AU704125B2 - Joint structures for framing of steel framed buildings - Google Patents

Description

1 Technical Field This invention relates to joint structures for framing of steel framed buildings.

In the specification the term "studs" shall be interpreted broadly, and for example shall be interpreted to include a vertical, horizontal or horizontal member of a frame for use in framed buildings. It shall not be limited to indicating of defining a vertically extending frame member.

Background Art In so-called steel framed buildings, such as residential houses, warehouses, accommodation buildings, etc, the buildings framing is made up of steel frame studs that have beenjoined together. The frame studs are generally formed from steel plates ,of between 0.8 1.5 mm thickness, the studs comprising a base plate and side plates at S. each side of the base plate, forming a C-section. Further, the surface of the frame studs %,POO: are usually rustproofed.

In the abovementioned steel framed buildings, the frame studs are fixed together 15 to form foundations, pillars, cross beams and roofridging. Steel panels or plaster board 0 •sheets are then attached to the framing to form walls, floors, roofing etc.

has In joining frame studs as above, welding and fixing by means of nuts and bolts ••has been employed, and by joining frame studs at 90 degrees or at angles, the overall framing is formed. Further in the framing sections which make up the framing, bracing running from comer to diagonal comer is used to add strength to the framing. The bracing may be flat strips, rods, wire etc., being the same material as the frame studs *004 •with both ends of the bracing being attached to corners in the framing.

In forming the framing for a steel framed house, in the case, for example, where S°the end of a pillar stud is joined to the end of a crossbeam stud at 90 degrees, the side plates on both frame studs are set together and fixed in place by nuts and bolts or by ••welding.

At the foundation studs, the lower ends of pillar studs are attached, and the upper ends of the pillar studs are attached to crossbeam studs. further, upright studs between pillar studs are also attached vertically, joining the foundation studs and crossbeam studs.

Similarly where, for example, an upright stud is joined to a foundation stud at 900, the side plates on both frame studs set together and fixed in place by nuts and bolts or by welding. Because, however, the thickness of the metal plate in the frame studs is between 0.8 1.5mm, and further, because the width of frame stud are both the same, in fixing the side plates of one frame studs to the inside or outside of the side plates of the other frame stud, it is necessary to use some form of compression machinery to deform the end of the side plates on at least one frame stud to fit inside or outside the side plates on the other. In order to perform this on site, it is necessary to employ machinery. Further, in the case of welding frame studs, the first and second frame studs need to be welded after the frames have been set at 90 degrees, and this work is very tedious. Moreover, in the case of welding, there is the problem that the rustproofing on the frame stud deteriorates, and rusting readily occurs.

In addition, where bracing is used to strengthen the framing, there is currently no device to join each end of the bracing to the corners of the framing. The ends of the bracing are thus joined to the framing by welding however this work must be carried out on site and as well as being tedious as noted above there is a disadvantage that the rustproofing on the frame stud deteriorates and rusting readily occurs.

Summary of the Invention 20 The present invention aims to overcome or alleviate the above disadvantages in particular with the aim that even where the plate thickness, base plate width and side plate size of the frame studs is the same by enabling frame studs to be joined at site easily to form a joint structure without the need for compression machiney. The present invention further aims to remove tedious joinery work, and also provide a joint structure for steel framed housing that allows for strong joints with superior durability, especially at the corners.

With the above and other object in view, the present invention aims, in a first preferred aspect, to provide ajoint structure for use in framing steel framed buildings and a method of construction of same where two frame studs are to be joined, each of which has a base plate with side plates at each side of the base plate forming a C-section.

At least one end of a first frame stud is formed so that its base plate extends beyond the end of the abovementioned side plates, forming a base plate tab.

At least one end of the second frame stud is formed so that its side plates extend beyond the end of its base plate, forming side plate tabs.

At the end of the first frame stud, grooves which are the same length or slightly longer than the height of the side plates on the second frame stud are cut along the corner sections where the base plate meets the side plates.

The side plates on the first frame stud are then fitted together on the inside or outside of the side plates on the second frame stud, and both sets of side plates joined together.

The base plate tab on the first frame stud is then folded to the outside of the base plate of the second frame stud and, at the same time, the side plate tabs on the second frame stud are folded to the outside of the base plate of the first frame stud so that the frame studs from a corner.

The base plate tab of the first frame stud and the base plate of the second frame stud as well as the side plate tabs of the second frame stud and the base plate of the first frame stud are then joined together with suitable fixing means.

