AU2013100090A4 - A Structural Assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A structural assembly comprising: a rafter including a wall section; a bracket attached to the rafter by at least a pair of mechanical fastening means such that at least one of the pair of mechanical fastening means is attached to either side of the rafter relative to the wall section; and a purlin attached to the bracket by mechanical fastening means. 44 42 44 1B Figure 2

Description

A STRUCTURAL ASSEMBLY TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to structural assemblies. In some embodiments, the invention is directed to structural steel assemblies, although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Metallic structural assemblies are widely used in the construction industry for frame type construction. [0003] A disadvantage with existing structural assemblies is that they require certain components to be welded. In some instances, this requires professional on site welding which is expensive, time consuming and cannot be easily tested for quality. In other instances, certain components are pre-welded which can cause problems when these components are transported, as these components may not be easily stackable and/or more prone to damage, resulting in higher transport related costs. [0004] It is an aim of the invention to provide a structural assembly which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0005] It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country. SUMMARY OF INVENTION [0006] In one aspect, the present invention provides a structural assembly comprising: a substantially vertical first structural element including a wall section; a second structural element disposed at an angle to the first structural element; a plate attached to one end of the second structural element; and at least two brackets attached to either side of the wall section by mechanical fastening means; wherein the plate is attached by mechanical fastening means to the first structural element and to each of the at least two brackets. [00071 In one embodiment, the first structural element may be a beam or a column. Typically the first structural element is connected to a base. Alternatively the first structural element may be connected to other structural elements. Normally the first structural member will have a wall section in the form of a web. Typically the first structural member is elongate. In a preferred embodiment, the first structural element is a column with an I- or H-shaped cross section, or a channel beam (such as a C-shaped channel beam in cross section). Columns or beams with I- or H-shaped cross-sections and channel beams are well known in the art and will not be explained here in detail. A skilled addressee will understand that such columns or beams will typically have a wall section in the form of a web and two opposed flanges. [00081 In another embodiment, the second structural element is typically elongate, such as an elongate member. Preferably the second structural member is a beam, rafter or joist. Typically the second structural member is an I-beam. Alternatively, the second structural member may be made from c-channel section, hollow structural section and/or the like. The second structural member is normally welded at one end thereof to the plate. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including attaching the plate to the second structural member by mechanical fasteners and/or the like. [0009] In one embodiment, at least two brackets are typically attached to either side of the first structural member's wall section (web) by mechanical fastening means. Typically the brackets act as stiffeners that provide stability to the first structural element's wall section. Stiffeners typically help prevent buckling or yielding of the first structural element caused by applied loads. Preferably, the brackets are adapted to attach to the web and flanges of a column. Typically the brackets comprise a wall section bracket and at least one flange bracket. The wall section bracket and at least one flange bracket are normally attached together by mechanical fastening means. The advantage of having wall section and flange brackets is that the relative position of the brackets can be changed to adapt to different sized first structural elements. Preferably the mechanical fastening means used to attach the brackets to the first structural member are bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [0010] In another embodiment, the plate is attached by mechanical fastening means to the first structural element and to each of the at least two attachment assemblies on either side of the wall section(web). Typically the plate will comprise apertures. The apertures in the plate will preferably align with corresponding apertures in the first structural member such that mechanical fastening means can be inserted at least partially into the apertures in the plate and the first structural element. Preferably each of the at least two attachment assemblies on either side of the web will have corresponding apertures such that the mechanical fastening means that can be -Y inserted at least partially into the apertures in the plate and the first structural element can also be inserted at least partially into the corresponding apertures of the attachment assemblies. Preferably the first