Abstract: The description relates to bridge truss systems. On example can include a steel truss that includes a top cord spaced away from a bottom cord and multiple web members secured between the top cord and the bottom cord. A deck can be positioned on the top cord of the steel truss.

Abstract: A wooden frame truss with enhanced fire resistance is provided and includes an upper chord extending along a longitudinal axis, a lower chord disposed below the upper chord and extending along a vertically displaced, parallel axis, a plurality of supports attached between the upper and lower chords, and a plurality of metal gusset plates securing the supports to the chords. At least one wallboard batten strip is attached to an underside of the lower chord, the strip being constructed and arranged so that the strip defines a ledge extending from each side of the lower chord.

Abstract: An implementation of a truss configuration disclosed herein includes a plurality of trusses, each including a top chord, a bottom chord, a plurality of exterior braces, and a plurality of interior braces, wherein length of each of the plurality of exterior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the exterior braces and the top chord is substantially similar. Furthermore, length of each of the plurality of interior braces is substantially similar and wherein the angle between each of the alternate interior braces and the top chord is substantially similar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a truss, having an upper and lower chord member each extending in generally the same longitudinal direction and in spaced apart relation. The truss also includes a plurality of web members each with a first and second end, the web members including a crimped portion at the first and second end with openings, wherein the first and second ends and openings of adjacent web members overlap. A lower chord fastening system extends through the lower chord and through the overlapping openings in the first ends of adjacent web members. An upper chord fastening system extends through the upper chord and through the overlapping openings in the second ends of two adjacent web members. The upper and lower chord fastening system further includes a saddle member extending over the web-chord junction and secured to the chords to provide additional strength to select connections at opposing ends of the truss.

Abstract: A joist includes an outer top chord and a bottom chord; and an end configuration with at least one end of the joist and including a board connecting the top and bottom chords, an inner top chord underlying the outer top chord and defining therewith a double top chord section, a post extending between the bottom chord and the double top chord section, the double top chord section extending outwardly past the post.

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 roof panel structure having a purlin comprising a truss, the truss having a substantially horizontally disposed top surface. A nailer board is attached to the top surface, and a first subpurlin is attached to the nailer board and is extends at least partly along the top surface such that the first subpurlin is arranged to be supported by the top surface. The nailer board is arranged vertically on the top surface.

Abstract: A plate joint for joining two plates together includes a first plate and a second plate, with each of the first plate and second plate having a first edge and an opposite and generally parallel second edge. The first plate and second plate are connected together in a generally orthogonal orientation relative to each other with a finger joint defined by a notch in each plate which interlock with each other. The first edge of the first plate and the first edge of the second plate each have a groove therein which axially align with each other in and end-to-end manner. A locking pin is press fitted into the grooves in each of the first plate and the second plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing twisting of at least one purlin. A roof construction has purlins extending between support beams to provide extra stability for the roof. To prevent purlins from twisting, a torsional brace is provided. A beam of the torsional brace extends between two of the purlins. A static clip is connected to a purlin, and a pin is used to secure one end of the beam to the clip. The other end of the beam can be similarly clipped to another purlin, or alternatively, the other beam can be bolted to the purlin.

Abstract: The metal truss assembly disclosed herein is made from generally U-shaped metal chords and multiple generally S-shaped web members extending between the chords. A typical truss assembly has a pair of elongated, opposed, diverging metal upper chords and a lower chord, with the chords each forming generally U-shaped channels defining an interior chord space. A plurality of elongated metal web members extend between the upper and lower chords, with each of the web members extending into the interior space of an upper chord and the lower chord and attached to the chords. The web members, as taught herein, have a generally S-shaped cross-section. The shape of the web members is an advancement of prior art web members.

Abstract: A joist includes an outer top chord and a bottom chord; and an end configuration with at least one end of the joist and including a board connecting the top and bottom chords, an inner top chord underlying the outer top chord and defining therewith a double top chord section, a post extending between the bottom chord and the double top chord section, the double top chord section extending outwardly past the post.

Abstract: A truss assembly including truss hold-down connectors for attaching metal trusses to a bearing member. One embodiment of the truss hold-down connector has a vertical connector web that has a bottom attachment leg protruding therefrom for attachment to a bearing member and first and second attachment tab portions for attachment to the flanges of a vertically extending truss web. Stiffeners may be embossed into the vertical connector web to provide the connector with additional strength. The first and second attachment tabs may be configured to enable pairs of identical connectors to be attached to vertically extending truss webs that have one or more diagonally extending truss webs attached thereto.

Abstract: A roof panel structure having a purlin comprising a truss, the truss having a substantially horizontally disposed top surface. A nailer board is attached to the top surface, and a first subpurlin is attached to the nailer board and is extends at least partly along the top surface such that the first subpurlin is arranged to be supported by the top surface. The nailer board is arranged vertically on the top surface.

