Blow-in/blow-out wall structure

• US 3,998,016 A
• Filed: 11/06/1975
• Issued: 12/21/1976
• Est. Priority Date: 03/13/1975
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: United Dominion Industries, Inc.
• Original Assignee: H.H. Robertson Co. (Cornerstone Building Brands, Inc.)
• Inventors: Ting, Raymond M. L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Faw, Jr., Price C.
• Assistant Examiner(s): Braun, Leslie A.
• Application Number:
  US05/629,418
• Time in Patent Office: 411 Days
• Field of Search: 52/206, 52/395, 52/400, 52/508, 52/208, 52/573, 52/397, 52/235, 52/547, 52/479, 52/232, 52/480, 52/481, 52/483, 52/509
• US Class Current: 52/323
• CPC Class Codes: E04B 1/98 against vibrations or shocks on foundations E02D31/08; against mechanical destruction, e.g. by air-raids against incendiary damage only E04B1/94; finishing work therefor E04F; buildings withstanding earthquake or the like, shelters, arrangements of splintercatching walls E04H9/00
• CPC Class Codes: E04H 9/14 against other dangerous influences, e.g. tornadoes, floods
• CPC Class Codes: Y02A 50/00 in human health protection, e.g. against extreme weather

Abstract

A wall structure of the double-skin insulated type which spans across at least first and second building frame members. The wall structure comprises a liner sheet positively secured to the second frame member and having a liner sheet end lapping the first frame member; confinement means releasably retaining the liner sheet end to the first frame member; a facing sheet positioned outboard of the liner sheet; and at least two subgirts (a) entirely spaced-apart from the first frame member in the direction of the second frame member and from each other, (b) positioned between the facing sheet and the liner sheet, and (c) each secured to the facing sheet and to the liner sheet.

The arrangement is such that the wall structure fails in a particular manner when subjected to abnormally high positive or negative wind pressures of preselected value. The failure load of the wall structure is controlled by the end-subgirt spacing -- the distance between the first frame member and the subgirt adjacent thereto. During failure, the wall structure slides free of the confinement means and collapses along the first frame member in the direction of the applied load, but remains positively connected to the second frame member.

A single-span wall structure may be provided wherein distinct confinement means releasably retain the opposite liner sheet ends on the first and second adjacent frame members. At least two subgirts are provided, one adjacent the first frame member but entirely spaced-apart therefrom in the direction of the second frame member, and one adjacent the second frame member but entirely spaced-apart therefrom in the direction of the first frame member. When subjected to abnormally high positive or negative wind pressures of preselected value, the single-span wall structure slides free of either or both of the distinct confinement means and collapses in the direction of the applied load.

The present wall structure protects the structural framework from being overstressed during tornadoes or hurricanes; and also is capable of quickly relieving excessive pressures generated by an explosion within the building.

Claims

1. In a blow-in/blow-out wall structure, the combination comprising:

a building framework including a first frame member and spaced therefrom a second frame member, said first frame member and said second frame member being adjacent to each other;

a liner sheet spanning the distance between the frame members and having a liner sheet end lapping said first frame member;

confinement means releasably retaining said liner sheet end to said first frame member;

fastening means positively securing said liner sheet to said second frame member;

a facing sheet positioned outboard of and in spaced-apart parallel relation with said liner sheet; and

at least first and second subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said first frame member in the direction of said second frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said facing sheet and said liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said facing sheet and to said liner sheet;

the first subgirt and said first frame member being adjacent to each other;

said facing sheet having an end portion extending from the first subgirt as a free-ended cantilever and confronting said confinement means;

the first subgirt being positioned at a selected distance from said first frame member, whereby said wall structure is adapted to disengage from said confinement means at an applied load determined by said selected distance and to collapse in the direction of the applied load, but remain positively connected to said second frame member.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein said facing sheet is supported solely by said subgirts.

3. The combination of claim 1 wherein said subgirts are parallel with said first frame member.

4. The combination of claim 1 including a bead of non-hardenable sealant material disposed between said liner sheet end and said first frame member, thereby to provide a vapor-tight seal.

5. The combination of claim 4 including a second bead of non-hardenable sealant material disposed between said confinement means and said liner sheet end.

6. The combination of claim 1 wherein said selected distance range from 5 to 15 inches.

7. The combination of claim 1 wherein said confinement means comprises clamping means.

8. The combination of claim 7 wherein said clamping means comprises:

a plate extending along said liner sheet end and having a longitudinal edge portion lapping said liner sheet end and a second longitudinal portion confronting said first frame member; and

fastening means extending through said second longitudinal portion, securing said plate to said first frame member.

9. The combination of claim 8 including a spacing element positioned between said plate and said frame member, the thickness of said spacing element being greater than that of said liner sheet end.