structural element will comprise additional apertures which align with corresponding apertures in the attachment assemblies such that the attachment assemblies can be further attached to the first structural element. Attaching the attachment assemblies in this manner will typically provide stability to the first structural element. The apertures in the plate, first structural element and the attachment assemblies will normally be pre-drilled. The advantage of having components pre-drilled is that there is a reduction in costs and/or time. Alternatively, the apertures may be drilled on site. This will typically provide a reduction in costs and/or time compared to structural assemblies that require on-site welding of components. Preferably the mechanical fastening means used to attach the plate to the first structural member and the attachment assemblies are bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [0011] In another aspect, the present invention provides a structural assembly comprising: a purlin; a rafter including a wall section; at least a pair of attachment assemblies attached by mechanical fastening means to the rafter on opposed sides of the wall section; a bracket attached to the rafter and further attached by mechanical fastening means to the purlin; at least two braces, each attached by mechanical fastening means at one end to one of the at least a pair of attachment assemblies and attached by mechanical fastening means at an opposing end to the purlin. [0012] In one embodiment, the purlin may be a roofing structural member. Normally purlins support the loads from the roof deck or sheathing and are supported by rafters. Typically the purlin is made from C, Z or U section material. In a preferred embodiment, the purlin is made from steel Z section. [00131 In another embodiment, the rafter may comprise at least one flange. Preferably the rafter will comprise two opposed flanges. Normally a wall section (web) will be disposed between the two opposed flanges. Preferably, the web will be provided at an angle substantially perpendicular to the flanges. Typically the rafter will have an I-, C- or H-shaped cross-section. Preferably the rafter will be an elongate structural member. [0014] In one embodiment, the bracket may be attached to the rafter using mechanical fastening means. Preferably the bracket is attached to the rafter using bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. Alternatively the bracket may be welded onto the rafter. The bracket is typically _r an L-shaped bracket. However, a skilled addressee will understand the bracket may be of any suitable shape provided that the bracket is able to attach the purlin relative to the rafter. Typically the bracket will comprise apertures that correspond to apertures in the rafter and the purlin such that the bracket can be attached to the rafter and the purlin using mechanical fastening means. The apertures in the bracket, rafter and purlin will normally be pre-drilled. [0015] In another embodiment, the at least a pair of attachment assemblies may be L-shaped brackets. However, a skilled addressee will understand the at least a pair of attachment assemblies may be of any suitable shape provided that they are able to attach a brace relative to the rafter. Normally the at least a pair of attachment assemblies are attached to the web of the rafter. Alternatively the at least a pair of attachment assemblies may be attached to a flange of the rafter. Typically the at least a pair of attachment assemblies are attached to the rafter using mechanical fastening means. Preferably the at least a pair of attachment assemblies are attached to the rafter using bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. Typically the at least a pair of attachment assemblies will comprise apertures that correspond to apertures in the rafter and the braces such that the at least a pair of attachment assemblies can be attached to the rafter and braces using mechanical fastening means. The apertures in the at least a pair of attachment assemblies, rafter and braces will normally be pre-drilled. [00161 In one embodiment, the braces are preferably attached to the purlin and the attachment assemblies by bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. Typically the braces will be elongate structural members. In a preferred embodiment, the braces will be L-section structural members. However, a skilled addressee will understand that any suitable braces may be used, provided that the braces can at least partially support the purlin relative to the rafter. Typically, each of the braces will comprise at least one aperture that corresponds to an aperture in the purlin such that the braces can be attached to the purlin by mechanical fastening means. [00171 In a further aspect, the present invention provides a structural assembly comprising: a rafter including a wall section; a bracket attached to the rafter by at least a pair of mechanical fastening means such that at least one of the pair of mechanical fastening means is attached to either side of the rafter relative to the wall section; and a purlin attached to the bracket by mechanical fastening means. [00181 In one embodiment, the rafter may comprise at least one flange. Preferably the rafter will comprise two opposed flanges. Typically the rafter will have an I- or H-shaped cross-section. Preferably