Abstract: A truss includes an upper angle assembly; the upper angle assembly including an upper gap positioned in the lower angle assembly; a lower angle assembly, the lower angle assembly including a lower gap positioned in the lower angle assembly; and at least one of: a web member; and a bridge web member. The at least one of the web member and the bridge web member is positioned within the gap of at least one of the upper angle assembly and the lower angle assembly.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing stress and for increasing the load-bearing capacity of cable racks supporting electrical power and communication conduits and cables having increased versatility for conduit and cable sizes and quantities. Underground devices including rack arms for these applications are desirably made from plastic or composite materials. Rack arms desirably include openings for tying down the conduits and cables atop the arms. While non-metallic materials are designed to withstand environmental stresses, they typically have strength and rigidity properties less than the metallic structures previously used in such applications. Non-metallic rack arms with such openings may be reinforced locally with a stress attenuator or with ribs to increase their load-bearing and buckling capacity and to reduce their stress, strain and deflection under load. A stress attenuator may be made by increasing the in-molded thickness of the web in areas adjacent to or surrounding the tie-down openings.

Abstract: Methods and devices for reducing stress and for increasing the load-hearing capacity of cable racks supporting electrical power and communication conduits and cables having increased versatility for conduit and cable sizes and quantities. Underground devices including rack arms for these applications are desirably made from plastic or composite materials. Rack arms desirably include openings for tying down the conduits and cables atop the arms. While non-metallic materials are designed to withstand environmental stresses, they typically have strength and rigidity properties less than the metallic structures previously used in such applications. Non-metallic rack arms with such openings may be reinforced locally with a stress attenuator or with ribs to increase their load-bearing and buckling capacity and to reduce their stress, strain and deflection under load. A stress attenuator may be made by increasing the in-molded thickness of the web in areas adjacent to or surrounding the tie-down openings.

Abstract: An LVL structure is a rectangular cell suitable for weight bearing uses such as floor trusses. The LVL structure includes one or more LVL beams having first surfaces that are a single outer layer of a veneer stack. Fastening plates/devices having penetrating members are used to attach the one or more LVL beams to the LVL structure with the penetrating members penetrating the single veneer layer first surface of the LVL beams substantially perpendicular to the first surfaces. In this way, the penetrating members do not split/separate the layers of veneer making up the LVL beams and tend to secure the penetrated layers of the veneer making up the one or more LVL beams together in a nail like fashion.

Abstract: Various implementations described herein are directed to an integrated construction system. In one implementation, the integrated construction system includes a first panel for a formwork configuration of the integrated construction system, a second panel for a shoring configuration of the integrated construction system, and a third panel for a worker access configuration of the integrated construction system. The first panel, the second panel and the third panel are the same panel type.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a computer-aided design (CAD) application configured for generating interactive truss objects in a CAD model. In one embodiment, a truss creation tool allows the user to select a truss family and the endpoints of the truss. Based on these selections, the truss creation tool generates a layout and structural members of a truss. The truss may be maintained as an interactive object within the CAD model. Thus, a user may edit the truss object, resulting in the regeneration of the truss layout and the regeneration of the structural elements of the truss.

Abstract: A truss mounting brace (1) for use during installation of trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) may also be used as a permanent spacer between two trusses (19, 21, 22). The truss mounting brace (1) comprises a mounting section (4) arranged to be mounted on a truss (19, 21, 22), a gripping section (3) and an oblong body section (5) connecting the mounting section (4) and the gripping section (3). The gripping section (3) has a gripping mechanism (6) arranged to receive and to engage another element interlockingly. The present invention also relates to a method of installing two or more trusses, use of the truss mounting brace, and a method of manufacturing the truss mounting brace.

