System and Method for Structural Restraint Against Seismic and Storm Damage

Abstract

A system for structural restraint of structures against seismic and storm damage comprises a plurality of structural framing components; a plurality of structural sheathing components; a plurality of structural fasteners; one or more structural foundations; and a structural bonding agent applied to the interior and exterior to prevent failure of structural fasteners.

1 . A system for structural restraint of structures against seismic and storm damage, the system comprising:
 a plurality of structural framing components;   a plurality of structural sheathing components;   a plurality of structural fasteners;   one or more structural foundations; and   a structural bonding agent.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural bonding agent is a thermoset elastomer having a tensile strength of at least 15 MPa (2000 psi). 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2  wherein the structural bonding agent has an elastomeric flexural strength of at least 300%. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the structural bonding agent remains flexible to temperatures as low as −40° C. (−40° F.). 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the structural bonding agent is a spray foam insulation having a tensile strength of at least 0.35 MPa (50 psi). 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 5  wherein the structural bonding agent has an elastomeric flexural strength of at least 150%. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 6 , wherein the structural bonding agent remains flexible to temperatures as low as −40° C. (−40° F.). 
     
     
         8 . Use of a structural bonding agent to reinforce building structures against seismic and storm damage by preventing egress of structural fasteners from structural building components. 
     
     
         9 . The use of the structural bonding agent as in  claim 8 , wherein the structural bonding agent is a thermoset elastomer. 
     
     
         10 . The use of the structural bonding agent as in  claim 8 , wherein the structural bonding agent is a spray foam insulation. 
     
     
         11 . A method of reinforcing a structure against seismic or storm damage comprising the steps of:
 framing a desired structure;   applying a structural flexible bonding agent over structural fasteners at selected locations of the framed structure to achieve a desired thickness.   
     
     
         12 . The method of reinforcing a structure of  claim 11 , further comprising injecting the structural flexible bonding agent into a structural cavity. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the flexible structural bonding agent is applied by spraying. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible bonding agent is applied to an area of between 100 mm (4″) and 255 mm (10″) wide centered over the joint between structural components. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the flexible structural bonding agent is applied to selected locations on the interior of the framed structure, and corresponding selected locations on the exterior of the framed structure. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 15 , wherein the flexible structural bonding agent applied to selected locations on the interior of the framed structure is a thermoset elastomer, and the flexible bonding agent applied to corresponding selected locations on the exterior of the framed structure is a spray foam insulation.