the rafter will be an elongate structural member. [0019] In another embodiment, the bracket may be an L-shaped bracket. However, a skilled addressee will understand the bracket may be of any suitable shape provided that the bracket is able to attach the purlin relative to the rafter. Typically the bracket will comprise apertures that correspond to apertures in the rafter and the purlin such that the bracket can be attached to the rafter and purlin using mechanical fastening means. The apertures in the bracket, rafter and purlin will normally be pre-drilled. In a preferred embodiment, the apertures in the rafter will be located in either side (relative to the wall section or web) of the top flange of the rafter. Preferably the bracket is attached to the rafter and purlin using bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [0020] In one embodiment, the purlin may have a C, Z or U shaped cross-section. In a preferred embodiment, however, the purlin has a Z shaped cross section. The purlin may be fabricated from any suitable material, such as metal, plastic, wood or the like. In a particular embodiment, however, the purlin may be made from metal, such as aluminium or steel. Typically the purlin is attached to the bracket using at least one mechanical fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, the purlin is attached to the bracket using two bolts. [0021] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a structural assembly comprising: a first portion having a first end adapted for fastening to a structural element, and a tubular second end adapted for telescopic engagement with a third portion of the structural assembly; a second portion having a first end adapted for fastening to a structural element, and a tubular second end adapted for telescopic engagement with the third portion of the structural assembly; and alignment means allowing the first and second portion to be aligned to the third portion such that the first and second portion can be attached to the third portion by mechanical fastening means. [0022] In one embodiment, the first end of the first portion typically comprises at least one aperture to enable the first portion to be attached to a structural element by mechanical fastening means. Normally the first end is attached to a structural member by at least one bolt. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. Preferably the first end will be plate shaped to allow easy attachment to a structural member. However, the first end may be of any suitable shape. A skilled addressee will V understand that any suitable shaped first end may be used provided that the first end can be attached to a structural member. The first end of the first portion is preferably attached relative to the second end of the first portion. Typically the first end is attached to an intermediate member, which in turn is attached to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate member is a plate. Preferably the plate is welded to the first end and the second end. [00231 In another embodiment, the second end of the first portion is typically adapted to telescopically insert into the third portion. Alternatively, the second end of the first portion may be adapted to fit over the third portion. The second end and the third portion are normally correspondingly shaped for telescopic engagement. In a preferred embodiment, the second end is a hollow structural section. Preferably the hollow structural section is a square hollow structural section. [0024] In one embodiment, the first end of the second portion typically comprises at least one aperture to enable the second portion to be attached to a structural element by mechanical fastening means. Normally the first end is attached to a structural member by at least one bolt. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. Preferably the first end will be plate shaped to allow easy attachment to a structural member. However, the first end may be of any suitable shape. A skilled addressee will understand that any suitable shaped first end may be used provided that the first end can be attached to a structural member. The first end of the second portion is preferably attached relative to the second end of the second portion. Typically the first end is attached to an intermediate member, which in turn is attached to the second end. In a preferred embodiment, the intermediate member is a plate. Preferably the plate is welded to the first end and the second end. [0025] In another embodiment, the second end of the second portion is typically adapted to telescopically insert into the third portion. Alternatively, the second end of the second portion may be adapted to fit over the third portion. The second end and the third portion are normally correspondingly shaped for telescopic engagement. In a preferred embodiment, the second end is a hollow structural section. Preferably the hollow structural section is a square hollow structural section. [00261 In one embodiment, the third portion may be a tubular portion. Preferably, the third portion is a hollow structural section. normally the cross sectional shape of the third portion will correspond to the cross sectional shape of the second end of the first and second portion. Typically the third portion telescopically fits over at least part of the first and/or second portion.

