Cable System for Structural Reinforcement and Construction Method Thereof

Seismic reinforcement system for multi-directional cable connection by overlapping multiple angled connectors on a single hinge pin

This technology is a cable-based structural reinforcement system and construction method that secures structures from multiple directions. Base plates and reinforcement beams are attached to various locations on a structure, and rotatable connectors are fitted onto hinge pins coupled to each beam. These connectors are then linked by reinforcement cables. The system can also be connected to ground anchors using secondary reinforcement cables.

Conventional seismic reinforcement methods, such as installing seismic isolators or steel plate shear reinforcements and filling gaps with mortar, often require structural modifications, increase load, and involve complex processes, leading to high costs. Existing cable reinforcement methods also have limitations, as they require new cable fixing components for every weak point or whenever floors or sections change, resulting in an excessive number of parts and cumbersome installation.

This technology divides the connector into a thick fixing part for cable insertion and a thinner rotatable part. By flipping two connectors vertically and overlapping their rotatable parts, multiple cables at different angles can be attached to a single hinge pin. The base plate is secured with stud anchors, and the reinforcement beam is welded to prevent cable tension from concentrating on the plate. The rotation angle of the connector can be adjusted to match the angle between the three coupling positions, and cables can be anchored to the ground using a ground connection consisting of a pile and a ground plate. Applicable to seismic retrofitting of aging low-rise buildings, pilotis structures, and school or public building renovations, this system allows for the simultaneous connection of horizontal, vertical, and ground-anchored cables from a single fixing point, reducing both the number of parts and the need for drilling.

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Key Features:

• A base plate coupled to at least one location on a structure, with a corresponding reinforcement beam attached to it
• A connector consisting of a fixing part where the reinforcement cable is inserted and a rotatable part, thinner than the fixing part, that couples to the connection hinge pin
• A pair of connectors with their rotatable parts overlapped in a vertically inverted state, allowing them to be coupled to the same hinge pin at different angles
• A ground connection unit featuring a pile inserted into the ground, a ground plate resting on the surface, and a coupling part where a secondary connector is rotatably attached

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This invention was developed with support from the Ministry of the Interior and Safety's technology development project for risk assessment and response for earthquake-damaged facilities.

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