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 gusset connector plate for anchoring a safety line to a roof truss, a roof truss and an anchoring system incorporating the same. The plate is substantially planar and includes an attachment region and an anchor portion. Teeth extend from the attachment region and into the sides of truss members that form the peak of the roof truss. The anchor portion extends laterally beneath the peak and a hole defined therein receives the connector for the security line. The hole is disposed below the lower surfaces of the truss members and vertically beneath the peak. The plate is permanently engaged with the truss. A single plate or a pair of plates may be incorporated in the roof truss and utilized in the anchoring system.

Abstract: The invention relates to a ceiling formwork system comprising several grid elements, each of which is composed of a plurality of parallel longitudinal beams and at least one transversal beam that can be mounted or placed on vertical supports and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal beams. The longitudinal and transversal beams of the grid elements are rigidly interconnected. Standard grid elements are provided with two transversal beams in the opposite terminal areas of the longitudinal beams while transversal compensating grid elements are fitted with two transversal beams which are offset towards the inside in relation to the standard grid elements.

Abstract: The structural wooden joist described comprises a lower chord, an upper chord spaced from the lower chord and a laminated panel structure joining the chords. This panel structure defines an uninterrupted surface from one end of the joist to an opposite end thereof and has opposite upper and lower edges joined to the lower and upper chords respectively. The laminated panel structure is formed of a series of elongated planks adhesively secured edgewise to one another and extending vertically between the lower and upper chords.

Abstract: A structural truss and method of forming a truss is disclosed. The truss includes an end configuration which does not rely on gluing components together. The end configuration is formed from a web which extends between the top and bottom chords of the truss and a connector system for connecting the web to both of those chords inwardly of the first ends of the chords. In another arrangement, the end configuration is a prefabricated end configuration comprised of top and bottom chord members and a web located between the top and bottom chord members.

Abstract: A composite slab and joist assembly includes a joist, at least one deck panel on the joist, slab reinforcement above the joist and dock panel, and a slab of concrete formed on the deck panel and joist such that the slab encloses the slab reinforcement and a top portion of the joist. The joist includes a bottom chord, a top chord, and a web affixed therebetween. The top chord has first and second structural angles. The first structural angle has in cross-section a horizontally-extending leg and an upwardly-extending leg meeting at a corner. The second structural angle has in cross-section a horizontally-extending leg and a downwardly-extending leg meeting at a corner. The upper portion of the web is joined to the second structural angle against the downwardly-extending leg.

Abstract: A joist assembly having a top chord with a slot formed therein, a bottom chord with a slot formed therein, and a tubular member of serpentine configuration having an upper portion received within the slot of the top chord and a lower portion received within the slot of the bottom chord. The tubular member extends between the chords so as to maintain the chords in parallel spaced relationship. The chords are formed of a length of cold roll-formed steel. The tubular member is of a single length of square tubular steel.

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: An elongate structural member comprises a first chord and a second chord extending lengthwise with a web spanning a space therebetween. The web comprises at least one length of metal bar stock having zigzag bends. A first set of bends is disposed along a first margin of the web and a second set of bends is disposed along a second margin of the web. The first chord comprises at least two struts, with one on each side of the web at a respective web margin. Each strut comprises a metal channel having generally opposing walls having inwardly directed lips at their outer ends. The lips are spaced from one another to define a slot extending the length of the strut. Each strut is secured in engagement with the respective side of the web and is adapted for insertion through its slot of items to be retained in the strut.

Abstract: Abstract: The storage roof truss has a non-triangular central opening to provide greater storage space. Truss chords and webs are arranged to provide a central opening with a horizontal bottom and vertical lower sides. This allows more usable storage space. The central opening chords and webs are connected to the top chords in a triangular mesh pattern such that loads on the element junctures are carried in tension or compression. This allows similar structural efficiency as a conventional truss. Therefore roof storage trusses can be constructed with similar costs as conventional trusses. Also, storage roof trusses can have the same range of pitches as conventional trusses.

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 V-shaped stackable truss that is selectively braceable by adding braces to strengthen the truss as needed.

Abstract: A truss for use as support for a sloped roof of a building. The truss can be a collapsible metal truss. A method for assembling the truss is described. Each of the of the rafter and beam can include a metal chord all which chords lie in a first plane. Each of struts can include a metal chord located in a second plane parallel to the first plane. There are pivotal connections between various members. The chords of the truss can be moved into a collapsed position for storage and transport of the truss. The chords can be hollow tubes of generally rectangular cross section. The pivotal connections can be nut and bolt connections. The rafter and beam chords can be connected at an eave end to each other by a metal member, and the truss can include an eave extension member.