Abstract: A metal stud including first and second metal panels defining first and second flat surfaces with longitudinal edges each turned inwardly away from the flat surfaces. The first and second panels are positioned in parallel spaced apart relationship with the first flat surface and the second flat surface being outwardly directed relative to each other. An angular metal coupling element includes a continuous length of metal material periodically bent in opposite directions. The coupling element is positioned between the first and second panels and bent to periodically and alternately contact the first and second panels at contact points. The coupling element is fixed to the first and second panels at the contact points by spot welding or the like.

Abstract: A slotted channel with a supplemental flange as a building member has at least one supplemental flange extending from at least one slot in the member web or primary flanges yielding a building member with increased strength, both compressive (longitudinally) and in shear (transverse). The slotted member presents a reduced area through which heat or sound may be conducted and slots in which insulation is received, both increasing resistance to heat and sound transfer.

Abstract: A conduit holder is constructed to be mounted to an elongated metal beam with upper and lower surfaces and rod-like coupling elements extending therebetween. The conduit holder includes a conduit path defining element with an opening defining an axis. The opening is designed to receive conduit therethrough parallel to the axis. An attachment element is fixed to the conduit path defining element and includes an elongated channel extending transverse to the axis of the conduit defining element. The channel has an external opening directed generally toward the conduit defining element and is constructed to engage a coupling element of the metal beam in the elongated channel and hold the conduit path defining element with the opening directed generally transverse to the metal beam.

Abstract: A truss bearing supports a web-type construction truss and has an elongated metal member that is secured along its length to the primary supporting chord of a truss. The truss bearing can include a pair of substantially parallel spaced-apart elongated wooden members sandwiching the metal member extending along and secured to the bottom of the primary chord, with the metal member adhesively secured to the primary chord through being adhesively secured to the pair of wooden members. An optional metal bearing plate can be substantially rigidly secured to the bottom surface of the elongated metal member near one or both ends of the truss, forming therewith a T-shaped cross-section, and can be welded to a supporting member of a larger structure using metal-to-metal connection. The bearing plate can have an angled extension affixed to the first diagonal truss member.

Abstract: A joint having an improved rigidity realized by a shortened inter-joint distance and suitable for use in a truss structure is provided. A connection part is formed on the end of a pipe member to be used as a chord member. The connection part of the pipe for connecting with a parent plate for assembly of the truss structure is comprised of a tubular section formed by constrained pattern pressing of the pipe, and a flat section which is formed integral with and in close proximity to the tubular section.

Abstract: The present invention is a truss system constructed of rigid members and cables. In a preferred embodiment, the rigid members are used drill piping. Two inclined upper members are joined together at an angle to form a truss peak junction. A vertical member connects to and supports the lower end of each inclined upper member. The bottom of each vertical member sits in a collar attached to the top of a foundation member located in the ground. A tensioning member is perpendicularly attached to each inclined upper member near the midpoint of the inclined member. For each inclined upper member, a cable attaches to the inclined upper member near the truss peak, runs through a penetration in the tensioning member, and attaches to the lower end of the inclined member. Finally, a cable with first and second ends has its first and second ends secured so as to apply tension that opposes spreading of the lower ends of the inclined upper members.

Abstract: A truss system wherein the structural components and fixtures are formed from light gauge metal. The trusses are fabricated from roll formed truss chord members and truss web members. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with recessed web attachment faces and outwardly extending stiffening flanges to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are formed by nesting two roll formed C-shaped members to form a web member which is box-shaped in cross section. The web members provide the structural advantages of a box-shaped member and the ease and flexibility of a roll formed member.

Abstract: A truss system wherein the structural components and fixtures are formed from light gauge metal. The trusses are fabricated from roll formed truss chord members and truss web members. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with recessed web attachment faces and outwardly extending stiffening flanges to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are formed by nesting two roll formed C-shaped members to form a web member which is box-shaped in cross section. The web members provide the structural advantages of a box-shaped member and the ease and flexibility of a roll formed member.

