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(11) | EP 0 859 098 A1 |
| (12) | EUROPEAN PATENT APPLICATION |
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| (54) | Integral reinforcing system for masonry walls |
| (57) The system provides vertical reinforcement for walls (3) by placing void reinforcement
(1) in vertical housing (2) within the wall, through vertical access grooves (4) to
the said housing (2). These grooves are opened on the unexposed face of the wall and
serve for the accurate positioning of the longitudinal reinforcement (1) within the
full width of the wall. In addition to the longitudinal reinforcement (1), the system
also includes: fixed or moveable transverse connectors (6) and/or spacers which supplement
the said reinforcement; lateral and/or end anchorage to secure the said reinforcement
and subsequently, by way of suitable supports, the wall itself, and; specific supplementary
elements such as retention anchors, plumb and levelling lines and support sections
set for the overhanging masonry base. |
OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention provides a system of reinforcement for masonry, particularly with regards to the vertical reinforcement of the wall. The system involves reinforcement set in housing or channels provided within the wall and this reinforcement together with its corresponding anchorage and components may be used as framework or formwork in order to form an integral system which, in accordance with the established design theory, is always set in the precise position to allow the wall to work effectively in accordance with the design values of stress for the construction.
[0002] This integral reinforcing system is applicable to all types of masonry and does not affect the properties of the wall in those areas which do not require reinforcing, and will in no way affect the exposed face of the wall.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The applicant is the patent holder of Spanish patent application No. 9501891 for an "Building unit for integral masonry". This system provides masonry walls with vertical channelling or voids of a suitable size which are connected through the unexposed face of the wall. Once the corresponding lateral access channel to the centre of the piece has been opened the reinforcement may easily be inserted within the masonry either during or after construction. This reinforcing system in no way affects the classical bond on the masonry which is necessary to ensure the wall's stability.
[0004] However, this patent does not cover certain significant aspects related to bricklaying techniques, and specifically that regarding: the form of the prefabricated void reinforcement; the anchors and supplementary components necessary for an integral reinforcing system and which ensure quick, simple and efficient construction; and the correct positioning and spacing of the void reinforcement with regard to the two faces of the wall.
DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0005] The integral reinforcing system proposed by this invention effectively covers the requirements indicated above and, as such, is focused on the void reinforcement, the anchors for the same and the series of supplementary elements.
[0006] The void reinforcement may be applied to different types of reinforced masonry, namely.
_Reinforced masonry.
_Pre-stressed masonry.
_Post-stressed masonry.
_Hanging masonry.
[0007] Due to the special prefabricated nature of the said void reinforcement and its positioning, this reinforcement may also serve as guide frame within the masonry, which is accessible from the unexposed face of the wall (or the exposed face if so required), and which may be used to hold certain types of anchors andlor connectors. Indeed, these connectors could also be fitted to the free ends (upper and lower) of the said void reinforcement.
[0008] Once the anchors are fixed to the void reinforcement they may be then used to serve the following functions, to name but a few:
_Fix the facing wall to a structural support.
_Attach secondary elements to the supporting wall.
_Attach various elements such as capping, angles, plumb lines, etc.
[0009] Any of these new possibilities could be considered for walls which are constructed in-situ or for walls which are prefabricated either on site or in workshop.
[0010] The void reinforcement is made up of one or several, individual or grouped longitudinal elements set parallel to each other at constant distances and joined by separators and spacers which may or may not be incorporated as part of the prefabricated component. These separators and spacers retain the parallel form of the reinforcement for the purposes of handling and its vertical placement within the wall near to both masonry faces during the construction.
[0011] The void reinforcement and anchors are designed to perform satisfactorily whether embedded in mortar, concrete, adhesives or cement glue and may even be placed completely or partially "free" of any binding material.
[0012] The void reinforcement and the connectors usually form an integral and resistant framework which may be suitably placed within the wall by the bricklayer. However, sometimes these two components may be fixed together by hand either before being placed in the wall or once the vertical reinforcement has been placed in the wall.
[0013] The anchors, as opposed to these transverse pieces andlor separators, are designed as a separate item which are fixed by hand by the bricklayer at a specific height in accordance with the characteristics of the item to support andlor be supported. These anchors could also be designed with a certain capacity for sliding movement up or down the vertical guide of the void reinforcement.
