Abstract: A novel system for constructing smooth-faced metal framing and novel tracks and connectors therefore. The system, tracks and connectors of the present invention utilize known metal framing or wall studs that demonstrate a U-channel configuration having a base, sidewalls and marginal lips that extend inward from the sidewalls. A variety structurally related connectors are described capable of interconnecting metal framing performing all framing functions including, without limitation, floor and ceiling joists, top and bottom plates, roof rafters, roof rims, window sills, trusses, headers and wall studs. The connectors lock into place within the stud or track and are secured from the inside using fasteners applied into the non-surface aspects of the stud or track. The specially configured tracks are essentially studs modified to include recess channels through which fasteners may be applied to secure the track to track connectors.

Abstract: A truss joint reinforcement plate (10) for reinforcing a pitch break in a truss, so as to substantially limit flexion of the truss at the point of the pitch break. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) is defined by a substantially planar member (15) having a first end (20) and a second end (25) adapted so as to allow the first and second ends (20, 25) to be bent across a first fold region (30) such that the first and second ends (20, 25) are disposed at a selectable angle to one another allowing the truss joint reinforcement plate (10) to be adapted to a wide range of pitch angles. The truss joint reinforcement plate (10) also includes a first and second panel members (35, 40) each having an inboard end (36, 41) and a distal end (38, 43). The first and second panel members (35, 40) are bendable at a second fold region (45) disposed at the junction of the inboard ends (36, 41) and the planar member (15).

Abstract: The elongated box frame structure of the present invention comprises a plurality of frame segments attached to at least one end piece. Preferably, two end pieces are attached, one at each end of the plurality of frame segments. The plurality of frame segments are attached to the end piece such that a column-like structure is formed. The inner space defined within the frame segments is substantially free of webbing. Instead, structural strength and stability is achieved by the attached end pieces. The end pieces of one elongated box frame structure are capable of removably connecting with the end piece of other similar elongated box frame structures to achieve varying framing heights and other dynamic configurations.

Abstract: A plate to reinforce a shear panel that has been weakened by an opening extending through the panel is provided. The plate is selected to have a shear load capacity greater than the shear panel without the opening. The plate has a plate opening similar to the panel opening, and is secured to the panel with a predetermined strength and arrangement of panel fasteners. The plate is sized to fit between adjacent structural members. Opposing side flanges extend outwardly from the plate. Flange fasteners of predetermined strength and spacings are used to secure the flanges to the structural members.

Abstract: A metal building includes a joist system having upper and lower longitudinally extending chords, the upper and lower chords being substantially parallel, and a plurality of web members interposed between the parallel chords. Each of the chords includes an upper chord segment, opposed parallel side walls, inwardly extending lower chord segments, the lower chord segments being parallel to the upper chord segment, and a pair of flanges extending downwardly from the innermost edges of lower chord segments, the flanges defining a longitudinally extending continuous web receiving aperture traversing the length of the chord, the upper chord segment, lower chord segment, parallel side walls and flanges, the web receiving apertures of the upper and lower chords being positioned in opposed relationship.

Abstract: A support assembly comprising first and second parts, each part comprising a pair of spaced parallel elongate members (12, 14, 62), and a support arrangement (16) extending between the elongate members (12, 14, 62), the first and second parts being mountable together with the planes thereof inclined relative to each other and first ones of the elongate members (12, 62) aligned adjacent and parallel to each other such that the apex defined by the meeting of the first elongate members (12, 62) provides a first support surface, and opposite sides of the other elongate members (14, 62) define second spaced support surfaces.

Abstract: An apparatus for attaching a building component to a structure. The apparatus may include a C-shaped support header that is sized to be received on a portion of a structure such as the top plate of a wall. A number of attachment tab assemblies are integrally formed in the support header and protrude therefrom to facilitate attachment of the building components to the support header.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24″. This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.

Abstract: A spacer bar for use in connection with support building components at predetermined intervals relative to each other. The spacer bar may be used in connection with building components fabricated from wood, metal, etc. and includes at least two pair of clamping tabs for engaging and retaining the components in the desired position.