Abstract: A structure frame made of arches is formed with a plurality of curved frame units in parallel arrangement, where the curved frame units having butt joints (6) are connected in length by several straight bars (16) and the butt joints (6). The straight bars are connected in line at right angles with the curved frame units in order to form a truss. The curved frame units include curved bars (14) and tie members (11) where the curved bars are connected to form the curved frame units by the tie members (11) and the butt joints (6). A tension member (9) is provided between the curved frame units and the trusses.

Abstract: A composite building system includes a special joist having a lower flange in one embodiment and a special ladder reinforcement in another embodiment, a plurality of special masonry blocks defining a longitudinal trough, the blocks having mutually co-planar upper surfaces and at least one stepped upper edge, the stepped upper edges of the plurality of blocks running substantially transverse the trough in a grid-like pattern, a network of wire lateral reinforcement disposed in at least some of the stepped edges; and a flowable or fluid grout filling the stepped edges and the trough and, when cured, binding the joist or ladder reinforcement and the plurality of blocks to form an integral steel reinforced concrete structure having a substantially planar surface.

Abstract: A truss structure utilizing three open channeled rigid members or chords which are preferably made of metallic material. A web constructed of at least two spanning members that are angularly attached to one another, are connected to the first, second, and third channel members. First and second open channel members are each connected to one another at one end and to the third rigid open channel member at the other end to form a triangular structure with the web portion in between. Structural elements are connected to the web and are capable of lying within the open channel members to permit interlinkage between the web and the chords to complete the truss structure.

Abstract: A load bearing truss includes first and second generally parallel chord members, first and second post members coupled between the first and second chord members and a plurality of V-shaped metal webs interconnecting the first and second chord members. Respective portions of the first and second chord members extend beyond the first and second post members. A first connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the first post member to define a first end section and a second connector member interconnects the portions of the first and second chord members extending beyond the second post member to define a second end section. The truss is lengthwise adjustable by trimming a selected one or both of the first and second end sections.

Abstract: A space truss is constructed of a pair of plane trusses. Each of the plane trusses is constructed of an upper and lower chord member fixedly connected with each other through a strut member interposed therebetween. The thus constructed plane trusses are oppositely disposed from each other in a condition in which the strut member of each of the plane trusses are interposed between the thus oppositely disposed plane trusses, the upper chord members of the plane trusses are closely disposed together, and the lower chord members of the plane trusses are spaced apart from each other. A sheet steel is fixedly connected to the space truss through a hanging hook to form a composite-type space truss. Any of these space trusses are embedded in concrete in the factory to form a precast reinforced concrerte slab.

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: A joist support beam is comprised of an elongated substantially flat horizontal flange with a plurality of spaced upstanding brackets or web segments secured to the flange. Joist gripping elements are secured to the upper ends of the brackets and are comprised of hollow sleeves having threaded bolts therein which protrude in opposite directions therefrom. Plates are secured to the outer ends of the bolts for tight engagement with transverse joists extending across the plate in-between the upstanding brackets. A method of providing more headroom under joists using the aforementioned beam structure comprises positioning the beam structure so that the joists extend transversely across through the spaces between the upstanding web segments or brackets, extending the bolts from the sleeves for tight engagement with the joist extending across the beam. Alternatively, apertures are cut in the joists with a rigid member or sleeve placed within the aperture for the joist gripping means to tightly bear against.

Abstract: A joint in which wooden beams are made up of beam members, located side by side in the longitudinal direction of the beams, and in which beam joint elements, provided with nails, are fitted on the inner surfaces of the beam members in such a way that they do not extend all the way to the outer surface of the beams. The joint may be used in trust structures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a building truss having an intermediate flexible section and two end stiff sections. The truss is formed of upper and lower chord(s) with the lower chord(s) of the intermediate section having a plurality of lengths of tube slidably received over a tensioning cable. By tensioning the cable the truss is bowed upwardly to form an arcuate truss.

Abstract: A flanged beam with a web structure formed of a wire or strip-like member (2) bent to zigzag, meander or wave configuration, the bending spots (3) thereof being attached to the flanges (1). The specific feature of a beam performed according to the invention is that at least one flange (1) incorporates a flange section extending alongside this flange. The flange section, which is made of another material than the rest of the flange, is embedded in the flange and is cast to form a unit with it and with the bending spots (3) of the wire or strip-like member (2) which spots are connected with the flange.

Abstract: An open web joist system and a composite concrete structure incorporating said open web joist system wherein the top chord comprises two spaced-apart angle bars held in spaced-apart relationship by bar stock of an open web member and a closure member for blocking the downward flow of concrete between the vertical legs of the top chord. Concrete is thus enabled to flow into the groove formed by the two angle bars at the top chord and serve as a keyway to prevent longitudinal movement of the concrete with respect to the joist members. Bolts are used to suspend spanner bars for holding concrete forms in place, and these bolts pass downwardly through an opening in the closure member to the spanner bars.

