Politecnico di Torino - Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 - 10129 Torino, ITALY

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Connector for timber walls

Bearing stressEarthquake resistant - seismic constructionTimber Wall ConnectorsWood construction

Introduction

This patented anchoring system is ideally used in timber construction. Its special shape and material are ideal to connect wood walls or to anchor them to concrete foundations, even in high seismic risk areas.

Technical features

This invention is an X-shaped steel plate connector with curved extremities. It can be used to anchor the base of wood walls to foundations or to connect wall panels. The device is optimized to resist static and seismic action, since it has elevated energy dissipation characteristics during earthquakes. The system uses the properties of steel by concentrating the dissipation of energy on the plate: this drastically reduces or completely prevents bearing stress in wood which would normally take place after cyclic events, causing loss of mechanic performance in conventional connectors. The design of the plates has been optimized for fast production with minimal scraps, from a single sheet of steel.

Possible Applications

  • Construction;
  • Wood wall anchoring;
  • Seismic construction;
  • Connection between wall and foundation;
  • Vertical Connection between wall panels;
  • Horizontal connection between wall and slab.

Advantages

  • Solves current wall connector problems;
  • Resistant to tension and shear stress;
  • Easy to replace after seismic events;
  • Prevents bearing stress;
  • Cost-effective.