GB2500032A

GB2500032A - Bracing element for a joist or truss

Info

Publication number: GB2500032A
Application number: GB201204029A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Scott Mcandrew; Scott Mckenzie
Original assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Current assignee: Illinois Tool Works Inc
Priority date: 2012-03-07
Filing date: 2012-03-07
Publication date: 2013-09-11
Anticipated expiration: 2032-03-07
Also published as: WO2013134058A1; GB2500032B; GB201204029D0

Abstract

The bracing element comprises at least two connector plates 30 connected to and separated from one another by at least one elongate spacing portion 67. At least one edge of the bracing element comprises a serrated flange 61, 62 that can penetrate into the surface of a timber element. The serrated flange may be located on either the elongate spacing portion and/or on at least one of the connector plates. Each connector plate may have a flange that is either continuous or discontinuous along one or more of its edges. The invention further relates to a joist comprising two parallel, spaced apart timber chords that are connected by at least one of the bracing elements.

Description

1

Bracing Element

The present invention relates to a bracing element for use in the web of a joist or truss. In particular, though not exclusively, the invention relates to 5 a bracing element capable of improved attachment to a timber chord in a joist or truss. The invention further relates to a joist comprising one or more bracing elements according to the invention.

A bracing element may be in any suitable shape l-shaped, V-shaped, W-10 shaped L-shaped, for example. Typically, the bracing element comprises at least one connector plate and at least one elongate spacing portion. Most typically, the bracing element comprises at least two connector plates connected and spaced apart from one another by the elongate spacing portion.

15

Bracing elements are typically used to form a web in a joist or truss. Particularly, a joist is formed by two parallel and spaced apart chords with at least one bracing element connecting the two chords and being attached to each of the chords. Typically, each chord is formed of timber 20 and comprises upper and lower faces and first and second side surfaces connecting the upper and lower faces. The first and second chords are spaced apart from one another in parallel relation with the lower surface of the first chord facing the upper surface of the second chord.

25 In forming the web of a joist, a first connector plate of a bracing element is attached to the upper chord and a second connector plate of the bracing element is attached to the lower chord. The first and second connector plates may be attached to the first side surface of the upper and lower chords respectively. Alternatively or, in addition, the first and second

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connector plates of the, or, a further, bracing element, may be attached to the second side surface of the upper and lower chords respectively.

The joist may comprise a plurality of bracing elements forming the web of 5 the joist. The joist may comprise bracing elements having one or more different shapes. The joist may comprise bracing elements attached at one side of the timber chords, alternatively, the joist may comprise bracing elements attached at both sides of the timber chords. In arrangements where the bracing elements are attached at both sides of the timber 10 chords, the bracing elements may be in parallel opposition to one another or may be staggered in longitudinal relation to one another.

In known bracing elements, attachment to a timber element, such as a timber chord for example, is primarily facilitated by the connector plates. 15 The connector plates may comprise punched nail holes and/or fastener apertures through which any suitable fastener may be embedded into the surface of the timber element.

Problems may arise when forces are applied to the bracing element either 20 during manufacture, when a bracing element is attached to the timber chords or, otherwise, when the joist or truss is in position in a structure.

Slipping of the connector plates relative to the timber chords causes tearing of the material of the timber chord(s) and may course the bracing 25 element to distort or even fail completely.

It is an aim of the present invention to provide an improved bracing element.

3

It is a further aim of the present invention to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

In a first aspect, the present invention provides a bracing element 5 comprising at least two connector plates connected to and spaced apart from one another by at least one elongate spacing portion, at least one edge of the bracing element comprising a serrated edge configured to be locateable into the surface of a timber element.

10 In certain embodiments, the serrated edge is located on the elongate spacing portion.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the serrated edge is located on at least one of the connector plates.

15 In alternative or additional embodiments, each connector plate comprises at least one serrated edge.

In certain embodiments the serrated edge is provided on a flange. More specifically, the flange may depend from an edge of the bracing element. 20 In such embodiments, the serrated edge is located on the outer edge of the flange, the outer edge being opposed to the edge depending from the bracing element. In this way, the serrated edge is located so as to be locateable into a timber element such as a timber chord or the like.

25 In certain embodiments the flange depends from an edge of the elongate spacing element. Alternatively or, in addition, the flange depends from an edge of at least one of the connector plates.

