AU2014202886A1 - A connection arrangement between structural members and a device therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

Abstract The present invention relates to a connection arrangement between first and second structural members and to a connection device for connecting first and second structural members. The present invention is suitable for use in a connection arrangement between a purlin or girt in the form of an elongated Z section or top-hat section and another purlin or rafter in the form of an elongated single C section or a pair of elongated C sections In one form, the connection device is adapted for use in a connection between first and second structural members wherein each of the structural members include a web and a flange and the first and second structural members are positioned so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other. The connection device includes first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween. The first segment is adapted for facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members. The connections device also includes connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment into the flange of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member. 'N' N" N "N N,~ N N 'N ~' N "~N~ N ""N " N \N 'N \~ 'N N N " N ('N~ "\ N N 'N "" .. ' N \N 'N N N N" ' N N' "N ' N ~ N N ~" N~ N ""N N N N~ N N N N N N\ ' ' "N N N \N"~ ~N 'N N N " N N '' "N NN'~ \N N N N '"' N' N "'N N '\ """"""""~7" N N "~ N' N N~ N N NN N ""N N N N ' N" 'N 'N N N ' "' "''N N N" N "N N """" "N

Description

1 A CONNECTION ARRANGEMENT BETWEEN STRUCTURAL MEMBERS AND A DEVICE THEREFOR Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a connection arrangement between first and second structural members and to a connection device for connecting first and second structural members. The present invention is suitable for use in a connection arrangement between a purlin or girt in the form of an elongated Z section or top-hat section and another purlin or rafter in the form of an elongated single C section or a pair of elongated C sections. Background of the Invention Roof and wall structures can be subjected to substantial dynamic loads due to the incidence of wind on the exterior surface, or cladding, of the roof or wall structure. The incidence of wind on the exterior surface of the roof or wall structure results in a pressure difference between the air within the structure and the air outside the structure. In the case of a roof structure, the incidence of wind on the exterior surface of the roof structure can result the air above the exterior surface being at a lower pressure than the air below the exterior surface such that a resultant force acts on the exterior surface of the roof structure is the upwards direction. An upwardly directed force which seeks to lift the exterior surface of the roof structure from the underlying structure beneath, typically due to the incidence of wind, is known as "upllift". Commercial, industrial and rural structures are often constructed using a combination of cost-effective lightweight cold-formed steel sections both as the primary members, such as purlins or girts to which cladding is usually connected, and secondary members, such as columns, beams or rafters to which the primary members are connected and upon which they are supported. Cold-formed steel sections used for the primary members typically include a single C or Z section or a top-hat section. Cold-formed steel sections used for the secondary members typically include single C sections or a pair of back to back C sections. The exterior surface of the wall or roof structure is formed out of the cladding connected to the primary members.

2 Connections between primary and secondary members can be made by screwing members together using self-drilling and tapping screws. However, due to the thinness of the steel used for the C, Z and top-hat sections used as the primary and secondary members, their resistance to plastic deformation can be limited. Bending moments may be applied to the shank or the head of the screws which may in turn lead to tearing of the edges of openings formed by the screws in the structural members or may result in breakage of the screws themselves. Hence the uplift performance of connections between the primary and secondary members can be unacceptably low and substantially below the failure point of the screws or below a level that could be achieved in an arrangement less prone to local deformation of the structural members. The present invention seeks to improve the resistance to failure of connections between primary and secondary members, particularly where the primary members are comprised of cold-formed Z and top hat sections and the secondary members are comprised of a single or a pair of cold-formed C sections. Summary of the Invention Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention provides a connection device adapted for use in a connection between first and second structural members wherein each of the structural members include a web and a flange and the first and second structural members are positioned so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the connection device including: first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members; and connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment into the flange of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member.

3 The connector positioning means can include two openings formed in the first segment, wherein a midpoint between the openings is adapted for alignment with the web of the second structural member for positioning a connector extending through one of the openings closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member. The two openings can be spaced apart by a minimum of double an external radii of a bend between the web and the flange of the second structural member. A further opening can be formed in the first segment adjacent to the one of the openings to form a pair of the openings, wherein the pair of the openings are positioned a distance apart for maximising load sharing between connectors received therethrough. In some embodiments, the distance between the pair of the openings is predetermined to provide a minimum clearance between connectors received therethrough. A diameter of the one opening nearer the midpoint of the pair can be larger than a diameter of the other opening of the pair. At least one of the first and second segments can be adapted to extend beyond at least one of the openings near the midpoint by a length sufficient to extend to an outer portion of the flange of the second structural member located distally from the web of the second structural member. The openings can be positioned a distance apart from the junction between the first and second segments for accommodating connectors therethrough with a minimum clearance between the connectors and the junction. The first segment can be adapted for facing the flange of the first structural member whereby a connector can extend through the first segment into the flanges of the first and second structural members.

