AU2019201025B2

AU2019201025B2 - A truss

Info

Publication number: AU2019201025B2
Application number: AU2019201025A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher Neil Woodford; Neil WOODFORD
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2018-03-15
Filing date: 2019-02-14
Publication date: 2024-09-19
Anticipated expiration: 2039-02-14
Also published as: AU2019201025A1

Abstract

A truss for bracing a building wall, the truss including a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least one horizontal brace, and at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

Description

A TRUSS FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates to a truss. In particular, the invention relates, but is

not particularly limited, to a truss for bracing a building wall.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0002] Reference to background art herein is not to be construed as an

admission that such art constitutes common general knowledge.

[0003] Across their lifetime's, buildings are subjected to many forces, such as

gravity, seismic forces and wind.

[0004] In anticipation of these forces, many countries enforce specific building

codes relating to the bracing of a building which set out minimum allowable

standards in an effort to ensure any new buildings will be able to withstand the

forces they are likely to be subjected to.

[0005] In one example of bracing provided to withstand strong forces, plywood

panels are fixed to two or three adjacent studs to brace the wall in the plane of

the wall.

[0006] In another example, an L-shaped metal strip has a first flange received

in aligned slots cut in the studs and a second flange secured to the exposed

faces of the studs.

[0007] However, these proposed solutions can be cumbersome, time

consuming and difficult to install.

[0008] A further proposed solution lies in a diagonally cross-braced truss frame.

However, the diagonal cross-brace renders it difficult for an installer to insert and tighten bolts used to secure the truss frame to the wall frame and therefore are not ideal.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0009] It is an aim of this invention to provide a truss which overcomes or

ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or

which at least provides a useful commercial alternative.

[0010] Other preferred objects of the present invention will become apparent

from the following description.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one form, although it need not be the only or indeed the broadest form,

there is provided a truss for bracing a building wall, the truss comprising:

a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least

one horizontal brace; and

at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

[0012] In another form, there is provided a truss for bracing a building wall, the

truss comprising:

a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least

one horizontal brace and at least one cross-brace extending diagonally

between the two stiles; and

at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

[0013] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is connected to and extends between

the two stiles of the frame.

[0014] Preferably, each diaphragm portion comprises:

a first horizontal brace;

a second horizontal brace parallel to the first horizontal brace; and

a reinforcing panel connected to the first and second horizontal braces,

wherein the first horizontal brace is parallel to the second horizontal

brace, and

wherein the first and second horizontal braces connect the two stiles of

the frame.

[0015] More preferably, the second horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion

extends between a distal end of each of the stiles of the frame.

[0016] Preferably, the reinforcing panel is connected to the first and second

horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion and the two stiles of the frame.

[0017] Preferably, each of the horizontal braces and stiles have a substantially

C-shaped profile or box profile. Preferably, the first horizontal brace of the frame

is connected at a distal end of the stiles.

[0018] Preferably, each of the horizontal braces of the frame and the diaphragm

portion are substantially parallel.

[0019] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is integrally formed and has a

substantially C-shaped cross-sectional profile.

[0020] Preferably, the diaphragm portion is fixedly attached to the parallel stiles.

More preferably, the diaphragm portion is welded to the parallel stiles. Even

more preferably, the diaphragm portion is received within a channel of the

parallel stiles and welded to the parallel stiles.

[0021] Preferably, the diaphragm further comprises one or more apertures for

receiving bolts therethrough. More preferably, a webbing of the second

horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion comprises one or more apertures

therethrough for receiving a bolt to secure the truss to a frame and/or a

structural foundation.

[0022] Preferably, the truss further comprises a reinforcing member extending

between the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion. More

preferably, the reinforcing member is located halfway along a length of each of

the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion.

[0023] Preferably, the frame further comprises a plurality of cross-braces and a

plurality of horizontal braces. More preferably, each cross-brace is adjacent to

a horizontal brace.

[0024] Preferably, the truss further comprises a second diaphragm portion

connected to the frame, wherein the second diaphragm portion is connected to

the frame at an end of the frame opposite an end of the frame connected to a

first diaphragm portion.

[0025] Preferably, the parallel stiles are spaced apart by between about 250mm

and 600mm.

[0026] Preferably, the diaphragm portion and a distally located horizontal brace

are spaced between about 2400mm and 3600mm.

[0027] More preferably, two distally located horizontal braces are spaced

between about 2400mm and 3600mm to brace walls having a nominal wall

height between 2400mm and 3600mm.

[0028] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become

apparent from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] By way of example only, preferred embodiments of the invention will be

described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying figures,

wherein:

[0030] Figure 1 illustrates a perspective view of a truss according to an

embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 2 illustrates a view of an opposite side of the truss shown in Figure

1;

[0032] Figure 3 illustrates a further view showing a cavity of the diaphragm

portion of the truss shown in Figure 1;

[0033] Figure 4 illustrates the truss shown in Figure 1 having a securing bolt

passing through an aperture of the truss;

[0034] Figure 5 illustrates a truss according to a second embodiment of the

present invention;

[0035] Figure 6 illustrates a truss according to a third embodiment of the present

invention; and

[0036] Figure 7 illustrates a truss according to a fourth embodiment of the

present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] The present invention provides a truss for bracing a building wall against

lateral forces. The truss includes a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at least one horizontal brace, and at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame.

