Abstract: Disclosed in the present invention is a cable dome structure using continuous ridge cables. A structure system includes n same plane trusses which are distributed in the radial direction and each consist of continuous cables and rods, the plane trusses being connected by means of k?1 circles of hoop cables to form a stable whole. The cable dome structure consists of ridge cables, hoop cables and pressing rods. Each ridge cable starts from a lower joint of a pressing rod and sequentially passes through upper joints of outer side pressing rods, and all the ridge cables converge on a support joint. The ridge cables have overlaps. Upper joints of the pressing rods and inner side adjacent cables are fixedly connected, and lower joints of the pressing rods and the hoop cables are fixedly connected, the cables slidably passing through the joints.

Abstract: A hollow core sheet having a plurality of channels and at least one bendable reinforcement rod adapted in width and thickness to a given channel dimensions for insertion inside a channel wherein the method of insertion consists in the steps of having the at least one bendable reinforcement rod having either or both of the width or the thickness having an outer dimension (OD) set between 0.50 0.75 of the given dimension of the channel with a variation of 5%.

Abstract: A suspension member includes a side rail. The side rail is formed in a closed sectional structure by combining an upper member, a lower member, and a reinforcing member located between the upper member and the lower member. The upper member and the reinforcing member are fixed by welding and form a closed cross section having an upper hollow portion. The reinforcing member and the lower member are fixed by welding and form a closed cross section having a lower hollow portion. A distance from an upper end to a lower end of the upper hollow portion in a vertical direction in the lower bending portion is longer than that in the upper bending portion, and a distance from an upper end to a lower end of the lower hollow portion in the vertical direction in the upper bending portion is longer than that in the lower bending portion.

Abstract: A joist reinforcement apparatus is disclosed for a joist having a top chord, a bottom chord, and plurality of cross supports extending between the top chord and the bottom chord, the plurality of cross supports forming panel points along the joist. A panel point bracket assembly can be securable about one of the panel points of the joist. A load bracket assembly can be securable to either the top chord or the bottom chord of the joist. An adjustable coupling assembly can have a first end pivotally connected to the panel point bracket assembly and a second end pivotally connected to the load bracket assembly. The apparatus can help provide non-welded single point load reinforcement on a chord of a joist.

Abstract: A crane, such as a bridge crane or gantry crane, having at least one horizontally extending crane girder, which is designed as a lattice girder having a plurality of braces and on which a crane trolley having a lifting device can be moved. At least some of the braces are planiform, and each of the planiform braces has a flat main surface, which extends transversely to a longitudinal direction of the crane girder. A first brace and a second brace form a brace pair and are arranged in an X-shape in relation to each other as viewed transversely to the longitudinal direction of the crane girder.

Abstract: The present technology is a bracing system capable of reinforcing and distributing loads between spaced structural members. The system includes multiple similar bracing units each including a connection member featuring a connection section and a pair of connection arms, and an end bracket located at an end of each of the connection arms. The end brackets of a first bracing unit are mounted to a same first side of spaced apart structural members, and the end brackets of a second bracing unit are mounted to a same second side of the structural members, with the first and second sides being opposite each other. One of the bracing units is inverted such that the connection sections of the bracing units are adjacent each other and located in an interior space defined between the structural members.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses may include a stiffened beam assembly including a structural beam portion having a web and upper and lower flanges, and at least one continuous stiffening member extending back and forth between the upper and lower flanges on one side of the web, forming one or more trusses or other reinforcing structures. The beam portion and/or the stiffening member(s) may comprise formed sheet metal. The stiffening member(s) may be mechanically attached to the beam portion.

Abstract: A masonry reinforced with at least one bed joint masonry reinforcement structure. The bed joint reinforcement structure includes at least two cords, which have metal filaments that are twisted together. The cords are oriented parallel or substantially parallel in the length direction of the masonry reinforcement structure.

Abstract: A main landing gear system for an aircraft including a truss element, a first support unit and second support unit affixed to the truss on opposing sides of the truss, a first actuator and a second actuator rotatively affixed to respective first support unit and second support unit and to a respective first wheel and second wheel, a first trailing link and second trailing link each coupled to the respective first wheel and second wheel, a first extension plate and second extension plate each rotatively coupled to the respective first trailing link and second trailing link and to a side of the truss, a first plate locking unit and second plate locking unit rotatively affixed to an end of the respective first extension plate or second extension plate and to a side of the truss.

