Abstract: The present invention provides a foldable and framed wall assembly comprising: a wall frame and at least one wall skin, the wall frame including an upper beam, a lower beam, at least one middle beam, and multiple short rods to connect the upper beam, the lower beam, and the middle beam together. In addition, the wall frame can be folded up for easy transportation and handling, and the wall skin has conventional building acoustic and thermal insulation material attached to the inside and a latch to connect with the frame and looks basically indistinguishable from normal wall skin after installation. Through those structure, the workers can quickly build a wall with strength not much different from a normal wall, while the foldable frame ensures that the wall can be prefabricated in advance in the factory, which can also significantly improve the transportation efficiency.

Abstract: A reinforced notched sub-purlin is formed by a top flange, one or more vertical webs, one or more base flanges, one or more notches, and at least one reinforcement. The top flange extends the entire length of the reinforced notched sub-purlin. The vertical web(s) extend from the top flange, and the one or more notches are formed by removing a portion of the vertical web (where only one vertical web is used) or by separating adjacent vertical webs (where a plurality of vertical webs are used). A base flange extends from the vertical web(s) in a direction opposite the direction in which the top flange extends from the vertical web. The at least one reinforcement is provided on the vertical web(s) and provides enhanced stiffness, thus improving ability of the reinforced notched sub-purlin (and a roof or wall panel installed thereon) to resist forces resulting from, for example, wind and snow.

Abstract: An elongate profile having a first portion and a second portion, the first and second portions being joined together at a first joining portion, the first and second portions being non collinear, the joining portion comprising an array of raised or rebated formations, each formation extending across the joining portion in a direction which is non-parallel to the principal axis of the profile and flat lands being provided between successive formations in an array and the pitch between successive formations in an array being from 2 to 20 times, for example from 5 to 15 times, the thickness of the flatlands.

Abstract: A formwork support for supporting concrete formworks in the construction sector, comprising an upper flange and a lower flange, which are connected to one another via a hollow profile web such that they are at an invariant distance in relation to one another, wherein the hollow profile web is stiffened inside by framework struts.

Abstract: An extendable arm includes first and second rigid members forming a cross unit. Each rigid member includes one end portion including one of end coupling shafts, the other end portion including the other end coupling shaft, and a middle portion including a middle coupling shaft. The one end portion of each rigid member includes a bottom-side outer side surface that surface-contacts a base surface when the extendable arm in an extended state is placed thereon. The other end portion of each rigid member includes a top-side outer side surface extending parallel to the bottom-side outer side surface of each rigid member. The middle portion of each rigid member includes a middle strip region passing through a middle coupling shaft and perpendicular to the bottom-side outer side surface and the top-side outer side surface.

Abstract: A reinforced notched sub-purlin is formed by a top flange, one or more vertical webs, one or more base flanges, one or more notches, and at least one reinforcement. The top flange extends the entire length of the reinforced notched sub-purlin. The vertical web(s) extend from the top flange, and the one or more notches are formed by removing a portion of the vertical web (where only one vertical web is used) or by separating adjacent vertical webs (where a plurality of vertical webs are used). A base flange extends from the vertical web(s) in a direction opposite the direction in which the top flange extends from the vertical web. The at least one reinforcement is provided on the vertical web(s) and provides enhanced stiffness, thus improving ability of the reinforced notched sub-purlin (and a roof or wall panel installed thereon) to resist forces resulting from, for example, wind and snow.

Abstract: Devices, structures, and methods for designing, constructing, and fitting modular structural building blocks together into a unified structure. Modular blocks are rapidly fit together into finished assemblies. Finished assemblies include reinforcing elements aligned in a structurally sound pattern. The unified structure includes walls, provisions for corners, and provisions for door/window spaces. The unified structure optionally includes raised floors or lowered ceilings, offset from ordinary associated height, using blocks disposed side-by-side with intermediate supports. The unified structure optionally includes one or more curved structures, such as vaulted ceilings, rounded walls or silos, tunnels, or otherwise.

Abstract: A breakaway boom segment is provided with perforated outer walls. The breakaway boom segment ma have a fabricated box configuration with cutouts, which may include a pair of multi-flanged channel pieces that are connected to each other with respective channel openings facing each other and pairs of upper and lower flanges connected to each other to provide a box configuration and having an interior space that is accessible through openings of the cutouts.