In a further aspect, bracing means are provided comprising an 20 L-shaped bracing connecter which is inserted on the inside of a corner formed by the joining of the two frame studs as referred to above. The L-shaped bracing connector has attachment flanges for attaching to the inside of both the inside of the base plate of the first frame stud and the base plate of the second frame stud respectively as well as a linking flange that joins both the attachment flanges.

When the base plate tab of first frame stud and the base plate of the second frame stud, as well as the side plate tabs of the second frame stud and the ""base plate of the first frame stud are joined together with the fixing means to form a corner as before the, bracing connector is inserted inside the formed corner and affixed thereto by the fixing means.

The fixing means for the joint structure suitably comprise nuts and bolts. Alternatively, the fixing means may comprise self tapping screws.

In the linking flange of the bracing connector, a hole is suitably formed for bracing members to be attached.

This invention in a further aspect provides a joint structure for framing in steel framed building and a method for construction of same when joining two frame studs into a T-joint, where each frame stud has a base plate with side plates at each side of the base plate forming a C-section.

At least one end of a first frame stud is formed so that the abovementioned base plate extends beyond the ends of its side plates, forming a base plate tab that is slightly narrower than its base plate. A folding tab is formed on the abovementioned base plate tab so that the tab can be attached to the inside of the base plate of the second frame stud. Also, at the end of first frame stud, grooves or slots which are the same length or slightly longer than the height of the side plates on the second frame stud are formed at the comers sections of first frame stud where the base plate meets the side plates. The side plates of the second frame stud are inserted into the abovementioned grooves or slots on the first frame stud, and at the same time, the abovementioned base plate tab on the first frame stud is joined to the inside of the base plate on the second frame stud so that the frame studs are fixed in Soa T-joint.

The abovementioned base plate tab on the first frame stud and the base plate on the second frame stud as well as the side plates on the first frame stud and the side plates on the second frame stud are then joined together by suitable fixing S"means.

,For this purpose corresponding bolt-holes may be drilled or formed in 25 the base plate tab of the first frame stud and the base plate of the second frame stud, as well as the side plates on the first frame stud and the side plates on the second frame stud. These may then be joined using bolts and nuts through the formed holes.

Brief Description of the Drawings In order that the invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiment of the invention and wherein Fig. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a dismantled frame studjoint structure according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a perspective view of an assembled frame joint structure according to the present invention; Fig. 3 is a view from the direction of the arrow A in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a view from the direction of the arrow B in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 is a perspective view of one section of a steel frame for a building including the joint structures of the invention; Fig. 6 is a perspective view of a further frame stud joint structure according to the invention; Fig. 7 is a view from the direction of the arrow C in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 is a view in the direction of the arrow D in Fig. 6; Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a further frame stud joint structure according to the invention; Fig. 10 is a view in the direction of arrow E in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 is a view in the direction of arrow F in Fig. 9 Fig. 12 is an exploded perspective view of the joint structure in accordance with a further form of the invention; Fig. 13 illustrates the bracing connector for use in the joint structure of Fig. 12; .:e:Fig. 14 is a cross sectional view showing the bracing connector affixed to the framing studs; S.Fig. 15 illustrates a section of a steel frame for a building incorporating 25 the bracing connector; Fig. 16 illustrates an upright frame stud prior to formation for use in a further aspect of the invention; Fig. 16(b) illustrates in a dismantled form, the frame joint structure for the upright stud and crossbeam frame studs; Fig. 17 illustrates the assembled frame joint structure of Fig. 18 and Fig. 18 illustrates a section of a steel frame for a building using the joint structures of the invention.

Detailed Description of the Embodiments Referring to the drawings, and firstly to Figs. 1 to 5, there is illustrated ajoint structure for the framing studs of steel framed buildings comprising of frame studs 1 and frame studs 2. Frame studs 1 and 2 are fundamentally of the same structure, with a metal plate thickness of between 0.8 1.5mm, having base plates la and 2a of ferrous, aluminium or like composition, with side plates lb and 2b at each side of base plates la and 2a forming a C-section, and with the width of each baseplate la and 2a being the same or substantially the same. The surfaces of frame stud 1 and frame stud 2 are preferably rustproofed.