Abstract: A roof framing structure (20) is disclosed, and includes a plurality of primary supports (30) (e.g., rafters) that may be disposed in parallel relation and extend along the roof pitch (14). One or more secondary supports (40) extend between each adjacent pair of primary supports (30). Each secondary support (40) is of a triangular cross-sectional configuration, and may extend orthogonally to the various primary supports (30).

Abstract: A method of constructing a building includes fastening a first structural truss panel to a first structural column. A second structural column is fastened vertically to the first structural column. A second structural truss panel is fastened to the second structural column so that the second structural truss panel is vertically above the first structural truss panel, so that a clearance is defined between the first and second structural truss panels, and so that loads on the structural truss panels are transferred from the first and second structural truss panels to the first and second structural columns and then vertically between the first and second columns. Other construction methods, structural panels, and building sections are also disclosed.

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: 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: 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 tapered truss is provided. In one embodiment, the truss has a pair of base members configured to be attached to a top surface of a vertical support member. The truss may further have an upper pair of truss members and a lower pair of truss members. Each upper truss member each forms an acute angle with a respective base member and each lower truss member forms an obtuse angle from the respective base member such that the lower truss member is not parallel to the upper truss member. The truss may additionally include a ceiling joist member connected to each of the lower truss members. In one embodiment, the ceiling joist member is substantially parallel to the pair of base members.

Abstract: A method of producing an engineered composite structural panel by selecting a structural panel having at least two structural shells, an insulating material extending therebetween, and a plurality of truss members extending therebetween. A determination is made if the two or more structural shells act as a unitary composite structural panel. If the structural panel is not a unitary composite structural panel, then parameters of the panel are adjusted and it is further determined whether the panel is a unitary composite structural panel. Combined truss systems for strengthening the structural panels may be formed by combining ladder truss members with warren truss members, by superimposing the ladder truss members and warren truss members, and by superimposing ladder truss members with a warren truss member and another warren truss member that is inverted.

Abstract: An improved structural truss (3) and method of making same having oppositely disposed U-shaped channel chords (2) and struts (1) interconnected to one another at alternately extending apices (6) wherein the apices (6) form an inverted U-shape at a cross-section at the center of the strut (1). The ends (4) of successive segments of the unit lengths of the struts (1) and the chords (2) have holes for the insertion of a tapered pin (9), thus precisely controlling the length of successive trusses. The truss member (3) also has vertical load-bearing strut sections (17) at the end of each manufactured length of truss (3) to support a cantilevered section of chord (10).

Abstract: A composite beam is disclosed. The component has spaced pairs of elongate wood members, the members of each pair being in face to face mating orientation. A generally sinuous shaped spacer rod sub assembly having spacer portions connected at junctures is provided. The elongate member pairs each having mating faces including recesses contoured to receive one of the junctures and parts of connected spacer portions. The connected spacer portions each project angularly in opposed directions from their associated juncture and its recess in one of the pairs toward the other pair of members. Each of the junctures is disposed in an associated recess in the members whereby to provide a composite beam having the pairs of elongate members maintained in spaced relationship by the rod subassembly.

Abstract: A precast, prestressed concrete truss which spans between exterior columns and forms an interior or exterior load bearing wall of a building. The truss includes top and bottom chords interconnected by at least one web member. Prestressed reinforcing members in the top and bottom chords apply a compressive stress in the chords. The top and bottom chords are configured to support concrete planks that form a floor and/or a ceiling of a building in which the truss is used. When used as an interior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one opening that forms, for example, a corridor passage large enough for a person to walk through the opening. When used as an exterior load bearing wall, the truss can include at least one window opening.

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 foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are hingedly connected together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes frictional hinge surfaces that hold the truss member in a deployed configuration. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: A sinusoidal structural member having a dual component flange is provided. In the preferred embodiment, the flange (both upper and lower) is comprised of at least two components. These two components can be produced by dividing the flange lengthwise; where the division plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the web, when observing a standard flange-web relationship; and the geometry of the division border substantially matches the sinusoidal geometry of the web. The two resulting flange components substantially complement one another; wherein the sine peak of one component fits within the sine valley of its corresponding component, leaving a gap sufficient to accommodate the thickness of the web to be interposed. The sinusoidal web, substantially matching the division pattern of the flange components, is compressively sandwiched between the flange components, with sufficient compression to bring the sinusoidal web within dimensional compliance.