Abstract: A system (100) for positioning and securing structural members (20, 30) to supporting walls (10) of a building includes at least a pair of mounting devices (105) respectively mounted to a pair of longitudinally extended laterally spaced building supporting walls (10). Each mounting device (105) includes a base plate (110) having a plurality of pairs of fixing members (120) disposed in spaced longitudinal relationship. A space (118) between each of the pairs of fixing members (120) is provided for receiving the structural member (20, 30) therein. Each mounting device also includes a pair of second fixing members (122) disposed adjacent opposing ends of the base plate (110). Each of the fixing members (120 and 122) are formed by vertically directed C-shaped channel members. Each channel member has a central web portion (130) bounded on two vertically directed sides by a pair of flanges (132) expending in a longitudinal direction.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved weight bearing elements and methods relating to same. Some such elements are contemplated as having a web, and a chord connected to the web, the chord perimeter having a cross-sectional shape of a closed multi-sided figure having at least 5 sides, at least two of which are substantially parallel to the web. Some members may have chords which have a pentagonal cross sectional shape, and/or may include load transferring members or end-caps. Other elements may comprise a stiffened rim band having die cut tabs and stiffening ribs. Some such elements comprise pairs of die cut tabs positioned along the length of the member at intervals which are a fraction of the distance used in standard joist positioning. Other elements comprise one or more pairs of die cut tabs positioned directly opposite each other such that one tab is adjacent the top of the rim band while the corresponding tab is adjacent the bottom of the rim band.

Abstract: A deflector track tab structure, and method of formation, for positioning studs along a deflector track. Starting with a sheet of metal such as steel, tongues are formed within the sheet such that the tongues are oriented along the length of the sheet. Slats are formed in each tongue, wherein the slats are oriented along the length of the tongue. The tongues are bent away from the sheet resulting in tabs integral with the sheet and normal to the sheet. A flange is formed from the sheet on each side of the sheet such that a track web between the flanges remains. The flanges are normal to the web and oriented parallel to the tabs. A marker pattern may be formed on each tab to denote a position on each slat for subsequent coupling of metal studs to the tabs.

Abstract: A frame assembly for supporting a paint booth that includes a paint application chamber and a reclamation tank. A plurality of frame posts is spaced apart and affixed to a base floor. Opposing support members, each having a shell, are arranged end to end in a parallel column. Each of the shells is affixed to the upper end of at least two of the frame posts. The support member includes a horizontal structural element affixed longitudinally inside the shell, and at least one vertical support element affixed to the horizontal structural element inside the shell. Each of the shells forms a section of the reclamation tank and provides support to a section of the paint application chamber allowing the paint booth to be installed independently of a building that houses the paint booth.

Abstract: A truss system utilizing braces to retain the trusses in spaced relation. The braces include a beam with retainers at opposite ends for forming a snap lock connection to adjacent trusses, fixing the spacing between the trusses. One retainer includes a yoke which will automatically position the brace in an orientation generally normal to the truss to which the brace is mounted. The other retainer is adapted to mount to an adjacent truss and form an interlock with a second brace extending to the next truss. The braces are lined in a row across a plurality of trusses positioned in generally parallel relationship.

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: Lintels having metal side plates are described. In an exemplary embodiment, a lintel constructed in accordance with the present invention includes a generally rectangular frame of a height, length and thickness substantially corresponding to the dimensions of the opening in which the lintel is to be installed. The frame is formed by connected, first and second elongate chord members (e.g., nominal “2×N” members) that extend in spaced, substantially parallel, overlying relationship to each other. The subject lintel also includes at least one generally rectangular, metal side plate having at least first and second spaced groupings of integrally formed teeth extending from one side along opposite longitudinal edges thereof. The respective teeth groupings engage the first and second chords.

Abstract: Roof trusses (2, 4, 6, 8) are fixed together by a snap-fit connection system. The roof truss assembly includes a first truss (2) including an aperture having an enlarged portion (26) and a slot portion (28) communicating with the enlarged portion and extending away from the enlarged portion in a slot direction and a second truss (4, 6) including a pin (22) having a neck portion (30) and a head portion (32). The enlarged portion (26) of the aperture is adapted to receive the head portion (32) of the pin (22) during converging relative movement of the trusses. Subsequent relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in the slot direction causes the neck portion (30) of the pin (22) to be received in the slot portion (28) of the aperture whereat diverging relative movement of the trusses is prevented. The truss assembly further includes a locking member (24) for preventing reverse relative movement of the second truss (4, 6) in a direction opposite to the slot direction.

Abstract: A rafter assembly is provided for joining each adjacent pair of trusses by linkage members that precisely define the predetermined spacing required between the trusses, support the trusses against relative motion apart, and include integral truss penetrating projections for initial attachment and conventional fastener alignment means for accommodating permanent connection fasteners. Further, the linkage members are configured and mountable on the trusses so as to provide no interference with the attachment of the structural members creating the roof surface.