Alternatively, the third portion may be shaped to at least partially insert into the first and/or second portion. A benefit of providing a third portion that telescopically engages with the first and second portion is that the overall length of the structural assembly may be adjusted by using third portions of different lengths. In a preferred embodiment, the third portion is attached to the first and second portion by bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [00271 In another embodiment, the alignment means may be provided on the first, second and third portions. Typically the alignment means are apertures. The apertures are normally provided in the second end of the first and second portions and corresponding apertures are provided on the third portion. Multiple aperture may be provided to enable the first and second portions to align with the third portion in multiple locations. An advantage of this is that the length of the structural assembly may be varied. Typically, when apertures on the first and second portions are aligned with apertures on the third portion, the first and second portions can be attached to the third portion by mechanical fastening means. In a preferred embodiment, bolts are at least partially inserted into the apertures to attach the first and second portions to the third portion. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [0028] In yet another aspect, the invention resides broadly in a structural assembly comprising a structural element including a wall section and at least one flange projecting outwardly from at least one end of the wall section, and one or more support members connected to the at least one flange by mechanical fastening means. [0029] Preferably, the structural element may be a beam or a column. Normally the structural member will have a wall section in the form of a web. Typically the structural member is elongate. In a preferred embodiment, the structural element is a beam with an I- or H-shaped cross-section, or a channel beam (such as a C-shaped channel beam in cross section). Columns or beams with I- or H-shaped cross-sections and channel beams are well known in the art and will not be explained here in detail. A skilled addressee will understand that such columns or beams will typically (although not necessarily) have a wall section in the form of a web and two opposed flanges. [00301 It is envisaged that the one or more support members may be connected to any suitable flange of the structural member. However, in a preferred embodiment, the one or more support members are adapted for connection to a flange associated with a lower end of the wall section when the structural element is in use. In this embodiment of the invention, it is preferred that the one or more support members are connected to an upper surface of the flange associated with a lower end of the wall section. Preferably, in embodiments of the invention in which multiple support members are provided, all of the support members are connected to the same flange. More preferably, in embodiments of the invention in which multiple support members are provided, all of the support members are connected to the same surface of the same flange. [0031] The one or more support members may be of any suitable size, shape or configuration. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the one or more support members may comprise plates, brackets, cleats or the like (or a combination thereof) adapted for connection to the at least one flange of the structural assembly. Typically, the one or more support members will comprise at least one aperture that corresponds to one or more apertures in the flange of the structural element such that the one or more support members can be attached to the structural member using mechanical fastening means. The apertures in the structural element and support members will normally be pre-drilled. Any suitable number of apertures may be provided, and in some embodiments the structural element may be provided with additional apertures so that the position on the structural element at which the support members are attached may be varied as required. [0032] In a preferred embodiment, the support members include one or more additional members adapted to allow the support members to be connected to a second structural element, such as a beam, rafter, column, bracing member or the like. Alternatively, construction elements such as (but not limited to) flooring members (including grid mesh flooring), roofing members and wall members may be adapted to be supported by, and attached to, the support members. [0033] Preferably the mechanical fastening means used to attach the support members to the structural member are bolts. However, other means to achieve the same results are envisaged including the use of screws, rivets, pins, nails and/or the like. [0034] Attaching the support members to the flange of the structural element provides a number of advantages over the prior art, including that the strength of the connection is increased over support members that are welded to the wall section (or web) of the structural element. [0035] A skilled addressee will understand that, in all of the aspects of the present invention, the use of mechanical fastening means allows the components of the various aspects of the invention to be disassembled or disconnected from one another. Thus, if portions of the assemblies require maintenance or replacement, certain components of the assemblies may be disconnected and new components attached. In addition, the ability to disassemble the components of the structural assembly means that the components can be reattached to one another in different configurations should the original configuration not be suitable to the particular application in which the structural assembly is to be used. [00361 Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [00381 Figure 1 illustrates a side view of a prior art portal assembly. [00391 Figure 1B illustrates a side view of a prior art roof purlin to rafter assembly. [0040] Figure 2 illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0041] Figure 2B illustrates a rear side view of a structural assembly according to figure 2. [0042] Figure 3 illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00431 Figure 3B illustrates a rear side view of a structural assembly according to figure 3. [0044] Figure 4 illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0045] Figure 5 illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0046] Figure 6 illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [00471 Figure 7A illustrates a top view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment _U of the present invention. [0048] Figure 7B illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0049] Figure 8 illustrates a partial exploded view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0050] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a prior art structural assembly. [0051] Figure 1OA illustrates a cross-sectional top view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [0052] Figure 10B illustrates a side view of a structural assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0053] Figure 1 shows a prior art portal assembly 10, comprising a column 12 attached to a base 24. A beam 14 is welded to a haunch plate 16. The haunch plate 16 is bolted onto the column 12 by bolts 18. To prevent the column 12 from buckling, web stiffeners 22 are welded into the web 20 of the column 12. A problem with this type of assembly is that the web stiffeners 22 have to be welded to the column 12 by qualified personnel. [0054] Figure lB shows a prior art roof purlin to rafter assembly 11, comprising a rafter 32. Lugs 36 are welded onto the web 20 and bottom flange 33 of the rafter 32. A bracket 38 is welded onto the top flange 31 of the rafter 32. A purlin 30 is bolted by bolts 18 to the bracket 38. Fly braces 34 are bolted to the purlin 30 and lugs 36 by bolts 18. A problem with this type of assembly is that the lugs 36 have to be welded to the rafter 32 by qualified personnel. [0055] Figure 2 shows a structural assembly 26 comprising a first structural element in the form of a column 12. The column 12 includes a web 20. A second structural element in the form of a beam 14 is welded to a plate in the form of a haunch plate 16. brackets 40 are attached to either side of the web 20 by mechanical fastening means in the form of bolts 18. The brackets 40 comprise a web bracket 42 and flange brackets 44. The web bracket 42 and flange brackets of each bracket 40 are bolted together and to the column by bolts 18. The haunch plate 16 is bolted to the column 12 and to the brackets 40 by bolts 18B. [0056] Figure 2B shows the structural assembly 26 of figure 2 from a rear side view.