Abstract: A space frame support structure for highway signs comprises upper and lower chord members; a plurality of weld-free, single-cast connectors attached to and spaced along the respective length of the chord members; a plurality of diagonal members disposed between the upper and lower chord members in a series of “V”-shaped configuration connected end-to-end, each diagonal member forming a leg of a respective “V”. Each leg including a bottom end portion and a top end portion. The bottom end portion is attached to a respective connector attached to the lower chord member. The top end portion is connected to another connector attached to the upper chord member. A plurality of pins are carried by each connector to secure each connector to the upper or lower chord member and to the respective bottom or top end portions of the diagonal members.

Abstract: A lattice girder supporting frame for tunnel lining includes upper and lower boom members arranged parallel to each other to form a triangle. Truss braces spatially connect the upper and lower boom members to each other, wherein each of the truss braces has straight brace parts angled relative to each other, and each of the straight brace parts is connected to each other at one end via a straight bridge piece. The truss braces are arranged in a symmetrical plane extending laterally from the upper boom member to an axis of the lower boom members. Cross ties extend at right angles relative to the lower boom members, for connecting the lower boom members to each other, wherein the truss braces abut the lower boom members without bending and are welded to the lower boom members.

Abstract: A joist (10) comprises an upper chord (12), a lower chord (14) and a plurality of compression and tension webs (16/18) extending between the chords (12/14) and secured thereto by means of bolts (50). A single bolt (50) per connection or nodal point is used to secure the compression and tension webs (16/18) to the chords (12/14). The metal joist (10) can easily be assembled in a shop or directly on site without highly qualified labor.

Abstract: A concrete building panel has a slab and a plurality of ribs and beams. A series of horizontal holes in the end ribs are spaced at a selected constant spacing such that adjacent panels, may be fastened together through them. In one type of panel, the slab is separated from the ribs to provide an air gap. Connections between holes in two adjacent concrete wall panels are made by a hollow conduit having an abutment at either end to engage the concrete wall panels. Other connections between adjacent panels involve a stitch with legs which extend through holes in the beams. Other connections involve a space made by vertical channels of horizontally adjacent panels. A plate fitted into the space aligns the adjacent panels and may extend upwards to align upper panels. Load bearing horizontal holes through the ribs are reinforced with reinforcing bar in the concrete arranged in generally triangular shapes.

Abstract: A foldable truss member suitable for commercial displays includes a plurality of side members that are adjacently hinged together. The side members include support members and bridging members having extensions. The side members are joined into a foldable structure with a hinge member between the support member and extensions of adjacent side members. The truss includes a locking frame that is removably attached to ends of the side members. A display structure can be formed by connecting a locking frame between two truss members.

Abstract: There is provided a metal chord member for use in a building system which chord member is formed of two or more interlocked generally U-shaped chord tubes. The chord tubes are interlocked by means of the provision of a plurality of equisized, equispaced, longitudinal ribs formed along the length of the depending side arms of the U-shaped chord tubes defining elongated recesses therebetween, the ribs on one of the chord tubes being adapted to interlock into and mate with the recesses defined between ribs on the adjacent chord tube and vice versa.

Abstract: A truss assembly includes angled cross members and straight cross members which extend between two parallel truss members. Brackets are provided along the two parallel truss members for attachment to the ends of the angled and straight truss members. Slots are provided either in the brackets or in the angled truss members to permit pivotal movement of the angled truss members to accommodate varying dimensions of the truss assembly.

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 is disclosed which comprises a bottom chord (12) and a pair of top chords (14, 16) arranged obliquely with respect to the bottom chord (12). Webs (20) are arranged between the top chords and the bottom chord. The webs have punched nails (46) projecting from connector plate (40) portions of the webs. The webs have a middle section (30) and load bearing portions (60) are provided between the middle section and the two connector plates (40) at opposite ends of the web (20). The load bearing portions are shaped for blunt end engagement with the chords without regard to the angle of intersection of the web with the chord.

