Abstract: An irrigation system having a pipeline supported by one or more towers includes an improved truss connection system having a means for readily adjusting a crown height of the pipeline. A pair of cooperating members define a joint which selectively couples headed ends of adjacent truss rods together to form a truss rail of a truss system that supports the pipeline. A single fastener may fasten the cooperating members, a strut, and a cross-member together at the joint. A length of the truss rail may be decreased by holding the truss rods closer together. In an aspect, the headed ends of the adjacent truss rods are held closer together by inserting a shim in one of the joints. Decreasing the length of the truss rail increases the deflection of the pipeline and raises the crown height.

Abstract: The invention is directed broadly to a modular housing system having a structural framework comprising an internal chassis as a core structural element, the internal chassis including: a first ladder frame that defines a base; four columns at least two being extendable columns; and a second ladder frame engaged to the first ladder frame via the four columns, such that at least one of a distance and an angle between the first ladder frame and the second ladder frame is adjustable to define a usable volume of the structural framework.

Abstract: A dynamics management system for a structure includes a line whose first end is coupled to a first location within a structure. A tension resistance device is coupled to a second location within the structure. The tension resistance device generates a first force when a tension force is applied thereto and generates a lesser second force when the tension force is not applied thereto. The second end of the line is coupled to the tension resistance device wherein the first force is applied to the line when it is in tension and the second force is applied to the line when it is not in tension. The line traverses at least one Z-shaped path within and in a plane of the structure. The line is coupled to the structure at each inflection point of the Z-shaped path(s) for supporting movement of the line there along.

Abstract: A trussed girder for the construction industry, having an upper flange and having a lower flange made of square timber, which extend along the longitudinal axis of the trussed girder and which are connected to one another by a plurality of struts, which are each arranged so as to extend obliquely to the flanges. The struts are formed by at least one strut run, the upper side and underside of which are formed in an undulating manner in the axial direction and are arranged so as to extend parallel to one another with radii corresponding to one another. The strut run is mortised or dovetailed in the axial direction alternately by means of the upper flange and the lower flange and is formed as a single-piece wood material part. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing trussed girders of this kind, in particular on a mass scale.

Abstract: A prestress-free self-centering energy-dissipative tension-only brace, including a self-centering mechanism, an energy dissipation mechanism, a force-limiting energy-dissipative mechanism, a high strength steel cable, and a sleeve. The self-centering mechanism includes a sliding end plate, a spring, and a connection rod. One end of the spring is connected and fixed to the inner wall of the sleeve, and the other end of the spring is connected with the sliding end plate. One end of the connection rod is anchored at the center of the sliding end plate, and the other end of the connection rod passes through a fixed end of the spring. The energy dissipation mechanism includes rotating shafts, rotating wheels, friction plates, chains, and a cross-shaped connecting piece.

Abstract: A mounting system for a first support and a second support for electrical components can include a first mounting interface and a second mounting interface. The first mounting interface can include a first channel, and a first insertion slot extending from inside of the first channel to outside of the first channel. The second mounting interface can include a second channel and a first interface arm, and a second interface arm. The second channel can be configured to nest with the first channel. The first interface arm can extend through the first insertion slot when the second channel is nested with the first channel.

Abstract: A trussed girder for the construction industry, having an upper flange and having a lower flange made of square timber, which extend along the longitudinal axis of the trussed girder and which are connected to one another by a plurality of struts, which are each arranged so as to extend obliquely to the flanges. The struts are formed by at least one strut run, the upper side and underside of which are formed in an undulating manner in the axial direction and are arranged so as to extend parallel to one another with radii corresponding to one another. The strut run is mortised or dovetailed in the axial direction alternately by means of the upper flange and the lower flange and is formed as a single-piece wood material part. The invention additionally relates to a method for producing trussed girders of this kind, in particular on a mass scale.

Abstract: A trussed joist (such as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 3) is provided which includes an upper chord and a lower chord connected to each other by descending and ascending diagonals making triangular or trapezoid openings across the joist. The joist is supported at lower chord not matching the truss node point or supported at the upper chord whereby the joist is unworkable. At least one reinforcing is fixed at the faces of the chords by dowel fasteners. The reinforcing element overlaps at least one truss node point.

