CA2088858A1 - Arched wood beam construction - Google Patents
Arched wood beam constructionInfo
- Publication number
- CA2088858A1 CA2088858A1 CA 2088858 CA2088858A CA2088858A1 CA 2088858 A1 CA2088858 A1 CA 2088858A1 CA 2088858 CA2088858 CA 2088858 CA 2088858 A CA2088858 A CA 2088858A CA 2088858 A1 CA2088858 A1 CA 2088858A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- pieces
- group
- segment
- closely packed
- arched
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04C—STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS; BUILDING MATERIALS
- E04C3/00—Structural elongated elements designed for load-supporting
- E04C3/38—Arched girders or portal frames
- E04C3/42—Arched girders or portal frames of wood, e.g. units for rafter roofs
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Rod-Shaped Construction Members (AREA)
Abstract
ARCHED WOOD BEAM CONSTRUCTION
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An arched beam segment is formed along its length by a plurality of closely packed sawn lumber pieces, at least most of which have a length substantially shorter than the arch length of the segment and extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment. In one construction, the pieces are organized in first and second groups of pieces, the pieces in each group being closely packed within the groupand extending crosswise to the arch line of the segment, the pieces in one groupextending substantially crosswise to pieces in the other group, and also being closely packed with pieces in the other group.
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
An arched beam segment is formed along its length by a plurality of closely packed sawn lumber pieces, at least most of which have a length substantially shorter than the arch length of the segment and extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment. In one construction, the pieces are organized in first and second groups of pieces, the pieces in each group being closely packed within the groupand extending crosswise to the arch line of the segment, the pieces in one groupextending substantially crosswise to pieces in the other group, and also being closely packed with pieces in the other group.
Description
2~8~
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the construction of arched beams fabricated from wood.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
In the construction industry, the use of arched wood beams has had a very long 5 history. From an aesthetic point of view, such beams can have a particularly attractive appearance in the proper setting. From a functional point of view, such beams are often desirable for their load carrying capacity. They can be designedto carry substantial loads largely in a state of compression, the load forces being ~-transmitted primarily along the arch line of the beam rather than transverse to the 10 arch line. In the case of wood, this is desirable because wood can support greater loads under compression than under tension. Further, in order to minimize sagging or eventual breakage, it is desirable to avoid excessive transverse loads or bending forces on wood elements that have significant length.
Conventional arched wood beam constructions include laminated constructions 15 and solid beam constructions. As well, they include rib constructions. Laminated constructions are particularly strong, but they also require particular skill in both the design and the making. Rib constructions can be made to have a particularly high load to weight ratio, but lilcewise require a relatively high degree of skill in the design and the making. -20 Solid arched beam constructions are relatively rare. EssentiaUy, they must becarved from solid lumber - a job which again requires considerable skill. Further, with solid arched beams, proper curing of the lumber to avoid subsequent splitting or warping can be particularly critical.
The present invention provides an arched wood beam construction which not only 25 requires minimal skill in the making thereby reducing construction costs, butwhich is also relatively insensitive to defects in construction - either in the wood - used, or in the assembly. Further, as will be seen, the nature of the construction generally calls for the use of relatively small pieces of wood. Thus, cost savings can 2- 2~88.~8 be achieved through the use of wood that might otherwise be considered scrap and suitable only for burning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an5 arched beam segment formed along its length by a plurality of closely packed sawn lumber pieces, at least most of which pieces have a length substantially shorterthan the arch length of the beam segment and extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment.
Unlike more conventional constructions, the piece construction of the present 10 invention does not require any particular construction skill. Individual woodpieces do not have to be carefully carved, shaped, or cut to length. They can beroughly cut to length and secured with nailing, without the gluing or laminatingof sections under stress. By reason of the relatively short pieces of lumber that are used, any fracturing that occurs is likely to be localized and not transmi~ted to 15 other pieces.