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

Abstract: A 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: A frame connector for connecting and spacing building frames is formed as a flat rigid rectangular bar with alternating depending rigid separating flaps equal in length to the desired spacing between frame members and flat rigid securement flaps equal in length to the width of a frame member and provided with holes for attaching securement devices to the frame members. A method for creating the connector is disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wall construction, and more particularly to a new and improved means for bracing parallel studs, draft dampening between parallel studs within interior wall structures, and anchoring hand rails and grab bars to walls using a single unitary device. A one piece elongated metal plate is inserted transversely between parallel metal studs to provide the largest percentage of closure between metal studs thereby forming a fire stop (also known as a draft dampener) within the completed wall assembly and simultaneously providing a metal backing for the installation of handrails and grab bars in conformity with requirement of the Americans with Disabilities Act and Uniform Building Code requirements. The insertion of this one piece elongated plate further serves to reinforce the strength of metal studs permitting the use of lighter gauge metal studs resulting in construction cost savings.

Abstract: A cross-bracing kit for laterally spacing and bracing open web structural supports comprises at least two clips wherein each clip includes an attachment portion for attaching to the truss member and has a first finger and a second finger extending from the attachment portion in a cantilevered fashion. The fingers define a channel therebetween and each finger includes a nib at a free end of the finger. The nibs face each other and define an opening between the ends of the nib that is narrower than the channel defined by the fingers. The kit further includes at least one cross-brace which has a channel-like cross section that includes a first leg and a second leg connected at their respective bottoms. The cross-brace further includes at least two notches in a bottom of the brace wherein a distance corresponding to a desired spacing of adjacent supports separates the notches.

Abstract: A composite wood joist for the construction of building structures is comprised of an elongated straight main member and a transverse elongated web piece connected thereto. Both the main member and the web piece are of rectangular cross-section with the web piece being secured along a narrow flat end face of the main member. The web piece is dimensioned and disposed to extend beyond the opposed flat side faces of the main member to define opposed wing sections. The web piece also has a width which is narrower than the width of the main member and it provides an arresting force against longitudinal distortion of the straight elongated main member and improves the load bearing capacity thereof.

Abstract: A frame wall (20) incorporating occlusion brackets (26) is provided. The frame wall (20) incorporates a pair of adjacent and substantially parallel framing members (22). Each framing member (22) has a substantially U-shaped cross section and encompasses an interior space (34). A firestop (44) is positioned between the adjacent framing members (22). A first occlusion bracket (26) is used to affixed the firestop (44) to a first one of the framing members (22) and is configured to substantially occlude the interior space (34) of that framing member (22). A second occlusion bracket (26) is used to affix the firestop (44) to a second one of the framing members (22).

Abstract: A reinforcing plate is attached to an end-split wood beam covering at least a portion of the end split. The reinforcing plate inhibits the end split from propagating toward the middle portion of the wood beam. According to one aspect of the invention, the reinforcing plate increases the grade of the wood beam. According to another aspect of the invention, the reinforcing plate prevents or substantially avoids downgrading of the wood beam. The reinforcing plate preferably is steel and has teeth which are angled relative to the grain of the wood. First and second portions of the teeth preferably are oriented oppositely from one another, i.e., 90° relative to one another.

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

Abstract: An apparatus for bracing joists comprising a pair of load distribution members and a spanning member. The load distribution members are fastened to adjacent joists and connected together by the spanning member. The load distribution members each have a connector arm which contains a plurality of holes into which tabs on each end of the spanning member are sized to fit. The spanning member can thus connect the load distribution members over a range of distances providing a length adjustable joist bracing apparatus.

Abstract: A spacer clip for securing side-by-side joists and a method for using such clips is provided. The spacer clip, constructed from sheet metal or a rigid composite includes a bridging section and a pair of legs that extend transversely to the bridging section. A draw bar is provided along the legs at positions remote from the bridging section. The draw bar is movable to vary the pressure applied by the legs to confronting sections of joists. The draw bar can be locked in a pressure-applying orientation with respect to each of the legs. In this manner, the joists are spaced by the bridging section at one end of their height and the draw bar pressurably spaces them at an opposing end of their height.

Abstract: A gusset for joining first and second abutting support trusses wherein the gusset comprises a plate having a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted to be abutted against and fastened to a side of the first support truss at one end thereof and the finger portion is adapted to extend beyond the end of the first truss when the body portion is fastened to the first support truss. The finger portion is further adapted to hangingly engage at least one element of the second support truss for supporting the one end of the first truss thereon without fastening the first truss to the second truss.