At the end of frame stud 1, base plate la is extended past the end of side plates lb, to form a base plate tab 3. At the end of frame stud 2, the side plates 2b are extended beyond the end of base plate 2a to form side plate tabs 4. Further, at the end of frame stud 1, at corner section Ic, where base plate la meets the side plates Ib, a groove or slot ld which is the same length or slightly longer than the height of side plates 2b on frame stud 2 is formed along comer section lc.

Furthermore, at the end of base plate l a on frame stud 1, and in base 20 plate tab 3, two sets of bolt-holes 5 and 6 are drilled for insertion of bolts mentioned below. Also at the end of base plate 2a and the side plates 2b of frame stud 2, two sets of bolt-holes 7 and 8 are drilled for insertion of bolts as described below.

Further, two bolt-holes 6 are formed in base plate tab 3 of frame stud 1 at the same spacing, and to correspond with bolt-holes 7 in base plate 2a of frame stud 2.

Moreover, at the end of side plates lb on frame stud 1 and side plates 2b on frame stud 2, two bolt-holes 9 and 10 respectively are drilled for insertion of bolts as described further below.

The following is an explanation, with reference to Figs. 2 5 of the order of joining for example a pillar (frame stud 1) to a crossbeam (frame stud 2).

Firstly, side plates lb on frame stud 1 are fitted around the outside of the side plates 2b on frame stud 2 and side plates lb and 2b fixed together. In this case, the ends of side plates lb on frame stud 1 must be deformed outwards to allow for the thickness of the metal plate of frame stud 2, however, because grooves or slots Id has been formed at the corner sections Ic of frame stud 1, it is easy to shape side plates lb without using compression machinery. Thus, when side plates 2b on frame stud 2 are slotted into groove Id on frame stud 1, a true right angle is formed.

Base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 is then folded along folding line 11 and affixed to the outside of base plate 2a on frame stud 2 and, at the same time, side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 are folded along folding lines 12 and affixed to the outside of base plate la on frame stud 1. When this is done, bolt-holes 6 in base plate tab 3 of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 7 on base plate 2a of frame stud 2 and bolt-holes 5 on base plate la of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 8 on side plate tabs 4 of frame stud 2. Furthermore, bolt-holes 9 on side plates lb of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 10 on side plates 2b of frame stud 2.

Bolts 13 are then inserted through bolt-holes 6 and 7 from the outside of base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 through base plate 2a of frame stud 2 and secured by nuts 14. Also, if nuts 14 are held in place, and the bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver, or similar device, bolts 13 and 14 can be securely fixed, and base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 and base plate 2a of frame stud 2 firmly joined together.

20 In the same way, bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 8 and 5 from the outside of side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 through base plate la of frame stud 1 and secured by nuts 14. Again, if nuts 14 are held in place, and the bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver, or similar device, bolts 13 and 14 can be securely fixed, and side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 and base plate la of frame stud 1 firmly joined together.

Furthermore, bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 9 and 10 from the outside of side plates lb of frame stud 1 through side plates 2b on lb frame stud 2 and secured by nus 14. Again, if nuts 14 are held in place, and the bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver, or similar device, bolts 13 and 14 can be securely fixed, and side plates lb on frame stud 1 and side plates 2b of frame stud 2 firmly joined together.

Accordingly, base plate la on frame stud 1 and baseplate 2a on frame stud 2 are 8 joined at right angles and corner section 15 is formed.

In this example, the frame studs 1 and 2 have been fixed in place by means of bolts 13 and nuts 14, however, if self tapping screws (not illustrated) are used, then bolt-holes do not have to be drilled in frames studs 1 and 2. Only the lower hole may be pre-drilled, to simplify the overall task ofjoining. Further, self tapping screws, contrary to nuts and bolts, do not apply pressure in the direction that the plates are joined, and, therefore, because the screws bite into the frame stud themselves, they have the special characteristic of not loosening under vibration etc., therefore being beneficial in assembling framing for temporary/pre-fab steel housing.

As shown in Fig 5, framing may be formed comprising upper and lower studs 2 and pillar or upright studs 1.

Figs. 6 8 illustrate a further embodiment ofjoint structure according to the present invention and as the frame stud structure is the same as those in Figs.

1 to 5, the same numbering has been used.

The joining procedure, where for example a pillar (frame stud 1) is joined to a crossbeam (frame stud 2) is as follows. First, side plates lb on frame stud 1 are fitted to the inside of the side plates 2b on frame stud 2 and side plates lb and 2b fixed together. In this case, the ends of side plates lb on frame stud 1 must be deformed inwards to allow for the thickness of the metal plate of frame stud 2, OOQO20 however, because groove ld has been formed at the comer sections lc of frame stud 1, it is easy to shape the ends of side plates lb without using compression machinery, and frame stud 1 and frame stud 2 form a true right angle.