Advantageously, the lumber pieces used in the construction comprise a first group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other and a second group of sawn lumber pieces also closely packed with each other. Further, pieces in one group are closely packed with pieces in the other group. In either group, the pieces not only 20 extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment, but also subs$antially crosswise to pieces in the other group. With this arrangement, andon the assumption that the wood grain of each piece travels in the same basic direction in all pieces then, along any given cross section perpendicular to the arch line of the beam segment, the wood grain travels in at least two crosswise 25 directions. Thus, if it happens that there is a point of weakness in the grain of one wood piece travelling in one direction, the weakness stands to be absorbed not only by packed or abutting pieces in the same group, but also by crosswise pieces with wood grain travelling in a different direction.
Although wood beam segments constructed in accordance with the present 30 invention may be considered to have a somewhat "raw" outward appearance with visible lines of abutment and unfinished ends on the wood pieces, this appearance 3 2 Q 8 ~3 8 r j 8 may be masked with sheathing panels. Sheathing made from material such as plywood can be used not only to perform a masking function but also to add to the overall strength of the beam segment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS :~
5 Figure 1 is an elevation view of an arched beam segment, partially cut away, formed from two groups of closely packed sawn lumber pieces. ;
Figure 2 is a section view taken along section line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an elevation view of an arched beam segment, partially cut away, formed from a single group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces.
10 Figure 4 is a section view taken along section line 4-4 in Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The drawings are not to scale, dimensions having been exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
The arched bearn segment generally designated 10 in Figure 1 is formed from a first 15 group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces Pl~ P2~ P3 ... Pi, and a second group of sawn lumber pieces ql, q2 (q2a~ q2b) q3 ... qj- All pieces in each group not only extend substantially crosswise to arch line AL-AL of segment 10, but also crosswise to pieces in the other group. Further, they are not only closely packed with pieces in the same group, but they are also closely packed with pieces in the other group, 20 and secured by means of nails 15 (only some of which are shown).
Note that abutting pieces within the same group are not nailed to each other. It is not considered necessary to do so. Further, it would be considered undesirable to do so because the result would be an unnecessary added cost and added weight.
Note also that it is not considered essential for any given lumber piece shown in 25 segment 10 to extend fully across the depth of the beam. This is illustrated by pieces q2a and q2b which are abutted at their ends along line of abutment 12. It is the combined length of pieces q2a and q2b which extends fully across the depth of - -4- 20~8~ 3 the beam. In this regard, one of the features of the present invention is the ability to make use of relatively small pieces of lumber which might otherwise be treated as scrap. Thus, while pieces q2a and q2b could very well be a single integral piece of relatively small scrap lumber, the same piece can be built up (within reason)5 from smaller pieces.
The formation of beam segment lO is a simple task. Preferably, the builder will utilize a simple template or mold (not shown) laid horizontally and having the desired top and bottom profile of the segment. Then the segment will be built upby progressively laying in pieces pl, P2r p3 ...~ etc. and, as the template or mold fills, 10 progressively nailing pieces q1, q2, q3, ..., etc. on top. Advantageously, all of this work can be done at a remote site. The beam segment can then be transported to an installation site.
Obviously, the size of lumber used in a beam segment such as beam segment 10 may vary. However, it is contemplated that lumber such as 2"x4", 2"x6", or 2"x8"15 (assembled and cut to length) will be used in most cases. Such sizes are conventional, and they are typically the most readily available scrap sizes.
Although not crucial, scrap lengths may typically range from one-half foot to two feet.
The structure of arched beam segmentlO is considered particularly desirable.
20 Across any given cross section of the beam perpendicular to arch line AL-AL, wood grain will normally be travelling in at least two directions (one direction for pieces Pl~ P2r p3, ..., etc., and a different direction for pieces ql, q2, q3, ..., etc.). If it occurs that there is a point of weakness in the grain of one of the pieces, that weakness stands to be absorbed not only by abutting pieces in the same group, but also by25 crosswise pieces in the other group which will have wood grain travelling in a different direction. If a point of weakness is so severe that a fracture occurs in the grain, and the wood splits, then a further advantage of the present invention emerges. Because the lumber pieces are relatively small, the fracture can only travel for a limited distance until it meets with the boundary abutting other pieces.
