Static structures (e.g. – buildings) – Machine or implement
Patent
1997-02-11
1998-12-29
Kent, Christopher
Static structures (e.g., buildings)
Machine or implement
527293, 527294, 52690, 52696, 2989735, E04L 3292
Patent
active
058529080
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to composite steel-and-timber structural beams and to steel webs for use in such beams. It also concerns methods of forming such beams and to apparatus for use in such methods. The beams with which this invention is concerned find use in supporting spans up to eight metres in domestic and `low-rise` light commercial buildings. They may be used as bearers, joists, lintels and the like.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Composite steel and timber beams have the advantage of being cheaper than structurally equivalent beams formed wholly from timber and lighter and more easily employed in timber structures than steel beams. Such composite beams typically have timber chords and steel webs or braces secured to the timber using integral spikes struck from the steel. It is desirable for such composite beams to be easily manufactured by local roof-truss makers and builders suppliers who service the domestic and light construction industry. It is also desirable for such beams to have openings pre-formed therein to accommodate wiring and piping.
Many truss-like composite beams have been proposed using press-formed, ribbed or flat, rectangular or V-shape spiked connector plates for fixing the timber chords together. Examples are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,025,577, 3,298,151, 3,503,173, 4,078,352, 4,207,719, 4,348,850 and 4,523,419, and UK patent No. 1,572,354. Thus, U.S. Pat. No. 4,523,419 discloses the use of multiple rib-stiffened rectangular spiked plates which are pressed, at spaced intervals, onto the outside faces of a pair of timber chords to create a beam. The stiffening ribs in the plates are deeper than the spikes so that they assist in locating the chords in correct spaced relationship while the plates are pressed home to drive the spikes into the timber. Similarly, UK patent 1,572,354 discloses the use of multiple V-shape spiked braces which are also spaced out along timber chords. While such beams provide plenty of openings for piping and can be fabricated by local truss makers, they require high-grade and continuous timber chords, are laborious to assemble (since there are so many components), difficult to manufacture straight and difficult to handle because of their lateral flexibility.
In my Australian patent No. 650614, I disclosed a variety of beams having timber chords and continuous steel webs in which the webs are roll-formed and punched to produce integral spikes along their upper and lower edges and, if desired, to provide access holes. The webs are attached to the chords by pressing the spikes into the timber chords. Since the webs have continuous upper and lower edges, low-grade timber can be used for the chords. However, few truss-makers or builders suppliers can afford the necessary roll-former, punch and press, so such beams are now only made in central locations.
OBJECTIVES OF THE INVENTION
The general objective of this invention is to provide improved composite beams, improved webs for use in such beams and improved beam fabrication methods and apparatus. It is desirable that such beams be easy to manufacture with few components and low-grade timber, while providing ready access for piping and the like.
OUTLINE OF INVENTION
The present invention is based upon the realisation that an I-form beam with a central sheet-metal web and timber chords can be readily fabricated using nails (preferably from nail-guns), instead of presses to form a coherent and structurally-sound beam. Without the need for spiked steel components, assembly is greatly simplified. Moreover, it was appreciated that, if the web were to have alternating ribbed and plain panels, the ribbed panels would provide the necessary structural stiffness for the beam while the plain panels would give the web sufficient flexibility for it to be supplied to beam-fabricators in coil-form. Furthermore, large access holes could be formed in the plain panels without compromising the strength of the beam, provided at least one continuous edge (tension-strip) was retained.
Conveniently, the web
REFERENCES:
patent: 3025577 (1962-03-01), Jureit
patent: 3298151 (1967-01-01), Jureit
patent: 3503173 (1970-03-01), Jureit
patent: 3708942 (1973-01-01), Leonard
patent: 4078352 (1978-03-01), Knowles
patent: 4207719 (1980-06-01), Knowles
patent: 4348850 (1982-09-01), Reeder et al.
patent: 4523419 (1985-06-01), Palacio et al.
patent: 5524410 (1996-06-01), Menchetti
Kent Christopher
Techtruss Holdings Pty. Ltd.
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