4 The first segment can be adapted for facing the flange of the second structural member for a connector to extend through the first segment into the flange of the second structural member. The second segment can be adapted to face the web of the first structural member for a connector to extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member. In some embodiments, when the second structural member includes a pair of webs and flanges, the connector positioning means is adapted for positioning connectors extending through the first segment into the flanges of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the respective webs of the second structural member. The midpoint between the openings can be adapted for alignment with the webs of the second structural member for positioning connectors extending through the openings nearest the midpoint closely adjacent to the webs of the second structural member. Further openings can be formed in the first segment adjacent to each of the openings nearest the midpoint to form two pairs of the openings on opposite sides of the midpoint, wherein the openings of each pair are positioned a distance apart for maximising load sharing between connectors received therethrough. In some embodiments, the first segment includes a lip along an edge of the first segment located distally from the junction and extending in the longitudinal direction. The first and second segments can be connected at the junction along substantially the entire longitudinal lengths thereof. The angle at which the first and second segments extend to each other can be substantially 90 degrees. At least one of the first and second segments can include a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment.

5 In some embodiments, the first and second segments each include a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof. The body can be formed from a sheet of metal and the junction between the first and second segments is formed by providing a bend in the sheet. In another aspect, the present invention provides a connection arrangement including: first and second structural members, each of the structural members including a web and a flange and the first and second structural members being positioned so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other; a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members; and connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment into the flange of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member. Some embodiments include two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members and the second segment abutting the web of the first structural member on an opposite side to the first connection device, and wherein the connector positioning means is adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment of the second connection device into the flange of the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member. Some embodiments include two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device facing the web of one of the first and second structural members and including a connector extending through the first segment into the web, the second segment of the second connecting device facing the web of the other one of the first and second structural members and including a connector extending through the second segment into the web.

6 adapted Brief Description of the Drawings The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which at least some illustrate embodiments of the invention, wherein: Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a connection device in accordance with an embodiment of the invention, wherein the device is shown in isolation; Figure 2A illustrates a perspective view of a connection arrangement including the device of Figure 1 used in conjunction with connectors for connecting a first structural member to a second structural member. Figure 2B illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement of Figure 2A wherein the device and the first and second structural members are rotated approximately 90 degrees about a vertical axis to illustrate connectors directly connecting the first and second structural members to each other; Figure 3A illustrates a perspective view of another connection arrangement including the device of Figure 1 used in conjunction with connectors to connect a first structural member to a second structural member; Figure 3B illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement of Figure 3A wherein the first and second structural members are rotated approximately 90 degrees about a vertical axis and wherein a second device is employed in the connection of the first and second structural members to each other; Figure 4 illustrates a perspective view of another connection arrangement in which two of the devices of Figure 1 are adapted for connecting a first structural member in the form of top-hat section to a second structural member in the form of a C section; Figure 5A illustrates a perspective view of another connection arrangement including the device of Figure 1 used for connecting a first structural member in the form of a Z 7 section to a second structural member including a pair of C sections arranged back to back; Figure 5B illustrates a perspective view of the connection arrangement of Figure 5A rotated approximately 45 degrees about a vertical axis and illustrating a second device used in the connection between the first structural member and second structural member; Figure 6 illustrates a perspective view of another connection arrangement including two of the devices of Figure 1 used in the connection of a first structural member in form of a top-hat section to a second structural member in the form of a pair of C sections arranged back to back. The present invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the preferred embodiments of the invention illustrated in the Figures. Detailed Description Referring to Figure 1, a connection device 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The connection device 10 can be employed in connection arrangements between a first structural member 80 and a second structural member 90 in accordance with embodiments of the invention, of which some are illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b, 5a, 5b and 6. The device 10 is particularly suitable for use in relation to connections between first structural members 80 in the form of purlins or girts and second structural members 90 forming an underlying supporting structure. Such first structural members 80 are typically comprised of elongated Z sections including a web 82 and lower and upper flanges 81, 83, as illustrated in Figures 3a, 3b, 5a and 5b, or elongated top-hat sections including a pair of webs 82a, 82b that are interconnected by an upper flange 83a such that the pair of webs 82a, 82b extend and diverge from the upper flange 83a to respective lower flanges 81 a, 81b, as illustrated in Figure 6. The second structural members 90 are typically comprised of elongated single C sections 90 having a web 92, a lower flange 91 and an upper flange 93, as illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, or elongated double C sections 90a, 90b arranged back to back and each having a web 92a, 92b, a lower flange 91 a, 91 b 8 and an upper flange 93a, 93b, as illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 6. Such first and second structural members may typically be cold formed from thin gauge steel which may also be galvanised or otherwise coated. The connection device 10 of Figure 1 and as illustrated in the connection arrangements of Figures 3A, 3B, 5A, 5B and 6 includes a body 12 comprising first and second elongated segments 20, 40 extending at an angle to each other to form a junction 30 therebetween. The connection device 10 is adapted for connection to each of the first and second structural members 80, 90 by connectors 100 extending through at least one of the first and second segments 20, 40 into the first and second structural members 80, 90. In particular, the first segment 20 is adapted for facing the flange 81, 81 a, 81 b, 93, 93a, 93b of at least one of the first and second structural members 80, 90. The device 10 includes connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flange 93, 93a, 93b of at least the second structural member 90 closely adjacent to the web 92, 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. It has been found that positioning the connectors close to the web or webs of the second structural member reduces the extent of deflection of the upper flange or flanges of the second structural member and helps to reduce the extent of bending moments that may be applied to a threaded shank 102 and/or a head 103 of the connectors 100 and any tearing forces applied to the edges of openings formed by the connectors 100 in the flange or flanges of the second structural member. Figure 1 illustrates an embodiment of the device 10 in detail. The body 12 of the device 10 is comprised of a single piece of sheet metal, such as steel, that is cut to size and formed, such as by cold forming, pressing or by any other suitable method, to form the device 10 illustrated in Figure 1. The body 12 of the device 10 is comprised of the first segment 20 and the second segment 40, wherein the first and second segments 20, 40 extend to each other at an angle e and meet at the junction 30 therebetween. The first and second segments 20 each have a respective length

L

1 , L 2 and width W 1 , W 2 and are elongated in their length directions (i.e. longitudinal directions).

