GB2196409A - Steelwork joint - Google Patents

Abstract

The joint comprises one component 1 having a square-section recess 5, and a second component having a similar shaped boss which engages in said recess, each component having shoulder portions 3, 4. The disposition and dimensions of these features are such that the boss nests within the recess with the shoulders of the one component mating with the walls of the recess and the shoulders on the other component mating with the 'head' of said one component, a single through bolt being provided whereby the bolt, the nesting parts and the shoulders together rigidly lock the two components. Each component is eg welded respectively to eg a beam and a prop to form eg a tunnel structure. The recess/boss is slightly asymmetrical to the boss 1 to provide joint angles less/more than 90 DEG . The invention is not limited to a square section recess/boss. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Steelwork joints This invention relates to steelwork joints and particularly, but not exclusively, relates to support structures. The method and design described offers a number of advantages over conventionally used designs, whether employing single or multiple bolts, in particular it allows for the rapid and safe erection of tunnel support structures, that is, roof beams/support legs. Additionally the construction and flexibility of handling of the joint allows easy erection under a wide range of working conditions. The joint offers good support resistance in the sense that it can readily accommodate a significant degree of geological stress without distortion, displacement and collapse.

The present invention provides a steelwork joint comprising one component having an upstanding head of definitive shape (X) from which laterally extends an X-shaped-section boss and including two shoulder portions extending alongside but displaced from the boss, and another component having a like shaped head into which is formed an shaped-section recess and including two shoulder portions displaced from but lying adjacent the orifice of, the recess, apertures being provided axially of the boss in the one component and the walls of the recess in the other, the disposition and dimensions of the shoulders and the boss and recess being such that, in at least one position of the two components, the boss nests within the recess with the apertures in alignment for reception of a bolt with the shoulders of the one component mating with the walls of the recess and the shoulders of the other component mating with the X-shaped head of the said one component, the nesting parts and the shoulders together restraining relative movement of the two components in both a twisting mode and a rotational mode about the axis of the apertures.

The shape (X) of the head, the boss and the recess may be rectangular, preferably square, in cross-section, With such square parts two locking positions may be manifested by one of the components such that the shoulders and the head are substantially symmetrically disposed whilst with the other the head is "displaced" relatively to the shoulders such that one shoulder is at a different level from the other.

The components may be cast or forged steel and they may be readily welded to the roof beam or support leg joist as appropriate.

In order that the invention may be fully understood one embodiment hereof will now be described, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a front elevation of the 'female' component of the joint; Figure 2 is a side elevation of Fig. 1 Figure 3 is in plan view of Fig 1 Figure 4 is a front elevation of the 'male component; Figure 5 is a side elevation of Fig. 4 and Figure 6 is a plan view of Fig. 4 Referring now to Figs. 1 to 3 the female component comprises an H-shaped base portion 1 having an upstanding square-section head 2 with two angularly disposed shoulders 3, 4 laterally extending adjacent to two lower sides of the head.

A square-section recess 5 is formed in the head and a through hole 6 is aligned symmetrically with this recess. The recess is tapered to facilitate reception of the male component to be described. The square form of the head and recess is tilted by 5 from the perpendicular diametrical plane as viewed in Fig. 1.

The male component shown in Figs. 4 to 6 likewise comprises an H-shaped base portion (7) having an upstanding square-section head 8 with two asymmetrical angularly disposed shoulders 9, 10. A square section boss 12 protrudes from the front face of the head 8 and this is tapered to ease entry into the recess 5. The shoulders 9, 10 extend alongside the boss and are each spaced from it by an amount equal to the width of the wall of the head 2 defined by the recess 5.

Again the square form of the boss and head is tilted by 5 from the perpendicular diametrical plane as viewed in Fig. 4.

A through hole 13 is aligned symmetrically with the head/boss and the head is recessed at 14 to accommodate the crown of a bolt (not shown) The joint components themselves therefore, fit together in just two positions, one defining an included angle of 80" between the base portions 1 and 7 and the other defining an angle of 1700. In practice, in colliery roadways for which this joint is primarily designed the male (or female) component would be welded along its base to the butt end of the (upright) joist whereas the other component, female or male, respectively, would either be welded to the butt end of the roof beam or to the underside of same immediately adjacent to its end.Thus, depending on the disposition of the fit there will in each case be a 100" angle between the beam and joist i.e. a 'splay' angle of 10 . Of course if the ends of the hoist and beam themselves are angled instead of normal to the length of these items then a multiplicity of slay angles may be readily selected.

In accordance with this invention therefore, there is provided a single bolt joint permitting speedy ease of erection and exhibiting immense strength and resistance to forces causing twisting and rotational motion of the beam/joists.

A further feature which may conveniently be added is the provision of lugs 15, 16 on the outer sides of the heads 2 and 8 in both of the joint components; these are shown in Figs. 1 and 4 only, for clarity. These lugs on the one component abut the shoulders on the other component in the two positions of the joint and provide a visible indication of impending joint failure in the sense that the lugs themselves are first fractured or severly distorted.

Additionally, although this "square-lock" joint has been described with reference to the specific embodiment illustrated it is to be understood that many modifications may be made without departing from the scope of this invention. For example, the mating boss and recess may not be square in cross section, it could be rectangular or indeed any shape or form which permits nesting in the manner described whilst inhibiting rotational movement or articulation.

The invention is not restricted furthermore to use in colliery roadways, it could readily be used in any structural steelwork where fabrication of this type is employed.

Claims (8)

1. A steelwork joint comprising one component having an upstanding head of definitive shape (X) from which laterally extends an Xshaped-section boss and including two shoulder portions extending alongside but displaced from the boss, and another component having a like shaped head into which is formed an Xshaped-section recess and including two shoulder portions displaced from but lying adjacent the orifice of, the recess, apertures being provided axially of the boss in the one component and the walls of the recess in the other, the disposition and dimensions of the shoulders and the boss and recess being such that, in at least one position of the two components, the boss nests within the recess with the apertures in alignment for reception of a bolt with the shoulders of the one component mating with the walls of the recess and the shoulders of the other component mating with the X-shaped head of the said one component, the nesting parts and the shoulders together restraining relative movement of the two components in both a twisting mode and a rotational mode about the axis of the apertures.

2. A joint according to Claim 1, in which the shape (X) of the head, the boss and the recess is rectangular. -

3. A joint according to Claim 2, in which the rectangular shape is square.

4. A joint according to any one of Claims 1 to 3 in which lugs project from the head of each component and are so placed that when the joint is formed with the said parts nesting the lugs on the one and other components abut the shoulder of the said other and said one components, respectively.

5. A joint according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, in which the components are made from cast or forged steel.

6. A joint according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, in which one component is welded to a beam and the other is welded to a joist.

7. A joint according to Claim 6, employed in an underground roadway.

8. A steelwork joint, substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.