10. The combination of claim 9 wherein said spacing element is formed integrally with said plate.

11. The combination of claim 1 wherein

said building framework includes a third frame member positioned on that side of said second frame member opposite said first frame member, said third frame member and said second frame member being adjacent to each other;

said liner sheet extends beyond said second frame member and presents a second liner sheet end lapping said third frame member;

said facing sheet is substantially coextensive in length with said liner sheet; and

including;

second confinement means releasably retaining said second liner sheet end to said third frame member; and

a third subgirt

a. entirely spaced-apart from said third frame member in the direction of said second frame member and from said first and second subgirts,

b. positioned between said liner sheet and said facing sheet, and

c. secured to said liner sheet and to said facing sheet.

12. The combination of claim 9 wherein said third subgirt and said third frame member are adjacent to each other, and said third subgirt is spaced at a selected distance from said third frame member.

13. The combination of claim 12 wherein the selected distances range from 5 to 15 inches.

14. The combination of claim 11 including beads of non-hardenable sealant material, one compressed between the first said liner sheet end and said first frame member, and the other compressed between said second liner sheet end and said third frame member.

15. The combination of claim 14 including second beads of non-hardenable sealant material, one disposed between the first said confinement means and the first said liner sheet end, and the other disposed between said second confinement means and said second liner sheet end.

16. The combination of claim 11 wherein the first said confinement means and said second confinement means comprise clamping means.

17. The combination of claim 11 wherein the first said confinement means and said second confinement means comprise retaining means.

18. The combination of claim 11 wherein the distance between the first subgirt and said first frame member is less than the distance between the first subgirt and said second frame member, and wherein the distance between said third subgirt and said third frame member is less than the distance between said third subgirt and said second frame member.

19. The combination of claim 1 wherein the distance between the first subgirt and said first frame member is less than the distance between the first subgirt and said second frame member.

20. The combination of claim 1 wherein the second subgirt is secured to said second frame member.

21. The combination of claim 1 wherein said confinement means comprises retaining means.

22. In a blow-in/blow-out wall structure, the combination comprising:

a building framework including spaced-apart first and second frame members and a central frame member intermediate thereof, the first frame member and said central frame member being adjacent to each other, the second frame member and said central frame member being adjacent to each other;

a first liner sheet spanning the distance between said central frame member and the first frame memeber, sid first liner sheet having a first liner sheet end lapping said central frame member;

a second liner sheet spanning the distance between said central frame member and the second frame member, said second liner sheet having a second liner sheet end lapping said central frame member, the liner sheet ends being spaced-apart and pesenting a gap therebetween;

confinement means releasably retaining the liner sheet ends to said central frame member;

fastening means positively securing said first liner sheet to said first frame member;

fastening means positively securing said second liner sheet to said second frame member;

first and second facing sheet positioned outboard of the liner sheets and in spaced-apart relation with said first liner sheet and said second liner sheet, respectively;

at least first and second subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said central frame member in the direction of the first frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said first facing sheet and said first liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said first facing sheet and to said first liner sheet; and

at least third and fourth subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said central frame member in the direction of the second frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said second facing sheet and said second liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said first facing sheet and to said second facing sheet;

the first subgirt and said central frame member being adjacent to each other;

the third subgirt and said central frame member being adjacent to each other;

said first and second facing sheets having facing sheet ends extending, respectively, from the first and third subgirts as freeended cantilevers which overlap each other and which confront the liner sheet ends;

the first and third subgirts being positioned at selected distances from said central frame member, whereby those portions of said wall structure on opposite sides of said central frame member are each adapted to disengage from said confinement means at an applied load determined by the corresponding one of said selected distances and to collapse in the direction of the applied load, but remain positively connected to said first frame member and to said second frame member.

23. The combination of claim 22 wherein said confinement means comprises clamping means.

24. The combination of claim 23 wherein said clamping means comprises:

a plate extending along said gap and having opposite longitudinal edge portions, one lapping the first liner sheet end and one lapping the second liner sheet end; and

fastening means extending through said gap, securing said plate to said central frame member.

25. The combination of claim 24 including a spacing element positioned between said plate and said frame member, the thickness of said spacing element being greater than that of said liner sheet end.

26. The combination of claim 25 wherein said spacing element is formed integrally with said plate.

27. The combination of claim 22 including beads of non-hardenable sealant material, one disposed between each of the liner sheet ends and said central frame member, thereby to provide vapor-tight seals.

28. The combination of claim 27 including second beads of non-hardenable sealant material, one disposed between each of said opposite longitudinal edge portions and said first and second liner sheet ends.

