Seismic Chord Connector

MeadowBurke®

• Code compliant, fully tested and certified

• HDE Connection in accordance with ASCE 7-16

• High deformation capacity of 0.78" at 23.6 kips

• Connection ductility helps prevent brittle failure

• Reliable chord connection for pre-topped double tees

allowing total precast design

Patent Number: 9,340,978

Revolutionizing the Performance

of chord connectors subject to seismic

loads

Building safe precast structures in earthquake zones is challeng-ing for architects and contractors alike. Integrating critical seismicresistance while achieving aesthetically pleasing design requiresall parties involved to remain up to date on the latest products, techniques and systems.

Significant protection against earthquake damage is possiblewhen the structure is properly designed and constructed. Achievingthese goals must begin early in the design process to maximize theeffectiveness of precast capabilities against seismic activity.

Structural performance depends on the ductility of connectorsjoining each precast element. This is especially critical at the dou-ble tee connections. Until now precast structures lack of ductilityhas left them extremely vulnerable to weld breaks during seismicactivity, resulting in significant compromise and even catastrophicfailure to the integrity of the structure. Recent advancements bythe engineers at Lehigh University and Meadow Burke focus onthe chord connections within double tee floor and roof systems.

MeadowBurke®Seismic Challenges

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Current solutions have not been tested or certified, and donot provide ductility. The result is a non-standard approach,leaving the industry without a viable solution and a persist-ing threat of chord connection failures.

MeadowBurke®A Flexible Solution

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The Seismic Chord Connector from Meadow Burke is perhaps themost beneficial product ever developed for the precast doubletee. More than its radical new design, more than the cost savingsdue to ease of installation, even more than the savings from minimizing structural damage due to seismic activity – are the livessaved because of this innovation. The Seismic Chord Connector is a code-compliant seismic resistant system that represents a revolutionary breakthrough, rendering present construction standards and chord connections obsolete.

The benefits of the Seismic Chord Connector extend beyond pre-stress producer and designers, to the owner of the structuresthrough lower maintenance costs. The simple design enableseasy replacement to current cumbersome methods. Requiringjust two plug welds for the rebar attachment the Seismic ChordConnector can be placed in the form using existing rebar chairs.

Designed with finite element software and validated through ex-perimental testing, the Seismic Chord Connector meets the ASCE7-16 requirements for High Deformation Elements. The connectionprovides over 0.6" of reliable deformation capacity. For use in

pre-topped precast concrete diaphragm systems, the SeismicChord Connector provides reliable force transfer and ductility tothe floor system under large demands. It eliminates the need fora field cast concrete pour strips, thereby improving the quality and service life of the building. The Seismic Chord Connector worksexceptionally well in double tee flooring structures, where the ductility dramatically improves the reliability of the connectionunder earthquake and high wind demands. It also provides a useful detail for any precast system where reliable welded tensionconnection is needed.

ADVANTAGES

• Code compliant, fully tested and certified• HDE Connection in accordance with ASCE 7-16• High deformation capacity of 0.78" at 23.6 kips• Connection elongation helps to eliminate brittle failure• Easy installation• Inventory item, eliminating prefabrication• Provides a reliable dry chord connection for pre-topped double tees, enabling total precast design

Available with Zinc Finish

The ductility of connectors joining the precast elements is especially critical in double tee connec-tions. Recent chord connector advancements bythe engineers at Lehigh University and MeadowBurke have yeilded a code compliant seismic resist-ant system that provides reliable force transfer and ductility to the diaphragm while under considerable seismic demands.

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Simple plug weld

Robust faceplate

Yield Zone

For satisfactory seismic performance, diaphram connections mustbe designed to accommodate movement without loss of capacity.The Seismic Chord Connector is designed to be used in pre-topped precast concrete diaphragm systems and provides

reliable force transfer and ductility to the floor system under largedemands. It eliminates the need for a field cast concrete pourstrips of pre-topped double tees, thereby improving the qualityand service life of the building.

MeadowBurke®How it Works

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Two 5/16" weld toes to a slug complete the Diaphragm Connection

Seismic movementSeismic movement

Seismic Chord Connector creates a diaphragm that eliminates

the need for field cast concrete pour strips. It also meets the ASCE

7-16 requirements for High Deformation Elements. The connec-

tion provides more than 0.6" of reliable deformation capacity.

MeadowBurke®Ductile Chord Connector

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MeadowBurke®Applications

Double Tee-to-Double Tee (Standard Application)Connecting the diaphragm

Wall Panel-to-Wall Panel (Optional Application)Connecting the precast wall elements

MeadowBurke®Installation

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Easy to install.

Insert A706 rebar completely into the Seismic Chord Connector.

Plug weld the two oblong holes.

Place the Seismic Chord Connector with rebar into the formwhere the face of the connector is centered in the flangedepth, or if you add shims, centered in the flange depth usingthe plastic form connection plates.

The pre-topped double tees are placed in position, and thediaphragm connections are welded

Plug weld

Field fillet weld

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Connector-to-Connector Chord Reinforcement eliminates pour strips

Connector-to-Connector Lap Splice Chord Reinforcement eliminates pour strips

Cast-in-Place Pour Strip

Standard InstallationThe connector-to-connector appli-cation creates a diaphragm thateliminates the need for field castconcrete pour strips, resulting in improved quality, structural integrity and performance underextreme seismic activity.

Optional InstallationThe connector-to-connector lapsplice application creates a diaphragm that eliminates theneed for field cast concrete pourstrips, resulting in improved quality,structural integrity and performanceunder extreme seismic activity.

Traditional InstallationThe Seismic Chord Connector allows for total precast construction,ELIMINATING costly and laboriouspour strips and field cast concrete

MeadowBurke®Installation

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Innovating Concrete Constructionwww.MeadowBurke.com

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