Abstract: Spliced structural members for supporting a traffic deck on a short span bridge. A spliced structural member includes a plurality of metal box-shaped girder segments placed end to end and splice channels nested around the adjacent ends of the girder segments. A spliced joint is formed by connecting the splice channels to the adjacent ends of the girder segments. The spliced joint has at least 75% of the flexural and shear strength of the girder segments and provides continuity for structural strength and rigidity for the spliced structural member.

Abstract: A roof supporting structure and method of erecting such structure, the structure comprising a series of spaced apart rafters lying in parallel relation with a series of V-truss units extending between the rafters in parallel relation at spaced apart intervals to define rows of V-truss units supported at their opposite ends on the rafters, the V-truss units in a given row lying in alternating relation with respect to the V-truss units in the next adjacent row, the ends of the V-truss units in one row being interconnected with the adjoining ends of the V-truss units in the next adjacent row so that horizontal forces will be transmitted jointly by the V-truss units in adjacent rows. Modified V-truss units may be provided at the ends of alternate rows to further enhance the horizontal load supporting capability of the structure, the modified V-truss units additionally serving to mount the wall panels of a building utilizing the roof supporting structure.

Abstract: A roof construction having at least one roof slope is disclosed wherein at least four Z-purlins are laid across and secured to a number of rafters on the roof slope in a building and the roof deck is then secured on top of the Z-purlins. Tendencies toward Z-purlin roll over failure are counter balanced when at least two of the Z-purlins on the roof slope are oriented to face downwardly of the roof slope and at least two of the Z-purlins on the roof slope are oriented to face upwardly of the roof slope. The downwardly and upwardly oriented Z-purlins may be arranged in pairs of adjacent Z-purlins, each pair comprising one upwardly and one downwardly facing Z-purlin, or so that Z-purlins of one group face upwardly and Z-purlins of the other group face downwardly. The Z-purlins are stabilized by means of stiffeners secured to the purlins at bearing points and by means of tie straps extending between adjacent purlins.

Abstract: An integrated roof system for buildings of the type wherein the roof structure is supported on spaced apart rafters, the system comprising a series of V-trusses extending between the rafters at spaced apart intervals, the V-trusses comprising independent load supporting units which are self-bracing and do not require interconnecting bracing members. The V-trusses are formed from half-truss sections having top and bottom chords interconnected by webbing, the half-truss sections being diagonally disposed with respect to each other with their bottom chords juxtaposed and their top chords interconnected by tie members. The system includes seat members at the ends of the top chords by means of which the V-trusses are secured to the rafters, and a roof structure adapted to be secured to the top chords of the V-trusses.