WO2011011827A1

WO2011011827A1 - A connector for joining light steel beams

Info

Publication number: WO2011011827A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000957
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Charles Holland
Original assignee: Zemla Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-07-29
Filing date: 2010-07-29
Publication date: 2011-02-03
Also published as: AU2010278672A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a connector (11) for connecting a light steel beam (13) to another structure or further light steel beams. The light steel beam has at least one hollow portion (21) extending longitudinally from an end thereof. The connector (11) comprises a body having at least one securing means (17) which is adapted to be secured to the light steel beam. The at least one securing means comprises at least one projection (19) adapted to be received relative to the at least one hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the at least one projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof.

Description

A CONNECTOR FOR JOINING LIGHT STEEL BEAMS

Field of the Invention

The present invention generally relates to the construction industry. In particular the invention relates to fixing structural members relative to each other or to other structures.

Background Art

A significant cost in the construction of a structure is associated with those structural members which provide the required strength and support to the structure. These members are typically in the form of steel beams designed to provide the required strength characteristics for the particular structure.

The strength of a steel beam is largely dictated by its cross sectional profile and thickness of the steel sections. The thickness of the beam, whilst making the beam stronger, contributes significantly to the weight and associated costs to make and use the beam. Various manufacturers have sought to address this problem by designing stronger beams using less material. One such beam is known as a light steel beam (LSB). This beam is manufactured from a thin plate of metal which, during manufacture, has both side ends folded so as to provide a hollow square/rectangular section extending along each side of the LSB. A typical cross sectional profile of an LSB is shown in figure 2 of the attached drawings.

Whilst LSB's are strong, relative light weight beams, they do prove problematic when connecting the LSB to another LSB, or other structure. This is largely attributed to the thickness of the material from which they are formed. For example, if welding an LSB to another structure the LSB is typically affected by the heat generated by the welding process. As a result the capacity for the LSB to accommodate a full moment is reduced. This is further compounded where the LSB is manufactured from a high tensile steel. Using alternate securing means such as fasteners is also problematic as the use of fasteners typically result in the deformation of the hollow sections which reduces the load carrying capacity of the LSB.

As solutions to date significantly reduce the ability for the structure to maintain a high tensile capacity the applications in which an LSB can be economically used are somewhat limited.

The preceding discussion of the background to the invention is intended only to facilitate an understanding of the present invention. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgment or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a connector for securing a light steel beam to another structure, whereby the connector enables loads to be distributed in the region where the light steel beam connects to the structure.

It is to be understood that throughout this specification reference to another structure includes, but is not limited to, those structures in the form of one or more light steel beams, and/or conventional steel beams/frames.

The present invention provides a connector for connecting a light steel beam to another structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending longitudinally from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, the at least one securing means comprising at least one projection adapted to be received relative to the at least one hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the at least one projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof. wherein the connector secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

The connector of the present invention allows for the distribution of the load over a much larger area. This enables the structure/connection to largely, if not entirely to retain its high tensile capacity.

Preferably the securing means extends from a side of the body.

Each hollow portion may be secured relative to one of the at least one projections. The number of projections required would typically equal the number of hollow portions. In one aspect of the invention the at least one projection is adapted to be snugly received within the at least one hollow portion. In this embodiment the projection may be similar in cross sectional profile to that of the hollow portion but of smaller dimensions so as to be received therein.

In another aspect of the invention the at least one projection is adapted to receive the hollow portion therein. In this arrangement the hollow portion would also include non-hollow portions as the projection would not need to be received within the hollow portion. In this embodiment the projection may be formed from two plates extending from the body whereby the hollow portion is received therebetween. Alternatively the projection may be similar in cross sectional profile to that of the hollow portion but of larger dimensions whereby the hollow portions may be received therebetween.

In a further aspect of the invention the at least one projection may comprise a first projection element which extends into the hollow portion and a second projection element which receives the hollow portion therein such that the hollow portion can be positioned between the first projection element and the second projection element.

