AU2018100327A4 - A truss - Google Patents

Abstract

A truss for a building wall comprising a frame and at least one diaphragm portion. The frame has two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least one horizontal brace and at least one cross-brace extending diagonally between the two stiles, and each diaphragm portion is connected to the frame. Figure 1 Figre200 Figure 2

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] The invention relates to a truss. In particular, the invention relates, but is not particularly limited, to a truss for bracing a building wall.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION [0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Across their lifetime’s, buildings are subjected to many forces, such as gravity, seismic forces and wind.

[0004] In anticipation of these forces, many countries enforce specific building codes relating to the bracing of a building which set out minimum allowable standards in an effort to ensure any new buildings will be able to withstand the forces they are likely to be subjected to.

[0005] In one example of bracing provided to withstand strong forces, plywood panels are fixed to two or three adjacent studs to brace the wall in the plane of the wall.

[0006] In another example, an L-shaped metal strip has a first flange received in aligned slots cut in the studs and a second flange secured to the exposed faces of the studs.

[0007] However, these proposed solutions can be cumbersome, time consuming and difficult to install.

[0008] A further proposed solution lies in a diagonally cross-braced truss frame. However, the diagonal cross-brace renders it difficult for an installer to insert

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 and tighten bolts used to secure the truss frame to the wall frame and therefore are not ideal.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION [0009] It is an aim of this invention to provide a truss which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides a useful commercial alternative.

[0010] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0011] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form, there is provided a truss for bracing a building wall, the truss comprising:

a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least one horizontal brace and at least one cross-brace extending diagonally between the two stiles; and at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

[0012] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is connected to and extends between the two stiles of the frame.

[0013] Preferably, each diaphragm portion comprises:

a first horizontal brace;

a second horizontal brace parallel to the first horizontal brace; and a reinforcing panel connected to the first and second horizontal braces,

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 wherein the first horizontal brace is parallel to the second horizontal brace, and wherein the first and second horizontal braces connect the two stiles of the frame.

[0014] More preferably, the second horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion extends between a distal end of each of the stiles of the frame.

[0015] Preferably, the reinforcing panel is connected to the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion and the two stiles of the frame.

[0016] Preferably, each of the horizontal braces and stiles have a substantially C-shaped profile. Preferably, the first horizontal brace of the frame is connected at a distal end of the stiles.

[0017] Preferably, each of the horizontal braces of the frame and the diaphragm portion are substantially parallel.

[0018] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is integrally formed and has a substantially C-shaped profile.

[0019] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is fixedly attached to the vertical stiles. More preferably, the diaphragm portion is welded to the vertical stiles. Even more preferably, the diaphragm portion is received within a channel of the vertical stiles and welded to the vertical stiles.

[0020] Preferably, the diaphragm further comprises one or more apertures for receiving bolts therethrough. More preferably, a webbing of the second horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion comprises one or more apertures therethrough for receiving a bolt to secure the truss to a frame and/or a structural foundation.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 [0021] Preferably, the truss further comprises a reinforcing member extending between the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion. More preferably, the reinforcing member is located halfway along a length of each of the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion.

[0022] Preferably, the frame further comprises a plurality of cross-braces and a plurality of horizontal braces. More preferably, each cross-brace is adjacent to a horizontal brace.

[0023] Preferably, the truss further comprises a second diaphragm portion connected to the frame, wherein the second diaphragm portion is connected to the frame at an end of the frame opposite an end of the frame connected to a first diaphragm portion.

[0024] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0025] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein:

[0026] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a truss according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 2 illustrates a view of an opposite side of the truss shown in Figure

1;

[0028] Figure 3 illustrates a further view showing a cavity of the diaphragm portion of the truss shown in Figure 1;

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 [0029] Figure 4 illustrates the truss shown in Figure 1 having a securing bolt passing through an aperture of the truss;

[0030] Figure 5 illustrates a truss according to a second embodiment of the present invention; and [0031] Figure 6 illustrates a truss according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS [0032] Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a truss 10 for bracing a building wall against lateral forces configured to fit within a typical rectangular wall frame (not shown). The truss 10 comprises a frame 100 and a diaphragm portion 200.

