AN ASEISMIC CONNECTING DEVICE FOR CONNECTING ONE OR MORE REINFORCED PANELS IN PORENBETON TO A SUPPORTING STRUCTURE

Technical Field

The present invention refers to the technical field of the installation of reinforced panels for the realization of plugs, coverings and dividers in buildings, anti-noise barriers according to the aseismic standards in force .

In particular, the invention consists of an innovative connecting system that allows the installation of the panels in such a way that they, as secondary elements, do not interact with the main structure, according to the dictates of the new technical Standards for Constructions of the Ministerial Decree of 14 January 2008 (NTC2008) .

Background Art

The Porenbeton that the prefabricated reinforced panels are made of has long been known at international level with the initials AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) . Such a material, ^' as it is well known in the state of the art, can be used in different building sectors such as in the realization of anti-noise barriers, dividing or curtain walls.

However, Porenbeton does not have mechanical resistance properties such as to be able to be considered as a structural material in the NTC2008. The reinforced panels in Porenbeton are therefore used as prefabricated non supporting elements for the realization of external plugs of buildings, internal dividers, coverings, attics, and anti-noise barriers.

According to the background art that is actually used for the realization of the said prefabricated structures,, the panels in Porenbeton are anchored to a structural frame that can be realized following ordinary technologies. In that sense, the frame can be of reinforced concrete in works, or slow reinforcement or pre-compressed prefabricated reinforced concrete as also a frame of steel, wood and/or other.

The anchorage of the reinforced panels in Porenbeton - ^■ to the supporting structure today is realized both for the wall panels and for the panels for covering with a connecting system constituted by two distinct parts. To that aim, figures from 1 to 3 highlight a connection generally used to connect the panel in Porenbeton to the supporting structure according to the background art.

In particular, figure 1 shows the realization of a vertical plug.

The figure shows a "Halfen" channel profile 1' previously , fixed or directly obtained on a supporting structure 10' (column, beam, pilaster) . An anchor bracket 3' is fixed slidingly, in the assembly phase, to the "Halfen" channel profile 1' through one of its ends shaped in a bayonet-like form connection 4' . The bracket therefore results to be sliding along the channel profile 1' and is made integral to a panel in Porenbeton 2' through the application of nails, bolts, screws or similar. In particular, the bracket comprises connecting holes 6' through which the nails are applied, thus realizing the bracket-panel connection. The panels, overlapped one to the other along the structural post (see also the relative section of figure 2), are glued one to the other to the first panel, generally glued to the ground. A filler 7', for example a foamy one, is then applied between a panel and the panel arranged beside it (see also the axonometric view of figure 3) in such a way as to fill the empty spaces and render the wall realized an integral element.

Figure 4, for greater clarity, shows an example of realization of a covering.

The supporting structure comprises, as said, structural elements such as beams, columns, posts or pilasters, generally realized in reinforced concrete (initials r.c), in pre-compressed reinforced concrete (initials p. .c), in vibrated reinforced concrete (initials v. r.c.) or in steel.

It is evident that the solution adopted until today results to be contrasting with the standard in force, in particular way with the seismic standards of the Ministerial Decree of 14 January 2008.

In fact, while in the plane surface orthogonal to the panelling the reduced rigidity of the panels allows the frames the movements required by the shock, thus absorbing the energy, in the panelling plane surface the elevated rigidity of such panelling results to be predominant. The consequence of this is that the frames do not move, while the panelling itself absorbs almost the totality of the seismic component acting along the said direction. The panelling thus results to be totally collaborating structurally with the prefabricated system. Nevertheless, both Porenbeton and the connecting systems currently in commerce and used for the connection are projected for structures subject only to vertical loads and not to shearing actions, therefore resulting to be absolutely inadequate for such types of seismic stresses.

To sum up, the connecting system currently used does not allow a reciprocal movement between panel and structural system along the plane surface of the panelling itself where the rigidity of the panels is predominant, thus causing an absorption of the seismic action directly by the wall in Porenbeton and not by the structure, having particularly serious structural consequences.

Disclosure of invention

It is therefore the aim of the present invention to provide a connecting device between panel and supporting structural element that solves at least in part the said inconveniences .

In particular, it is the aim of the present invention to provide a connecting device between a panel not idoneous to seismic stresses (for example a panel in Porenbeton) ^' and a supporting structural element so that the panels do not absorb seismic T shearing in their plane surface, thus allowing the structural frames the horizontal movements necessary for the development of their supporting function.

These and other aims are obtained through a connecting device for connecting a panel (2) to a supporting structural panel (10) in accordance with claim 1.