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 reinforcing brace frame is utilized in building walls as a complete system of protection against both the severe shear stress and uplifting encountered during tornados, hurricanes and earthquakes. The reinforcing brace frame includes two vertically-spaced horizontally extending frame members joined at their opposite ends to two horizontally-spaced vertically extending frame members, and a diagonal member rigidly connected to opposite ends of the horizontally extending frame members. The reinforcing brace frame can also include spaced vertical support members between the vertical frame members. The reinforcing brace frame is directly attached to a concrete foundation by shear bolts and hold down bolts. Consequently, the reinforcing brace frame provides increased resistance against simultaneous shear stress and uplifting, eliminating the need for plywood shear panels.

Abstract: A basic wall framing unit typically consisting of a rectangle formed of two vertical and two horizontal two inch by four inch lumber with the verticals being spaced apart by two feet on centers. A plurality of wall framing units can be combined at the building site to provide a wall of any desired length. It is also possible to provide complete, larger and more complex wall framing units with provisions for windows and doors which are preassembled at a fabrication facility and then transported to the building site. A wall that is the complete side of a home can be provided and set in place at one time, greatly reducing the time necessary to fabricate the home. All of the framing units are generally secured together with truss plates to provide a means of rapid construction and to reduce or entirely eliminate the need for the carpenter to install hurricane strapping at the site.

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 truss pitch break connector plate having a main body portion. A first stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from one face of said main body portion along an arcuate first edge having an outer radius. A second stiffener flange projects generally perpendicular from the opposite face of the main body portion along a arcuate second edge having inner radius. The main body portion preferably is generally sector-shaped but alternatively it may be circular. The overall arrangement is such that the pitch break connector plate will accommodate top chords of different sizes; and is capable of maintaining the top chords at any one of a range of roof pitches.

Abstract: A reinforcement for a cast material for the fabrication of walls and ceilings of a structure which has two latticework beams interconnected by spaces using plastic plugs extending through aligned bores of the spacers and the longitudinal chords of the beams. The beams themselves have the longitudinal chords connected together by zig-zag strips and the longitudinal chords, zig-zag strips and spacers are all formed from galvanized sheet steel.

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

Abstract: A 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: A truss cross brace apparatus is described. The truss cross brace apparatus includes an elongated channel member having a U-shaped cross section. The channel member includes a base web and opposing side webs depending from the base web. An engaging portion extends from each end of the channel member. Each engaging portion includes at least one integrally formed tooth projecting from the bottom surface. The engaging portions are adapted to overlie the upper surfaces of the top chord of adjacent trusses, with the integral tooth embedded therein, such that an angle formed by the channel member and a top chord is about 45 degrees. A tab extends from a side web at one end and from the opposing web at the other end of the channel member. Each tab includes at least one integrally formed tooth projecting from the tab. Each tab is adapted to be bent to overlie the side surface of the top chord of adjacent trusses with the integral tooth embedded therein.

Abstract: A truss spacer and support device for installation between the chords of adjacent trusses includes an elongate, generally U-shaped channel member. There is a tongue on each end having at least one nail integrally formed thereon which is adapted to overlie the top of a chord with the integral nail embedded therein. Tabs extend from each side of the channel member at each end with at least one nail integrally formed thereon. The tabs are raked inwardly toward the opposite end sufficiently that the ends of the nails do not extend past the ends of the channel member sufficiently to interfere with positioning the device between the chord members of adjacent trusses. The tabs can be bent to overlie the sides of the chord, with their integral nails embedded therein. The devices are employed to accurately space and support trusses during construction of a structure, and to provide added support against in-service loads.

Abstract: A strip of sheet metal stock, having a plurality of serially-arranged holes formed therein is provided for fastening of the strip to a top plate of a building structure. The strip, further, has pairs of tabs formed therein which can be pried up from the plane of the strip, and put into vertical dispositions, to receive a rafter or truss between the paired, and vertically-disposed tabs. Holes in the tabs provide for the fastening of the emplaced rafters or trusses to the tabs. The pairs of tabs are uniformly spaced apart from other pairs thereof a distance which obtains between rafters or trusses according to conventional construction codes. An indeterminate supply of the strip can be stored on, and payed out from, a reel.