Abstract: A truss connected to a structure via a fixed rod end attachment and at least one swing-link attachment. A first beam of the truss is connected to a frame member of the structure via a fixed rod end attachment, which locates the truss relative to the frame of the structure. Remaining beams of the truss to be connected to the frame of the structure are attached via swing-link attachments, which can pivot relative to the beam of the truss and the frame of the structure to allow relative movement between the beam and frame. The relative movement allows the structure to flex without imparting additional loads in the truss or the frame of the structure.

Abstract: Devices, structures, and methods for designing, constructing, and fitting modular structural building blocks together into a unified structure. Modular blocks are rapidly fit together into finished assemblies. Finished assemblies include reinforcing elements aligned in a structurally sound pattern. The unified structure includes walls, provisions for corners, and provisions for door/window spaces. The unified structure optionally includes raised floors or lowered ceilings, offset from ordinary associated height, using blocks disposed side-by-side with intermediate supports. The unified structure optionally includes one or more curved structures, such as vaulted ceilings, rounded walls or silos, tunnels, or otherwise.

Abstract: An auxiliary cross-member structure for supporting elements of a motor-vehicle front suspension includes a metal sheet hollow frame in a form of a hollow shell, with two opposite end portions, for connection of two respective oscillating arms of the suspension. The metal sheet hollow frame is defined by a single metal sheet folded on itself and having portions which are overlapped and welded. In a preferred implementation, within the metal sheet hollow frame is provided an additional filling structure at least partially constituted of synthetic material or composite material incorporating reinforcing fibers. At each end of the auxiliary cross-member structure there are two pairs of holes aligned with each other along two vertical axes which are used both for mounting elastic bushings for connection of a respective oscillating arm, and for the engagement of connecting screws for connecting the auxiliary cross-member structure to the motor-vehicle body.

Abstract: A method of construction process of a reinforced compound concrete beam containing demolished concrete lumps comprising following steps. Form an I-shaped steel member with a discontinuous top flange by welding a bottom flange plate, a web and two steel plates. Set up a bottom die of the reinforced compound concrete beam. After hoisting the I-shaped steel member with the discontinuous top flange in position, bind longitudinal bars, waist bars and stirrups, and finally set up a side die. (2) Wet the demolished concrete lumps, pour the fresh concrete with a thickness of 20-30 mm inside a cavity formed by the bottom die and the side die, and then put a layer of the wet demolished concrete lumps in a gap between the two steel plates. The two steel plates are two rectangle steel plates or two trapezoid steel plates. Stir artificially so that the demolished concrete lumps are uniformly distributed inside the cavity formed by the bottom die and the side die.

Abstract: Structural member for a reinforced stud wall including a tie rod. A horizontal longitudinal hollow bearing member having a horizontal longitudinal axis and horizontal and parallel top and bottom walls extending along the horizontal longitudinal axis. The top and bottom walls are configured to support a downward compression force transverse to the top wall from the tie rod when the tie rod is attached to the top wall. First and second web flanges connect the top and bottom walls to form first and second “I”-shaped cross-sections joined together side-by-side, the web flanges extending along the longitudinal axis of the hollow bearing member. The web flanges are configured to transfer downward compression force on the top wall to the bottom wall. Opening through the top and bottom walls allows the tie rod to extend vertically therethrough, the opening being confined within a space between vertical portions of the web flanges.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a first metal beam and a mounting bracket. The first metal beam is arranged in a linearly horizontal direction and defines a plurality of first and second cavities along a top surface of the first metal beam. Each first cavity is of a first shape and is separated from another first cavity by a first distance. Each second cavity is of a second shape different from the first shape and is separated from another second cavity by a second distance greater than the first distance. The mounting bracket couples to the top surface of the first metal beam at a first mounting cavity of the plurality of second cavities and the top surface of the second metal beam at a second mounting cavity of the plurality of fourth cavities. The mounting bracket further couples to a compressor.

Abstract: An I-shaped steel with discontinuous top flange reinforced compound concrete beam containing demolished concrete lumps and a construction process thereof. The beam comprises an I-shaped steel having discontinuous top flange, longitudinal bars (7), stirrups (6), waist bars (8), fresh concrete (5), and demolished concrete lumps (4). The I-shaped steel having discontinuous top flange consists of a bottom flange plate (3), a web (2) and a discontinuous top flange plate (1). The discontinuous top flange plate (1) consists of two rectangle steel plates or trapezoid steel plates located at both sides of the I-shaped steel. The two steel plates have a same length that is one third of a length of the I-shaped steel. The trapezoid steel plate has a width of a short side no less than a quarter of a width of the long side. The recycled compound concrete beam saves steel, fully uses the demolished concrete lumps, and is convenient to construct.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: A truss support system is disclosed. The system is comprised of a plurality of tubular truss sections configured for attachment to each other. Each of the sections has a plurality of polygonal shaped access slots surrounded by a plurality of bolt holes along each of its peripheral sides and on end-plates at each end of the truss sections. The end-plates of the system have additional bolt holes around the access slot compared to the number of bolts surrounding the access slots on the peripheral sides to provide for increased hold between end-to-end connections of truss sections. The truss sections of the system may be hinged together to compensate for uneven ground or for increased load supported.