[00571 Figure 3 shows a structural assembly 26 comprising a column 12. The column 12 including a web 20. A beam 14 is welded to a plate in the form of a haunch plate 16. brackets 40 are attached to either side of the web 20 by bolts 18. The brackets 40 comprise a web bracket 42 and a flange bracket 44. The flange brackets 42 are bolted to the flanges 21 of the column 12 by bolts 18. The web brackets 42 of each bracket 40 are bolted to the web 20 of the column 12 and to a flange bracket. The haunch plate 16 is bolted to the column 12 and to the brackets 40 by bolts 18B. [00581 Figure 3B shows the structural assembly 26 of figure 3 from a rear side view. [0059] Figure 4 shows a structural assembly 28 comprising a purlin 30, a rafter 32 including a web 20, a top flange 31 and a bottom flange 33. Attachment assemblies in the form of brackets 46 are attached by mechanical fastening means in the form of bolts 18 to the bottom flange 33 of the rafter 32 on opposed sides of the web 20. A bracket 38 is attached to the top flange 31 of the rafter 32 and further attached by bolts 18 to the purlin 30. Braces in the form of fly braces 34 are attached by bolts 18 to the brackets 46 and to the purlin 30. [00601 Figure 5 shows a structural assembly 28 comprising a purlin 30, a rafter 32 including a web 20, a top flange 31 and a bottom flange 33. Brackets 46 are attached by bolts 18 on opposed sides of the web 20. A bracket 38 is bolted to the top flange 31 of the rafter 32 by bolts 18 on either side of the top flange 31 relative to the web 20. The bracket 38 is further attached by bolts 18 to the purlin 30. Fly braces 34 are attached by bolts 18 to the brackets 46 and to the purlin 30. [00611 Figure 6 shows a structural assembly 48 comprising a rafter 32 including a web 20. A bracket 50 is attached to the top flange 31 of the rafter 32 by a pair of mechanical fastening means in the form of bolts (not shown) such that a bolt (not shown) is attached to either side of the top flange 31 of the rafter32 relative to the web 20. A purlin 30 is attached to the bracket 38 by bolts (not shown). Bolt holes 54 indicate the position of where the bolts (not shown) attach the bracket 38 to the rafter 32 or the purlin 30. [0062] Figure 7A and 7B shows a top view and a side view of a structural assembly 58 comprising a first portion 62 having a first end in the form of a lug 64. The lug 64 of the first portion 62 is adapted to fasten to a structural element (not shown). The first portion 62 has a second end in the form of a tubular section (hidden) that inserts into a third portion in the form of a tubular section 70. A second portion 63 has a first end in the form of a lug 64B. The lug 64B of the second portion 63 is adapted to fasten to a structural element (not shown).. The second I /_ portion 63 has a second end in the form of a tubular section (hidden) that inserts into the tubular section 70. Bolt holes 54 enable the lugs 64, 64B to be fastened to a structural elements (not shown). Alignment means in the form of bolt holes 72 allow the first portion 62 and second portion 63 to be aligned to the tubular section 70 such that the first portion 62 and second portion 63can be attached to the tubular section 70 by mechanical fastening means (not shown). The side view of the structural assembly 58 shows the location 60 of bolts (not shown) used to connect the first portion 62 and second portion 63 to the tubular section 70. [00631 Figure 8 shows a partial exploded view of the structural assembly 58. The first portion 62 has a second end in the form of a tubular section 68. The tubular section 68 has bolt holes 72 which, when tubular section 68 is inserted into tubular section 70 can align with the bolt holes 72 of tubular section 70. Once the bolt holes 72 of the first portion 62 are aligned with the bolt holes 72 of the tubular section, the first portion can be bolted to the tubular section 70 by passing bolts (not shown) through the bolt holes 72. [0064] Figure 9 illustrates a side view of a prior art structural assembly 80. The structural assembly includes a structural member in the form of an I-beam having a central web 81 and an upper flange 82 and lower flange 83 located at the respective ends of the web 81. Support members in the form of cleats 84 are welded to the web 81 to allow bracing members and the like to be connected thereto. In this prior art assembly 80, the cleats 84 may break away from the web 81, either due to poor welding or due to excessive strain being placed on the weld by the bracing members, or other construction elements connected thereto. [00651 Figures 1 OA and 1 OB illustrate, respectively, a cross-sectional top view of a structural assembly 85 according to an embodiment of the present invention, and a side view of a structural assembly 85 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly 85 comprises an I-beam having a web 86, an upper flange 87 and a lower flange 88. Support members in the form of cleats 89 are attached to an upper surface of the lower flange 88 by bolts 90 that pass through corresponding apertures in both the cleats 89 and the lower flange 88. In this way, the cleats 89 are removably attached to the I-beam. [00661 Further apertures 90A are provided in the cleats. These apertures 90A are provided so that the cleats may be bolter, or otherwise fastened, to additional construction elements, such as bracing elements or the like. [00671 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers. [00681 Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. [00691 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (5)

1. A structural assembly comprising: a rafter including a wall section; a bracket attached to the rafter by at least a pair of mechanical fastening means such that at least one of the pair of mechanical fastening means is attached to either side of the rafter relative to the wall section; and a purlin attached to the bracket by mechanical fastening means.

2. A structural assembly according to claim 1 wherein the bracket comprises apertures that correspond to apertures in the rafter and the purlin.

3. A structural assembly according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the purlin has a Z shaped cross section.

4. A structural assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the purlin is attached to the bracket using two bolts.

5. A structural assembly substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6.