Abstract: A load bearing truss includes generally parallel first and second chords and a plurality of V-shaped metal webs interconnecting the first and second chords. Respective portions of the first and second chords extend beyond the webs at each end of the truss. A first end connector interconnects the extension portions of the first and second chords at one end of the truss to define a first end section and a second end connector interconnects the extension portions of the first and second chords at an opposite end of the truss to define a second end section. For added reinforcement, the first end connector extends at least as far inwardly as the respective apex portions of the outermost webs which are proximate to the first end section and the second end connector extends at least as far inwardly as the respective apex portions of the outermost webs which are proximate to the second end section. The truss is lengthwise adjustable by trimming a selected one or both of the first and second end sections.

Abstract: A composite beam having timber top and bottom chords and a pressed sheet metal web. The web has a series of stiffened panels arranged at intervals therealong, the panels being joined by a continuous strip along at least one edge of the web. End studs are employed. The components of the beam are fixed in place by nails which pass through the chords, the studs, and the web. Various forms of web are disclosed together with apparatus and methods for assembling the beams.

Abstract: A joist bridge has a web extending between a pair of end members. The web has a straight edge and an edge having a central indentation. The indentation provides a space through which plumbing pipes, electrical conduits and wiring and the like can be run. The joist bridge is economical of material and is therefore relatively inexpensive to manufacture. An adhesive strip may be provided along the top of the joist bridge to bond the joist bridge to the flooring above.

Abstract: A truss connector utilizing a first relatively flexible plate which has a first side and an opposite second side. A plurality of teeth extend from the second side of the first relatively flexible plate and are capable of penetrating the truss, which may be composed of softer material such as wood and the like. The second relatively rigid plate is fixed to the flexible plate such that the first side of the rigid plate contacts the second side of the flexible plate to form a unit. Apertures pass through the connected first and second plates to accept fasteners which bear on the relatively rigid plate and are capable of passing through the truss. Pairs of connectors may be employed in a truss assembly.

Abstract: An improved fastener securing framing members to metal studs is provided. The fastener has rigid shank, an integral head, a self-tapping or drilling tip, and a first and a second spaced apart buttress threads. The shank has a generally circular cross-section and a longitudinally extending axis. The head integrally extends a first end of the shank and has a top portion and an underside. The self-drilling tip is extends from a second end of the shank. The first buttress thread is formed in said shank and is adjacent the head and partially traverses the shank, terminating from the shank's second end. The second buttress thread is formed in the shank and sufficiently spaced apart from the first buttress thread such that the first thread does not continue to threadingly feed the shank through an aperture formed by the self-drilling tip, the second buttress thread terminating adjacent the tip.

Abstract: A gusset for joining first and second abutting support trusses wherein the gusset comprises a plate having a body portion and a finger portion. The body portion is adapted to be abutted against and fastened to a side of the first support truss at one end thereof and the finger portion is adapted to extend beyond the end of the first truss when the body portion is fastened to the first support truss. The finger portion is further adapted to hangingly engage at least one element of the second support truss for supporting the one end of the first truss thereon without fastening the first truss to the second truss.

Abstract: An integral, one-piece, metallic chord for use as the top and bottom chords of a roof truss. The chord comprises an elongated member of generally U-shaped, singly symmetric cross-section, having a base terminating at its longitudinal edges in mirror image legs. The base portion is planar with a central depressed rib formed therein and extending the length thereof. Each leg comprises a first planar portion perpendicular to and extending from its respective longitudinal edge of the base, followed by an inwardly sloped planar portion leading to a planar attachment portion which is perpendicular to the base portion and which terminates in a flange portion extending outwardly of the attachment portion and then upwardly and inwardly, ending in a longitudinal edge facing the attachment portion. The flange portions form semi-closed reinforcement members. The legs and their flange portions constitute the sides of the chord.

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: A truss fastener for fastening a chord to a tubular member comprises a head and a shank extending from the underside of the head and terminating at a self-drilling distal tip. The shank comprises proximal and distal portions, each having a spiral buttress thread, that are separated by an unthreaded shaft portion. The length L.sub.1 of the self-drilling tip and the distal, shaft and proximal portions of the shank L.sub.2, L.sub.3, L.sub.4 are selected such that L.sub.2 +L.sub.3 is greater than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, L.sub.1 +L.sub.2 is less than the diameter of the tubular member cavity, and L.sub.2 and L.sub.3 are each greater than the total of the thickness T.sub.1 of the wall of the tubular member and the thickness T.sub.2 of the wall of the chord T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. Preferably L.sub.4 is also greater than T.sub.1 +T.sub.2. During installation, the shaft portion freely rotates within the entrance holes in the chord and tubular member as the self-drilling tip drills the exit holes.