The length of the projection will typically be determined by the load which will be placed on the beam. -A-

The securing means may further comprise a plurality of screws which pass through the hollow portion to secure the connector in place. The screws may pass through both sides of the hollow portion to provide a double shear connection. The screws may be arranged in a pattern which minimises any loss of tensile capacity.

Alternatively, the securing means may further comprise the use of a weld to secure the connector in place. In this arrangement one or more holes may be formed in either the hollow portion or the projection of the connector, whichever is on the outer side, and a weld is placed through the hole to secure the connector in place. Unlike welding the light steel beam to another structure, this arrangement does not reduce the strength of the beam as the load is still distributed through the projection, thus avoiding load concentrations. The welds may be arranged in a pattern which minimises any loss of tensile capacity.

Using either fasteners to secure the connector, or welds, the connector is connected to the light steel section such that it provides for a double shear connection.

The accommodation of tensile and compression loads provide the connection with a similar/same load capacity as if the beam were continuous.

Each securing means may further comprise a tab. The tab may be secured to the light steel beam when the at least one projection is received relative to the hollow portion of the light steel beam, whereby the tab assists in shear transfer between the components. The tab may be fastened to the light steel beam using screws. There may be more than one tab per securing means.

The present invention further provides a connector for securing a light steel beam to at least one structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having a first securing means adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, and at least one further securing means adapted to be secured to the structure; the first securing means comprises at least one projection which is adapted to be received relative to a hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the first securing means supports the hollow portion, such that there is minimal deformation of the hollow portion; wherein the connector secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

The at least one further securing means may be selected to allow the connector to be secured to the structure.

In those aspects in which the structure is a traditional steel member of suitable thickness the at least one further securing means may be in the form of a plate which may be welded to the steel member.

In those aspects in which the structure is a further light steel beam, the at least one further securing means may be similar to the first securing means.

Preferably the at least one projection of the securing means is received in the hollow portion of the light steel beam. Preferably the number of projections of each securing means extending from the body corresponds to the number of hollow portions of the light steel beam.

Preferably the connector is fixedly connected to the light steel beam when the at least one projection is received in the hollow portion. In this regard a plurality of screws may extend through the hollow portion and projection to fixedly secure the connector to the beam, whereby the projection supports the hollow portion to prevent the hollow portion collapsing.

In those arrangements where the light steel beam has a hollow portion extending along each side edge, the securing means may have two projections extending therefrom. The securing means may also comprise a tab extending from the connector and adapted to be secured to a section of the light steel beam. The tab may be secured using screws. The body may incorporate a brace or other strengthening means to strengthen the body. As the light steel beams increase in size, and/or the forces acting thereupon increase, the connector may need to be strengthened.

The connector may be used to connect two or more light steel beams together. The connector may have a corresponding number of securing means to the number of beams.

The present invention further provides a connector for interconnecting a plurality of light steel beams, each light steel beam having two hollow portions extending in an opposed relation from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having a plurality of securing means, the securing means being adapted to be secured to one of the plurality of light steel beams, the securing means comprising two projections, each projection being adapted to be secured relative to one of the hollow portions of each light steel beam whereby the projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof. wherein the connector secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

The present invention provides a connector apparatus for connecting a light steel beam to another structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending longitudinally from an end thereof, the connector comprises: at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, the at least one securing means comprising at least one projection adapted to be received relative to the at least one hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the at least one projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof, and a tab adapted to be secured to a section of the light steel beam; wherein the connector apparatus secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

The tab may provide one or more projections. The projections may be provided by one or more elongate elements. The one or more elongate elements may be integral with the tab.

In contrast to the prior art, the use of the connector to secure a light steel beam to another structure negates the need to weld the light steel beam in place, and ensures there is minimal reduction in the high torsion capacity of the light steel beam.

Brief Description of the Drawings

The present invention will be further explained with reference to the attached drawings, wherein like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.

