Patent ID: 8689518
Filing Date: 2014-04-08
Classification: E02D

Abstract:
1. A connection between a prefabricated shearwall, located in a substantially planar wall, and an upper structural member disposed above the prefabricated shearwall, the connection comprising: a. a prefabricated shearwall located in a lower story of a multi-story building, the shearwall having sufficient strength to contribute to opposing seismic or wind lateral forces on the building, the prefabricated shearwall being fastened to an underlying support surface, the shearwall having a central diaphragm, the central diaphragm having two ends and a top edge and a bottom edge, a width, a height and a depth with the width of the diaphragm being at least twice as great as the depth of the diaphragm, the central diaphragm further having two interior, rear planar sections, the rear planar sections being disposed vertically, each of the rear planar sections being adjacent one of the two ends of the central diaphragm with the rear planar sections of the central diaphragm being disposed in substantial alignment with the plane of the wall in which the shearwall is located, and each end of the central diaphragm being disposed at an angle to the rear planar section to which it is adjacent; b. a continuity tie attached to one of the rear planar sections of the diaphragm of the shearwall near, but below the top edge of the diaphragm, the continuity tie having a top surface and a bottom surface, the continuity tie being a tubular member where the top surface and bottom surface are the separated top and bottom walls of the tubular member, and side members integrally connect the top and bottom walls of the tubular member, and the top and bottom walls and the side members define a through bore in the tubular member, the through bore being oriented horizontally, and disposed within the top and bottom surfaces are aligned openings that receive an elongated rod member; c. the elongated rod member that is received by and is attached to the continuity tie; d. the upper structural member that receives and is attached to the elongated rod member, the upper structural member being located above the shearwall.