Abstract: Aspects of the disclosure provide a non-welded, clevis-type coupling assembly that provides two sheer planes and, accordingly, increases the load bearing capacity thereof. The assembly includes a coupling plate having a first section, a second section, and a third section. The second section is intermediate the first section and the third section and the first and third sections are oriented at an angle of 90° with respect to one another. The coupling plate includes a contiguous opening extending there through having a first part and a second part. The first part has a first dimension and the second part has a second dimension that is larger than the first dimension.

Abstract: A shield reinforcement plate including a steel plate of approximately 1 to 3 mm thick, shaped in characteristic form by a tool in a continuous process. The shield reinforcement plate including 2 (two) holes, a pair of fins, also referred to as flaps and a fold at 90° relative to a base of the shield reinforcement plate. The fold referred to as a stiffener.

Abstract: A building construction includes a plurality of vertically oriented studs, each extending between a floor and a ceiling of a building, each stud including a first and second stud sections in parallel, spaced apart relation, and a connecting wall which connects together the first and second stud sections in the parallel, spaced apart relation, each stud section including a central wall having lengthwise extending recesses, and two wing walls extending from opposite side edges of the central wall; and side connecting panels for connecting together wing walls of horizontally spaced apart studs, with the outer surface of each side connecting panel being coplanar with the outer surface of each respective central wall.

Abstract: A crane girder for a crane, such as an overhead or gantry crane, that is configured as a trussed girder with an upper chord, a lower chord, and braces connecting the chords to each other. At least one of the braces is designed flatly and has a main surface which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the crane girder. The brace is removably secured to the upper chord and/or the lower chord.

Abstract: A combined wooden frame support and ceiling system is provided, each support including upper and lower wooden chords and a wooden structure connecting the lower chord to the upper chord for weight bearing purposes. A gypsum wallboard batten strip is attached to the lower chord, and defining a ledge extending from each side of the lower chord. A single thickness of gypsum wallboard panels is used to create a ceiling attached to the support, each panel used to create the ceiling is made from a slurry composition including less than 5% by weight of Grade 4 vermiculite. Upon the support being assembled in the ceiling system, with a plurality of the supports, and having lengths of insulation supported by the ledges of the adjacent supports, the ceiling system resists charring by fire for at least one hour.

Abstract: Side member (23) for a chassis (27) provided with a wheel (26) which side member (23) comprises an upper flange (32) and a lower flange (33). Both of the flanges (32, 33) of the side member (23) have a continuous extension along the whole of the side member's (23) entire length. The upper or lower flange (32, 33) exhibits two oppositely directed curved portions (38, 39) that are both located in front of or behind said wheel (26) so that the curved flange's (32, 33) perpendicular distance to the non-curved flange (32) at one end of the chassis (27) is greater than the corresponding perpendicular distance to the non-curved flange (32) at the other end of the chassis (27). The non-curved flange (32) and the curved flange (33) are connected to one another via at least one connecting member (40, 51, 52).

Abstract: A glass sheet used in the making of an aircraft windshield is shaped using the “cut-to-size” method instead of the “cut-after-bend” method. In a preferred aspect of the invention the “cut-to-size” method is practiced using a bending iron having a sheet shaping rail having a stationary shaping rail portion mounted on a support member and an articulating shaping rail portion pivotally mounted on the support member for movement from a non-shaping position to a shaping position.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: Deck systems, deck system components making up the deck systems, and methods of assembling and disassembling deck system components and the deck systems are described herein. A box-frame can be assembled from box-frame-segments, angle clips, and fasteners. A box-frame can be supported by posts attached to the box-frame using post brackets and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be assembled using joist segments, joist spacers, and fasteners. Joist assemblies can be positioned within the box-frame. The joist assemblies can be secured to box-frame-segments or another joist assembly using roll-lock tabs and roll-lock tab receivers and locking tabs and locking tab retainers that are part of extrusions making up the box-frame-segments, joist spacers, or joist segments. Deck boards can be secured to the joist assemblies using deck screws or deck-clips. The post brackets can accommodate support posts below deck boards and railing posts extending above deck boards.