The said device comprises a slide guide (4; 204;

304) applicable along the longitudinal length of the supporting structural element (10) and a bracket (3; 303) which is connected in use by an end to the panel (2) and by the opposite end, in a sliding manner, into the slide guide (4; 204; 304). In this way, more panels are overlapped along the supporting structural element, generating the curtain wall. Naturally, more panels can then be placed one beside the other.

The plane surface of the curtain wall has, as it is well known, a great rigidity along its plane that impedes any flexural movement of the supporting structural elements along such a direction. Moreover, being the panels in the installation phase all glued one to the other, apart from the fact that the first panel results to ■ be glued to the ground, such rigidity further increases. In case of shock, the panelling is entirely affected by the load in its plane surface, in particular way the T shearing acting along the plane surface and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural element, impeding the structural elements to flex to absorb the load.

In accordance with the invention, in order to solve the said technical problem, the connecting device therefore comprises slide means (5, 6; 205, 210; 305, 310) configured in such a way that, in correspondence of the said (T) shearing stress acting in use in the plane surface of the panelling, the supporting structure (10) results to be mobile in an independent manner with respect to the panelling (2) at least according to a- one stress direction along the said plane surface (2).

In such a manner, through such slide means, the panelling becomes a secondary non collaborating element (at least along a critical direction of load for the panelling) , thus leaving the supporting structure absolutely free to move.

In the plane orthogonal to the panelling, obviously, the reduced rigidity of the panels allows anyway the frames the movements required by the shock. Naturally, the holding system will be sufficiently resistant in order to transmit the xnertial action from the panel to the column.

Advantageously, the said slide means (5, 6; 205, 210; 305, 310) are further configured in such a way that the motion of the structural element with respect to the panelling can take place according to a translation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural element and that represents the critical direction of maximum rigidity for the panelling.

In a first possible embodiment, advantageously, the slide means (5, 6) can comprise one or more than one slots (6) obtained on the bracket (3) on the side destined to the connection with the panel. The slots have such a length as · to leave a clearance with respect to the blocking element (5) inserted ^" for connecting the bracket to the panel in such a way that, in correspondence of the said (T) shearing stress, the supporting structural element (10) is free to translate with respect to the panelling through the sliding of the element (5) into the slot.

Advantageously, in a second possible embodiment, the slide means (205, 210) can comprise a sliding track (205) applicable to the supporting structural element (10) parallel to the plane of the panelling and substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the structural element. The vertical guide (204), provided with a sliding carriage (210), therefore results arranged in a slidably manner into the track (205) .

In such a manner, through the track (205), the whole vertical guide (204) can translate with respect to the structural element.

In accordance with a third possible embodiment, advantageously, the slide means (305, 310; 405, 410) can comprise a first slide element (305; 405) integral to an end of the bracket (303) and connected slidingly, along the plane surface of the panelling orthogonally to the axis of the supporting structural element, with a second slide element (310; 410) which is, in turn, arranged along the vertical guide (304) .

It is also described here a curtain wall (1) , preferably an anti-noise barrier, comprising:

- A supporting structural element (10);

- At least a panel (2), preferably in Porenbeton, and;

- A connecting device for connecting the said one or more than one panels to the supporting structural element (10) , said connecting device comprising a slide guide (4; 204; 304) arranged along the longitudinal length of the supporting structural element (10) and a bracket (3; 303) connected by one of its ends to the panel (2) and by the opposite end in a sliding manner into the slide guide (4; 204; 304) .

In accordance with the invention, the connecting device comprises slide means (5, 6; 205, 210; 305, 310) configured in such a way that, in correspondence of a (T) shearing stress acting along the plane surface of the panelling (2), the supporting structural element results to be mobile in an independent manner with respect to the panelling along at least one stress direction belonging to the plane surface of the panelling (2).

Advantageously, the slide means (5, 6; 205, 210; 305, 310) are further configured in such a way that the motion of the structural element (10) with respect to the panelling (2) takes place in the plane surface (2) according to a translation orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural element.

Advantageously, in a first embodiment that allows such a translation, the slide means (5, 6) comprise one or more than one slots (6) on the bracket (3), on the side of the connection with the panel, having a length along the plane surface of the panelling such as to leave a clearance with respect to the blocking element (5) inserted for connecting the bracket to the panel in such a way that, in correspondence of the said (T) shearing stress, the supporting structural element (10) is free to translate with respect to the panel (2) through the sliding of the blocking element (5) into the slot.

