IP Library › Granted Patent US 9,297,176
Granted Patent B2
US 9,297,176 · App. 14/603,952 · Granted Mar 29, 2016

System and method for retrofitting walls with retaining ties

Inventor: Harvel K. Crumley (Jacksonville Beach, FL)
E04G23/0229E04B2/16E04B2/20E04C1/00E04G21/12E04G23/0218E04H9/027F16B31/028E04B2002/0254E04B2103/02
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 9,297,176
App. No.
14/603,952
Granted
Mar 29, 2016
Kind
B2
Abstract

A retention tie system for post-construction installation to stabilize masonry or composite walls. The system comprises a tie member anchored in an anchor hole bored into the existing foundation and a tensioned against a base plate and a cover plate seated along the top of the wall. A bracing member is used to provide lateral stability to the respective plate members. A tension washer is used to ensure that the tie members are tensioned to the appropriate load.

Claims (52)

1. A method of reinforcing an existing wall of a structure, the structure having a concrete foundation supporting the wall, and the wall comprising concrete masonry units, a top, and a vertical passageway, the method comprising the steps of:

locating an access block in the wall, the access block corresponding to a reinforcing location determined by structural analysis;

installing a knock-out in the access block;

installing, via the knock-out, an anchor hole in the foundation;

covering the anchor hole with a protective member;

installing a base plate on the top of the wall, the base plate having a first set of access holes;

installing a cover plate over the base plate, the cover plate having a second set of access holes;

placing the first set of access holes, the second set of access holes, the vertical passageway, and the anchor hole in substantial vertical alignment;

placing a bearing plate member over the cover plate, the bearing plate member having a receiving hole, and the receiving hole placed in substantial vertical alignment with the anchor hole and at least one of the second access holes; and

providing a tie member having an anchor end and a tension end;

lowering the tie member through the receiving hole, second access hole, first access hole, vertical passageway such that the anchor end is placed in proximity to the anchor hole;

removing the protective member from the anchor hole by accessing the protective member via the knock-out;

inserting the anchor end into the anchor hole;

inserting retaining material inside the anchor hole;

curing the retaining material such that the retaining material forms a secure bond between the anchor end and the foundation;

tensioning the tie member by adjusting a mechanical tensioner attached to the tension end of the tie member; and

introducing a bracing member inside the vertical passageway such that the bracing member retains the tie member in close proximity to the centerline of the vertical passageway.

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of covering the knock-out with a screen member and applying fill material over the screen member.

3. The method of claim 2 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

5. A method of reinforcing an existing wall of a structure, the structure having a concrete foundation supporting the wall, and the wall comprising concrete masonry units, a top, and a vertical passageway, the method comprising the steps of:

locating an access block in the wall, the access block corresponding to a reinforcing location determined by structural analysis;

installing a knock-out in the access block;

installing, via the knock-out, an anchor hole in the foundation;

covering the anchor hole with a protective member;

placing a bearing plate member on the top of the wall, the bearing plate member having a receiving hole, and the receiving hole placed in substantial vertical alignment with the anchor hole; and

providing a tie member having an anchor end and a tension end;

lowering the tie member through the receiving hole and vertical passageway such that the anchor end is placed in proximity to the anchor hole;

removing the protective member from the anchor hole by accessing the protective member via the knock-out;

inserting the anchor end into the anchor hole;

inserting retaining material inside the anchor hole;

curing the retaining material such that the retaining material forms a secure bond between the anchor end and the foundation;

tensioning the tie member by adjusting a mechanical tensioner attached to the tension end of the tie member.

6. The method of claim 5 , further comprising the steps of covering the knock-out with a screen member and applying fill material over the screen member.

7. The method of claim 5 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

8. The method of claim 6 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

9. The method of claim 5 , further comprising the step of introducing a bracing member inside the vertical passageway such that the bracing member retains the tie member in close proximity to the centerline of the vertical passageway.

10. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the steps of covering the knock-out with a screen member and applying fill material over the screen member.

11. The method of claim 9 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

12. The method of claim 10 , further comprising the steps of:

installing a tension washer between the mechanical tensioner and the bearing plate member, the tension washer configured to provide a visual indication of the magnitude of tension force in the tie member; and

determining, via the tension washer, the event of the tie member being loaded with the pre-determined magnitude of tension load.

Continuity (2)
Provisional Application 61930819 · Jan 23, 2014
Related Publication 20150204092A1 · Jul 23, 2015