In preferred embodiments, the flange comprising the serrated edge 30 depends from an edge of a connector plate. The flange comprising the

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serrated edge may depend from one or more edges of a connector plate. In such embodiments, the flange may be continuous or otherwise may be discontinuous along the one or more edges.

5 In certain embodiments, the connector plate comprises a substantially rectangular plate. More specifically, the connector plate may comprise a substantially rectangular plate comprising a heel portion connected to the elongate spacing portion. In preferred arrangements, the elongate spacing portion extends diagonally from the heel portion of the connector 10 plate. More specifically, the elongate spacing portion extends diagonally from the heel portion of one connector plate to the heel portion of a further connector plate.

In embodiments, wherein the, or each, connector plate comprises a heel 15 portion, it is preferred that the flange comprising the serrated edge depends from the lowermost outer edge of the plate. The flange may, in certain embodiments, extend around the corner between the lowermost edge and the heel portion of the plate such that the serrated edge depends from the lowermost outer edge of the plate and the rearmost 20 outer edge of the connector plate. Alternatively or, in addition, a flange may depend from the end edge of the connector plate.

Alternatively or, in addition, a flange may depend from the uppermost edge of the connector plate.

25

In certain embodiments, the flange having the serrated edge may be continuous or may otherwise be discontinuous about one or more edges of the, or each, connector plate.

30 In certain embodiments, the entire edge of the flange may be serrated.

5

Alternatively, one or more portions of the edge of the flange may be serrated.

5 It will be understood that the, or each, serrated edge is/are located on the bracing element such that it/they may be embedded into a timber element. More specifically, when the bracing element is in position against a timber chord, or chords, in order to form the web of a joist, for example, the, or each, serrated edge is/are located on the bracing element such that it/they 10 may be embedded into the, or each, timber chord.

The bracing element may be formed from any suitable material. In preferred embodiments, the bracing element is a metal element. More specifically, the bracing element may be formed of galvanised steel or 15 aluminium or the like. The bracing element is preferably a metal bracing element for forming a metal web of a metal web joist.

In certain arrangements, the bracing element comprises two connector plates spaced apart and connected to one another by an elongate spacing 20 portion, each connector plate comprising at least one flange having a serrated outer edge depending from at least one outer edge of the connector plate(s). In such arrangements, the bracing element may have a serrated flange depending from an uppermost edge and a serrated flange depending from a lowermost edge. The, or each, serrated flange 25 may extend into the heel portion of the uppermost and/or the lowermost connector plate.

The bracing element may be substantially V shaped, l-shaped or W-shaped. Alternatively, the bracing element may be substantially L-shaped.

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6

In certain embodiments, the bracing element is initially formed as a pair of bracing elements. In these embodiments, each bracing element comprises a pair of connector plates, spaced apart by an elongate spacing element. One of the pair of connector plates of a first bracing element of 5 the pair is initially attached to one of the pair of connector plates of the other bracing element of the pair. The pair of bracing elements is separable along an attachment line between the attached connector plates.

10 The bracing element may have a V-shaped profile. In such embodiments, the ends of the V-shape each have a connector plate depending therefrom. The base section of the V-shape is preferably a flattened section made up of two connector plates joined together end to end. The V-shaped bracing element may be formed of two separable bracing

15 elements initially joined at one of their connector plates in end to end relation. In these embodiments, the lowermost and/or uppermost edges of the bracing element(s) may comprise a flange depending therefrom, the flange(s) having a serrated outer edge.

20 Each flange may be upstanding substantially perpendicularly from the adjacent surface of the bracing element. More specifically, the, or each, flange may be formed by folding the material of the bracing element at an end thereof.

25 In certain embodiments, the bracing element comprises at least two connector plates. In preferred embodiments, the bracing element comprises two connector plates, one at each end of the elongate spacing portion.

7

In various embodiments, the, or each, connector plate is a nail plate.

More specifically, the, or each, nail plate may comprise a plurality of integral nail fasteners pressed from the material of the, or each, nail plate.

5 Alternative or additional fastener apertures may be provided in the, or each, connector plate. Known fasteners such as nails, screws or staples or the like may be located in the fastener apertures in order to facilitate attachment of the bracing element to the timber element.