[0033] The frame 100 has a pair of vertical stiles 105, 110 interconnected by a perpendicularly extending first horizontal brace 115 at a distal end of each of the stiles 105, 110. The frame 100 also includes a diagonal cross-brace 120 extending between the two stiles 105, 110 which creates a triangulation within the frame 100 formed by the horizontal brace 115 and vertical stiles 105, 110. Advantageously, the triangulation of the frame 100 provides improved strength and rigidity to the truss 10 when compared to a truss having no diagonal cross member.

[0034] Attached to the vertical stiles 105, 110 of the frame 100 at an opposite end relative to the first horizontal brace 115 is the diaphragm portion 200 which is received within a channel of each of the vertical stiles 105, 110. The diaphragm portion 200 comprises a second horizontal brace 205 and a third

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 horizontal brace 210 which interconnect the vertical stiles 105, 110 of the frame

100.

[0035] In addition, the diaphragm portion 200 includes a reinforcing panel 215 extending between the space defined by the vertical stiles 105, 110 of the frame 100 and the second and third horizontal braces 205, 210 of the diaphragm portion 200. In combination, the horizontal braces 205, 210 and the reinforcing panel 215 give the diaphragm portion 200 a substantially C-shaped crosssection.

[0036] While the diaphragm portion 200 may be formed by welding the horizontal braces 205, 210 and the reinforcing panel 215 together, as can be seen in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that the diaphragm portion 200 can also be integrally formed as a single component. Distinct advantages are provided by both options. As a single component, the integrally formed diaphragm portion reduces the number of pieces required to form the truss and thereby reduces the overall amount of welding to be performed to assemble the truss. However, if the diaphragm is formed from individual components, the components can be more easily stored. For example, horizontal braces can be stacked atop one another, saving space.

[0037] In Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that there are two apertures 220, 225 located along the webbing portion 230 of the third horizontal brace 210 for receiving securing threaded bolts 235 (shown in Figure 4) therethrough to secure the truss to a frame and/or a structural foundation.

[0038] While the illustrated embodiment only includes two apertures, it is envisioned that the truss can include more apertures, preferably four, so that

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 more bolts can be used and thereby improve the structural integrity of the truss and frame.

[0039] The diaphragm 200 helpfully provides a space for an installer to insert the bolts and the tools necessary to secure the bolts to the frame. Such a task can be quite difficult in existing trusses having a diagonal cross-brace as the cross-brace typically ends adjacent one of the apertures, thus limiting the amount of space for an installer to insert and manoeuvre the bolt. To improve accessibility, the aperture can be moved toward the centre of the bottom horizontal brace. However, this negatively impacts the effectiveness of the tiedown bolt and may cause the truss to fail when subject to substantial forces, during cyclonic winds for example.

[0040] With reference to Figure 5, a second embodiment of a truss 20 is shown. Truss 20 includes a frame 300 and two diaphragm portion 400, 500.

[0041] The frame 300 is substantially similar to frame 100 described above, having two parallel, vertical stiles 305, 310, a horizontal brace 315 and a first diagonal cross-brace 320. However, frame 300 includes an additional, second diagonal cross-brace 325 arranged such that the horizontal brace 315 is located between the first and second diagonal cross-braces 320, 325.

[0042] The two diaphragm portions 400, 500 are also substantially similar to diaphragm portion 200 described above, each having two horizontal braces 405, 410, 505, 510 and a reinforcing panel 415, 515, respectively.

[0043] Turning to Figure 6, a third embodiment of a truss 30 is shown. Truss 30 is substantially similar to truss 20 including a frame 600 but only a single diaphragm portion 700.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 [0044] The frame 600 is substantially similar to frame 300 described above, having two parallel, vertical stiles 605, 610, a horizontal brace 615 and a first diagonal cross-brace 620. The frame 600 also includes a second horizontal brace 625 attached at the end of the stiles 605, 610 and a second diagonal cross-brace 630 arranged such that the horizontal brace 615 is located between the first and second diagonal cross-braces 620, 630.