Abstract: A bearing wall includes a pair of vertical members that are joined to upper and lower horizontal members of a building so as to be spaced apart in a horizontal direction; and a wall surface member that includes a first joint portions joined to one of the vertical members, that includes a second joint portions joined to another of the vertical members, and that includes circular-shaped opening portions that are spaced apart in an up-down direction between the pair of vertical members so as to be disposed in a single column. A separation distance between a center of one opening portion and a center of an opening portion that is adjacent to the one opening portion in the up-down direction is shorter than a horizontal separation distance between the first joint portions and the second joint portions.

Abstract: In a system and method for retaining or detaining a fluid beneath a ground surface, a plurality of modules, each having at least one vertically disposed side portion supporting a horizontally disposed roof are provided. The plurality of modules, each being in fluid communication, either directly or indirectly, with each of the other modules, are arranged in an assembly having a plurality of rows and columns. Each of the rows and columns contain at least one flow obstructer such that fluid flow through each of said rows and columns is circuitous.

Abstract: A tiltable flat roof structure includes vertical columns and horizontally oriented hollow beams. Each hollow beam has a downwardly facing opening in a mounting area with the upper end of a column positioned therein. Holes are defined in the upper end of each column oriented in a regular pattern. Arcuate slots are defined in the mounting area of each beam with each of the slots having a length equal to an amount of relative rotation between the beam and the column. The slots are oriented in a regular pattern matching the regular pattern of the mounting holes so that the holes are aligned with the slots throughout the amount of relative rotation. Nuts are affixed to the inner surface of each of the columns in alignment with each of the holes and bolts are inserted through the holes and matching slots to fixedly orient the beams relative to the columns.

Abstract: A variable height telescoping tower includes a base section and a second lower most section nested within the base section and extendable from within the base section. The second lower most section includes a plurality of vertically spaced lock apertures disposed thereon. A lock member is attached to the base section, and includes an engaging portion movable between a disengaged position at which the engaging portion rests outside of the lock apertures and an engaged position at which the engaging portion is engaged within one of the lock apertures of the second lower most section.

Abstract: There is disclosed a mounting clip for mounting an exterior metal cladding from an exterior sheathing in a building to form a set off between the metal cladding and the sheathing. The mounting clip is made of a plastic material having a low thermal conductivity and is made in the general form of an I-beam with parallel first and second flat portions held together by a web portion. The second flat portion is longer than the first web portion so as to accommodate mounting apertures in order to make the mounting clip easier to install.

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 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 hollow tubular joist structure, a joist assembly including a plurality of aligned repetitive tubular joist structures, and a method of constructing this joist assembly. The tubular joist structure may include any suitable cross-sectional geometry. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The tubular top chord may be capable of receiving a power actuated fastener (PAF). The tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord may also be capable of receiving a utility conduit.

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 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 system designed to simplify the addition of lights, audio equipment, and other stage-related equipment through the use of essentially circular strut channel members. The system is designed to enclose such equipment, be lightweight, and facilitate easy set-up and take-down of truss assemblies. The lightweight truss system includes an open-sided structure with rigid ends, and a strut channel system that facilitates the installation of lights, audio equipment, and other stage-related devices.

Abstract: A truss system for roofing a building; a truss of said truss system including at least one truss segment; each said truss segment comprising a first elongate element and a second elongate element; said first and second elongate elements interconnected at intervals by a series of fish-plate assemblies; said fish-plate assemblies arranged in sliding engagement with respective extruded fish-plate channels of said first and second elongate elements.

Abstract: A reinforcement for structural use including two longitudinal bars or plates connected by transverse bars or plates. The end sections of each side of the transverse bars or plates end at the longitudinal bars or plates. The longitudinal bars or plates extend laterally from both ends forming corresponding ending areas where there are no transverse bars or plates between the longitudinal bars or plates. At least two of the ends of the longitudinal bar or plate assembly have an inclined section that switches direction toward the respective end and toward the longitudinal bar or plate facing it, and then a section parallel to the opposing longitudinal bar or plate. The ends of the longitudinal bars or plates include elbows folded inward.