9 In the embodiment of the device illustrated in Figure 1, the first segment 20 and the second segment 40 are integrally formed and the junction or connection between the first segment 20 and the second segment 40 is comprised of a bend 15 in the sheet metal from which the body 12 is formed. Thus, the first and second segments 20, 30 are interconnected at lateral edges 22, 42 of the first and second segments 20, 30 along substantially the entire lengths of the edges 22, 42 in the directions of the lengths L 1 , L 2 of the segments 20, 40 (i.e. in the longitudinal directions). The bend 15 is such that the first and second segments 20, 40 are substantially transverse to each other such that the angle e is substantially 90 degrees. Thus, the first and second segments 20, 40 of the device 10 have a substantially L shaped profile. However, in other embodiments, not illustrated in the Figures, the angle e may be any angle less than or greater than 90 degrees such as 70, 75, 80, 85, 95, 100, 105, 110 degrees or any increment therebetween. The first segment 20 further includes a lip 26 which is arranged along a second lateral edge 24 of the first segment 20 opposite from, and extending in the same direction as, the interconnected first lateral edge 22 thereof. The lip 26 is integrally formed with the first segment 20 and is connected to the first segment 20 by a connection 17 in the form of a bend extending along the second lateral edge 24 of the first segment 20 in the direction of the length L 1 . Thus, the device 10 is a section having a profile similar to the Greek letter gamma (F). The first segment 20 is comprised of a first sheet portion 25 having a substantially planar first surface 28 and an opposite substantially planar second surface 29 wherein the first and second surfaces 28, 29 meet along the lateral edge 22 of the first segment 20. Similarly, the second segment 40 comprises a second sheet portion 45 having a substantially planar first surface 48 and an opposite substantially planar second surface 49, wherein the first and second surfaces 48, 49 meet along the lateral edge 42 of the second segment 40. In the embodiments of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures, the sheet portions 25, 45 are substantially planar and sheet-like in form but this need not necessarily be the case. For example, the sheet portions 25, 45 may have removed portions (not shown) to save weight or to save material. As will be described in more detail below with reference to the remaining Figures segments 25, 45 of the device 10 are adapted for connection to each of the first and second structural members 80, 90 by connectors extending through at least 10 one of the first and second segments 25, 45 and into the first and second structural members 80, 90. In embodiments, the sheet portions 25, 45 of the segments 20, 40 of the device 10 are adapted for connection with the first structural member 80 in the region of a connection already made between the first and second structural members 80, 90 or for connection with both the first and second structural members 80, 90. The first and second segments 20, 40 are chamfered at opposite ends thereof. Accordingly, as can be seen in Figure 1 in particular, the first segment 10 includes first and second chamfers 20a, 20b at opposite ends along the length L 1 thereof and the second segment also includes first and second chamfers 40a, 40b at opposite ends along the length L 2 thereof. The purpose of the chamfers 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b is to provide clearance for the use of a second one of the devices 110 as will become apparent in the description below, particularly with reference to the connection arrangement embodiment illustrated in Figure 4. In the embodiments of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures, the first segment 20 is provided with connector positioning means in the form of a plurality of openings 1, 2, 3, 4 formed into the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20. Each of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 extends between and to the first and second surfaces 28, 29 to provide apertures through the first sheet portion 25. The embodiment of the device 10 illustrated in the Figures includes four of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, however, it is to be appreciated that in other embodiments the device 10 may a different number of openings or may be provided with connector positioning means in a form other than openings. Similarly, although the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are formed into the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 they may be formed, or additional openings (not shown) may be formed, into the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40. Alternatively, the device 10 could be provided with no openings in either the first sheet portion 25 or the second sheet portion 45. The openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are positioned at predetermined locations along the length L 1 of the first segment 20. The openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are also positioned at predetermined locations across the transverse width W 1 of the first segment 20 and, in embodiments, a minimal distance apart from the lateral edge 22 of the first segment 20 and the junction 30 between the first and second segments 20, 40 that would accommodate a connector 100. The 11 openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are grouped in two pairs that are spaced apart and preferably equidistant from a midpoint along the length L 1 of the segment 20. Thus, the pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are separated by a space S. The space S may be any suitable size but is preferably determined in a manner discussed below. Each pair of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 includes a relatively larger diameter opening 2, 3 located proximally to the midpoint of the segment 20 and a relatively smaller diameter opening 1, 4 located distally from the midpoint of the segment 20. Thus, the space S is defined by the distance between the relatively larger diameter openings 2, 3. The openings 1, 2, 3, 4 are provided in the first sheet portion 25 for the purpose of enabling one or more connectors to be inserted therethrough and to position such connectors in a predetermined location along the length L 1 and/or the width W 1 of the first segment 20, and the first sheet portion 25 thereof for a purpose that will become apparent below. Figures 2A and 2B illustrate a connection arrangement A involving a connection between a first structural member 80 and a second structural member 90 wherein the first structural member 80 is an elongated Z section and the second structural member 90 is an elongated C section. The first structural member 80 includes a web portion 82 between a pair of flanges 81, 83. In Figures 2A and 2B, the web 82 is arranged upright, and a lower one of the flanges 81 extends transversely from a bottom edge 85 of the web 82 and an upper one of the flanges 83 extends transversely from an upper edge 87 of the web 82. The second structural member 90 is an elongated C section including a web portion 92 between a pair of flanges 91, 92. In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the web 92 is arranged upright, and a lower one of the flanges 91 extends transversely from a bottom edge 95 of the web 92 and an upper one of the flanges 93 extends transversely from an upper edge 97 of the web 92. The Z section forming the first structural member 80 and the C section forming the second structural member 90 that are illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B are commonly referred to as purlins and are typically cold formed from thin gauge steel sheet. It is to be appreciated that the terms "upon", "upright", "upper" and "lower" are used herein to describe the relative position of the components described with the assistance of such