Abstract: A truss comprising a top chord, a bottom chord, a plurality of exterior braces, and a plurality of interior braces, wherein the top chord further comprises a plurality of welding slots arrangements, each of the welding slots arrangements including pilot holes and welding slots, wherein the welding slots arrangement is used to securely attach one of the interior braces and the exterior braces to the top chord.

Abstract: Structural columns are fastened to one another vertically. Wall panels may be fastened to the structural columns so that load is transferred through the structural columns rather than vertically between the wall panels.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus and method for reinforcing adjacent parallel spaced apart wooden structural members wherein each of the structural members has opposed first and second edges. The apparatus comprises a rigid member being sized to extend between the first edge of a first structural member and the second edge of an adjacent second structural member. The apparatus further comprising first and second sockets connected to first and second ends of the rigid member each sized to receive and edge of one of the structural members therein. The method comprises engaging the first socket around the first edge of the first structural member and locating a second structural member with the second edge of the second structural member within a second socket. The method may also comprise rotating the rigid member between the first and second structural members until the first and second sockets are engaged around diagonally opposed edges the structural members.

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 disposed therein, 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, wherein a plurality of lower and upper chord fastening systems are utilized across the entire length of the truss.

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: A construction system for building a home independently is provided that assists a sole home builder so that a modern home can be built without the use of heavy machinery or reliance on professionals.

Abstract: A strut end piece for a strut for connecting with a fin of a sleeve for a solar mirror frame support. A strut for receiving a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support. A sleeve for connecting with a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support having a main portion having an opening for receiving the chord. A method for connecting a sleeve to a chord and a strut end piece for a solar mirror frame support.

Abstract: An apparatus for reinforcing adjacent structural members to each other comprises a ridged member extending between first and second ends and having a length sufficient to extend between two adjacent structural members and a socket at each of the first and second ends of the rigid member. Each socket has a central axis therethrough and is formed of a base panel and first and second side panels. At least one of the sockets is adapted to engage with a socket of an adjacent rigid member so as to interlink successive rigid members across a plurality of structural members wherein the rigid member is connected to the first panels at an end thereof distal to the base panel.

Abstract: A portable building kit, construction members, and method for building a portable building are presented. The portable building includes a plurality of upright members, a plurality of footing members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of upright members, a plurality of angle truss members adapted to be connected to one of the plurality of upright members, a plurality of horizontal eave brace members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of upright members and one or more of the plurality of angle truss members, and a plurality of horizontal ridge brace members adapted to be connected to one or more of the plurality of angle truss members. The portable building is made by selecting a predetermined number of upright members, footing members, angle truss members, horizontal eave brace members, and horizontal ridge brace members.

Abstract: A method of constructing a building including erecting a plurality of truss elements to form a framework including one or more walls, a roof structure and a floor structure. Each truss element includes at least two joists and a plurality of braces that maintain the joists in a parallel arrangement, the truss elements being arranged in the framework to provide an inner joist and an outer joist. An inner covering layer and an outer covering layer are attached to the framework, thereby forming an enclosed void between the inner and outer covering layers that extends substantially continuously around the framework. An insulating material is injected into the void to form a substantially continuous insulating layer between the inner and outer layers.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

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: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: A lattice girder for support of a tunnel structure includes coupling elements arranged on ends of the lattice girder. Each coupling element has two sheet-metal strips having each an end formed with a loop. Extending between the coupling elements in a longitudinal direction of the lattice girder are two lower bars and an upper bar arranged to define corners of a triangle in cross section. A framework made of single braces connects the lower bars with the upper bar. Connectors are received in the loops of the sheet-metal strips.

Abstract: A building assembly for forming a frame of a building including at least two elongated column structures and a truss structure supported on the column structures. The truss structure has opposite end portions resting on the column structures at horizontally spaced locations. A trilateral bracing structure may be attached to the truss structure and one of the column structures to tie the truss structure to the column structure. The trilateral bracing structure may be separable from the truss structure and the column structure.