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: Methods and systems to manufacture bonded corrugation truss-based structures. This allows the ability to change the dimensions of the individual structural features of the corrugations, i.e. thickness of the core, face sheet thickness, relative density of the core, and the alloys. The nodal design which provides ideal stress/strain distribution for in-plane and out-off plane loading. The node has a curved/smooth triple point intersection which in turn can provide best load transfer interface with high integrity/toughness. The bonded corrugation truss based structure can be continuous to any length only limited by the volume of the extrusion billet and the press capacity. An aspect of the bonded corrugation structures may include friction stir welding of the face sheets or any fusion welding of panels with edge members for strengthening allows fabrication of panels of any width and length. Bonding panels enables the fabrication of structures of any width.

Abstract: A roof truss compatible for solar energy panels, and a method for installing the roof trusses, incorporates a non-structural top chord that may have a removable portion removed and replaced by a solar assembly. The truss is structurally designed to support the solar assembly without the presence of the non-structural top chord. A desired length of the non-structural top chord may be omitted or removed during manufacture of the truss, or may be removed at a future time for installation of solar panel assemblies. A solar assembly for inserting into the solar roof truss may include a panel enclosure which has a channel for holding a solar panel, where the panel is installed approximately flush with the roof line. The panel enclosure may have an air space underneath the solar panel, to allow for cooling air flow and water drainage.

Abstract: A building system is disclosed having building constituent assemblies including wall panels, a flooring assembly, a ceiling assembly and a roofing assembly. Each of the building constituent assemblies includes a supporting structure and a covering member. The supporting structure includes a supporting member which has a corrugated first side portion and second side portion. The side portions of adjacent supporting structures overlay each other and interlock the adjacent constituent assemblies together.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connection arrangement of hollow steel sections as support elements which are interconnected using a joint connection, the connection being subject to axial pressure. According to the invention, the joint connection is designed as a detachable, form-fitting plug-in connection.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention comprise interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses, sections, and structures, and methods for efficiently creating the interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses, sections and, structures. Embodiments of the method comprise determining the application needs; designing the interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses for the application needs; continuously producing the interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses through in-line processing; galvanizing the interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses; transporting the interchangeable pre-fabricated planar trusses to the assembly site with reduce transportation costs; and assembling the trusses on site with a reduced labor costs.

Abstract: A building structure includes an upper chord element, a lower chord element and web elements extending between the upper chord element and the lower chord element. The upper chord element forms part of an outer surface of a roof for the building structure.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice-based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. The bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the facesheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). In one aspect, a core and related structures provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. Another aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.

Abstract: A unitary steel joist includes a generally vertical web, a generally horizontal bottom flange, a generally horizontal top flange, a bottom wing, a bottom web portion, a top wing and a top web portion. The generally horizontal bottom flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The bottom flange is made of two pieces of steel. The generally horizontal top flange extends outwardly on each side of the web. The top flange is made of two pieces of steel. The bottom wing extends outwardly from the web. The bottom web portion extends between the bottom flange and bottom wing. The top wing extends outwardly from the web. The top web portion extends between the top flange and the top wing. The unitary steel joist is made from a unitary piece of steel.

Abstract: Methods and systems to manufacture lattice-based sandwich structures from monolithic material. Such methods and systems eliminate the bonding process which is conventionally used to join lattice based truss cores to facesheets to form sandwich structures. This bonded interface is a key mode of failure for sandwich structures which are subjected to shear or bending loads because the nodes transfer forces from the face sheets to the core members while the topology for a given core relative density dictates the load carrying capacity (assuming adequate node-bond strength exists). An aspect comprises a core and related structures that provide very low density, good crush resistance and high in-plane shear resistance. An aspect of the truss structures may include sandwich panel cores and lattice truss topology that may be designed to efficiently support panel bending loads while maintaining an open topology that facilitates multifunctional applications.

Abstract: A structural building component includes a pultruded member adapted to be used as a structural frame member of a building.