The invention will be better understood by reference to the following description of several specific embodiments thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a connector, according to a first embodiment of the invention, connecting three light steel beams;

Figure 2 is a cross sectional view of a light steel beam having two hollow portions;

Figure 3 is a plan view of the connector shown in figure 1; Figure 4 is a side view of the connector shown in figure 1 with two light steel beams shown prior to engagement with the connector;

Figure 5 is a perspective view of the connector shown in figure 1 ;

Figure 6 is a side view of a connector, according to a second embodiment of the invention, connecting two light steel beams;

Figure 7 is a side view of a connector, according to a third embodiment of the invention, connecting two light steel beams;

Figure 8 is a side view of a connector, according to a fourth embodiment of the invention, connecting a light steel beam to a surface such as a floor; Figure 9 is a side view of a connector, according to a fifth embodiment of the invention, connecting two light steel beams;

Figure 10 is a side view of a connector, according to a sixth embodiment of the invention, in the initial assembly stage for connecting two light steel beams positioned either side of an I-beam; Figure 11 is a view similar to figure 10 whereby the installation of the connector is complete;

Figure 12 is a side view of a connector, according to a seventh embodiment of the invention, connecting two light steel beams relative to a wall; Figure 13 is a plan view of figure 12 through section AA;

Figure 14 shows an alternative way of securing the projections relative to the light steel beam;

Figure 15 is a side view of a connector, according to a ninth embodiment of the invention, adapted to connect two light steel beams; Figure 16 is a side view of a connector, according to a tenth embodiment of the invention, adapted to connect one light steel beam to another structure

Figure 17 is a side view of a connector, according to an eleventh embodiment of the invention, adapted to connect one light steel beam to a structure; and

Figure 18 is a side view of a connector, according to a twelfth embodiment of the invention, adapted to connect two light steel beams;

Best Mode(s) for Carrying out the Invention The figures depict a connector used to connect a light steel beam to other light steel beams or structures. The general principles of the various embodiments are the same with each addressing the deficiencies in the prior art by enabling the transfer of loads relating to tension, compression and shear from the light steel beam to the connector without damaging the light steel beam and hence compromising its load carrying capacity. This enables the connector of the present invention to provide a full moment connection.

Referring to figures 1 to 5, the invention according to a first embodiment is in the form of a connector 11. In the embodiment shown, the connector 11 is adapted to interconnect three light steel beams (LSB) 13 within the same plane. However, it is to be readily understood that the connector 11 may be adapted to secure an LSB to another structure, or may be configured to interconnect a number of LSB's in a variety of configurations, some of which are shown in the further embodiments discussed below. These variations are to be considered within the scope of this invention. Each LSB 13 is in the form of a beam having a hollow portion 21 extending each side 23 of the LSB along its longitudinal length. The LSB 13 is formed from a thin steel plate, which undergoes a series of folding actions to form the hollow portions at each edge. Whilst not shown in the figures, each hollow portion has a plurality of holes 25 extending therethrough in a region adjacent the end, for reasons which will be discussed below.

The connector 11 of the current embodiment is best shown in figure 3. The connector 11 is of hollow construction and provides a body. The connector 11 also comprises three securing means 17 extending from the body and adapted to engage with and support each LSB 13 relative to the connector 11.

Each securing means 17 is in the form of two projections 19 extending from a side of the connector 11. Each projection 19 is adapted to be snugly received within a respective hollow portion 21. Each projection 19 extends into the hollow portion 21 as the connector 11 is fitted to the LSB 13. This provides support to the hollow portion 21 preventing the hollow portion from deforming. It also provides a means by which force may be transferred to the connector 11.

Referring to figure 4, each projection 19 has a plurality of holes 25 therein for reasons which will be later discussed.