Abstract: The present invention is a steel floor truss system for buildings, especially residential homes, wherein the truss includes a steel top member, or chord, extending between two vertical bearings. Typically, a vertical bearing is an inside (interior) or outside (foundation wall) steel stud, in which case, the steel chord is fastened to the top of the vertical steel stud, typically via a metal plate which overlaps and is screwed to both the chord and the stud. In some embodiments, however, a vertical bearing may be a concrete or cinder block (CMU) wall, and, in this case, the steel chord is fastened to the concrete or cinder block wall, for example, by being fastened to bolts extending up from the top or out from the side of the wall, or by interfitting into recesses made in the top of the wall.

Abstract: Wooden roof trusses of the kind having a bottom chord (13) and at least one obliquely disposed upper chord (11) with webs connecting the chords by means of nail-pated joints, in which the webs are selected from a set of standard stock length webs (50), and the ends of the webs (49) are provided with a standard shape set without regard to the geometry of the particular web joints.

Abstract: A Lightweight Pre-engineered prefabricated modular Building System comprised of prefabricated structural members and three prefabricated spacer plates which create the entire building main frame system. A multiple use principal structural member is utilized as top and bottom cords as well as end rungs for trusses and truss legs. The spacer plates are used to construct steep pitch building frames. Trusses are interchangeable anywhere in system. Eave peak members, purlins and girts are used to attach sheathing to the structural frame.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a double slope beam in vibrated or pre-compressed reinforced concrete, composed of two complementary halves or semi-beams (10) each with a reinforcing framework and with adjoining parts which are destined to be mated together incorporating some steel connecting plates (12, 13) that are anchored in the reinforcing framework by means of tie-rods. The two semi-beams are joined together by bolts at the time of forming the whole beam.

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 construction system for building a steel frame using steel members. Rafters form a roof portion of the steel frame, and a ceiling joist having two ends forms a ceiling portion of the steel frame. Compression webs and tension webs, disposed between the rafters and the ceiling joists, distribute the load between the rafters and the ceiling joists. The tension webs are disposed between the rafters, the ceiling joists, and the compression webs, and inhibit distortion of the roof. A peak bracket connects two rafters and a compression web together. Eave brackets connect the two unconnected ends of the two connected rafters to the ends of the ceiling joist, such that each end of the ceiling joist aligns with one of the unconnected ends of the two connected rafters. Compression brackets connect the compression webs to the ceiling joist. A center bracket connects two of the tension webs and one of the compression webs to the ceiling joist.

Abstract: An improved modular support assembly is disclosed for reinforcing an end of a transverse beam disposed upon a longitudinally extending beam of a manufactured home. The modular support comprises a truss portion comprising an upper member, a depending member and a brace. The upper member is positioned to be supported by the longitudinally extending beam. The depending member is connected to extend downwardly from the upper member. The brace interconnects the upper member and the depending members. The truss portion is connected to the transverse beam for enabling the brace to coact with the longitudinally extending beam of a manufactured home for providing a bracing between the upper member and the longitudinally extending beam for supporting the end of the transverse beam thereby.

Abstract: An improved outrigger is disclosed for a building structure having a longitudinally extending I-beam. The outrigger comprises an inner member having an upper end and a lower end and an outer member having an upper end and a lower end. A brace coacts between the lower end of the inner member and the upper end of the outer member and coacts between the upper end of the inner member and the lower end of the outer member. The inner member is connected to the I-beam.