In that case, advantageously, the clamping force of the blocking element (5) with respect to the slot (6) is such as not to impede the relative sliding between panel and supporting structural element.

In a second embodiment, advantageously, the slide means (205, 210) comprise a sliding track (205) arranged in correspondence of the supporting structural element (10) along the plane surface of the panelling orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the structural element and a sliding carriage (210) arranged slidingly into the track (205) and integral to the guide (204) .

Advantageously, the sliding track (205) can be at choice :

- Directly obtained in the supporting structural element ( 10 ) ;

- Connected externally to the supporting structural element ( 10 ) .

Advantageously, in a third preferred embodiment, the said slide means (305, 310; 405, 410) comprise a first slide element (305; 405) integral to an end of the bracket (303) and connected slidingly along the plane surface of the panelling orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural element with a second slide element (310; 410) , the said second slide element being further arranged along the guide (304) .

In particular, advantageously, the first slide element

(305) can be in the shape of a hollow cylinder (305) into which an end (310') of the second slide element (310) results to be inserted slidingly. Moreover, the second end (310'') of- the second slide element is configured to engage on the vertical guide (304) integral to the supporting structural element (10).

Alternatively, advantageously, the second slide element (410) comprises a hollow cylinder (410) assembled slidingly on the guide (304) and into which an end (405) of the bracket results to be inserted slidingly.

In both cases, advantageously, a filling shock absorber can be further comprised arranged into the slide elements (305) and (410) .

Brief description of drawings

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will result to be clearer with the description of some of its embodiments that follows, made to illustrate but not to limit, with reference to the annexed drawings, wherein:

- Figures from 1 to 4 show a solution of connection between panel in Porenbeton and supporting structure on accordance with the background art.

- Figure 5 shows in section from the top an innovative wall in accordance to a first possible embodiment wherein the brackets are provided with slots.

- Figure 6 better highlights the conformation of such slots, while figure 7 shows an example of translation of the panelling.

- Figure 8 shows a possible inconvenience in accordance with such an embodiment in the case a bad centering of the connection bolts takes place.

- Figures from 9 to 12 show a second possible embodiment, while figure 13 shows an example of functioning of the same.

- Figures from 14 to 17 show a third embodiment, while figure 18 shows an example of functioning in accordance with such a solution.

Description of some preferred embodiments

With reference to figure 5, it is described a first embodiment of a wall 1, preferably in Porenbeton, in accordance with the invention.

The figure shows a supporting structural element 10 which, as described in the background art, can be a post, a pilaster (for example in reinforced concrete) or a metallic beam.

The structural element will therefore have a predetermined longitudinal length and a transversal section depending on the planning needs.

Figure 5, in an absolutely non limiting manner, shows as a way of example an angle connection of the post with the panels 2. It is evident that the same system can be used to realize simple rectilinear and not necessarily angular walls.

Always as shown in figure 5, in order to connect in a stable manner the supporting structural element 10 with the panels 2, the use of brackets 3 is comprised. In particular, the post comprises a "Halfen" channel 4 which is generally placed directly on the structural element. The back end 11 of the bracket 3 is conformed in such a way as to engage slidingly into the guide 4 so that the panels can be connected to the supporting structure in a sliding manner vertically along the post, that is that they can be overlapped one to the other. In particular, the back part of the bracket has a bayonet-like conformation (that is T-shaped) .

Each panel 2 is therefore fixed to the supporting structure through a bracket which is provided with at least one, preferably three, holes 6 into which blocking elements 5 such as screws, bolts, nails or similar engage.

In accordance with the invention the holes 6 are slot-shaped, as better described in detail in the subsequent figure 6, which develops in length according to a direction parallel to the plane surface of the panelling, that is orthogonally to the axis 100 of the bracket itself. In such a manner, the bolts 5, arranged into the slot to realize the connection between bracket and panel, have a certain clearance along the plane surface of the panelling and that therefore allows their movement precisely along such a direction.

In accordance with such an embodiment, the critical component of the T stress of the shock for the panelling (that is the component that acts along the plane surface of the panelling itself and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting structural elements) thus results to be perfectly controllable.