10 In embodiments, the bracing element further comprises at least one edge flange depending from an outer edge thereof. More specifically, the at least one edge flange may depend from an outer edge of one or more of the elongate spacing portion and/or one or more of the connector plates.

15 In certain embodiments, a first edge flange depends from a first outer edge of the elongate spacing portion. The first edge flange, in various embodiments, extends from an end of the first outer edge of the elongate portion along a first, uppermost outer edge of the lowermost connector plate. The first edge flange may be continuous along the entire length of 20 the outer edge of the first outer edge of the elongate portion to the end of the first outer edge of the lowermost connector plate. The first edge flange may be continuous along the entire length of the first outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first outer edge of the lowermost connector plate. Alternatively, the first edge flange may be discontinuous 25 along the length of the first outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first outer edge of the lowermost connector plate. In exemplary embodiments, the discontinuity in the first edge flange may be located at the join between the first outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first outer edge of the connector plate.

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8

Alternatively or, in addition, the bracing element further comprises a second edge flange depending from a further outer edge thereof. More specifically, the second edge flange may depend from another outer edge of one or more of the elongate spacing portion and/or one or more of the 5 connector plates.

In certain embodiments, the second edge flange depends from a second outer edge of the elongate spacing portion. The second edge flange, in various embodiments, extends from an end of the second outer edge of the elongate portion along a first, lowermost outer edge of the uppermost 10 connector plate. The second edge flange may be continuous along the entire length of the second outer edge of the elongate portion to the end of the first, lowermost outer edge of the uppermost connector plate. The second edge flange may be continuous along the entire length of the second outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first, lowermost 15 outer edge of the uppermost connector plate. Alternatively, the second edge flange may be discontinuous along the length of the second outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first, lowermost outer edge of the uppermost connector plate. In exemplary embodiments, the discontinuity in the second edge flange may be located at the join between 20 the second outer edge of the elongate spacing portion and the first, lowermost outer edge of the uppermost connector plate.

The first and, if present, the second edge flanges provide additional strength to the bracing element.

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In various embodiments, at the end of the, or each, edge flange, the flange may comprise a locating lug. More specifically, the locating lug(s) is/are configured to bear onto a surface of a timber chord in use of the bracing element. More specifically, the locating lug(s) is/are located at the end of 30 the, or each, flange depending from an outer edge of the connector plate.

9

The, or each, edge flange is configured such that a portion of the, or each, edge flange is operable to bear onto an upper or a lower surface of a timber chord when the bracing element is positioned between two parallel timber chords in a joist. More specifically, the portion of the or each edge 5 flange depending from an outer edge of a connector plate is configured such that that portion of the or each edge flange is operable to bear onto an upper or a lower surface of a timber chord when the bracing element is positioned between two parallel timber chords in a joist.

10

In a second aspect, the present invention provides a joist comprising first and second timber chords in spaced apart parallel relation and at least one bracing element attached to the first and the second timber chords at a side surface thereof, the bracing element comprising at least one

15 serrated edge configured to be locateable into the side surface of at least one of the first and the second timber chords.

In preferred embodiments, the, or each, bracing element is according to the first aspect of the present invention.

20

The at least one serrated edge is preferably embedded into the side surface of at least one of the timber chords. In preferred embodiments, the bracing element comprises a plurality of serrated edges with at least one serrated edge being locateable into a first timber chord and at least

25 one serrated edge being locateable into a second timber chord. The edge(s) may be pressed or driven into the or each side surface of the timber chord(s). In this way, the bracing element is improved in its resistance to slipping or detachment from the, or each, timber chord in comparison to a bracing element without the serrated edge(s).

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10

The web of the joist or truss may be formed of a plurality of bracing elements. Each of the plurality of bracing elements is attached to the first and the second timber chords with adjacent bracing elements being longitudinally spaced along the length of the timber chords.

5

In certain embodiments, a plurality of bracing elements is attached at a first side surface of the first and the second timber chords. In alternative or, in additional, embodiments, a plurality of bracing elements is attached at a second side surface of the first and the second timber chords.

10

In embodiments in which a first plurality of bracing elements is attached to a first side surface and a second plurality of bracing elements is attached to a second side surface of the first and the second timber chords, the first and second pluralities of bracing elements may be in parallel or, 15 alternatively, in staggered relation to one another longitudinally of the timber chords.