[0014] Finally, the supplementary components, while apparently of a secondary nature, may often form an essential part of the system if it is to work correctly.
DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0015] A set of figures are enclosed in order to complement the description of the system and to offer a better understanding of the characteristics of the invention when employed according to design. These figures while forming an integral part of this description should be taken to be illustrative and not limited to these alone. These figures indicate the following:
[0016] Figure 1.- This figure shows a perspective of prefabricated void reinforcement set in front of the corresponding masonry wall, prior to reinforcement, in accordance with the system described in the present invention.
[0017] Figure 2.- This figure shows a perspective of other types of void reinforcement which may be employed within the system described in the present invention.
[0018] Figure 3.- This shows a detail in perspective of one of the connectors which may be used in the void reinforcement.
[0019] Figure 4.- Shows a perspective of another type of connector which may be fixed to the corresponding reinforcement.
[0020] Figure 5.- Shows the perspective of a further solution with regards to reinforcement connectors.
[0021] Figure 6a.- Shows one of the lateral anchors which has been suitably fixed to the corresponding reinforcement.
[0022] Figure 6b.- Shows in perspective a further example of a lateral anchor, in this case employed with a different type of reinforcement,
[0023] Figure 7a.- Shows the perspective of a further type of lateral anchor which may be employed on the reinforcement shown in the previous figure.
[0024] Figure 7b.- Shows a further example of lateral anchor for the same type of reinforcement as in the previous figure.
[0025] Figure 8a.- Shows the perspective of an end anchor which has been suitably fixed to the corresponding void reinforcement.
[0026] Figure 8b.- Shows a variation in the form of end anchorage, on this occasion formed by bending the ends of the reinforcement itself.
[0028] Figures 8e and 8f.- Show two further methods of forming the said end anchor which in addition to being fixed to the reinforcement, are also fixed to the slab or support face - in figure 8e the anchor being fixed at its lower end and in figure 8f attached at the upper end.
[0029] Figure 9.- Shows the perspective of a supplementary element, in this case, the starting support profile for the base of overhanging masonry.
PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION.
[0031] From these figures, and particularly Figure 1, it may be seen how the void reinforcement (1) is housed in vertical voids (2) set within the masonry wall (3), the access to these voids (2) being made through lateral grooves (4) opened on the unexposed face of the wall (3).
[0032] The said reinforcement (1) may be formed by parallel longitudinal bars (5) which are suitably spaced and joined by connectors (6) which may be laid out in the zigzag form shown in figure 1, and with double longitudinal bars (5) or single bars. These connectors may be eliminated when the length of the reinforcement is very short, the bars may be joined together by a curved end piece (7) as shown in figure 2, moveable connectors (8) may be employed as shown in figure 3 and placed by the bricklayer himself, these latter connectors, which are manually fixed to the wall reinforcement, are made from plate angled at each end, a longitudinal cut being made in each angle and the sections turned asymmetrically and notched to adapt to the parallel and longitudinal wires or bars (1).
[0033] These said moveable connectors may also take the form of that indicated by (9) in figure 4 where a longitudinal plate is provided with semi-circular notches (10) which are designed to slot onto the main reinforcing bars (5).
[0034] The connectors may be joined within the same plane of the vertical reinforcement or on the sides of the same.
[0035] The connectors (11) may also be formed in a continuous strip which is then separated by the bricklayer, as in the form of the sinuously shaped rod shown in figure 5, which is subsequently split up into suitable lengths to suit the spacing of the reinforcing bars.
[0036] The main reinforcement is also held by lateral anchors, indicated by (12) in figure 6a, which are made of flexible rod with asymmetrical hooks at each end (13) which may be fastened around the corresponding bar (5) of the reinforcement (1), it being possible to stiffen this reinforcement by means of the connectors (14) shown in the said figure 6a or by any of the aforementioned connectors. In the case where the reinforcement (1) is made up of double bars (5), as shown in figure 6b, each hook (13') on the lateral anchor (12') being fastened to one of the two side bars (5) forming the reinforcement (1).
[0037] This form of anchor (12) is merely illustrated by way of example, as the said anchors may also be made by angle plates (15) provided with cut out sections (16) which may be bolted to any suitable surface. These plates (15) are provided with punched offset flanges (17) designed to hold the bar (5) of the reinforcement (1), it being possible to include an additional end housing (18) which will allow the angle plate (15) to be fixed to a horizontal support instead of a vertical surface, as shown in figure 7a.