Abstract: A building truss that is light weight, and easily manipulated yet provides superior strength for support is disclosed. The building truss is defined by a pair of parallel and spaced apart square tubing members, having joined between them, a lattice of cold rolled round reinforcing rod having a sinusoidal or zig-zag pattern. Additional spacers are provided to prevent twisting. Also, angled reinforcing pieces may be attached to the lattice for increased load bearing capabilities.

Abstract: An open web beam composed of wooden top chord and an open web central structure terminated on at least one end by wooden members in the form of a closed web wherein the closed web is reinforced by insertion of a portion of the closed web into a strut and the two chords which have been slotted or grooved for this purpose. The closed be being oriented strand board using structural adhesive without interfering mechanical fasteners in the web.

Abstract: A sheet material attachment system including at least one longitudinal beam having a web, and at least one flange having first and second opposite sides, the web extending from the flange second side. A sheet material attachment element overlies the flange first side, the sheet material attachment element having a hardness which is less than the hardness of the flange. The sheet material attachment element is attached to the beam by a fastener, the fastener being substantially U-shaped and having a first leg which engages a side of the sheet material attachment element and a second leg which engages the flange second side. A piece of sheet material is anchored to the sheet material attachment element.

Abstract: The invention is particularly directed toward a structural member comprising an elongate metal flange having a pair of parallel side walls joined at one end by a transverse base wall to form a web receiving pocket. Each side wall has a plurality of raised teeth, each tooth having a body portion bent outwardly from the side wall along a first line transverse to the longitudinal direction of the flange, and a penetrating point portion at the free end of the body portion, bent along a second line parallel to the first line, to extend toward the socket. The invention is also directed toward a composite structural member employing the flange with a web having opposed edge portions. One edge portion of the web is mounted in the pocket of the flange and the teeth on the flange are pressed into the web to joint the web and flange together. The invention is further directed toward a method of making the composite structural member using the metal flange.

Abstract: A fence and a furring strip for fence, which are light in weight and strong and are resistant to snow and wind are provided. Bent wire rods 1 are bent in a triangle shape, at the top 10 of which, at the portion a little off-center, a pair of parallel wire rods 2 are mounted both on the front and the rear sides. The furring strip in such a construction is inserted between vertical wire rods 51, 51 of the fence body formed like a folding screen. The furring strip is fixed on the fence body by an appropriate fitting and forms a fence.

Abstract: An open web beam composed of wooden top chord and an open web central structure terminated on at least one end by wooden members in the form of a closed web wherein the closed web is reinforced by insertion of a portion of the closed web into a strut and the two chords which have been slotted or grooved for this purpose. The closed be being oriented strand board using structural adhesive without interfering mechanical fasteners in the web.

Abstract: An articulated modular beam formed by a plurality of rigid modules designed to withstand compression on a planar surface, and a bendable coupling piece connecting the modules on one side such that the distance between one side of the modules can be varied so as to achieve a desired shape or curve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss can be made up into sections comprising tubular upper and lower truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates may be attached to each end of the sections such that the top edge of the coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss. The truss is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A vertical movement accommodating apparatus for use with a wall panel includes a cap mounted on a ceiling structure of a room, and a support assembly mounted on a top edge of the wall panel and at least partially disposed within the cap for vertical movement with respect to the cap. The cap is a U-shaped member opening down. The support assembly includes an upper rail, a lower rail, and a truss assembly interconnecting the upper and lower rails. A sealing member is disposed between the upper rail and the cap to provide a sound reducing seal therebetween. The lower rail defines a channel in which a roller mounted on the upper edge of the wall panel is allowed to roll in the longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A light gauge metal truss system including trusses contructed of roll formed truss chord and truss web members and a two piece roll formed truss anchor for anchoring the truss to a wall. The truss chord members are roll formed to have a generally U-shaped cross-section with a base and two substantially parallel legs with reinforcement ribs and inwardly turned hems to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the chord member and minimizing costs. The truss web members are roll formed to have an H-shaped cross-section with the internal flange offset from the center of the legs to provide an enlarged attachment surface. The web member also includes reverse folds and hems to improve structural capacity thus improving the strength-to-weight ratio of the web members and minimizing costs.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss arch which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a single piece of fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss arch is made up of sections comprising tubular upper and lower arctuate truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates on each end of the sections are attached such that the top edge of said coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss arch and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss arch. The truss arch is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A deck panel for reinforced concrete slabs is disclosed. The deck panel is formed by integrating a plurality of deck girders with a deck plate into a single structure. In each of the deck girders, a single lattice member is welded to upper and lower steel bars. The lattice member has a zigzag configuration with both a plurality of holding rib parts and a plurality of horizontal foot parts. The lattice member is positioned relative to the upper and lower steel bars in a way such that the holding rib parts, individually having a foot part, are alternately positioned on opposite sides of the upper and lower steel bars. A vertical fixing steel bar is welded to each end of the deck girder with both the top end of the fixing steel bar being welded to the upper steel bar and the middle portion of the fixing steel bar being welded to the lower steel bar.