30 The arched beam segment generally designated50 in Figure 3, in contrast to arched beam segment 10 in Figure 1, is formed not from two groups but from a single group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces r1, r2, ... rlc which extend 2~8~8.~8 crosswise to arch line BL-BL of the segment. Further, they are sheathed above and below by panels 52, 54 which, as indicated in Figure 4, are secured by means of nails 15 to form part of the overall assembly. It is not essential for any given piece to extend fully across the depth of the beam. In Figure 3, this is illustrated by 5 pieces r3a, r3b which abut along line 56.
In the structure of beam segment50, sheathing panels 52, 54 provide physical support for the structure. For this purpose, plywood is a stlitable material. The thickness may vary, but a typical thickness would be about one-half inch.
While arched beam segment 50 is formed from closely packed sawn lumber pieces 10 having a length substantially shorter than the arch length, and which extend substantially crosswise to arch line BL-BL of the segment, it does not have all the characteristics of arched beam segment 10. Particularly, across any given cross section taken perpendicular to the arch line, the wood grain will not normally be seen to be travelling in at least two directions. Further, the task of construction 15 may be considered somewhat more difficult by reason of the structural sheathing panels 52, 54 that are used. Nevertheless, it is a structure that can otherwise be built up very easily using relatively small pieces of wood.
Although sheathing panels 52, 54 used in the case of arched beam segment 50 are used to provide structural support, they also perform an aesthetic function by 20 masking the ends of the lumber pieces rl, r2, ... rk. Sheathing panels could likewise be applied to arched beam segment 10 although, in this case, the material could be very thin because the same structural purpose would not be required. Similarly, thin sheathing material could be applied to the front and back faces of either beam segment 10 or beam segment 50 for the purpose of masking the otherwise 25 unattractive appearance of the segment.
The particular embodiments shown are not considered to be exhaustive. Various modifications and changes to the present invention that fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims are possible and will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art.
' .. . ~. . . ~ . . .
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to the construction of arched beams fabricated from wood.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
In the construction industry, the use of arched wood beams has had a very long 5 history. From an aesthetic point of view, such beams can have a particularly attractive appearance in the proper setting. From a functional point of view, such beams are often desirable for their load carrying capacity. They can be designedto carry substantial loads largely in a state of compression, the load forces being ~-transmitted primarily along the arch line of the beam rather than transverse to the 10 arch line. In the case of wood, this is desirable because wood can support greater loads under compression than under tension. Further, in order to minimize sagging or eventual breakage, it is desirable to avoid excessive transverse loads or bending forces on wood elements that have significant length.
Conventional arched wood beam constructions include laminated constructions 15 and solid beam constructions. As well, they include rib constructions. Laminated constructions are particularly strong, but they also require particular skill in both the design and the making. Rib constructions can be made to have a particularly high load to weight ratio, but lilcewise require a relatively high degree of skill in the design and the making. -20 Solid arched beam constructions are relatively rare. EssentiaUy, they must becarved from solid lumber - a job which again requires considerable skill. Further, with solid arched beams, proper curing of the lumber to avoid subsequent splitting or warping can be particularly critical.
The present invention provides an arched wood beam construction which not only 25 requires minimal skill in the making thereby reducing construction costs, butwhich is also relatively insensitive to defects in construction - either in the wood - used, or in the assembly. Further, as will be seen, the nature of the construction generally calls for the use of relatively small pieces of wood. Thus, cost savings can 2- 2~88.~8 be achieved through the use of wood that might otherwise be considered scrap and suitable only for burning.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with a broad aspect of the present invention, there is provided an5 arched beam segment formed along its length by a plurality of closely packed sawn lumber pieces, at least most of which pieces have a length substantially shorterthan the arch length of the beam segment and extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment.
Unlike more conventional constructions, the piece construction of the present 10 invention does not require any particular construction skill. Individual woodpieces do not have to be carefully carved, shaped, or cut to length. They can beroughly cut to length and secured with nailing, without the gluing or laminatingof sections under stress. By reason of the relatively short pieces of lumber that are used, any fracturing that occurs is likely to be localized and not transmi~ted to 15 other pieces.