Abstract: A brace for mounting on a web member in a generally planar truss to resist flexing of the web member out of the plane of the wooden truss. The brace is an elongate metal member comprising a flange adapted to overlie a face of the web member, and a body, extending from the flange, adapted to lie substantially within the thickness of the web member. A plurality of teeth may be integrally formed in the flange to embed in the web member and mount the brace thereto. Alternatively, holes may be provided on the flange for mounting the brace. The brace, when mounted on a web member, helps reduce bending and flexing of the web member, out of the plane of the truss, and trusses that include the brace do not need cross-bracing.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete joist having web openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. In an exemplary embodiment, the joist comprises generally horizontal opposite top and bottom concrete members with a concrete web interposed between them. This web may have openings through which mechanical and electrical equipment may pass. Prestress steel strands may extend lengthwise through both the top and bottom members to provide prestress in the concrete joist. The concrete joist may further comprise strand restraining devices for deflecting the prestress steel strands. The precast, prestressed concrete joist having a web opening may be constructed using a reusable casting apparatus. This casting apparatus comprises a prestressing bed onto which a frame may be mounted. The frame provides a means of applying tension to the prestress steel strands and of supporting prestress strand restraining devices.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-level, earth sheltered structure having a foundation for supporting the structure and corresponding to the exterior shape of the structure. The teachings and techniques of the present invention are applicable to both commercial and residential structures. Two truss design embodiments are disclosed both producing a slanted outer wall which reduces some of the forces acting on the structure. Use of both earth covered and exposed roofs are accommodated. A thermal envelope may be utilized further maximizing thermal efficiency. Interior walls may be constructed in the conventional manner, the layout being dictated by personal preference or commercial requirements.

Abstract: A trussed frame for use in structures and particularly those structures having long-span requirements in which there is at least one compression member comprised of hollow steel filled with high strength concrete forming a composite having a higher load carrying capacity than the total load carrying capacity of the hollow steel compression member and concrete each acting alone and a pre-compressed rolled structure steel tension member having high strength steel post-tension tendons anchored to the trussed frame at the respective ends of the tendon.

Abstract: A truss member for the erection of a building structure being fabricated in twenty eight foot lengths having top and bottom full length 2.times.4 members having intermediate angled hardwood members with spaced vertical hardwood members and plywood full length at each side thereof and at either outer side the full length thereof angled iron members and at each end thereof transverse bolts forming a unitary parallel metal truss box beam member requiring no bearing walls in providing overhead support reducing the cost of fabrication relative to a prior art truss member on the order of fifty percent and reducing the time and cost of erecting a frame structure by substantially a like amount of savings.

Abstract: An open web structural support member such as a truss is described whose length may be adjusted in predetermined increments and which employs an incremental adjustment means for adjusting the effective length of the end web in order to compensate for adjustment in the length of the truss to maintain a rigid and stable truss. An apertured chord plate is attached to the upper chord member by a pin placed in a selected one of the adjustment holes in such chord plate for adjusting the length of the truss. The chord plate is connected to a mounting bracket at the end of the upper chord member. The incremental adjustment means for the web includes an adjustable link means connected to an end web member to form an end web assembly of adjustable length attached between the mounting bracket and the lower chord member.

Abstract: A mounting apparatus including a mounting bracket, for attachment of an open web structural support to an end support such as a support wall enables the upper chord member of the structural support to be mounted flush to the top of a bearing plate on the top of the support wall. The bracket is comprised of an angled plate member which is securable to the bearing plate and includes a chord receiving portion having outwardly extending channel members which receive opposite side edges of the ends of the upper chord member. Adjustable length end web members are connected to the angled plate member to accommodate a change of length of the structural support. An adjustable spacer apparatus is provided in the channel members between the end of the upper chord member and angled plate member for accommodating structural supports of different lengths.

Abstract: At each end of a top hung wood truss one or more end webs are attached to top chord by connector plates which not only embed in the end webs and the top chord in the region of the joint between them, but also extend outwardly beyond the joint in the form of legs that embed within the chord extension, that is the portion of the top chord which extends beyond the joint and rests on the bearing surface that supports the truss. Indeed, the outwardly projecting leg of each connector plate is located over the bearing surface, its lower margin being close to the underface of the chord extension to lessen the tendency of wood fibers in the top chord to crush in that region. The plate strengthens the top chord at its extension, enabling it to better withstand the shear forces and moments that are within the chord extension.