Abstract: A prefabricated ceiling element for ceilings in buildings comprises a concrete ceiling panel (1, 1', 1") and a steel girder (2, 2', 2") having a T-section, the web of which has tips (2c, 2c') which are anchored in the concrete ceiling panel (1, 1', 1"). Free cutouts (2d) are located between the tips. The steel girder (2, 2', 2") extends only over the midportion of the ceiling panel (1, 1', 1"), so that at the ends of the panel support areas and installation lanes (4) remain freely accessible.

Abstract: A cylindrical resilient plastic bushing having a central bore fits coaxially within the wooden chord openings of a single or double chord truss joist. The bushing bores are sized to receive the metal pins of the joist which fasten the metal webs to the chord section. The insertion of the pin slightly expands the resilient bushing thereby providing for a full fit of the pin within the bushing and securely locking the bushing within the chord. The bushing distributes the shear and compression loads over the wooden chords and absorbs vibrations acting on the truss.

Abstract: A method of fabricating an energy absorbing structure for a vehicle comprises the steps of (a) winding a continuous resin wetted filament around a number of attachment points at the opposite ends of a jig to form an array of parallel strands, (b) displacing and tensioning the strands by means of first cross bars substantially at right angles to the strands, (c) winding a second array of parallel strands between the attachment points over said first cross bars, (d) displacing said second array onto said first array by means of second cross bars lying parallel and in between the first cross bars, (e) laying a third array of strands over said first and second cross bars and between said attachment points, and (f) curing the structure. The structure may then be fixed to the interior of a vehicle door panel.

Abstract: A truss incorporates metallic webs of differing gages, and in protected positions between chord members, to enable its use as a floor joist.

Abstract: A beam having flanges composed of wood pieces and a web consisting of a wire member bent alternately back and forth to extend between and being attached to the flanges at the bends. Each flange comprises at least two wood pieces which extend longitudinally of the beam and are joined together by gluing, at least one of the wood pieces having recesses in the surface joined with the other wood piece, which recesses are adapted to receive the bends of the wire member. The beam is manufactured in that recesses are arranged at regular intervals in a long wood piece, whereupon two such wood pieces provided with recesses are placed at a distance from one another corresponding to the distance between the flanges of the beam to be made, with the recesses in one wood piece exactly opposite to points situated halfway between the recesses in the other wood piece.

Abstract: A truss joist includes an upper chord, a lower chord and a series of links. The series of links connects the upper and lower chord and terminates in an end link which is attached to the lower chord and extends upwardly toward the terminal portion of the upper chord. An end bracket which partially surrounds the terminal portion of the upper chord includes a U-shaped channel which contacts the side and bottom surfaces of the upper chord. The U-shaped channel further comprises a pair of downwardly projecting legs for connectively receiving the flattened end portion of the end link. One embodiment of the end bracket lies directly upon the upper surface of a support member. Another embodiment is flush-mounted against the inner surface of the support member and has a horizontal flange which extends over the upper surface of the support member. Additional embodiments of the end bracket include adjustable bracket elements mounted below the U-shaped channel and on either side of the downwardly projecting legs.

Abstract: A truss hanger for trusses in which the top chord consists of a pair of parallel wood members and the end web is a metal member such as a tube formed with a flattened end. The hanger is fabricated from flat sheet metal using standard punch-press operations. The ends of the metal webs are connected to the hangers so that the web load is transferred directly to the hanger via metal-to-metal contact.

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.

Abstract: A steel joist formwork and a composite steel and concrete floor structure provided with a top chord, a bottom chord and a web joining the top and bottom chords with the top chord being serpentine shaped like and S or Z and including top and bottom, generally horizontal portions and an intermediate portion integrally connecting opposite edges of the top and bottom portions with the top and intermediate portions substantially being adapted to be embedded in the concrete floor to cause the floor and steel joists to act structurally as a composite beam. Either the web or a leg depends vertically from the free end of the bottom portion of the top chord, and the web joining the top and bottom chords is substantially slid or is, an open web formed of a zig-zag bar member. There is also disclosed a building system and erecting method utilizing steel joists spaced apart by spanner bars which also support rigid panels which act as formwork for the pouring of concrete.

Abstract: A decking beam assembly for use with builders scaffolding which is arranged and constructed to enable different shapes and sizes of filler element to be fixed thereto in order to permit the use of different standard types of decking panels in constructing shuttering for concrete floors.

Abstract: A truss structure having upper and lower chords joined by metal web members in which at least one of the chords consists of parallel wood members and the joint means connecting the metal web member to the wood members includes; a pair of metal fastener plates having a drawn opening therethrough forming an annular flange fastened to the inside faces of the wood members and a metal load transfer members inserted through an opening in the metal web member, the opening in each of the plates and into counter sunk openings in the wood members. Modified forms of the invention include the addition of prong plates, and a metal sleeve between the pin and the opening in the plates.