29. The combination of claim 22 wherein said selected distances range from 5 to 15 inches.

30. The combination of claim 22 wherein said confinement means comprises retaining means.

31. In a blow-in/blow-out wall structure, the combination comprising:

a building framework including a first frame member and spaced therefrom a second frame member, said first frame member and said second frame member being adjacent to each other;

a liner sheet spanning the distance between the frame members and having a liner sheet end lapping said first frame member;

retaining means slideably retaining said liner sheet end to said first frame member, said retaining means comprising a plate having opposite longitudinal edges, a lengthwise slot extending inwardly from one of said longitudinal edges, along the entire length of said plate, and slideably receiving said liner sheet end, and a solid portion contiguous with the other of said longitudinal edges; and

fastener means extending through said solid portion, securing said plate to said first frame member;

fastening means positively securing said liner sheet to said second frame member;

a facing sheet positioned outboard of and in spaced-apart parallel relation with said liner sheet; and

at least first and second subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said first frame member in the direction of said second frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said facing sheet and said liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said facing sheet and to said liner sheet.

32. The apparatus of claim 30 wherein said plate presents an interior pocket communicating with said slot, and non-hardenable sealant material disposed within said pocket and penetrated by said liner sheet end.

33. The combination of claim 31 wherein

said building framework includes a third frame member positioned on that side of said second frame member opposite said first frame member, said third frame member and said second frame member being adjacent to each other;

said liner sheet extends beyond said second frame member and presents a second liner sheet end lapping said third frame member;

said facing sheet is substantially coextensive in length with said liner sheet; and

including;

second retaining means slideably retaining said second liner sheet end to said third frame member; and

a third subgirt

a. entirely spaced-apart from said third frame member in the direction of said second frame member and from said first and second subfirts,

b. positioned between said liner sheet and said facing sheet, and

c. secured to said liner sheet and to said facing sheet.

34. In a blow-in/blow-out wall structure, the combination comprising:

a building framework including spaced-apart first and second frame members and a central frame member intermediate thereof, the first frame member and said central frame member being adjacent to each other, the second frame member and said central frame member being adjacent to each other;

a first liner sheet spanning the distance between said central frame member and the first frame member, said first liner sheet having a first liner sheet end lapping said central frame member;

a second liner sheet spanning the distance between said central frame member and the second frame member, said second liner sheet having a second liner sheet end lapping said central frame member, the liner sheet ends being spaced-apart and presenting a gap therebetween;

retaining means slideably retaining the liner sheet ends to said central frame member, said retaining means comprising a plate having opposite longitudinal edges;

lengthwise slots, one extending inwardly from each of said longitudinal edges, along the entire length of said plate, and slideably receiving said liner sheet ends; and

a solid portion intermediate of said slots; and

fastener means extending through said solid portion, securing said plate to said first frame member;

fastening means positively securing said first liner sheet to said first frame member;

fastening means positively securing said second liner sheet to said second frame member;

first and second facing sheet positioned outboard of the liner sheets and in spaced-apart relation with said first liner sheet and said second liner sheet, respectively, said first and second facing sheets having overlapping facing sheet ends confronting the liner sheet ends;

at least first and second subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said central frame member in the direction of the first frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said first facing sheet and said first liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said first facing sheet and to said first liner sheet; and

at least third and fourth subgirts

a. entirely spaced-apart from said central frame member in the direction of the second frame member and from each other,

b. positioned between said second facing sheet and said second liner sheet, and

c. each secured to said first facing sheet and to said second facing sheet.

35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein said plate presents interior pockets, one communicating with each of said slots, and non-hardenable sealant material disposed within each of said pockets and penetrated by said liner sheets ends.

36. In a blow-in/blow-out wall structure, the combination comprising:

a building framework including a first frame member and spaced therefrom a second frame member, said first frame member and said second frame member being adjacent to each other;

a liner sheet spanning the distance between the frame members and having a first liner sheet end lapping said first frame member and having a second liner sheet end lapping said second frame member;

first confinement means releasably retaining said first liner sheet end to said first frame member;

second confinement means releasably retaining said second liner sheet end to said second frame member;

a facing sheet positioned outboard of and in spaced-apart parallel relation with said liner sheet; and

at least first and second subgirts positioned between said facing sheet and said liner sheet, and each being secured to said facing sheet and to said liner sheet, the first subgirt being adjacent to said first frame member but entirely spaced-apart therefrom in the direction of said second frame member, and the second subgirt being adjacent to said second frame member but entirely spaced-apart therefrom in the direction of said first frame member;

said facing sheet having opposite end portions, one extending from the first subgirt as a free-ended cantilever and confronting said first confinement means, and the other extending from the second subgirt as a free-ended cantilever and confronting said second confinement means;

37. said first and second subgirts being positioned at selected distances from the first and second frame members, respectively, whereby said wall structure is adapted to disengage from said confinement means at an applied load determined by one of said selected distances and to collapse in the direction of the applied load.

38. The combination of claim 36 wherein said selected distances are substantially identical.

39. The combination of claim 36 wherein said selected distances range from 5 to 15 inches.