CONTROLLED RELEASE WALL STRUCTURE

摘要

A controlled release wall structure is provided which relies on controlled strength distribution and which disengages from a building framework at a selected applied load -- failure load -- and collapses in the direction of the applied load, that is, inwardly or outwardly of the building. Under normal wind load conditions, the present wall structure will safely sustain the expected elastic deflection and working stresses. However, under abnormally high loadings such as applied by explosion forces or by tornado and hurricane wind forces, the present wall structure collapses to create a substantial open area whereby a minimal loading is transmitted to the structural framework. The present wall structure protects the building framework from being overstressed during tornadoes or hurricanes; and also is capable of quickly relieving excessive pressures generated by an explosion within or without the building. The present wall structure includes at least one composite panel which spans the distance between at least first and second frame members, and which has one panel end releasably retained on the first frame member. According to this invention the composite panel is provided with a discontinuity in the region between the first and second frame members, which reduces the bending strength of the composite panel. The discontinuity extends parallel with and is spaced at a "selected distance" from a proximate edge of the first frame member. The "selected distance" determines the failure load of the wall structure.