terms with reference to their representation in the Figures. It is to 12 be further appreciated that the entire arrangement of the first and second structural members 80, 90 may be reoriented in any manner. Thus, for example, the upright web portions 82, 92 may be oriented vertically or horizontally or at any orientation between the vertical and horizontal. The upright web portions 82, 92 may also be inverted in which case the lower flanges 81, 91 and the upper flanges 83, 93 would be reversed. The terms "upon", "upright", "upper" and "lower" as used throughout this specification in relation to the various assemblies of the first and second structural members 80, 90 and the webs and flanges thereof are to be understood in as being used in a relative sense and not necessarily as suggesting a limitation as to the orientation of such features. As can be seen in Figure 2A, the first structural member 80 is placed upon the second structural member 90 such that the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80 rests directly upon the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90. The device 10 is connected to the web 82 of the first structural member 80 and the web 92 of the second structural member 90 by way of the connectors 100. The connectors 100 illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, and for that matter in the remaining Figures, are self-drilling and tapping screws having a threaded shank 102 and a head 103, however, any suitable connector may be used. To form the connection illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B, the device 10 is positioned such that the second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 is in face to face contact with the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 is in face to face contact with the web 82 of the first structural member 80. Thus, the first segment 20 faces the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second segment 40 faces the web 82 of the first structural member 80. As will be described in more detail below, the connector positioning means, which in this embodiment is in the form of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, adapted for positioning the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the web 92 of the second structural member 90 closely adjacent to the flange 93 of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the device 10 is positioned so that a midpoint between the central openings 2, 3 is substantially aligned with the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 or, for that matter, with the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80. Thus, one pair of the openings 3, 4 overlaps the web 92 of the 13 second structural member 90 and the device 10 is fastened to the webs 82, 92 by inserting a connector 100 into each of the openings 3, 4 overlapping the web 92 and driving the connectors 100 through the web 92 with a screw driving device. A connector may first be positioned within, and driven through, the larger opening 3 of the pair of openings 3, 4 to provide clearance around the shank 102 of the connector 100 to enable some movement of the device 10. Another connector is then inserted into the smaller opening 4 of the pair of openings 3, 4 and is driven through the web 92 to fix the device 210 in position relative to the second structural member 90. Two more of the connectors 100 are then driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 and through the web 82 of the first structural member 80. The spacing S between the openings 2, 3 proximal to the midpoint therebetween is predetermined such that the connectors 100 passing through the openings 2, 3 and driven into the web 82 of the first structural member 80 and the web 92 of the second structural member 90 are positioned as close as practical to the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80 and/or the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90 respectively when the midpoint is substantially aligned with the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80 and/or the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90. The openings 1, 2, 3, 4 within each pair are located a distance apart so as to enable adjacent pairs of connectors 100 positioned within each pair of the openings 1, 2 and 3, 4 to be located as close as practical to each other. Thus the spacing between openings 1, 2, 3, 4 within each pair is such as to maximise load sharing between the adjacent pairs of connectors 100 positioned within adjacent pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 and passing through the first and second structural members 80, 90. Within each pair of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, the distance between centres thereof should lie between, a minimum of the diameter of an integral or a non-integral washer or the head 105 of the connectors 100 and up to that distance plus 5 millimetres. Ideally, within each pair of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, the distance between centres thereof the distances should be as close as practical to achieve optimal load sharing between each pair of connectors 100. The distance between the centres of the central openings 2 and 3 (i.e. the openings located nearest the midpoint) should lie between, a minimum of double the external radii of the bend between the web 92 and the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 plus an outer thread diameter of the connectors 14 100 plus the distance between webs 92a, 92b in a double C section arrangement, such as is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 6 and discussed below, or up to that distance plus 10 millimetres. Ideally, the distance between the centres of the central openings 2 and 3 should be as close as practical whilst these openings are fully within the respective upper flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 in a double C section arrangement, such as is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B and 6, in order to minimise the deformation of the second structural member 90 in general and the upper flanges 93a, 93b in particular. The provision of connector positioning means in the form of the aforementioned spacing of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4, particularly with reference to the midpoint between the openings 2, 3 nearest the midpoint, is apparent in various embodiments illustrated herein as are the advantages thereof. As can been seen in Figure 2B, two more connectors 100, or optionally one connector 100 or more than two connectors 100, are driven through the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80 and the upper flange 92 of the second structural member 90 to directly connect the first structural member 80 to the second structural member 90. The driving of connectors 100 through the lower flange 81 and the upper flange 92 may be carried out prior to the aforementioned connection of the device 10 to the first and second structural members 80, 90 or after connection of the device 10 to the first and second structural members 80, 90. The device 10 is adapted in the connection arrangement illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B and described above to supplement a direct connection 105, which has already been provided by connectors 100, between the lower flange 81 and the upper flange 92. Thus, the device 10 is adapted to tie the web 82 of the first structural member 80 to the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and provide additional resistance to lifting of the web 82, in particular a portion of the web 82 directly adjacent to the lower flange 81, away from the upper flange 92 of the second structural member 90. Thus, the device 10 is adapted to substantially increase the strength of the connection between the first and second structural members 80, 90 particularly to resist a force tending to pull apart the first structural member 80 from the second structural member 90.