Base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1-1 is then folded along folding line 11 2 and affixed to the outside of base plate 2a and side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 are folded along folding lines 12 and affixed to the outside of base plate la on frame stud 1. When this is done, bolt-holes 6 in base plate tab 3 of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 7 on base plate 2a of frame stud 2, and bolt-holes 5 on base plate la of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 8 on side plate tabs 4 of frame stud 2.

Furthermore, bolt-holes 9 on side plates lb of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes on side plates 2b of frame stud 2.

When bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 6 and 7 from the outside of base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 through base plate 2a of frame stud 2 and secured by nuts 14 base tab 3 on frame stud 1 and base plate 2a of frame stud 2 are firmly joined together. In the same way, when bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 8 and 5 from the outside of side bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 8 and 5 from the outside of side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 through base plate l a of frame stud 1 and secured by nuts 14 side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 and base plate la of frame stud 1 are firmly joined together. Furthermore, when bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 9 and 10 from the outside of side plates lb of frame stud 1 through side plates 2b on frame stud 2 and secured by nuts 14 side plates lb on frame stud 1 and side plates 2b of frame stud 2 are firmly joined together.

Figs. 9-11 illustrate yet a further embodiment of joint structure according to the invention wherein the frame stud structure is the same as that in Figs. 1 to 5 and thus the same numbering has been used. The joining procedure, where for example a pillar (frame stud 1) is joined to a crossbeam (frame stud 2) is as follows. First, side plates lb on frame stud 1 are fitted around the outside of the side plates 2b on frame stud 2 and side plates lb and 2b fixed together. In this case, the ends of side plates lb on frame stud 1 must be deformed outwards to allow for the thickness of the metal plate of frame stud 2, however, because groove or slot d 20 has been formed at the corner sections lc of frame stud 1, it is easy to shape the ends of side plates lb without using compression machinery, and frame stud 1 and frame stud 2 form a true right angle.

In this case, side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2 are folded along fold lines 12 and affixed to the inside of base plate la on frame stud 1, and base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 is folded along fold line 11 and affixed to the outside of base plate 2a on frame stud 2. Bolt-holes 6 in base plate tab 4 of frame stud 1 align with boltholes 7 on base plate 2a of frame stud 2, and bolt-holes 5 on base plate la of frame stud 1 align with bolt-holes 8 on side plate tabs 4 of frame stud 2. Furthermore, boltholes 10 at the end of side plates 2b of frame stud 2 align with bolt holes 9 at the end of side plates lb of frame stud 1.

When bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 6 and 7 from the outside of base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 through base plate 2a of frame stud 2-2 and secured by nuts 14 base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1 and base plate 2a of frame stud 2 are firmly joined together. In the same way, when bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 5 and 8 from the outside of base plate la on frame stud 1 through side plate tabs 4 of frame stud 2 and base plate l a of frame stud 1, side plate tabs 4 and base plate la are firmlyjoined together. Furthermore, when bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 10 and 9 from the outside of side plates lb of frame stud 1 through side plates 2b on frame stud 2 and secured by nuts 14, side plates lb on frame stud 1 and side plates 2b of frame stud 2 are firmly joined together.

The above description and drawings show how one end of the frame stud 1 and frame stud 2 are joined together, however, the opposite ends of each frame can be joined in the same fashion. Further, the number of nuts and bolts, tapping screws or self-tapping screws used can be varied according to the size of the frame and the particular site. Further, whilst the above description relates to the joining of pillars, crossbeams and foundations in steel framed buildings, the joint structure is applicable to every corner section of framing in steel framed buildings.

9 e Referring now to Fig. 12, there is illustrated a joint structure similar to the arrangement of Figs. 1 to 4 and in which like components have been given like 20 numerals. In this case, an L-shaped bracing connector 21 is provided on the inside of the comer formed by the joined studs 1 and 2 as above, the connector 21 having flanges for attachment to the inside of both the inside of the base plate of frame stud 1 and the base plate 2 as well as a linking flange that joins both of the attachment flanges.