In certain embodiments, the joist comprises a plurality of bracing elements, 20 at least one of which bracing elements is in accordance with the first aspect of the invention.

In preferred embodiments, the joist comprises a plurality of bracing elements each according to the first aspect of the present invention, each 25 bracing element being attached to the upper and lower chords of the joist so as to form a web.

In certain embodiments the plurality of bracing elements are each and all attached to an outer side surface of the upper and the lower chords of the 30 joist. In alternative embodiments, each of the plurality of bracing elements

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is attached to an inner side surface of the upper and the lower chords of the joist. In yet further alternative embodiments, a first pair of bracing elements is attached to an inner side surface of the upper and the lower chords of the joist and a second pair of bracing elements is attached to an 5 outer side surface of the upper and the lower chords of the joist. In such embodiments, the first and the second pair of bracing elements may be staggered along the length of the joist such that there bracing elements do not overlap. Alternatively, the first and the second pair of bracing elements may be located at opposing side surfaces of the chords of the 10 joist at the same longitudinal position along the joist.

The joist may comprise opposing bracing elements positioned on either side surface of the chords of the joist.

15 In a third aspect the invention provides a structure comprising a plurality of joists according to the second aspect of the invention.

The structure may be a floor, roof or other structure in which joists are commonly used.

20

In a fourth aspect the invention provides a sheet metal blank for forming a bracing element of the first aspect of the invention.

Where the terms "upper", "lower", "uppermost", "lowermost" are used 25 within the specification, they should be considered as no more than relative, as the bracing element of the invention may be used in any appropriate orientation.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

5 Figures 1a and 1b depict a bracing element according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 depicts a partial schematic representation of a joist according to an embodiment of the second aspect of the present invention

10

Figure 3 depicts a bracing element according to a further embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention;

Figure 4 depicts a bracing element according to an alternative 15 embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention; and

Figure 5 shows a partial view of a bracing element according to a yet further alternative embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention.

20 Figures 1a and 1b depict a bracing element 1 according to an embodiment of the first aspect of the invention. The bracing element 1 comprises an elongate spacing portion 2, extending between two nail plates 3. Nail plates for attaching bracing elements to the timber chords of joists are known in the art and are commonly used to attach metal bracing elements 25 to timber chords. It will, however, be apparent that alternative known attachment means suitable for attaching a bracing element to a timber joist, such as nails, screws, staples and the like, may be employed in the invention.

13

As illustrated in Figures 1a and 1b, nail plates 3 comprise a sheet-like portion or plate, in which a number of teeth 5 are formed by pressing or stamping small portions of material from the plate 3, to form teeth 5 upstanding from the rear surface 3b of each nail plate 3.

5

Figure 1b shows the rear surface 1b of the bracing element 1 and first and second edge flanges 6 depending from opposing outer edges 15 of the bracing element 1. The edge flanges 6 are upstanding from the plane of the rear surface 1 b of the bracing element 1 at an angle of approximately 10 90 degrees thereto. Edge flanges 6 provide additional strength to the bracing element 1, which prevents buckling of the bracing element under compressive loads and/or torsional forces.

Each edge flange 6 extends along the elongate spacing portion 2 from an 15 outer edge 7 of one nail plate 3, to an inner edge 8 of another nail plate 3. The inner edge 7 is located at the heel of nail plate 3. The heel portion of each nail plate 3 adjoins the elongate spacing portion 2 of the bracing element 1. At the outer edge 7 of each of the nail plates 3, each edge flange 6 terminates in a locating lug 9. Locating lugs 9 assist in locating 20 and maintaining correct positioning the bracing elements 1 on the chords 11, 12, as shown in Figure 2. In alternative embodiments (not shown), the edge flange 6 may extend discontinuously along only a portion of the edge of the bracing element.

25 Adjacent the inner edge 8 of each nail plate 3, each edge flange 6

terminates in a curved edge 16, which in use, bears onto an lower face 11 c, or upper face 12c of a timber chord in a truss (see Figure 2).

30

As best seen in Figure 1b, each nail plate 3 comprises a flange 3' depending from an outer edge thereof. Flange 3' depends at right angles

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from the adjacent nail plate surface. Flange 3' has a serrated edge 20 located and arranged such that it can be pressed into the surface of a timber chord (not shown).