15 Figures 3A and 3B illustrate a connection arrangement B in accordance with another embodiment of the invention involving a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member in which like components to the arrangement illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B and described above are given like reference numerals. In the connection arrangement B illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the first structural member 80 is connected to the second structural member 90 in substantially the same fashion as the first and second structural members 80 and 90 are connected to each other in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 2A and 2B with the major exception being that a second device 110 is included in the connection. In particular, the second device 110 is positioned such that the second surface 29 of the first segment 20 is in face to face contact with an upward facing surface 84 of the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80. Furthermore, the second surface 49 of the second segment 40 is positioned in face to face contact with the web 82 of the first structural member 80. Connectors 100 are inserted into one of the pair of openings 1, 2, 3, 4 of the second device 110, namely one pair of the openings 3, 4, and are driven into and through the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 81 and the upper flange 92 of the second structural member 90. Furthermore, the two connectors 100 that are driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 of the first device 10 and through the web 82 of the first structural member 80, as described above with reference to the arrangement of Figures 2a and 2b, are also driven through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 of the second device 110. The positioning of the second device 110 and driving of the connectors 100 through the openings 3, 4 of the second device 110 and into the lower flange 81 and the upper flange 92, as described above, would ideally be carried out prior to the aforementioned connection of the first device 10 to the first and second structural members 80, 90. However, it is possible that the abovementioned connection of the second device 110 could occur after connection of the first device 10 to the first structural member 80 and/or the second structural member 90. In the arrangement illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B, the first of the devices 10 is operable in substantially the same manner as the arrangement illustrated in Figures 16 2A and 2B. In particular, the first one of the devices 10 is operable to tie the web 82 of the first structural member 80 to the web 92 of the second structural member 90. The second one of the devices 110 in the embodiment illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B is adapted to reinforce the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80 particularly, in the region directly adjacent to the web 82. The connector positioning means of the device 110 is adapted for positioning the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 81, 93 of the first and second structural members 80, 90 closely adjacent to the web 82 of the first structural member 80. In this regard, the connector positioning means includes the positioning of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 at a predetermined position across a transverse width W 1 of the first segment 20 and, preferably, a minimum distance apart from the junction 30 between the first and second segments 20, 40 to provide clearance to accommodate the connectors 100. Thus, the pair of openings 3, 4 of the second one of the devices 110 through which the connectors 100 are inserted are also adapted to locate the connectors 100 connecting the lower flange 81 to the upper flange 92 in a substantially predetermined location as close as practical to the web 82 of the first structural member 80 and, for that matter, to each other. The connector positioning means of the device 110 is also adapted for positioning the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 81, 93 of the first and second structural members 80, 90 closely adjacent to the web 92 of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the midpoint between the central openings 2, 3, is substantially aligned with the web 92 of the second structural member 90 for positioning the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 81, 93 of the first and second structural members 80, 90 closely adjacent to the web 92 of the second structural member 90. Positioning of the connectors 100 closely adjacent to the web 92, and preferably as close as practical to the web 92, results in a connection between the first and second structural members 80, 90 that is more resistant to separation such as from wind uplift forces. Furthermore, the connectors 100, being located close to each other, are more able to load share forces. A rigid portion 112 of the first and or the second segments 20, 40 of the second device 110 are located beyond at least the central openings 2, 3, or beyond the outer 17 openings 1, 4. The rigid portion 112 is adjacent to the connecters 100 and is adapted to reinforce a portion of the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 located on a side of the connectors 100 distally from the web 92 of the second structural member 90 to prevent lifting of the distal portion of the upper flange 93. Thus, the second device 110 increases the resistance to deformation of the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 which can occur as a result of a force acting to pull apart the first structural member 80 from the second structural member 90. Figures 5A and 5B illustrate another connection arrangement C in accordance with another embodiment of the invention involving a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member in which like components to the aforementioned embodiments are given like reference numerals. In the connection arrangement C illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, a first structural member 80, in the form of an elongated Z section, is connected to the second structural member 90 which is comprised of a pair of C sections 90a, 90b arranged back to back. The webs 92a, 92b of each of the C sections 90a, 90b are arranged immediately adjacent to each other and the lower flanges 91a, 91b and the upper flanges 93a, 93b are arranged substantially level with each other. The first structural member 80 is placed upon the second structural member 90 such that the lower one of the flanges 81 of the first structural member 80 rests directly upon the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. A connection between the first structural member 80 and the second structural member 90 is provided by at least a first one of the devices 10 and more preferably, as illustrated in Figures 5A and 5B, two of the devices 10, 110 in a manner that will now be described. The first one of the devices 10 is located on the upward facing surface 84 of the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80. In this position, the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 of the device 10 is in face to face contact with the flange 81 of the first structural member 80. Also, the second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 of the device 10 is in face to face contact with the web 82 of the first structural member 80. The device 10 is positioned such that length L 1 of the device 10 extends in the same 18 direction as the elongated length direction of the elongated first structural member 80. The connector positioning means of the device 10 is also adapted for positioning the device 10 such that the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 81, 93 of the first and second structural members 80, 90 are closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the midpoint between the central openings 2, 3, is substantially aligned with the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 for positioning the connectors 10 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 81, 93a, 93b of the first and second structural members 80, 90 closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. Positioning of the connectors 100 closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b, and preferably as close as practical thereto, results in a connection between the first and second structural members 80, 90 that is more resistant to separation such as from wind uplift forces. Thus, the device 10 is positioned such that the space S which separates the pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 straddles a gap G between the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. Accordingly, in a preferred form, the dimension of the space S is determined by the dimension of the gap G between such C sections with which the device 10 is intended for use. Connectors 100 are inserted through each of the openings, 1, 2, 3, 4 and are driven through the lower flange 81 of the first structural member 80 and through the upper flanges 93a, 93b to provide a direct connection therebetween. The device 10 includes a pair of the rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b described above with reference to the embodiment of Figures 3A and 3B. The rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b are located beyond the outer openings 1, 4 in the first segment 20. The rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b are adjacent to the connecters 100 and are adapted to reinforce portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 located on a side of the connectors 100 distally from the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 to prevent lifting of the distal portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b.