Advantageously, the lumber pieces used in the construction comprise a first group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other and a second group of sawn lumber pieces also closely packed with each other. Further, pieces in one group are closely packed with pieces in the other group. In either group, the pieces not only 20 extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of the segment, but also subs$antially crosswise to pieces in the other group. With this arrangement, andon the assumption that the wood grain of each piece travels in the same basic direction in all pieces then, along any given cross section perpendicular to the arch line of the beam segment, the wood grain travels in at least two crosswise 25 directions. Thus, if it happens that there is a point of weakness in the grain of one wood piece travelling in one direction, the weakness stands to be absorbed not only by packed or abutting pieces in the same group, but also by crosswise pieces with wood grain travelling in a different direction.
Although wood beam segments constructed in accordance with the present 30 invention may be considered to have a somewhat "raw" outward appearance with visible lines of abutment and unfinished ends on the wood pieces, this appearance 3 2 Q 8 ~3 8 r j 8 may be masked with sheathing panels. Sheathing made from material such as plywood can be used not only to perform a masking function but also to add to the overall strength of the beam segment.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS :~
5 Figure 1 is an elevation view of an arched beam segment, partially cut away, formed from two groups of closely packed sawn lumber pieces. ;
Figure 2 is a section view taken along section line 2-2 in Figure 1.
Figure 3 is an elevation view of an arched beam segment, partially cut away, formed from a single group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces.
10 Figure 4 is a section view taken along section line 4-4 in Figure 3.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
The drawings are not to scale, dimensions having been exaggerated for the purpose of illustration.
The arched bearn segment generally designated 10 in Figure 1 is formed from a first 15 group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces Pl~ P2~ P3 ... Pi, and a second group of sawn lumber pieces ql, q2 (q2a~ q2b) q3 ... qj- All pieces in each group not only extend substantially crosswise to arch line AL-AL of segment 10, but also crosswise to pieces in the other group. Further, they are not only closely packed with pieces in the same group, but they are also closely packed with pieces in the other group, 20 and secured by means of nails 15 (only some of which are shown).
Note that abutting pieces within the same group are not nailed to each other. It is not considered necessary to do so. Further, it would be considered undesirable to do so because the result would be an unnecessary added cost and added weight.
Note also that it is not considered essential for any given lumber piece shown in 25 segment 10 to extend fully across the depth of the beam. This is illustrated by pieces q2a and q2b which are abutted at their ends along line of abutment 12. It is the combined length of pieces q2a and q2b which extends fully across the depth of - -4- 20~8~ 3 the beam. In this regard, one of the features of the present invention is the ability to make use of relatively small pieces of lumber which might otherwise be treated as scrap. Thus, while pieces q2a and q2b could very well be a single integral piece of relatively small scrap lumber, the same piece can be built up (within reason)5 from smaller pieces.
The formation of beam segment lO is a simple task. Preferably, the builder will utilize a simple template or mold (not shown) laid horizontally and having the desired top and bottom profile of the segment. Then the segment will be built upby progressively laying in pieces pl, P2r p3 ...~ etc. and, as the template or mold fills, 10 progressively nailing pieces q1, q2, q3, ..., etc. on top. Advantageously, all of this work can be done at a remote site. The beam segment can then be transported to an installation site.
Obviously, the size of lumber used in a beam segment such as beam segment 10 may vary. However, it is contemplated that lumber such as 2"x4", 2"x6", or 2"x8"15 (assembled and cut to length) will be used in most cases. Such sizes are conventional, and they are typically the most readily available scrap sizes.
Although not crucial, scrap lengths may typically range from one-half foot to two feet.
The structure of arched beam segmentlO is considered particularly desirable.
20 Across any given cross section of the beam perpendicular to arch line AL-AL, wood grain will normally be travelling in at least two directions (one direction for pieces Pl~ P2r p3, ..., etc., and a different direction for pieces ql, q2, q3, ..., etc.). If it occurs that there is a point of weakness in the grain of one of the pieces, that weakness stands to be absorbed not only by abutting pieces in the same group, but also by25 crosswise pieces in the other group which will have wood grain travelling in a different direction. If a point of weakness is so severe that a fracture occurs in the grain, and the wood splits, then a further advantage of the present invention emerges. Because the lumber pieces are relatively small, the fracture can only travel for a limited distance until it meets with the boundary abutting other pieces.