5 A joist 10 comprising two bracing elements 1 at each side of a pair of parallel timber chords 11, 12 is illustrated in Figure 2. Each bracing element 1 extends between an upper chord 11 and a lower chord 12. Opposing lower and upper faces 11c, 12c of the timber chords 11,12 are held substantially parallel to, and facing one another. In use, the opposing 10 lower and upper faces 11c, 12c are substantially horizontal and the side faces 17 of the timber chords 11,12 are substantially vertical.

In manufacture of a parallel chord joist, such as the joist 10 shown in Figure 2, a bracing element 1 is attached to the timber chords 11, 12 by 15 pressing nail plates 3 and serrated edges 20 (see Figure 1) into respective side faces 17 of the chords such that teeth 5 and the serrated edge 20 penetrate the timber and secure the bracing element 1 in position.

Locating lugs 9 are positioned such that in use, each lug 9 rests against a lower or an upper face 11c, 12c of one of the chords.

20

The serrated edge 20 on flange 3' provides additional strength and resistance to movement of the bracing element in the joist, both during manufacture and in use. The serrated flange penetrates the surface of a timber chord, thereby fixing the bracing element at the correct position.

Figure 3 depicts an alternative bracing element 1' according to the first aspect of the invention. Bracing element 1' comprises two nail plates 30 spaced apart and connected together by elongate spacing portion 67. The 30 upper nail plate 30 comprises an outer edge 64 from which depends an

15

edge flange 61 having a serrated outer edge. The edge flange 61 depends from outer edge 64 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The edge flange 61 extends rearwardly of the bracing element 60. The lower nail plate 30 comprises a lower edge 68 from which depends a 5 further edge flange 62 having a serrated outer edge. The edge flange 62 depends from lower edge 68 at an angle of approximately 90 degrees. The edge flange 62 extends rearwardly of the bracing element 1'. In use, the serrated outer edge of edge flanges 61, 62 are embedded into the upper and lower chords respectively of a joist to strengthen to attachment 10 of nail plates 30 to the chords of the joist.

The actual configuration of the serrations provided on the edge flanges 61, 62 is inessential to the invention. The serrations must be capable of penetrating the timber chord of a joist in order to embed therein.

15 Although not shown in Figure 3, it should be understood that any or all of the edges of the nail plates 30 may having a serrated edge flange depending from one or more edges thereof.

The elongate spacing portion 67 of bracing element V comprises opposing 20 outer edges 65a/b and 66a/b from which an edge flange 60 depends. The edge flange further strengthens the bracing element V.

In another embodiment as shown in Figure 4, the bracing element 101 is of the V-shaped type and comprises four nail plates 103. In this embodiment, two nail plates 103a and 103d are attachable to a lower 25 chord 12 (not shown) and spaced apart from one another. The other nail plates 103b and 103c are attachable to an upper chord 11 (not shown) adjacent one another. The nail plates 103 may be joined to, or formed integrally with, one another. In one embodiment, the V-shaped bracing element may be separable at the nail plates103b, 103c to form two 30 bracing elements of the l-shaped type.

16

The bracing element 101 differs from bracing elements 1 and 1' in that the nail plates 103 have fastener apertures 105 in place of nails. The bracing element 101 may, alternatively, have nail plates 3 and teeth 5 as shown in 5 Figures 1, 2 and 3. It will be readily understood that in a yet further arrangement, the bracing element may be provided with both fastener apertures and teeth on the nail plate(s) thereof.

The fastener apertures 105 are configured to receive any appropriate 10 fastener such as, for example, screws, nails, staples or the like.

The bracing element 101 of Figure 4 is, initially, a V-shaped bracing element, comprising two separable bracing elements 101a and 101b, each comprising an elongate spacing portion 102a, 102b and two connector 15 plates 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d.

The lower edge 168a, 168b, 168c, 168d of each connector plate 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d comprises an edge flange 162a, 162b, 162c, 162d with a serrated outer edge. The serrated outer edge of each flange may be 20 embedded into a timber chord during the manufacture of a joist using the bracing element of the present invention. The embedded flanges 162a, 162b, 162c, 162d increase the stability of the joist and, in particular, resist slipping of the bracing element once same is in position on the timber chord. The flanges 162a, 162b, 162c, 162d each end at a heel portion 25 115ac, 115bc, 115cc, 115dc of the connector plates 103a, 103b, 103c, 103d of the bracing element 101.