19 A second one of the devices 110, identical to the first device 10, is positioned on the opposite side of the web 82 of the first structural member 80 to the abovementioned first one of the devices 10. The second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 of the second device 110 is arranged in face to face contact with the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. Furthermore, the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 of the second device 10 is positioned in face to face contact with the web 82 of the first structural member 80. The second device 110 is positioned such that the space S which separates the pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 straddles the gap G between the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. Connectors 100 are inserted into the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 and are driven through the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. As illustrated in Figures 5a and 5b, two more of the connectors 100 are driven through the second sheet portions 45 of the second segments 40 of the first and second devices 10, 110 and through the web 82 of the first structural member 80 sandwiched therebetween. The connector positioning means of the second device 110 is also adapted for positioning the second device 110 such that the connectors 100 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 are closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the midpoint between the central openings 2, 3, is substantially aligned with the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 for positioning the connectors 10 extending through the first segment 20 into the flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. The second device 110 also includes a pair of the rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b adapted to reinforce portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 located distally from the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 to prevent lifting of the distal portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b. Figure 4 illustrates a connection arrangement D involving a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member in which like components to the aforementioned embodiments are given like reference numerals. In the 20 connection arrangement D illustrated in Figure 4, the first structural member 80a is in the form of an elongated top-hat section and the second structural member 90 is in the form of an elongated C section. The first structural member 80a includes a pair of webs 82a, 82b that are interconnected by an upper flange 83a such that the pair of webs 82a, 82b extend and diverge from the upper flange 83a to respective lower flanges 81a, 81b. The lower flanges 81a, 81b each have an upturned reinforcing lip 86a, 86b extending longitudinally and located distally from the webs 82a, 82b. In the connection arrangement illustrated in Figure 4, the lower flanges 81 a, 81 b rest upon the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 and a pair of the devices 10, 110 are used in a connection between the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90 in a manner which will now be described. In the connection arrangement D illustrated in Figure 4, a pair of the devices 10, 110 are used in the connection of the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90. A first one of the devices 10 is positioned such that the second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 is in face to face contact with the web 92 of the second structural member 90. Furthermore, the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 is arranged in face to face contact with one of the webs 82a of the first structural member 80a and, in particular, in engagement with an inwardly facing surface 84a thereof. A connector 100 may than be inserted through a larger one of the openings 2, 3 in the first segment 20 of the device 10 and driven through the web 92 of the second structural member 90. A second one of the connectors 100 can subsequently be inserted into the smaller one of the openings 1, 4 adjacent to the larger one of the openings 2, 3 into which the first connector 100 has been inserted and driven through the web 92 to thereby maintain the device 10 in position relative to the second structural member 90. At least one and ideally at least a pair of the connectors 100 are then driven through the web 82a of the first structural member 80a and through the second sheet portion 45 of the second segment 40 of the device 10 to thereby directly connect the web 82a to the device 10 as illustrated in Figure 4. The second one of the devices 110 is similarly connected to the first structural member 80 and the second structural member 90 but in a reversed orientation relative to the first one of the devices 10. In particular, the second surface 29 of the 21 first sheet portion 25 of the second device 110 is directly connected to the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the second surface 49 of the second sheet portion 45 is directly connected to an inwardly facing surface 84b of the second one of the webs 82b of the first structural member 80a. Thus, as illustrated in Figure 4, the pair of the devices 10, 100 are adapted to tie the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90. The devices 10, 110 are positioned so that a midpoint between the central openings 2, 3 thereof are substantially aligned with the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 or, for that matter, with the lower flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member 80. Thus, one pair of the openings 3, 4 of each device 10, 110 overlaps the web 92 of the second structural member 90 and the devices 10, 110 are fastened to the webs 92a, 92b by inserting connectors 100 into each of the openings 3, 4 overlapping the webs 92a, 92b and driving the connectors 100 through the webs 92a, 92b. Connectors 100 are then driven through second segments 40 of the devices 10, 110 through the webs 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80a. The spacing S between the openings 2, 3 proximal to the midpoint therebetween is predetermined such that the connectors 100 passing through the openings 2, 3 and driven into the webs 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80a and the web 92 of the second structural member 90 are positioned as close as practical to the lower one of the flanges 81 a, 81 b of the first structural member 80a and/or the upper one of the flanges 92 of the second structural member 90 respectively when the midpoint is substantially aligned therewith. Because the webs 82a, 82b of the first structural member 80a are canted towards each other the first and second devices 10, 110 connected thereto are also similarly canted towards each other. The first and second chamfers 20a, 20b, 40a, 40b of the first and second segments 20, 40 provide clearance for the use and positioning of the first and second devices 10, 110 and, in particular, to allow for the canting of the first and second devices 10, 110 towards