Abstract: Methods and structures for a composite truss structure are provided. The structure includes a web formed of a plurality of sheets of composite material, each sheet including a first face and an opposing second face and each face including a length and a width. Each of the plurality of sheets are coupled to at least one other of the plurality of sheets face to face such that the length and width of each face substantially match the length and width of a face of an adjacent sheet. The plurality of sheets are formed to include an upper chord member, a lower chord member, and a plurality of web members extending therebetween. The structure also includes at least a first flange plate coupled to the web proximate an outer periphery of the web.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system for connecting tubes or rods, which are preferably uni-directional pultruded, filament wound, or roll-wrapped carbon-fiber tubes or rods, together to form trusses and other structures using a series of connector pieces preferably bonded together with adhesive.

Abstract: A tensioning device is provided for tensioning the metal strap of a metal wall structure. The tensioning device includes an elongated bar having a handle and a pair of jaws where one jaw is secured to the elongated bar and another jaw projects from the handle. The jaws are operatively connected between the metal strap and the wall structure. In particular, one jaw is operatively connected or anchored to the wall structure and the other jaw is connected to the metal strap. The handle includes a trigger mechanism for moving the jaws with respect to each other. By actuating the trigger mechanism and closing the jaws, the metal strap is tensioned. After the metal strap is tensioned, it is securely fastened to the wall structure.

Abstract: An improved roof structure formed of metal sheet s. The structure comprises a plurality of cold formed columns supported by a concrete foundation, a plurality of cold formed girders supported by the plurality of columns, a plurality of cold formed beams supported by the plurality of girders, a plurality of cold formed open web joists supported by the plurality of beams, and a plurality of polystyrene roof boards supported by the plurality of joists.

Abstract: A composite floor panel includes a frame assembly having a base plate, a plurality of first lateral supports secured to the base plate, and a plurality of second lateral supports secured to the base plate. The first lateral supports lie in a first plane and the second lateral supports lie in a second plane. The first plane and the second plane each intersect the base plate and the first plane is disposed at an angle relative to the second plane. The composite floor panel also includes a concrete portion coupled to and supported by the first lateral supports and the second lateral supports.

Abstract: A wall module for the construction of a housing module comprises two beams, two primary studs, two bracing members, primary reinforcements and a plurality of secondary studs. The two beams are spaced apart and substantially parallel to each other. The two primary studs are perpendicularly connected between different extremities of the two beams so as to define four wall corners. The two bracing members are connected substantially diagonally between two different opposed wall corners. The primary reinforcements are located at the wall corners and are connect one of the two beams to one of the two primary studs and to one of the bracing members. The secondary studs are attached to the two beams and to at least one of the two bracing members. The wall module may further comprise a sheathing attached to the secondary studs and a finishing sheet attached to the sheathing in between the secondary studs.

Abstract: The invention provides load-resisting segments (e.g., panels or frames for openings) for transmitting loads through a building structure. In the context of a wall, the load-resisting segments transmit shear loads downward to structural elements below the wall, such as to a building foundation. The load-resisting segments may comprise a truss configuration, i.e., an assembly of members forming a rigid framework. Each load-resisting segment can include web members and pairs of truss plates secured to sides of the segment to secure connections of the web members to each other and to other members. The wall segments can include beam-separation blocks that reduce truss plate failure by spacing apart the ends of two web members bearing against a chord or post to position the intersection point of the load paths of the web members with the load path of the chord or post.

Abstract: Each of a plurality of vertically disposed trusses having angled rafters and a joint is coupled to a ridge board. Upper TboxTrusses function as the rafters. Each upper TboxTruss has a planar plate. The planar plate has a hollow box depending downwardly there from. An interior sheet of fire resistant fabric sheet material is above the upper TboxTrusses. An exterior sheet of the fire resistant fabric sheet material is below the upper TboxTrusses. Insulation material is located between the interior and exterior sheets and bounded by adjacent hollow boxes.