The bracing connector 21 is an L-shaped metal plate that is slightly less wide than base plates la and 2a on frame studs 1 and 2 and which includes a ""vertical fixing flange 2 la and a horizontal fixing flange 2 lb. Further on the inside of bracing connector 21, there is a small linking flange 2 1c which has been attached at one edge to vertical fixing flange 21a and at another edge to horizontal fixing flange 21b. This strengthens the right angle corner formed by perpendicular fixing flange 2 la and horizontal fixing flange 2 lb.

Further in vertical fixing flange 21a of bracing connector 21, bolt holes have been drilled to correspond to bolt holes 5 in frame stud 1 and in horizontal fixing flange 21b of bracing connector 21, bolt holes 26 have been drilled to correspond with bolt holes 7 in frame stud 2.

Further in the abovementioned linking flange 2 ic, bolt hole 28 has been drilled to allow for connection of bracing member 27 and a bolt hole 29 has been drilled in bracing member 27 to accept a bolt 30. Bolt 30 may be secured by nut 31.

Thus, after right angle corner 24 has been formed by frame stud 1 and frame stud 2, bracing connector 21 is inserted inside corner 24. Vertical fixing flange 21 a of bracing connector 21 is fixed to the inside of base plate la on frame stud 1-1, and horizontal fixing flange 2 lb of bracing connector 21 is fixed to the inside of base plate 2a on frame stud 2-2. Bolt-holes 25 in vertical fixing flange 2 La now correspond with bolt-holes 5 on frame stud, and bolt-holes 26 in horizontal fixing flange 2 lb now correspond with bolt-holes 7 in frame stud.

Bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 6, 7 and 26 from the outside of base plate tab 3 on frame stud through and past horizontal fixing flange 21 lb on bracing connector 21, and secured by nuts 14. Further, if nuts 14 are held in place and bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver or similar device bolts 13 and nuts 14 can be securely fixed and base plate tab 3 on frame stud 1, base plate 2a on frame stud 2, and horizontal fixing flange 21b on bracing connector 21 can be firmly joined together.

In the same way, bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 8, 5 and from the outside of side plate tabs 4 of frame stud 2 through and past vertical fixing flange 21a on bracing connector 21, and secured by nuts 14. Further, if nuts 14 are held in place and bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver or similar device bolts 13 and nuts 14 can be securely fixed, side plate tabs 4 on frame stud 2, base plate la on frame stud 1, and vertical fixing flange 21a on bracing connector 21 can be firmly joined together. Furthermore, bolts 13 are inserted through bolt-holes 9, 10 from outside of side plates lb on frame stud 1 through side plates 2b of frame stud 2 and secured by nuts 14. Further, if nuts 14 are held in place and bolts 13 fastened by use of an electric driver or similar device, bolts 13 and nuts 14 can be securely fixed, side plates lb on frame stud 1 and side plates 2b on frame stud 2 can be firmly joined together.

As shown in Fig 15, the bracing member 27 can extend between opposed corners of a framing section to be affixed thereto by connections 21.

Referring now to Figs. 16 to 18, there is illustrated a further form of joint structure for a steel framed building formed by frame stud 41 and frame stud 42. Frame studs 41 and 42 are fundamentally the same structure, with a metal plate thickness of between 0.8 1.5mm having base plates 41a and 42a of ferrous, aluminium or similar composition, with side plates 4 lb and 42b at each side of base plates 41a and 42a forming a C-section, and with the width of each base plate, and the height of each of the side plates being the same. Further, the surfaces of frame studs 41 and 42 preferably are rustproofed.

At the end of frame stud 41, base plate 41a has been extended beyond side plates 41 lb to form base plate tab 43. In base plate tab 43 fold line 41 c has been formed to create folding base plate tab 43a. Further, at the corner sections 41d of frame stud 41 where base plate 41a meets side plates 41b, grooves or slots 44 are 20 formed along corner sections 41d which are the same length or slightly longer than the height of side plates 42b on frame stud 42. Side plate tabs 45 are fonnrmed from side plates 41b along the delineation of grooves or slots 44. Accordingly, base plate tab 43 and folding base plate tab 43a are slightly narrower than base plate 42a on frame stud 42.

25 Furthermore, on folding base plate tab 43a and side plate tabs 45, boltholes each 46 and 47 have been drilled. Corresponding bolt-holes 48 and 49 have °been drilled into base plate 42a and side plates 42b of frame 42. Further, at corner sections 41d of frame stud 41, side plates 41b are folded upwards at 90' to base plate la forming base plate 41a and side plates 41b. Folding base plate tab 43 is folded downwards at 90' to base plate 41a forming folding base plate tab 43a.