30 The arched beam segment generally designated50 in Figure 3, in contrast to arched beam segment 10 in Figure 1, is formed not from two groups but from a single group of closely packed sawn lumber pieces r1, r2, ... rlc which extend 2~8~8.~8 crosswise to arch line BL-BL of the segment. Further, they are sheathed above and below by panels 52, 54 which, as indicated in Figure 4, are secured by means of nails 15 to form part of the overall assembly. It is not essential for any given piece to extend fully across the depth of the beam. In Figure 3, this is illustrated by 5 pieces r3a, r3b which abut along line 56.
In the structure of beam segment50, sheathing panels 52, 54 provide physical support for the structure. For this purpose, plywood is a stlitable material. The thickness may vary, but a typical thickness would be about one-half inch.
While arched beam segment 50 is formed from closely packed sawn lumber pieces 10 having a length substantially shorter than the arch length, and which extend substantially crosswise to arch line BL-BL of the segment, it does not have all the characteristics of arched beam segment 10. Particularly, across any given cross section taken perpendicular to the arch line, the wood grain will not normally be seen to be travelling in at least two directions. Further, the task of construction 15 may be considered somewhat more difficult by reason of the structural sheathing panels 52, 54 that are used. Nevertheless, it is a structure that can otherwise be built up very easily using relatively small pieces of wood.
Although sheathing panels 52, 54 used in the case of arched beam segment 50 are used to provide structural support, they also perform an aesthetic function by 20 masking the ends of the lumber pieces rl, r2, ... rk. Sheathing panels could likewise be applied to arched beam segment 10 although, in this case, the material could be very thin because the same structural purpose would not be required. Similarly, thin sheathing material could be applied to the front and back faces of either beam segment 10 or beam segment 50 for the purpose of masking the otherwise 25 unattractive appearance of the segment.
The particular embodiments shown are not considered to be exhaustive. Various modifications and changes to the present invention that fall within the spirit and scope of the following claims are possible and will undoubtedly occur to those skilled in the art.
' .. . ~. . . ~ . . .
Claims (4)
1. An arched beam segment formed along its length by a plurality of closely packed sawn lumber pieces, at least most of which pieces:
(a) have a length substantially shorter than the arch length of said segment; and, (b) extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of said segment.
(a) have a length substantially shorter than the arch length of said segment; and, (b) extend substantially crosswise to the arch line of said segment.
2. An arched beam segment as defined in Claim 1 wherein, said plurality of sawn lumber pieces comprises:
(a) a first group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other;
and, (b) a second group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other, pieces in said second group also being closely packed with and extending substantially crosswise to pieces in said first group.
(a) a first group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other;
and, (b) a second group of sawn lumber pieces closely packed with each other, pieces in said second group also being closely packed with and extending substantially crosswise to pieces in said first group.
3. An arched beam construction as defined in Claim 2 wherein, pieces in said first group are secured to pieces in said second group by nails, each nail extending through a single piece in one group to a single piece in the other group.
4. An arched beam construction as defined in Claim 1, 2 or 3, including upper and lower sheathing panels.
-Page 1 of Claims-
-Page 1 of Claims-
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088858 CA2088858A1 (en) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-02-05 | Arched wood beam construction |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088858 CA2088858A1 (en) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-02-05 | Arched wood beam construction |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2088858A1 true CA2088858A1 (en) | 1994-08-06 |
Family
ID=4151101
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA 2088858 Abandoned CA2088858A1 (en) | 1993-02-05 | 1993-02-05 | Arched wood beam construction |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2088858A1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7562497B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2009-07-21 | Warren Douglas A | Arched door frame |
| CN101283862B (en) * | 2008-05-12 | 2012-03-14 | 杨荣发 | Furniture frame and producing method |
-
1993
- 1993-02-05 CA CA 2088858 patent/CA2088858A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7562497B2 (en) | 2005-10-27 | 2009-07-21 | Warren Douglas A | Arched door frame |
| CN101283862B (en) * | 2008-05-12 | 2012-03-14 | 杨荣发 | Furniture frame and producing method |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Dead |