The securing means 17 of the connector 11 also comprises a tab 27. Each tab 27 extends from the same side of the body from which the projections of the securing means 17 extends. Each tab 27 is adapted to align and abut with a region of the LSB 13 between the two hollow portions 21 such that the tab 27 may be secured thereto. As can be seen in figure 3, each tab 27 has a plurality of holes 25 therethrough for reasons which will be discussed below. In order to connect each LSB 13 to the connector 11 , each projection 19 is aligned with and inserted into respective hollow portions 21. Once in place, each LSB 13 is fixedly connected to the connector 11 by screws 29 inserted through holes 25 in the hollow portion 21 and projection 19, as shown in figure 1. As a result of the configuration of this embodiment the shear force may be distributed between the hollow portions 21 , whilst the hollow portions 21 are supported by the projections 19. This double shear effect also enables less screws to be used, resulting in time and cost savings.

To further secure each LSB 13 to the connector 11 , as well as further distributing the shear force, screws (not shown) pass through the holes 25 of the tab 27 as well as holes (not shown) of the LSB 13 to secure the tab 27 to the LSB 13.

The connector 11 of embodiments two and three are shown in figures 6 and 7. In these embodiments the connector 11 is used to provide a haunch. In so doing each securing means 117 extends from the body of the connector. Figure 7 also provides a brace plate 51 which extends between the securing means 117a, 117b to increase the strength of the connector 11.

The connector 11 of embodiment four is shown in figure 8. In this embodiment the connector 11 has a first securing means 17 for connecting a light steel beam to a surface such as a floor. In this embodiment the connector 11 has a plurality of apertures 231 which provide a further securing means. A plurality of screws/bolts may pass through the apertures 231 to secure the connector 11 to the surface.

The connector 11 of embodiment five is shown in figure 9. In this embodiment the connector 11 comprises two elongate elements 421 and a tab 417. Each elongate element 421 provides a projection 419 at each end thereof. Each projection 419 is adapted to be received in the respective hollow portion 21 of the LSB and secured thereto using screws (not shown). The tab 417 is adapted to be secured across each of the light steel beams when the beams are in abutment. The connector 11 of embodiment six is shown in figures 10 and 11. In this embodiment the connector 11 comprises an elongate element 551 , which provides a projection 519 at each end thereof and two tabs 517 whereby each tab 517 supports a projection 519. Each projection 519 is adapted to be received in respective hollow portions 21. This embodiment allows moment continuity across the connection even when an obstruction such as an I-beam 561 , prevents the light steel beams to be in abutment. When installing the connector assembly 11, the elongate element 521 is positioned such that the projections 59 provided by the elongate element 521 are received in the hollow portions 21. The tabs 517 may then be positioned such that projections provided by the tabs 517 are received in their respective hollow portions. These are inserted completely into the hollow portion and the light steel beams positioned relative to the obstruction. Once positioned the tabs 521 can be drawn toward each other, as shown in figure 11 before being secured together using bolts 571. Once secured the tabs 517 may be secured to their respective beams and the projections 519 secured relative to their respective hollow portions. The connector 11 of embodiment seven is shown in figure 12 and 13. This embodiment is similar to the sixth embodiment but has an obstruction in the form of a firewall 661. Those skilled in the art will note that by enabling a continuous connection across the firewall will provide significant cost savings in relation to the construction of the building. Figure 14 shows an alternative way of securing each projection 519 relative to the hollow portion 21 of the light steel beam 13, whereby a weld 129 is used at holes 25 to secure the projection in place. A similar process may also be used to secure the tab to the light steel beam. This allows the projection to be secured to the LSB without reducing the capacity of the connection to accommodate full moment loading.

Figures 15 to 18 show further embodiments of the connector 11. In each of these embodiments the connector 11 is made from press forming a steel sheet and forming slots 53 therein to provide projections 19 and tabs 27. The tab 27 and projections 19 may be strengthened by first folding the sheet upon itself to increase the thickness in the region of the securing means 17.

Currently LSB's are used as light weight solutions where the moment at the joint is relatively minor, such as may be the case for mezzanine floors. As the current invention allows the connection to accommodate a full moment, the range of applications an LSB has significantly expanded and can now include applications in commercial construction where the LSB may be used to replace the primary support members, which are typically heavy I-beams.

