VertiBrace (Partition Restraint)
VertiBrace is a revolutionary way of accommodating vertical movement within a unit that also provides lateral bracing for partitions; in essence; this brace removes the need for deflection head track and offers a solution that also works for glazed partitions.
All buildings are affected by vertical movement. This movement can be caused by wind and seismic events as well as live/dead loads imposed on the floor above. In large or multi-level buildings this movement can be substantial. When not considered, vertical movement can cause irreversible damage to partition walls and may endanger occupants in the event of a natural disaster.
VertiBrace provides lateral bracing for partial height partition walls and removes the need for deflection headtrack. It helps to ensure occupant safety and limit non-structural partition damage.
VertiBrace utilises a sliding connection that separates the partition wall from the structure above meaning that any vertical deflection doesn’t damage the partition system. It is a partition wall bracket comprising a cylinder that connects to the upper surface of a wall and a stem which connects to the building structure above. The stem is designed to move within the cylinder along the longitudinal axis of the body.
When installed, the VertiBrace will allow for +/- 25mm deflection, 50mm total. A taller version is available to accommodate 70mm worth of movement (+/- 35mm). The VertiBrace cylinder is fitted with an acoustic sleeve which prevents noise as the connection slides. An additional benefit is that this greatly reduces footfall vibrations transferring down through partition walls.
VertiBrace can be fitted to timber, aluminium, and steel headtracks and can be retro-fitted to most existing partitions.
VertiBrace Supports the I AM HOPE Foundation.
VertiBrace By T&R Interior Systems on Vimeo.
SPECIFICATIONS
T&R has developed VertiBrace in response to architects’ needs for a partition restraint solution that deals with the vertical movement of a building caused by wind and seismic events. This solution provides lateral bracing and removes the need for deflection headtrack. It prevents many of the issues seen during the Christchurch, Kaikoura and Seddon Earthquakes, helping to ensure occupant safety and limit non-structural partition damage.
Building movement caused by dead/live loading, wind and seismic events can produce pressure and stress on interior partition walls. This pressure can cause walls and glazing units to be crushed, broken, or torn. Standard rigid bracing does not accommodate vertical displacement (when designed for, it's usually mitigated with deflection headtrack). Instead of using deflection Headtrack, VertiBrace allows for this movement through a sliding connection.
The VertiBrace has been developed to exceed the New Zealand Building Code using sound engineering principles. The performance and capacity of all brackets has been quantified by extensive physical testing.
For product warranties, completion documents and test reports, please contact T&R Interior Systems: info@tris.co.nz