Abstract: A thin-sheet panel assembly. In one embodiment, a substantially rigid thin-sheet panel assembly having a non-rigid thin-sheet component includes the thin-sheet component which has selected plan area and shape, a backer having a plan shape and area substantially similar to the thin-sheet component, and plural riser elements of selected height and configuration each extending from the backer to distal ends connected to a reverse surface of the thin-sheet component, the riser elements being configured and disposed in an array which causes the assembly to have substantial rigidity in a selected direction in the thin-sheet component, and the thin-sheet panel assembly further includes a bar coupled to the backer and extending between at least one pair of adjacent riser elements of the plural riser elements.

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 deployable structural assembly is provided along with associated deployment mechanisms and associated methods of forming and deploying the structural assembly. In one exemplary embodiment, the structural assembly includes a plurality of structural side elements formed from furlable truss structures. The truss structures may include spaced apart longitudinal members, members extending substantially transversely between the longitudinal members, and diagonal members extending between the longitudinal members at an acute angle relative thereto. A plurality of interlocking elements are located along the edges of the longitudinal members and are configured to engage interlocking elements of an adjacent structural side element. In one embodiment the truss structures may be formed to include at least one material layer having the longitudinal members, the cross-members and the diagonals formed as an integral structure.

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: The present disclosure relates to a box-shaped structure of inter-related structural components. The structural components are combined to create a single three dimensional component the shape of a rectangular prism. The structure is formed by creating a pair of exterior walls from horizontal members and a series of laterally spaced vertical members that are coupled to the horizontal members by truss plates. The structure also includes a series of laterally spaced rectangular ribs that are coupled to the exterior walls by additional truss plates. The ribs and the walls are further coupled by use of wood sheeting along the top of the structure to form the resultant assembly. The entire assembly is connected together with a series of bolt and steel angle connectors, allowing the entire module to act monolithically.

Abstract: A building structure having a plurality of frame assemblies joined together to form an internal frame structure for a building. Each of the frame assemblies includes a truss, a pair of vertical wall members and a floor joist. The truss is attached to respective top ends the vertical wall members at each end of the truss with interlocking joints in which the truss and vertical wall members are in substantially the same plane. Each vertical wall member is attached to the floor joist with interlocking joints. Each interlocking joint has a puzzle-piece configuration. Cross-members interconnect the frame assemblies in a spaced-apart manner. A floor panel is attached to the floor joists and exterior wall panels are attached to an exterior of the internal frame structure.

Abstract: A structural panel for a building structure includes first and second stud members each including a neck. Openings and venturi bridges are formed in the neck. At least one flange is attached to the neck. A foam panel extends between the studs. The openings in the neck limit the heat transferred from the stud to the edge of the foam panel. The venturi bridges in the neck also limit the transfer of heat from the neck to the edge of the foam panel.

Abstract: An upper chord bearing joist comprising a top chord member and a bottom chord member, each having a flange portion and a web receiving portion including two web receiving tabs, each made from a unitary piece of metal; a generally planar steel web, a portion of the web being attached to the the top chord member and to the bottom chord member, wherein a top portion of the web is between the two web receiving tabs of the top chord member and a bottom portion of the web is between the two web receiving tabs of the bottom chord member; and a first and second pair of support members, each support member including a shoe portion, a web attaching portion, and an angled portion, the web attaching portion portion being attached to the web receiving tabs and the angled portion being in contact with the web. The joist may be cambered, have reinforcement stiffeners, and have a rotatable joint at either end. The joists may be used in composite with concrete or with wood.

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

Abstract: A metal truss system comprising a pair of chord members of generally U-shaped cross-sectional configuration is joined together by a web formed of a single continuous piece having a wave shape. The apexes of the web are adapted to be received in each chord. The legs of the chords have inwardly recessed portions to form a narrowed throat portion, which provides a stop against which the apex of the web abuts. The resulting positioning of the web apex presents a maximum surface area for welding the web to the chord member. This enables an optimum amount of welding, while minimizing the weakening of the metal being welded. The configuration of the chords and web permits rapid fabrication of the truss.

Abstract: A steel joist member for use in supporting floor structures giving great strength and convenience and improved acoustical performance having a web defining edges, first and second side surfaces and an axis, a edge wall on at least one edge, main openings through the web at spaced intervals therealong, with rounded ends and parallel linear sides, channel portions of the web displaced from the main openings remaining attached integrally to the web by right angle bend lines formed on the first side surface of the main opening along axes parallel to the web axis, and forming reinforcing channels alongside the opposite sides of the main opening. Also disclosed is a composite joist member made up of two such joist members joined together back to back with their openings in registration. Also disclosed is a rim member for supporting the composite joists to form a floor structure. Also disclosed is a method of making such a floor joist member.