13 Where, for example, upright stud (frame stud 41) is joined to, for example foundation stud (frame stud 42) the following procedure is followed.

Firstly, side plates 41b on frame stud 41 are fitted around the outside of side plates 42b on frame stud 42 and both side plates joined together. In this case, side plates tabs 45 on frame stud 41 must be deformed outwards to the extent of the plate thickness of frame stud 42, however, because grooves or slots 44 have been formed at the comers of frame stud 41, it is easy to shape the protruding tabs 45 on frame stud 41 without the need for compression machinery. Further, when side plates 42b on frame stud 42 are slotted into grooves or slots 44 on frame stud 41, and base plate tab 43a on frame stud 41 joined to base plate 42a on frame 42, frame studs 41 and 42 from a true right angle.

Then when frame studs 41 and 42 are formed at right angles bolt-holes 46 on base plate tab 43a on frame stud 41 correspond with bolt-holes 48 on base plate 42a of frame stud 42, and bolt-holes 47 on side plate tabs 45 on frame stud 41 corresponding with bolt-holes 49 on side plates 42b of frame stud 42.

In this way, after frame studs 41 and 42 are formed into a T-shape, bolts 50 are inserted through bolt-holes 48 and 46 from the outside of base plate 42a on frame stud 42, through base plate tab 43a, and secured by nuts 51. Also, if nuts 51 are held in place and bolts 50 fastened by using an electric driver, or similar 20 device, bolts 50 and 51 can be securely fixed and base plate 43a on frame stud 41 and base plate 42a of frame stud 42 are firmly joined together.

In a similar way, bolts 50 are inserted through bolt-holes 49 and 47 from the outside of side plate 42b on frame stud 42, through side plate tabs 45, and secured by nuts 51. Also, if nuts 51 are held in place and bolts 50 fastened by using 005 Ce°*9 *00"25 an electric driver, or similar device, bolts 50 and 51 can be securely fixed and side plates 42b on frame stud 42 and side plate tabs 45 of frame stud 41 are firmly joined together.

Accordingly, base plate 41a of frame stud 41 and base plate 42a of frame stud 42 are joined at right angles, and upright stud (frame stud 41) and foundation stud (frame stud 42), as shown in Fig. 18, are joined together. In the 14 same way, the upper end of frame stud 41 can be joined to cross-beam stud (frame stud 42) and multiple upright studs can be affixed between pillar studs 52, so that the framing 53, made up from frame studs 41 and 42 is strengthened.

In the above arrangement, bolts 50 and nuts 51 have been used as the joining means, however, if self tapping screws (not displayed) are used then boltholes do not have to be drilled in both frame studs 41 and 42, but only the lower hole may be pre-drilled, and the overall task is simplified. Further, if tapping screws are used instead of nuts and bolts to fix the frame in place, then there is no force in the direction that the plates are joined, and therefore, because the screw bites into the frame itself, it has the special characteristic of not loosening under vibration etc., and is beneficial making framing for relocatable steel framed housing.

The above describes how one end of frame stud 41 and one end of frame stud 42 are joined together, however, the opposite end of each frame stud can be joined in a similar fashion. Further, the number of nuts and bolts, tapping screws 15 or self-tapping screws used can be varied according to the size of the frame stud and the particular site. The above is a further explanation of joining upright studs and o. crossbeams in steel framed buildings, however, this joint structure is applicable to every section of frames in steel framed buildings.

Thus, in using the present invention when assembling framing for steel 20 framed housing, frame studs can be easily joined at site, and the tedium of (current) joinery work removed. Further, by cutting grooves or slots at the comer sections, where the base plates meet the side plates, even if the thickness of the metal in the frame, the width of the plate, and the height of the side plates are the same, without using compression machinery, frames can be easily joined and fixed on site, there 25 is no need to have compression machinery on site, and there is the effect that there is no limitation on the site that can be used. Further, in contrast to welding, (metal) deterioration at the joint is reduced, as is labour in joining, and dismantling is simple, so repairs are also easy therefore making the invention useful in constructing relocatable steel framed housing.

