Abstract: The invention is directed to a lightweight steel frame system having end nailed connections where lightweight steel structural members frame into support members. The end nailed connection is made by driving fasteners through the support member and directly into the connection end of a lightweight steel structural member without the need for using additional connection hardware. Where the lightweight steel structural member is a roof or floor truss, the support member may include a leveling member to facilitate positioning each roof truss at an elevation set point to produce a level roofline along the finished structure.

Abstract: A reticulated dome structure (20) has an inner structural network (24) and an outer structural network (26). Each network has structural members (34, 38) connected at junctions (36, 40) to form various shapes of dome structures including: vault, vault with rounded ends, triangular, stadium, intersecting vault, and spherical. The junctions have two plates (54, 56) with the structural members fastened (68) therebetween to form moment bearing junctions. Tubular braces (32) are connected according to a desired plan between outer network junctions and inner network junctions to establish a desired substantially parallel spacing between the networks and to transfer loads locally between the networks. The network members subdivide outer and inner surfaces into polygonal areas which are of a uniform kind in the outer network. The outer network openings can be closed by closure panels (29, 170) which laterally stabilize the outer network members to which they are connected and structurally enhance that network.

Abstract: A shear frame assembly of the type having a pair of tensioned diagonal straps that provide resistance to shear loads. The shear frame assembly includes a pair of laterally opposed vertical supports each having a first end portion and each vertical support has an aperture in its first end portion. The aperture is sized to receive one of the tensioned diagonal straps therethrough. Transverse top and bottom plates extend between the end portions of the vertical supports. A strap-alignment member is positioned in each aperture and each alignment member is positioned to receive and align the tensioned strap within the aperture. A force distributing member is positioned in each aperture and interposed between the alignment member and the respective vertical support. Each vertical support is formed by three studs that are connected together by bands that wrap around the studs so as to sandwich the middle stud between inner and outer studs.

Abstract: A weight bearing element having a web, and a chord connected to the web, the chord perimeter having a cross-sectional shape of a closed multi-sided figure having at least 5 sides, at least two of which are substantially parallel to the web. Some members may have chords which have a pentagonal cross sectional shape, and/or may include load transferring members or end-caps.