Edge flanges 115a, 115b, 115c and 115d depend from the outer edges of elongate portions 102a and 102b so as to provide strength to the bracing 30 element 101.

17

It will be clearly understood that bracing element 101 may be used as a single, V-shaped bracing element or may be separated between connector plates 103b and 103c to form two separate bracing elements 101a and 5 101b.

Also shown in Figure 4 are ribs 165a and 165b. The ribs 165a and 165b are embossed in the material of elongate spacing portions 102a and 102b and provide additional strength to the bracing element 101. 10 In further embodiments not shown, the bracing element may be formed as a substantially L-shaped or W-shaped bracing element, or any other bracing element shapes known in the field.

Similarly, such bracing elements may also be separable into component 15 bracing element s such as V-shaped and/or l-shaped bracing elements.

The bracing element 1,1', 101 may be formed by folding, bending, stamping, punching and/or pressing operations. In manufacture, the bracing element 1, 1', 101 may be initially formed as a sheet metal blank, 20 which is subsequently punched and folded into the desired configuration of the bracing element 1, 1', 101.

The bracing element 1,1', 101 is preferably formed of a galvanised steel material.

25 Figure 5 depicts a partial rear view of a bracing element 201. The elongate spacing portion 202 of bracing element 201 adjoins a connector plate 203. Elongate spacing portion 202 is formed integrally with the connector plate 203 from a single sheet of galvanised steel. The elongate spacing portion 202 comprises first and second edge flanges 206. The 30 first edge flange 206a extends the length of the edge of the elongate

18

spacing portion 202 along the upper edge of connector plate 203 to an outer edge 207 of connector plate 203. The first edge flange 206a has a locating lug 209 proximate the outer edge 207. The second edge flange 206b, extends the length of the edge of the elongate spacing portion 202 5 to the heel portion of the connector plate 203 at an inner edge 208 of connector plate 203. Connector plate 203 comprises fastener apertures 205 for receiving any suitable fastener such as nails, screws, staples or the like.

Flange 261 depends substantially perpendicularly from the lower edge 268 10 of connector plate 203. The outermost edge of flange 261 is serrated in order that the flange may be embedded into a timber chord of a joist. Flange 261 extends from the inner edge 208 to the outer edge 207 of the connector plate 203.

Figure 5 also comprises a rib 265 formed in the elongate spacing portion 15 202. Rib 265 may be formed by embossing, for example, and acts to strengthen the elongate spacing portion 202.

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25

30

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Claims

1. A bracing element comprising at least two connector plates connected 5 to and spaced apart from one another by at least one elongate spacing portion, at least one edge of the bracing element comprising a serrated edge configured to be locateable into the surface of a timber element.

2. A bracing element according to claim 1, wherein the serrated edge is 10 located on the elongate spacing portion.

3. A bracing element according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the serrated edge is located on at least one of the connector plates.

15

4. A bracing element according to claim 3, wherein each connector plate comprises at least one serrated edge.

5. A bracing element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the serrated edge is provided on a flange.

20

6. A bracing element according to claim 5, wherein the flange depends from an edge of the elongate spacing element.

7. A bracing element according to claim 5 or claim 6, wherein the flange 25 depends from an edge of at least one of the connector plates.

8. A bracing element according to claim 7, wherein the flange comprising the serrated edge depends from one or more edges of a connector plate.

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9. A bracing element according to claim 8, wherein the flange is continuous along one or more edges of the connector plate.

10. A bracing element according to claim 8, wherein the flange is 5 discontinuous along the one or more edges of the connector plate.

11. A joist comprising first and second timber chords in spaced apart parallel relation and at least one bracing element attached to the first and the second timber chords at a side surface thereof, the bracing element

10 comprising at least one serrated edge configured to be locateable into the side surface of at least one of the first and the second timber chords.

12. A joist according to claim 11, wherein the, or each, bracing element is according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

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13. A joist according to claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the serrated edge is embedded into the side surfaces of the timber chords.

14. A joist according to any one of claims 11 to 13 comprising a plurality 20 of bracing elements, wherein at least one of the bracing elements is a bracing element according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

15. A bracing element substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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16. A joist substantially as hereindescribed with reference to the accompanying drawings.

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