Threaded rod wind and seismic resistance system

Abstract

Wood framed walls of buildings are strengthened against destructive wind and seismic forces by a threaded hold-down rod attached to the structure top plate and anchored to the building foundation. The foundation structure may be concrete or other floor joist or the like. The threaded rod is normally used in a system that attaches at top and bottom of studs at approximately every fourth or fifth stud along all load-bearing walls. The threaded rod system comprises two sections of threaded rod connected to the structure by way of a nut and washer at the top plate and embedded in the foundation at the bottom. A short section of threaded rod is embedded in the foundation and a coupling nut connects the short section to the remaining threaded rod section near the bottom plate. The short section may be manufactured of galvanized steel or stainless steel to avoid corrosion where fastened to a pressure treated bottom plate. In an alternate embodiment, an elongated wire bolt rod can be attached to the foundation and directly to a roof truss and ceiling plate. The described system can be installed during initial construction of a structure or retrofit into existing structures.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION [0001] This Application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 60 / 546,633 entitled Threaded Rod Wind and Seismic Resistance System, filed with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on Feb. 21, 2004.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] This invention relates generally to wood frame building structures, and more particularly to structures exposed to extreme wind and / or seismic conditions where building codes dictate that these structures be protected against structural failure and / or to save lives of occupants. In particular, the present invention relates to a hold-down system for anchoring the structure of a wood frame building to resist uplift forces encountered during a high wind or seismic situation. The present invention also relates to a system of threaded rods that provides additional reinforcements for an existing structure. [0004] 2. Background of the Prior Art [0005] It is well known w...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] It is an object of the present invention to provide a threaded rod anchor system for a structure of a wood frame building that reinforces the structure against damage in a high wind situation, such as a hurricane.

[0014] It is another object of the present invention to provide an anchor system for a frame construction building that provides a downward force around the periphery of the structure, thereby to better resist any upward lift imparted to the walls and roof by high winds. It is still another object of the present invention to provide an anchor system for a low-rise, wood frame building that can be easily installed in preexisting structures. A related object is to enable increased uplift resistance in pre-existing structures with minimum invasion of wall members. A further related object is to increase value in structures existing in high wind and seismic zones.

[0015] It is another object of the present invention to provide an anchor system for a wood frame building that provides reinforcement to the walls and roof structure, thereby providing greater resistance to damage during high wind conditions. A related object is to increase public safety in structures existing in high wind and seismic zones.

[0016] It is a further object of the present invention to eliminate the need for hurricane clips and straps to be installed at top and bottom plates in the construction of a wood frame building.

[0019] Recent changes to EPA regulations require that a more metal corrosive treatment be used in pressure treated wood. The treatments that are currently used have been banned. Therefore, in frame construction where pressure treated wood comes into contact with metal (i.e. threaded rods) it is necessary to use a corrosive resistant material, such as galvanized or stainless steel. It is obvious that to place full-length rods from the foundation slab to the top plate will be extremely expensive and drive costs up. Accordingly, the present invention is vital to reduce cost and prevent corrosion by using a short section of galvanized or stainless steel rod of a length that will be long enough to establish adequate embedment depth into the concrete foundation, typically 6 inches, and to pass through the pressure treated bottom wall plate approximately 3 inches. After that, the short section of rod can connect to a standard, non-coated rod with a coupling and then on through to the top plate.

[0020] The threaded rod system disclosed herein offers more body, more strength, and more durability to the purchasing public. Such threaded rod system may be made from different combination of sizes of the smaller diameter, upper longer rod and the short larger diameter rod at the bottom to fit many framing applications and strength requirements. Such threaded rod anchor system creates a solid attachment between the foundation and the ceiling top plate. This simple invention enables a threaded rod anchor system that can be easier to install and more reasonably priced and that, in fact, can be made or put in place by any skilled or semi-skilled person.

Problems solved by technology

Generally, uplift forces tending to lift the roof off the structure or the entire structure off its foundation cause much of the damage sustained by the building.

Commonly, these laborers are inexperienced which frequently results in improper or inadequate installation.

This process slows the foundation and framing stages of construction, which in turn increases labor costs.

In addition, existing structures without having appropriate connectors in place are at risk of destruction should a hurricane or earthquake occur.

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