1. A joint structure for joining first and second frame studs, each said stud having a base plate and side plates at each side of said base plate forming a Csection, at least one end of said first frame stud being formed such that its said base plate extends beyond the end of its side plates to form a base plate tab; at least one end of said second frame stud being formed so that its said side plates extend beyond the end of its said base plate, forming side plate tabs; said first frame stud, including grooves or slots formed along the comer sections of said stud where said base plate meets said side plates, said grooves or slots being the same length or slightly longer than the height of the side plates on said second frame stud; 15 and wherein said side plates on said first frame stud are juxtaposed •with the side plates on said second frame stud, said side plates being .e interconnected; and wherein said base plate tab on said first frame stud is folded to the outside of said base plate of said second frame stud, and said side plate tabs on said second frame stud are folded to be juxtaposed with said base plate of said first frame stud; and including fixing means for fixing said base plate tab of said first frame stud and said base plate of second frame stud and said side plate tabs of said second frame stud and said base plate of said first frame stud.

2. A joint structure according to Claim 1 wherein said side plates of said first frame stud are located on the outside of said side plates of said second frame stud and wherein said side plate tabs of said second frame stud are located on the outside of the base plate of said first frame stud.

Claims (7)

1. 3. Ajoint structure according to Claim. 1 wherein said side plates of said first frame stud are located on the outside of said side plates of said second frame stud and wherein said side plate tabs of said second frame stud are located on the inside of said base plate of said first frame stud.
2. 4. Ajoint structure according to Claim 1 wherein said side plates of said first frame stud are located on the inside of said side plates of said second frame stud and wherein said side plate tabs of said second frame stud are located on the outside of said base plate of said first frame stud. A joint structure according to anyone of Claims 1 to 4, wherein said base plate tab includes spaced apertures and when said base plate of said second frame stud includes spaced apertures, said apertures being aligned when said base plate stud is folded for receiving said fixing means. A joint structure according to anyone of Claims 1 to 5 wherein said side plate tabs include apertures and said base plate of said first frame stud has 0o apertures aligned with said apertures in said side plate tabs when said tabs are folded to receive said fixing means.
3. 7. A joint structure according to any one of Claims 1 to 6 wherein said fixing means comprise nuts and bolts.
4. 8. Ajoint structure according to any one of Claims I to 7 and including 25 a bracing connector having flanges for attaching to the inside of both the inside of the base plate of said first frame stud and the base plate of said second frame stud, said bracing connector including a linking flange joining both of said attachment flanges.
5. 9. A joint structure according to Claim 8 wherein said linking flange include means for attaching bracing means. Ajoint structure for joining first and second frame studs into a T-joint, each said frame stud framing a base plate with side plates at each side of the base plate forming a C-section; at least one end of said first frame stud being formed so that its said base plate extends beyond the ends of its said side plates, forming a base plate tab which is slightly narrower than the width of said base plate; said first frame stud including grooves or slots of the same length or slightly longer than the height of the said side plates on said second frame stud along the corner sections of said first frame stud, where the base plate meets the side plates; and wherein said side plates on said second frame stud are located in said grooves or slots on said first frame stud and wherein said base plate tab on said first frame stud is folded to the inside of the base plate of said second frame stud; and fixing means for fixing said base plate tab of said first frame stud and *the base plate of said second frame stud and said side plates on said first frame stud and said side plates on said second frame stud. 20 11. A joint structure according to Claim 8 wherein bolt-holes are formed in the base plate tab on said first frame stud and the base plate on said second frame stud and the side plates on said first frame stud and said side plates on said second frame stud for receiving said fixing means. 25 12. A joint structure according to Claim 11 wherein said fixing means comprise nuts and bolts.
6. 13. Ajoint structure substantially as herein before described with reference to Figs 1 to 5, 6 to 8, 9 to 11, or 12 to 15 of the accompanying claims. 18
7. 14. Ajomnt structure substantially as herein before described with reference to Figs 16 to 18 of the accompanyig claims. Dated this twenty-seventh day of September 1996 MARUICH CONSTRUCTION CO, LTD By Our Patent Attorneys PIZZEY JolR adner *9 a a a a. a. ABSTRACT A joint structure for steel framed buildings having studs each having a base plate (la,2a) and side plates (lb,2b), the base plate (la) of one stud (1) being extended beyond its side plates (lb) to form a base plate tab and the side plates (2b) of the other stud being extended beyond its base plate (2a) to form side plate tabs The side plates (lb,2b) are juxtaposed and joined and the base plate tab is folded and joined to the base plate The side plate tabs are folded and joined to the base plate (la). *o *S*