[0038] A further possibility is shown in figure 7b, here the aforementioned angle (15) is replaced by an anchor plate (15'), this being a flat rectangular plate which lies horizontally and is simply fixed to the two vertical bars (5) of the reinforcement (1) by way of two notches stamped in the end of the plate in the form of a 'T'. The said plate (15') is also provided with a longitudinal slot (20') which allows it to be fixed to a floor slab or horizontal surface as required.
[0039] The reinforcement (1) may also be connected at the ends, as is illustrated by the anchor (21) shown in figure 8a. This anchor consists of an externally notched sleeve or ring which houses the semicircular upper section (7) closing the ends of the two bars (5) to the reinforcement. The said sleeve (21) may be provided with two parallel circumferential notches for double reinforcing bars, or may simply be made in the form of a cylinder.
[0040] However, the ends of reinforcing bars themselves (5) may be looped (22) to form an anchorage in place of the ring (21), thereby eliminating the need for any additional element and subsequently be held by any suitable horizontal support.
[0041] Figure 8c shows another solution for end anchorage of reinforcement (1), in which a set of plates (23) are provided with moulded forms and notches (24) to enable their positioning on the reinforcing bars (5), the said bars are tightly cramped and gripped to the anchor by bolts passing through the bolt holes (25) in each plate and tightened by nuts to connect the respective plates.
[0042] A simpler solution is indicated in figure 8d, where a plane flat or plate (26) is welded to the upper end of the reinforcement (1), in this example, between the double bars (5) of the same. The said plate (26) is drilled (27) to allow fastening to a suitable support.
[0043] In the variation shown in figure 8e, the anchorage to the reinforcement (1) is made at the lower end of the same, in such a way that the double reinforcing bar (5) is set on the surface of the floor slab while the longer reinforcing bar (5') is set against the side of the same, the said reinforcement (1) being fixed in position by way of a bracket (29) which clamps the reinforcement and is bolted together (30) and then, in turn, fixed to the floor slab (28) by a threaded pin (31) as illustrated in the said figure.
[0044] When returning to the upper anchorage of the reinforcement (1) and continuing from the structural example given in figure 8d, where the reinforcing bars are connected by a welded and drilled plate (26), it is then possible to pass a threaded pivot (32) which may be positioned by sleeves, nuts and washers in order to receive a sliding bracket (33) set on the floor slab, as indicated in figure 8f.
[0045] The system is then completed with the said supplementary elements, such as the support profile (34) shown in figure 9 which is designed to slot on to the reinforcement (1) by way of horizontal grooves (35) set into the lower section of the profile, thereby allowing the said profile (34) to serve as the starting support for overhanging brick or blockwork. Other supplementary elements include; retention anchors for rising parapets of balconies or roofs; hanging brackets which may serve to support the housing for blinds or other window coverings; and plumb and levelling lines particularly in the manual erection of the brick or blockwork, and which obviously allow for adjustment within the direction of the three axes of the wall.
[0046] Figure 10 shows a type of end anchorage where the longitudinal bars (5) of reinforcement (1) are bolted to an anchor plate (37).
[0047] Finally, this system also allows the prefabrication of void reinforcement using only one component, and therefore one material unit. In this case there is no difference between the connectors and the vertical reinforcement. This would include plates bent to form open or closed sections, with plate of greater or lesser gauge and draw. Double reinforcement may be "U" shaped, cross the void in the form of an "X", or vertically overlap, as in the traditional form of bars in reinforced concrete, in order to give longitudinal continuity to the reinforcement.
[0048] It is not considered necessary to prolong this description as any expert in the field will immediately comprehend the scope of the invention and the advantages that may be derived from the same.
1. Integral reinforcing system for masonry walls which provides vertical reinforcement
set within both faces of the said walls, and placed in voids set in the interior of
the brick or blockwork, opened on the unexposed face, is characterised by four basic
components: longitudinal reinforcement (1); transverse connectors andlor spacers (6-8-9-11-14)
to the said reinforcement, which may be joined within the same plane of the vertical
reinforcement or on the sides of the same; lateral anchors (12-12'-15-15') andlor
end anchors (21-22-23-26-29-33 and 36); and supplementary elements (34) which may
be fixed to the reinforcement (1). This void reinforcement (1) may be embedded in
mortar, concrete, adhesive or cement glue or remain totally or partially "free" of
any binding material, and be manufactured in any material and with any form of joint.
2. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the longitudinal reinforcement (1) is formed from bars, wires, flats, plates, pipes
and similar, in different shapes and section and be single, double or multiple, with
open ends or with folded ends (7) so as to form a single component.
3. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the transverse connectors andlor spacers are formed from bars or plates (6) which
are directly welded or fixed to the vertical bars (5) of the reinforcement (1), either
within the plane of the reinforcement or on either side, in a perpendicular or angled
position, or may be independent elements that are fixed to the reinforcement on site
by the bricklayer.
4. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 3, in which
the independent connectors andlor spacers are formed from plates (8) angled at each
end with a longitudinal cut being made in each angle and the sections offset asymmetrically
and internally notched to adapt to the longitudinal bars (5) of the reinforcement
(1).
5. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 3, in which
the independent connectors andlor spacers are formed by plates (9) with notched edges
(10) which slot on to the bars (5) of the reinforcement (1).
6. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 3, in which
the independent connectors andlor spacers form a continuous strip of indefinite length
in the form of a sinuously shaped rod (11), which is split up into suitable lengths
by the bricklayer to suit the spacing of the bars (5) of the reinforcement (1).
7. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the lateral anchors are formed by rods (12) which are bent over each other and which
end in opposing hooks (13) which are both fastened around the same longitudinal bar
(5) of the reinforcement (1), with any separation, or by similarly opposing hooks
(13') which are fastened on to the respective bars (5) of the reinforcement (1).
8. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the lateral anchors are formed by plates (15) provided with cut out sections (16)
which may be bolted andlor fixed to the corresponding support, and punched offset
flanges (17) which interlock with the longitudinal bars (5) of the reinforcement (1),
this plate (15) may be provided with an orthogonally punched angle plate (18) which
may fastened to any horizontal andlor vertical surface
9. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the lateral anchors are formed by a flat rectangular plate (15') which may be fixed
to the reinforcement (1) by way of two notches stamped in the end of the plate in
the form of a 'T' (19) and which may slide up and down the longitudinal bars (5),
the said plate (15') being provided with a longitudinal slot (20') which allows it
to be fixed to a support as required.
10. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the end anchors are formed by channelled rings (21), cylinders or other similar elements
which may adapt to the side and end closing (7) of the longitudinal bars (5) of the
reinforcement (1).
11. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the end anchorage is formed by the looping of the ends (22) of the reinforcing bars
(5) themselves.
12. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the end anchorage is formed by a set of plates (23) provided with moulded forms (24)
to enable their positioning on the longitudinal bars (5) of the reinforcement (1),
these plates (23) being cramped together and gripped to the reinforcement by bolts
passing through the bolt holes (25) provided in each plate.
13. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the end anchors are formed by a simple plate or flat (26) welded to the upper end
of the longitudinal bars (5) of the reinforcement (1) and provided with a bolt hole
(27) to enable hanging from a suitable support.
14. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the void reinforcement is held at the lower andlor upper end of the same, and where
the inner longitudinal bars (5) rest on the slab (28) while the longer outer bars
(5') are positioned against the edge of the said slab, the reinforcement being fastened
by a holding bracket (29) which is laterally fixed to the reinforcement (1) by a transverse
bolt (30) and, in turn, fastened to the slab (28) by way of a threaded pin (31).
15. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claims 1 and 13,
in which a threaded pivot (32) is passed through the bolt hole (27) of the plate (26)
welded to the upper end of the reinforcement (1) and positioned by sleeves, nuts and
washers (32) in order to receive an adjustable sliding bracket (33) which can be fastened
to the floor slab (28) or any other element of support, and which may regulate the
perpendicular position of the reinforcement (1).
16. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claim 1, in which
the supplementary elements consist of retention anchors for overhanging or hanging
parapets, plumb and levelling lines, and profiles (35) to support the base of overhanging
masonry.
17. The integral reinforcing system for masonry walls as described in claims 1 to 15,
in which the ends of the bars (5) of reinforcement (1) are threaded to receive a hooped
anchor plate (37) which is fastened to the bars (5) through perforations (38).