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 wooden joist comprises wooden top chord and bottom chords. Wooden boards are adhesively connected to the chords to form an I-joist section along a portion of the wooden joist. Wooden webs may be adhesively connected to the chords to form an open-joist section along another portion of the wooden joist. A bearing extension is defined by the wooden top chord extending beyond an end of the wooden joist Metal webs are in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist. Each metal web comprises a top connector end fixed to the bearing extension, a bottom connector end fixed to the bottom chord, and a structural arm between the connector ends. The metal webs are solely provided in an end region along the wooden joist, whereby the wooden joist is adapted to be in a top-chord bearing relation with a beam.

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 wooden joist is described. The joist comprises a wooden top chord, a wooden bottom chord, and a main section comprising at least one of wooden boards and wooden webs adhesively connected to the wooden top chord and to the wooden bottom chord to form at least one of an I-joist subsection and an open-joist subsection along the main section of the wooden joist. An end configuration at one end of the main section comprises a wooden post extending generally perpendicularly between the wooden top chord and the wooden bottom chord and is adjacent to the main section. A wooden diagonal web extends diagonally from the wooden top chord to the wooden bottom chord. A first set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the wooden top chord to the diagonal web. A second set of metal plates is in alignment on opposed sides of the wooden joist to connect the diagonal web and the post to the bottom chord.

Abstract: A metal roof truss assembly is provided comprising a plurality of elongated structural members, including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a web member. Each structural member comprises a planar base and planar legs extending from the longitudinal edges of the base. The base and the legs define an open longitudinal channel. A flange integral with the longitudinal edges of each leg has a planar first portion extending outwardly from the legs and a planar second portion extending from the longitudinal edges of the first portion of the flanges. The end of a first structural member is inserted into the channel defined by the legs and the base of a second structural member. The inserted end of the first structural member has no flanges for a length equal to at least the depth to which the first structural member is received in the channel of the second structural member so that the outer surface of the legs of the first structural member are adjacent the inner surface of the legs of the second structural member.

Abstract: An adjustable wall brace may include: (a) an adjustment portion including a right-hand threaded portion and a left-hand threaded portion; (b) an extension portion including a threaded aperture configured to received at least one of the right-hand threaded portion and the left-hand threaded portion; and (c) a base portion including a threaded aperture configured to received at least one of the right-hand threaded portion and the left-hand threaded portion. A method for manufacturing an adjustable wall brace may include: (a) disposing an extension member within an extension receiving member; (b) receiving a first threaded portion of a dual-threaded adjustment mechanism within a threaded receiving aperture of at least one of the extension member and the extension receiving member; and (c) receiving a second threaded portion of the dual-threaded adjustment within a second threaded receiving aperture.

Abstract: A beam-like structural component (1) made up of individual parts, comprising a flange (2) and two webs (3, 4) is characterized in that a flange (2) is provided with one web (3, 4) each on its two longitudinal sides, wherein each web is attached to a longitudinal sidewall of the flange (2) preferably by means of an adhesive material, and that the end regions (7) of the webs (3, 4), which end regions are facing away from the flange (2), are planarly interconnected with the surfaces (8, 9) facing each other preferably by means of an adhesive material, wherein the webs (3, 4), in their cross-sections, have in each case the shape of a “stretched S”.

Abstract: A joist comprised of at least one cold-formed steel elongated chord member; a cold-formed steel web having a plurality of web members and means for securing said web to said chord member. A plurality of joists are generally for use in a support system for a platform or a deck in the construction of floors and roofs. The support system is of particular use in a composite floor and roof systems.

Abstract: An enhancing mechanism to be placed primarily below the neutral axis of a girder is presented. The movement and deflection of the girder causes the enhancing mechanism to alter the bending moment distribution of the girder. The mechanism is configured so that when combined with the girder, the overall dimensions of the combined system is not much bigger than the dimensions of the girder alone. A tension member may be incorporated into the lower boundary of the enhancing mechanism, and connections are used to attach the mechanism to the girder below the neutral axis. The girder and the enhancing mechanism may be made of the same material or different materials. The compression forces developed in the long diagonal members of the enhancing mechanism become a reaction at the girder end points. A direct connection of the long diagonal members to support points load shear directly to the end supports.