Abstract: A vehicle frame assembly including two generally parallel, elongated side rail members and a plurality of cross members connecting the side rail members; each of the side rail members including an upper plate member, a lower plate member and a web member between the upper and lower plate members, the web member including a plurality of primary web sections having a truncated-triangular shape located along the length of the side rail member, adjacent primary web sections being inverted and spaced laterally with respect to one another and intermediate web sections connecting adjacent primary web sections.

Abstract: A load-bearing structural member comprising an upper plate member, a lower plate member spaced a distance X from the upper plate member, and a reinforcing web comprising a plurality of web segments extending back and forth between the web segments in zigzag fashion, the web segments meeting the plate members at a web angle .theta., wherein the magnitude of the two variables X and .theta. are varied over the length of the structural member in accordance with the weight, strength, and shape requirements of particular sections thereof.