each other. Although not illustrated in Figure 4, additional connectors 100 may also be driven through the flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member 80a and through the 22 upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90 to thereby directly connect the lower flanges 81 a, 81 b of the top-hat section first structural member 80a to the upper flange 93 of the second structural member 90. Figure 6 illustrates a connection arrangement E in accordance with another embodiment involving a connection between a first structural member and a second structural member in which like components to the aforementioned embodiments are given like reference numerals. In the connection arrangement E illustrated in Figure 6, the first structural member 80a is a top-hat section and the second structural member 90 includes a pair of C sections 90a, 90b arranged back to back. The first structural member 80 rests directly upon the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. Thus, the lower flanges 81a, 81b of the first structural member 80a are supported directly upon the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the back to back C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. A pair of the devices 10, 110 are used in the connection of the first structural member 80a to the second structural member 90. A first one of the devices 10 is placed on the lower flange 81a of the first structural member 80a such that the second surface 29 of the first sheet portion 25 of the first segment 20 of the device 10 is in direct face to face contact with an upper surface 87a of the lower flange 81 a. Furthermore, the second segment 40 of the device 10 is upstanding from the upper surface 87a and located distally from the web 82a directly adjacent the lower flange 81a. A second one of the devices 110 is similarly positioned, but in a reversed orientation relative to the first one of the devices 10, upon the second one of the lower flanges 81 b of the first structural member 80a. The connector positioning means of the devices 10 are adapted for positioning the devices 10, 110 such that the connectors 100 extending through the first segments 20 into the flanges 81a, 81b, 93a, 93b of the first and second structural members 80a, 90 are closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. In this regard, the midpoint between the central openings 2, 3 of each device 10, 110, is substantially aligned with the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 for positioning the connectors 10 extending through the first segments 20 into the 23 flanges 81a, 81b, 93a, 93b of the first and second structural members 80a, 90 closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90. Positioning of the connectors 100 closely adjacent to the webs 92a, 92b, and preferably as close as practical thereto, results in a connection between the first and second structural members 80, 90 that is more resistant to separation such as from wind uplift forces. Thus, the devices 10, 110 are positioned such that the space S which separates the pairs of the openings 1, 2, 3, 4 straddles a gap G between the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the pair of C sections 90a, 90b forming the second structural member 90. The devices 10, 110 each include a pair of the rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b. The rigid portions 11 2a, 11 2b are located beyond the outer openings 1, 4 in the first segment 20. The rigid portions 112a, 112b are adjacent to the connecters 100 and are adapted to reinforce portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b of the second structural member 90 located on a side of the connectors 100 distally from the webs 92a, 92b of the second structural member 90 to prevent lifting of the distal portions of the upper flanges 93a, 93b. In each of the arrangements described above and illustrated in the Figures, the device 10 is adapted to provide a stronger connection between first and second structural members than can be achieved with the use of the connectors 100 only. Where the first structural member is a purlin or girt and the second structural member is an underlying structural member, such as a purlin or a rafter, the connector positioning means of the device 10 is adapted to position connectors close to the webs or flanges of such structural members. It has been found that positioning the connectors close to the web or webs of the second structural member reduces the extent of deflection of the upper flange or flanges of the second structural member and helps to reduce the extent of bending moments that may be applied to the threaded shank 102 and/or the head 103 of the connectors 100 and any tearing forces applied to the edges of openings formed by the connectors 100 flange or flanges of the second structural member. The device 10 can also provide additional stiffening for the lower flange or flanges of the first structural member and/or the upper flange or flanges of the second structural 24 member to reduce the extent, if any, of localised buckling of the lower flange or flanges and/or of the upper flange or flanges which may occur as a result of a force acting to pull apart the first structural member from the second structural member. Reducing the extent of localised buckling of the lower flange or flanges of the first structural member and/or of the upper flange or flanges of the second structural member helps to reduce the extent of bending moments that may be applied to the threaded shank 102 and/or the head 103 of the connectors 100 and any tearing forces applied to the edges of openings formed by the connectors 100 in the lower flange or flanges of the first structural member and/or the upper flange or flanges of the second structural member. In some embodiments of the connection arrangement and the device 10, the connector positioning means is adapted for alignment with webs or flanges of the structural members extending substantially perpendicularly to the plane in which the first segment 20 of the device 10 lies. Where the connectors are fasteners, such as screws having a head and a shank, embodiments of the device 10 are adapted to position connectors 100 as close as practical to webs or flanges of the structural members that extend substantially parallel to the shanks of the connectors 100. It is envisaged that the device 10 of the invention is particularly suited for providing a stronger connection between purlins, girts and underlying purlins or rafters to provide increased performance against wind uplift where cladding material is connected to the purlins, girts. It has been found that in connections between elongated Z section and elongated top-hat section structural members to underlining structural members, such as elongated single C section structural members or double C section structural members, that the abovementioned arrangements of the device 10, or devices 10, 110, in such connections substantially increases the wind uplift performance of the connections than with the use of connectors on their own to effect the connection.

