Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Openwork; e.g. – truss – trellis – grille – screen – frame – or... – Superimposed three-dimensional units
Patent
1985-07-01
1989-03-28
Scherbel, David A.
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Openwork; e.g., truss, trellis, grille, screen, frame, or...
Superimposed three-dimensional units
52655, 403 49, E04G 730
Patent
active
048152498
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of Invention
This invention is concerned with improvements relating scaffolding of the kind (hereinafter referred to as being of the kind specified) comprising elongate upright members (which usually extend vertically), elongate cross members (which usually extend horizontally) provided with connection members by which the cross members may be connected to the upright members, and diagonal members of braces comprising mounting formations adapted to be interfitted with receiving formations of the connection members. The invention is particularly concerned with scaffolding which is intended for use as shoring (for example) to support shuttering for use in forming concrete floors and the like. In such application, adjustable jacks are provided at the base of the upright members where the supporting ground is not level and/or uneven. Alternatively, or in addition, adjustable jacks are provided at the upper ends of the upright members, the jacks carrying supporting heads which engage the elements to be supported and thus permit the elements to be supported in a predetermined orientation, for example in a horizontal plane, irrespective of variation in the level of the surface upon which the scaffolding is erected.
2. Description of the Relate Art
Examples of scaffolding of this kind are shown in U.K. Patent Specification No. 1,599,646.
The effectiveness of a scaffolding is measured by its load carrying capacity, and the allowable load of a scaffolding is defined as a fraction of its failure load.
In use, scaffolding of the kind specified is subjected to both vertical and horizontal forces. The vertical forces are carried by the upright members, and failure of the upright members, when overloaded, is by buckling.
Additionally, vertical forces may be transmitted between the upright members by the diagonal braces.
Horizontal forces acting on the top of the structure are also transmitted to the upright members by the braces, being resolved into upward and downward components. Thus, not only must the braces be capable of withstanding buckling under compressive load, but they must also be capable of withstanding tension forces.
The buckling values of the elongate structural members are governed by their effective lengths, and can be reduced by the use of stiff, moment-transmitting joints between the members.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to this invention, there is provided a scaffolding comprising upright members, cross members, brace members and connection members by which some at least of the members may be connected together, the braces comprising mounting formations adapted to be interfitted with receiving formations on the connection members, wherein the mounting formations and the receiving formations provide abutting surface portions through which forces are transmitted between the connection member and the brace, through which abutting surface portions the longitudinal axis of the brace extends.
In this manner, location of the longitudinal axes of the upright cross and brace members in a vertical plane is facilitated, and the tendency for compression forces acting on the brace to cause buckling of the brace is significantly reduced.
Preferably, abutting surface portions are provided which transmit forces in both longitudinal directions. Thus, tension forces acting on the brace will be distributed more uniformly over the brace, and tendency for failure of the brace to occur through localised fatigue may be significantly reduced.
Preferably, said abutting surface portions are circular whereby longitudinal forces may be transmitted between the connection member and the brace in a range of angular positions of the brace in relation to the connection member.
Preferably, the abutting surface portions of the brace are provided by a part-cylindrical surface of the mounting formation.
Advantageously the axis of said part-cylindrical surface lies in a plane which extends at right angles to a plane containing the longitudinal axis of the brace, and preferably the two axes in
REFERENCES:
patent: 877624 (1908-01-01), Yorke
patent: 1645980 (1927-10-01), Bearly
patent: 4095910 (1978-06-01), Steele et al.
patent: 4445307 (1984-05-01), Puccinelli et al.
Dennison Caroline D.
Ibex Scaffolding Limited
Scherbel David A.
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