Abstract: A bowling lane construction adapted for placement on a foundation including an elongated bowling lane and a plurality of supports for the lane, each adapted to be disposed on a foundation for functional engagement with the lower surface of the lane. The supports are generally parallel, spaced along the length of the lane and generally transverse to the direction of elongation thereof. Each such support is formed of a truss having spaced upper and lower chords and at least two vertical braces extending between the chords and at least two elongated tie braces extending diagonally between the chords.

Abstract: A patio enclosure adapted for affixation to the exterior wall of an existing structure consisting of a plurality of side and front panels, a roof support structure and an overlying fabric roof. The roof support structure includes a series of rafters having centrally depending therefrom a cable receiving slotted finger. A cable extends between the rafter assembly from its point of affixation to the existing structure to its point of affixation to the front panels of the enclosure. The cable passes through the slot in the depending finger.

Abstract: An elongate support member of the type generally used to span a pair of horizontally spaced supports is stiffened by pivotally attaching thereto at spaced points along its length at least two posts which extend in the same general direction and generally transverse to the length of the support member, and by pivotally attaching tension members or ties to a point at or near each end of said member and the free end of the nearer post and from at or near the free end of a post to the pivotal connection of the next adjacent post to the member, whereby the tension members or ties cross each other between adjacent posts. This form of stiffening allows bending moments and deflections arising as the result of loads applied to the member to be reduced and rendered positive.

Abstract: Prestressed composite tension members comprise an assembly which includes compression and tension portions which are loaded longitudinally along or symmetrical with the center of gravity of the compression portion and prestressed causing both the tension and compression portions to cooperate in resisting lengthening of the assembly rather than the tension portion alone, thus lessening such elongations. In one embodiment, the tension member forms a tension member in a truss, having an upper chord and vertical webs acting in compression, and the tension member comprises a tensioned cable mounted within a series of abutting, slotted and glued wood members under compression. In another embodiment, the tension member comprises a tensioned cable centered in a plurality of tubes in compression, forming the truss lower chord.

Abstract: A first member is provided with an elongated recess which has one open end, and a first throughgoing passage which extends transversely to the elongation of the recess. A second member which is to be connected to the first member is provided with a disc which extends outwardly away from the second member. The disc is adapted to be received in the recess when the second and first members are connected to one another. The disc is provided with a throughgoing passage so arranged as to communicate and bound with the first passage of the first member a throughgoing channel. A wedge-shaped element is closely receivable in the channel so as to arrest the second member on the first member and prevent any movement of these two members relative to one another.

Abstract: A characteristic feature of the present invention lies in that in the building roofing structure is made of a number of similar elements in the form of an arch and a tie beam. The tie beam of each arch is made of at least one panel with a framework comprising longitudinal chords and cross-pieces and of a prestressed sheet covering connected to the framework.

Abstract: A structural truss composed of spaced rails interconnected by a series of struts swingably coupled at their ends. Track members on the rails receive the ends of the struts which are slid into place between the rails. Thereafter, the struts are crimped in place upon the rail members to form a load supporting structural member.In a second embodiment, rivets are slipped into the track members, the struts are slipped upon the rivets and the ends of the struts and the rivets are deformed to form the structural truss.

Abstract: Flooring for a sectionalized building which includes spaced parallel girders supported upon a concrete foundation carrying cross beams. Joists are supported upon each of the girders with a pair of board supports being positioned at the side edges of each of the girders and extending from the top of the joists to the cross beams. Flooring is applied over the joists and board supports.

Abstract: A wood truss or joist structure, including a top chord member and diagonal members joining the top chord member adjacent the ends of the latter, the top chord member having support surfaces inwardly offset from the intersection of the center lines of the top chord and diagonal members to distribute bending moments throughout the truss. All members are adhesively secured together.

Abstract: A ridge-joint connector assembly for trusses having a top chord which consists of a pair of juxtaposed parallel wood lumber members and metal web members. The assembly connects the abutting ends of the pitched lumber members and the metal chord members. The assembly consists of two pairs of metal fastener plates, a pair of ridge end-butt inserts and an elongated metal load transfer member.