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Hoffmann Receives Patent

Patented Design Solution-Hoffmann Architects

Patented design solution

Hamden CT – Hoffmann Architects, Inc., an architecture and engineering firm specializing in the rehabilitation of building exteriors, announced receipt of a United States Patent for an innovative design by a senior member of the firm’s engineering team.

Designed to prevent and remediate structural failure at precast parking garage decks, the patented seismic connection improves structural integrity and reduces the incidence of stress and fatigue fracture. Lawrence E. Keenan, PE, AIA, director of engineering with Hoffmann Architects, developed the design after observing structural failure of welded deck connections at different precast parking garages. The extent and nature of the failures led Keenan to consider new ways of approaching these critical connections.

The patented solution developed by Keenan and Hoffmann Architects reduces stress at precast concrete garage connections by replacing standard straight bars with bent erection plates. By increasing the bending capacity of both the plate and the weld, the design improves the strength of flange connections by as much as a factor of ten. By reducing the concentration of stress, the patented connection also satisfies building code requirements for fatigue resistance. These benefits are achieved without increasing the size of the steel bar or the weld, making the design cost-effective, as well.