Abstract: A truss that, in one embodiment, includes alternating metal webs in non-critical portions of the truss is described. The truss includes two chords vertically spaced apart and parallel to each other, and a plurality of metal web members extending between the two chords and coupled to the vertical surfaces of the chords. The truss also includes at least two critical portions and at least one non-critical portion. The critical portions of the truss are configured so that the metal webs coupled to each side of the truss are aligned, and each metal web coupled to one side of the truss has a corresponding metal web coupled to the other side of the truss. The non-critical portions of the truss are configured so that the metal webs coupled to one side of the truss do not have a corresponding aligned metal web coupled to the opposite side of the truss.

Abstract: A floor joist system for building construction comprising interconnected steel girders and joists. The girders may be castellated I beams having a plurality of large openings and regularly spaced vertical slots through its web, which extend between opposite side walls of a building or its foundation, supported thereby. Joists may be I beams of shorter height than the girders which have tongues formed from their webs which extend from their ends. The tongues of two joists are fitted into a single vertical girder slot from opposite sides of the girder, their tongues overlapping therein. The opposite ends of the joists are similarly fitted into an adjacent girder or rest upon a side wall of the building or its foundation. The girder slot is positioned and the side walls are adapted such that the uppermost surfaces of the joists and the girder(s) are coplanar.

Abstract: Grid-shaped reinforcement strip is configured for reinforcing masonry joints, and includes at least one substantially straight elongated reinforcement wire having a substantially rectangularly cross section. There is a further reinforcement wire having a substantially rectangular cross section that is spaced apart from the at least one reinforcement wire. At least one connecting wire extends between opposed faces of such at least two spaced apart reinforcement wires. An unflattened weld attaches the at least one connecting wire to respective ones of opposed faces of such at least two reinforcement wires. The connecting wire preferably has a substantially round cross section, and the thickness of the at least one connecting wire is as thick or less thick than the thickness of the at least two reinforcement wires.

Abstract: A building system and apparatus for forming a wall on a footing. U-shaped channels and H-shaped or T-shaped members coupled at their sides by rigid links hold foam panels in a desired spaced relationship. Vertically oriented panels aligned and connected by T-shaped members or horizontally oriented panels stacked with and connected by H-shaped members are inserted into the U-shaped channels to form a structure of the desired length. Concrete is poured between the panels and members where it hardens to form a structural wall. The planar surfaces of the U-shaped, H-shaped and T-shaped members enable the members to be extruded, thereby substantially reducing member production costs. Furthermore, widely available conventional foam panels can be used, reducing panel production costs.

Abstract: A self-jigging web for fastening two steel chords together to form a beam. There are different sizes of webs for assembly of beams of different depths. A web has several holes for locating screws for fastening the web to a pair of chords parallel to each other. Chords having the same outer cross-section but of different steel gauges are used to obtain beams of different strengths. Assembled beams are used in a frame of a building structure such as a wall, floor or ceiling. A system is provided such that a building designer, given the wind bearing (bending) and axial loads required to be borne by the structure, can determine beam spacing and beam depth required for the structure to bear the loads. Beams are then assembled to meet the determined requirements according to a standard set of instructions which detail the chord steel gauge, size of web, number and spacing of webs lengthwise along a beam, and a number and placement of screws for fastening each web to a pair of chords.

Abstract: An open web beam composed of wooden top chord and an open web central structure terminated on at least one end by wooden members in the form of a closed web wherein the closed web is reinforced by insertion of a portion of the closed web into a strut and the two chords which have been slotted or grooved for this purpose. The closed be being oriented strand board using structural adhesive without interfering mechanical fasteners in the web.

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.