Whilst the above embodiments are discussed in relation to an LSB having two hollow portions extending along each side, the scope of the invention is understood to encompass LSB's of varying configurations having one or more hollow portions. Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.

Throughout the specification, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims

The Claims Defining the Invention are as Follows:

1. A connector for connecting a light steel beam to another structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending longitudinally from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, the at least one securing means comprising at least one projection adapted to be received relative to the at least one hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the at least one projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof.

2. The connector according to claim 1 wherein the securing means extends from a side of the body.

3. The connector according to claim 1 or 2 wherein each hollow portion is secured relative to one of the at least one projections.

4. The connector according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the at least one projection is adapted to be snugly received within the at least one hollow portion.

5. The connector according to claim 1 , 2 or 3 wherein the at least one projection is adapted to receive the hollow portion therein.

6. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the securing means further comprises a plurality of screws which pass through the hollow portion to secure the connector in place.

7. The connector according to claim 6 wherein the screws pass through both sides of the hollow portion to provide a double shear connection.

8. The connector according to any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the securing means further comprises the use of a weld to secure the connector in place.

9. The connector according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each securing means further comprises at least one tab.

10. The connector according to claim 9 wherein the tab is secured to the light steel beam when the at least one projection is received relative to the hollow portion of the light steel beam, whereby the tab assists in shear transfer between the components.

11. The connector according to claim 7 or 8 wherein the tab is fastened to the light steel beam using screws.

12. A connector for securing a light steel beam to at least one structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having a first securing means adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, and at least one further securing means adapted to be secured to the structure; the first securing means comprises at least one projection which is adapted to be received relative to a hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the first securing means supports the hollow portion, such that there is minimal deformation of the hollow portion; wherein the connector secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

13. The connector according to claim 10 wherein the at least one further securing means is selected to allow the connector to be secured to the structure.

14. The connector according to claim 10 or 11 wherein the at least one projection of the securing means is received in the hollow portion of the light steel beam.

15. The connector according to claim 10, 11 or 12 wherein the number of projections of each securing means extending from the body corresponds to the number of hollow portions of the light steel beam.

16. The connector according to claim 13 wherein the connector is fixedly connected to the light steel beam when the at least one projection is received in the hollow portion and secured thereto, whereby the projection supports the hollow portion to prevent the hollow portion collapsing.

17. The connector according to any one of claims 10 to 14 wherein the securing means also comprise a tab extending from the connector and adapted to be secured to a section of the light steel beam.

18. The connector according to any one of claims 10 to 15 wherein the body incorporates a brace or other strengthening means to strengthen the body.

19. A connector for interconnecting a plurality of light steel beams, each light steel beam having two hollow portions extending in an opposed relation from an end thereof, the connector comprises: a body having a plurality of securing means, the securing means being adapted to be secured to one of the plurality of light steel beams, the securing means comprising two projections, each projection being adapted to be received relative to one of the hollow portions of each light steel beam whereby the projections supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof. wherein the connector secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

20. A connector apparatus for connecting a light steel beam to another structure, the light steel beam having at least one hollow portion extending longitudinally from an end thereof, the connector comprises: at least one securing means, the at least one securing means being adapted to be secured to the light steel beam, the at least one securing means comprising at least one projection adapted to be received relative to the at least one hollow portion of the light steel beam whereby the at least one projection supports the hollow portion, preventing substantial deformation thereof, and a tab adapted to be secured to a section of the light steel beam; wherein the connector apparatus secures the light steel beam relative to the structure such that the strength and integrity of the light steel beam is maintained.

21. The connector apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the tab provides one or more projections.

22. The connector apparatus according to claim 20 or 21 wherein the projections are provided by one or more elongate elements.

23. The connector apparatus according to claim 22 wherein the one or more elongate elements is integral with the tab.

24. A connector as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.

25.A connector assembly as substantially herein described with reference to the drawings.