Corrugated shearwall

Abstract

A prefabricated shearwall including a central diaphragm having a height generally defined by top and bottom edges, and a width generally defined by a pair of end sections. The diaphragm further includes at least one corrugation extending in the height direction at least partially between the top and bottom edges. The corrugation increases the ductility and ability of the shearwall to withstand lateral forces such as those generated in earthquakes, high winds, floods and snow loads. The various components of the shearwall may be affixed to each other by welding, bolting, screwing and/or gluing.

1 . A shearwall, comprising: 
 a central diaphragm, including 
 a top edge and a bottom edge generally defining a height of said central diaphragm,  
 first and second ends, extending between the top and bottom edges, generally defining a width of said central diaphragm, and  
 a corrugated section extending at least partially between said top edge and said bottom edge in between said first and second ends, said corrugated section forming at least one corrugation; and  
   at least one of: 
 a sill plate affixed at said bottom edge of the central diaphragm and having a footprint at least as large as the footprint of said central diaphragm,  
 first and second chords affixed one each to said first and second ends, and  
 a channel in which said central diaphragm is seated,  
 at least two of the central diaphragm, sill plate, first and second chords and channel being affixed to each other by at least one of welding, bolting, screwing and gluing.  
   
   
   
       2 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said first and second chords are each formed of 2 inch×4 inch wood.  
   
   
       3 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , the sill plate affixed at said bottom edge of the central diaphragm and having a footprint at least as large as the combined footprint of said central diaphragm and said first and second chords together.  
   
   
       4 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , wherein said central diaphragm is formed of 7-guage steel.  
   
   
       5 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said at least one corrugation being defined by a pair of angled sections extending along said height dimension from a first plane at a back edge of the central diaphragm and angling inward toward each other, said angled sections terminating in a second plane at a front edge of the central diaphragm, and said at least one corrugation further being defined by a front planar section in said second plate and extending between said pair of angled sections.  
   
   
       6 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said at least one corrugation extending from said top edge to said bottom edge.  
   
   
       7 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said at least one corrugation extending from said bottom edge and terminating at a position between said bottom edge and said top edge.  
   
   
       8 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said at least one corrugation including two corrugations.  
   
   
       9 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said central diaphragm including at least one aperture.  
   
   
       10 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said central diaphragm including at least one embossment.  
   
   
       11 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 1 , said central diaphragm including at least one stiffening lip.  
   
   
       12 . A shearwall, comprising 
 a central diaphragm having a height, width and depth, each being perpendicular to each other, and a corrugation extending in the direction of said height of said central diaphragm;    first and second chords affixed to said central diaphragm at opposed edges of said central diaphragm and extending in the direction of said height of said central diaphragm; and    a sill plate affixed to a bottom of the shearwall, said sill plate having a footprint at least as large as said central diaphragm and said first and second chords together;    wherein at least two of the central diaphragm, the first chord, the second chord and sill plate are affixed to each other by at least one of welding, bolting, screwing and gluing.    
   
   
       13 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 12 , further comprising a channel in which said central diaphragm resides.  
   
   
       14 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 13 , said sill plate having a width greater than that of said channel.  
   
   
       15 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 13 , said sill plate being formed of ½ inch thick steel.  
   
   
       16 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 13 , said channel is affixed to the central diaphragm by at least one of welding, bolting, screwing and gluing.  
   
   
       17 . A shearwall having a length between a top and bottom of the shearwall, comprising: 
 a first member extending in the length direction between a top and bottom of the shearwall, the first member including at least a first corrugation;    a second member extending in the length direction between the top and bottom of the shearwall, the second member including at least a second corrugation; and    a central section of variable width in a direction transverse to the length of the shearwall for affixing the first member to the second member wherein the central section is affixed to the first and second members by at least one of welding, bolting, screwing and gluing.    
   
   
       18 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 17 , where in the central section is a single unitary section extending at least partially between the top and bottom of the shearwall  
   
   
       19 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 17 , where in the central section is comprised of a plurality of piece of sections positioned between the top and bottom of the shearwall.  
   
   
       20 . A shearwall as recited in  claim 17 , where in the central section is welded to the first and second members.