Claims (22)

1. A connection device adapted for use in a connection between first and second structural members wherein each of the structural members include a web and a flange and the first and second structural members are positioned so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other, the connection device including: first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members; and connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment into the flange of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member.

2. The connection device of claim 1, wherein the connector positioning means includes two openings formed in the first segment, wherein a midpoint between the openings is adapted for alignment with the web of the second structural member for positioning a connector extending through one of the openings closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member.

3. The connection device of claim 2, wherein the two openings are spaced apart by a minimum of double an external radii of a bend between the web and the flange of the second structural member.

4. The connection device of claim 2 or claim 3, wherein a further opening is formed in the first segment adjacent to the one of the openings to form a pair of the openings, wherein the pair of the openings are positioned a distance apart for maximising load sharing between connectors received therethrough.

5. The connection device of claim 4, wherein the distance between the pair of the openings is predetermined to provide a minimum clearance between connectors received therethrough. 26

6. The connection device of claim 4 or claim 5, wherein a diameter of the one opening nearer the midpoint of the pair is larger than a diameter of the other opening of the pair.

7. The connection device of any one of claims 2 to 5, wherein at least one of the first and second segments are adapted to extend beyond at least one of the openings near the midpoint by a length sufficient to extend to an outer portion of the flange of the second structural member located distally from the web of the second structural member.

8. The connection device of any one of claims 2 to 7, wherein the openings are positioned a distance apart from the junction between the first and second segments for accommodating connectors therethrough with a minimum clearance between the connectors and the junction.

9. The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment is adapted for facing the flange of the first structural member whereby a connector can extend through the first segment into the flanges of the first and second structural members.

10.The connection device of any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the first segment is adapted for facing the flange of the second structural member for a connector to extend through the first segment into the flange of the second structural member.

11.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second segment is adapted to face the web of the first structural member for a connector to extend through the second segment into the web of the first structural member.

12.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein when the second structural member includes a pair of webs and flanges, the connector positioning means is adapted for positioning connectors extending through the 27 first segment into the flanges of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the respective webs of the second structural member.

13.The connection device of claim 12 when dependent on claim 2, wherein the midpoint between the openings is adapted for alignment with the webs of the second structural member for positioning connectors extending through the openings nearest the midpoint closely adjacent to the webs of the second structural member.

14. The connection device of claim 13, wherein further openings are formed in the first segment adjacent to each of the openings nearest the midpoint to form two pairs of the openings on opposite sides of the midpoint, wherein the openings of each pair are positioned a distance apart for maximising load sharing between connectors received therethrough.

15.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first segment includes a lip along an edge of the first segment located distally from the junction and extending in the longitudinal direction.

16.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second segments are connected at the junction along substantially the entire longitudinal lengths thereof.

17.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the angle at which the first and second segments extend to each other is substantially 90 degrees.

18.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the first and second segments includes a chamfer remote from the junction between the first and second segments and lengthwise of the segment. 28 The connection device of claim 18, wherein the first and second segments each include a pair of the chamfers at opposite ends thereof.

19.The connection device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body is formed from a sheet of metal and the junction between the first and second segments is formed by providing a bend in the sheet.

20.A connection arrangement including: first and second structural members, each of the structural members including a web and a flange and the first and second structural members being positioned so that the flanges of the first and second structural members face each other; a connection device including first and second elongated segments extending at an angle to each other to form a junction therebetween, the first segment being adapted for facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members; and connector positioning means adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment into the flange of at least the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member.

21.The connection arrangement of claim 20, including two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device facing the flange of at least one of the first and second structural members and the second segment abutting the web of the first structural member on an opposite side to the first connection device, and wherein the connector positioning means is adapted for positioning a connector extending through the first segment of the second connection device into the flange of the second structural member closely adjacent to the web of the second structural member.

22.The connection arrangement of claim 20, including two of the connection devices, the first segment of the second connection device facing the web of one of the first and second structural members and including a connector extending through the first segment into the web, the second segment of the second connecting device facing the web of the other one of the first and 29 second structural members and including a connector extending through the second segment into the web.