The slots allow in fact an independent motion of the panelling with respect to the supporting structure along such a direction, thus reducing the rigidity effect of the panelling along its plane surface. In particular, after a T shearing stress in the plane surface of the panelling and orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting elements, the slots allow an independent translation of the supporting structural element with respect to the panelling itself. In particular, the panelling remains in position while the structural post is free to oscillate along the T shearing direction. In such a manner, being now allowed a reciprocal movement between panel and supporting structural element, the supporting structure absorbs the load, rendering the panelling secondary .-

Figure 7 therefore shows an example of such an oscillation made possible through the solution described. In particular, the thin dotted line shows an initial configuration wherein the bolts are centred into the slots, as shown in figure 6, for example. Thanks to the slots realized, the structural element can now oscillate with respect to the panelling, rigidly carrying the brackets against the bolts, alternatively between an end and the opposite end of the slot itself. Figure 7 shows an extreme position wherein the bolts beat against an edge of the slots. It is therefore evident that, in accordance with such an embodiment, the clamping force of eventual screws or bolts 5 used must be such as to allow the translation described.

Figure 6 better highlights an excavation working 8 realized on the panel which forms a seat 8 for the bracket. Such excavation is realized in order to minimize the friction action between bracket and panel, thus allowing a better reciprocal translation.

Such a solution, although functional, requires a precise centering of the bolts with respect to the slots. A wrong centering, as better described in detail in the subsequent figure 8, would cause a block of the panel with respect to. the supporting element, rendering the whole system absolutely rigid.

In order to avoid such an inconvenience, figures from 9 to 13 show a second possible embodiment of the invention .

Maintaining unchanged what has been structurally described for the first embodiment, in this case, however, the slots of the bracket are substituted by a sliding track 205 arranged along the critical direction of T shearing stress, therefore in the plane surface of the panelling orthogonally to the longitudinal axis of the supporting ^' element (see also the axonometric view of figure 11) . The sliding track can indifferently obtained directly on the supporting structural element or connected externally to it.

Into the sliding track 205 a vertical guide 204 is connected in a mobile manner (two are represented in figure since the figure portrays two panels 5 placed one beside the other) . A bracket 3 is then assembled sliding into such a guide 204 by one of its ends, as per the background art, while it is connected normally to the panel by the opposite end through screws or similar.

In accordance with such an embodiment, the slots are therefore substituted by the said track 205 in combination with the vertical guide 204 assembled slidingly into the track. To that aim, each guide 204 comprises, integral to it, a sliding carriage 210 arranged slidingly into the track 205. In case of shearing stress the panel is free to oscillate through the sliding of the carriage (and therefore of the vertical guide 204) along the track 205, thus allowing a reciprocal movement between panel 2 and structural system 10.

Figure 13 therefore shows an example of translation of the structural element with respect to the entire panelling 2 through the sliding of the guides into the track 205.

Such a solution can anyway imply a certain encumbrance, especially in the case of supporting beams in steel wherein it becomes difficult, if not impossible, to place the track into the beam itself, and thus obliging to adopt a solution wherein the track results to be connected externally to the structure (as shown in figure 12, for example) .

In order to overcome such an inconvenience as well, the preferred embodiment of the invention (described in figures from 14 to 18) comprises an innovative bracket 303 which is furnished on the back end with a first sliding element 305, preferably but not necessarily of cylindrical shape, into which a smaller second sliding element 310 (a second internal cylinder, for example) slides coaxially.

The first sliding element 305 can easily be arranged into a seat obtained in the panel in Porenbeton, reducing the encumbrance significantly.

The internal element 310 is configured in such a way as to comprise a first part in the shape of a cylinder 310' , sliding into the hollow seat of the cylinder 305, and a second part 310'' that comes out from the cylinder 305 and configured in such a way as to engage slidingly on the vertical guide 304.

The section of figure 15 better highlights the element 305 into which the internal cylinder 310 is assembled slidingly which, in turn, slides vertically along the vertical guide 304 integral to the structural post .

The section of figure 16 shows an alternative solution wherein, maintaining unchanged what has already been described, in an exactly inverted manner the end of the bracket 405 is arranged to slide internally into a cylinder 410 fixed slidingly on the guide 304.

In both solutions, a shock absorbing material, for example foam or a springs system, can eventually be arranged into the external cylinders (305) and (410), which hold the internal cylinders (310; 405), in order to better absorb the translation effect of the panelling.

Figure 18, starting from the representation with a dotted line, shows a translation phase of the supporting structure with respect to the panelling (continuous line) after a stress as described. In particular, the figure highlights the sliding of the cylinder 310 into the cylinder 305 of the bracket.

In all the solutions described, it is generally comprised the use of the filler 7' for the lateral coupling between panel and panel.

Moreover, it is to be understood that the present invention, though addressed to the realization of wall plugs in general, can be perfectly used in the anti-noise barriers field.

Last, although the technique described is preferably addressed to panels in Porenbeton, it is evident ¾that it

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