of the sidewall and then bent outwardly therefrom to provide a planar projection extending outwardly substantially perpendicular to the sidewall.
11. The building support according to any one of claims 4 to 7 wherein the web connects the two side walls at ends thereof such that the cross sectional shape of the elongate element is U-shaped.
12. The building support according to any one of claims I to 8 or 11 wherein each projection is triangular in shape.
13. The building support according to any one of claims 4 to 8, 11 or 12 wherein projections are formed from one or both of the sidewalls whereby the projection is cut out of the sidewall and formed into the required shape.
14. The building support according to claim 13 wherein each projection is provided by two sections cut-out of the sidewall.
15. The building support according to any one of claims 4 to 14 wherein the web has a drip barrier to minimise moisture transfer across the cavity.
16. The building, support according to claim 15 wherein the drip barrier extends along the longitudinal length of the web and is in the form of a groove or slots formed in the web.
17. The building support according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the building support has a first end which is supported on a body, such as a buildings footings, prior to construction of the planar member.
18. The building support according to claim 17 wherein the first end of the elongate element has one or more tabs cut therein whereby the tabs are adapted to be extended outwardly to provide a larger area upon which the support member is supported by the body.
19. The building support according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the building support has a second end adapted to be secured to the structure to provide lateral stability.
20. A building support for use in the construction of a wall to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the wall is made from a plurality of units, the building support comprises: an elongate element providing a plurality of projections which extend from the longitudinal length of the elongate element, each projection being spaced from adjacent projections by a distance at least substantially equal to the height of the units used to construct the wall, wherein each projection is adapted to be retained between adjacent units so as to retain the building support with respect to the wall.
21. A reinforced composite wall or floor comprising a building support according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and a wall or floor made of a plurality of units, such as bricks, timber, etc.
22. A method of manufacturing a building support for use in the construction of a planar member to assist in the transfer of shear loads, the method comprises: cutting out a plurality of projections along opposed sides of a sheet of metal bending the sheet to provide two sidewalls interconnected by a web; bending each projection outwardly towards an adjacent projection about a pivot line located at the connection between the projection and the sidewall.
23. The method according to claim 22 incorporating further bending of the projection until the projection contacts or is located adjacent an adjacent projection to form a triangular projection.
24. The method according to claim 23 incorporating folding the projection at a point adjacent the pivot point.
25. The method according to claim 22, 23 or 24 incorporating a process of fixing adjacent projections to each other once the triangular projection has been formed.
26. A building support as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.