[0045] The diaphragm portion 700 is also substantially similar to diaphragm portion 400 described above, having two horizontal braces 705, 710 and a reinforcing panel 715.

[0046] It is envisioned that in some embodiments, the frame (not including the diaphragm portion) includes n diagonal cross-braces and n+1 horizonal braces to allow the truss to be extended to fill the available space in the wall frame, where n represents any number greater than 0. In these embodiments, each diagonal cross-brace is connected adjacent to and located between two horizontal braces (of any of the frame or the diaphragm portion) such that a quadrilateral frame (of a substantially square or rectangular shape) separated into two triangular portions is formed by the two vertical stiles, two horizontal braces and a diagonal cross-brace extending between the two vertical stiles. The arrangement described could be repeated ad infinitum to achieve a truss of a desired height.

[0047] in some embodiments, the diaphragm portion includes a reinforcing member extending between the horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion to provide additional structural integrity. The reinforcing member is preferably located halfway along a length of each of the second and third horizontal braces.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 [0048] It will be appreciated that two or more reinforcing members could be included in the diaphragm portion to provide additional strength to the truss. [0049] Each of the stiles and the braces are formed from C-section steel, which of course may be galvanised, powder-coated or otherwise treated to be resistant to corrosion.

[0050] The components of the truss may be screwed or riveted together but are preferably welded together or integrally formed.

[0051] It will be appreciated that the height and width of the truss can be varied to suit available space in a wall frame, as required.

[0052] Advantageously, as mentioned above the diaphragm allows easier access to the bolt holes.

[0053] Further advantageously, the diaphragm provides increased structural integrity and improved resistance to forces to prevent instability in the wall.

[0054] In use, the frame and diaphragm portion are joined together, by welding for example, at a manufacturing facility to form a truss as described herein. The truss is subsequently delivered to a building site for installation.

[0055] At the building site, once the structural foundations of the building are established, including the wall frames, the truss is then placed vertically within the wall frame whereby the webbing of the horizontal brace of the diaphragm are aligned with the frame. Due to the additional space provided by the diaphragm portion, the bolts are then easily aligned with and passed through the apertures of the diaphragm into the wall frame. A nut can then be attached to the bolt and tightened against the diaphragm to secure the truss to the wall frame and/or a structural foundation. Advantageously, the truss provides lateral bracing against lateral forces, such as those imparted by wind, for example.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018 [0056] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right, top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one or more of that integer, component, or step, etc.

[0057] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0058] In this specification, the terms ‘comprises’, ‘comprising’, ‘includes’, ‘including’, or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not listed.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

Claims (6)

1. A truss for bracing a building wall, the truss comprising:

a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least one horizontal brace and at least one cross-brace extending diagonally between the two stiles; and at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

2. The truss according to claim 1, wherein each diaphragm portion comprises:

a first horizontal brace;

a second horizontal brace parallel to the first horizontal brace; and a reinforcing panel connected to the first and second horizontal braces, wherein the first horizontal brace is parallel to the second horizontal brace, and wherein the first and second horizontal braces connect the two stiles of the frame.

3. The truss according to claim 2, wherein at least one diaphragm portion further comprises a reinforcing member extending between the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion.

4. The truss according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein at least one diaphragm portion further comprises one or more apertures for receiving a bolt therethrough.

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

5. The truss according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the frame comprises a plurality of cross-braces and a plurality of horizontal braces, wherein each cross-brace is adjacent to a horizontal brace.

6. The truss according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the truss further comprising a second diaphragm portion connected to the frame at an end of the frame opposite an end of the frame connected to a first diaphragm portion.

1/4

110

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

120

Figure 1

Figure 2

2/4

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

Figure 4

3/4

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

Figure 5

4/4

2018100327 15 Mar 2018

Figure 6