[0038] Referring now to Figure 1, there is illustrated a perspective view of a

truss 10 for bracing a building wall against lateral forces configured to fit within

a typical rectangular wall frame (not shown). The truss 10 comprises a frame

100 and a diaphragm portion 200.

[0039] The frame 100 has a pair of parallel, vertical stiles 105, 110

interconnected by a perpendicularly extending first horizontal brace 115 at a

distal end of each of the stiles 105, 110. The frame 100 also includes a diagonal

cross-brace 120 extending between the two stiles 105, 110 which creates a

triangulation within the frame 100 formed by the horizontal brace 115 and

vertical stiles 105, 110. Advantageously, the triangulation of the frame 100

provides improved strength and rigidity to the truss 10 when compared to a

truss having no diagonal cross member.

[0040] Attached to the vertical stiles 105, 110 of the frame 100 at an opposite

end relative to the first horizontal brace 115 is the diaphragm portion 200 which

is received within a channel of each of the vertical stiles 105, 110. The

diaphragm portion 200 comprises a second horizontal brace 205 and a third

horizontal brace210which interconnect the vertical stiles 105, 110oftheframe

100.

[0041] In addition, the diaphragm portion 200 includes a reinforcing panel 215

extending between the space defined by the vertical stiles 105, 110 of the frame

100 and the second and third horizontal braces 205, 210 of the diaphragm

portion 200. In combination, the horizontal braces 205, 210 and the reinforcing panel 215 give the diaphragm portion 200 a substantially C-shaped cross section.

[0042] While the diaphragm portion 200 may be formed by welding the

horizontal braces 205, 210 and the reinforcing panel 215 together, as can be

seen in Figure 2, it will be appreciated that the diaphragm portion 200 can also

be integrally formed as a single component. Distinct advantages are provided

by both options. As a single component, the integrally formed diaphragm

portion reduces the number of pieces required to form the truss and thereby

reduces the overall amount of welding to be performed to assemble the truss.

However, if the diaphragm is formed from individual components, the

components can be more easily stored. For example, horizontal braces can be

stacked atop one another, saving space.

[0043] In Figures 2 and 3, it can be seen that there are two apertures 220, 225

located along the webbing portion 230 of the third horizontal brace 210 for

receiving securing threaded bolts 235 (shown in Figure 4) therethrough to

secure the truss to a frame and/or a structural foundation.

[0044] While the illustrated embodiment only includes two apertures, it is

envisioned that the truss can include more apertures, preferably four, so that

more bolts can be used and thereby improve the structural integrity of the truss

and frame.

[0045] The diaphragm 200 helpfully provides a space for an installer to insert

the bolts and the tools necessary to secure the bolts to the frame. Such a task

can be quite difficult in existing trusses having a diagonal cross-brace as the

cross-brace typically ends adjacent one of the apertures, thus limiting the

amount of space for an installer to insert and manoeuvre the bolt. To improve accessibility, the aperture can be moved toward the centre of the bottom horizontal brace. However, this negatively impacts the effectiveness of the tie down bolt and may cause the truss to fail when subject to substantial forces, during cyclonic winds for example.

[0046] With reference to Figure 5, a second embodiment of a truss 20 is shown.

Truss 20 includes a frame 300 and two diaphragm portion 400, 500.

[0047] The frame 300 is substantially similar to frame 100 described above,

having two parallel, vertical stiles 305, 310, a horizontal brace 315 and a first

diagonal cross-brace 320. However, frame 300 includes an additional, second

diagonal cross-brace 325 arranged such that the horizontal brace 315 is located

between the first and second diagonal cross-braces 320, 325.

[0048] The two diaphragm portions 400, 500 are also substantially similar to

diaphragm portion 200 described above, each having two horizontal braces

405, 410, 505, 510 and a reinforcing panel 415, 515, respectively.

[0049] Turning to Figure 6, a third embodiment of a truss 30 is shown. Truss 30

is substantially similar to truss 20 including a frame 600 but only a single

diaphragm portion 700.

[0050] The frame 600 is substantially similar to frame 300 described above,

having two parallel, vertical stiles 605, 610, a horizontal brace 615 and a first

diagonal cross-brace 620. The frame 600 also includes a second horizontal

brace 625 attached at the end of the stiles 605, 610 and a second diagonal

cross-brace 630 arranged such that the horizontal brace 615 is located between

the first and second diagonal cross-braces 620, 630.

[0051] The diaphragm portion 700 is also substantially similar to diaphragm

portion 400 described above, having two horizontal braces 705, 710 and a

reinforcing panel 715.

[0052] Turning to Figure 7, yet another embodiment of a truss 40 is shown.

Truss 40 includes a frame 800 and a diaphragm portion 900.

[0053] The frame 800 has a pair of vertical stiles 805, 810 interconnected by a

perpendicularly extending first horizontal brace 815 at a distal end of each of

the stiles 805, 810 and a perpendicularly extending second horizontal brace

820 located between the first horizontal brace 815 and the diaphragm portion

900. It should be appreciated that the frame 800 does not include a diagonal

cross-brace similar to trusses 10, 20 and 30.

[0054] Attached to the vertical stiles 805, 810 of the frame 800 at an opposite

end relative to the first horizontal brace 815 is the diaphragm portion 900 which

is receive within a channel of each of the vertical stiles 805, 810.

[0055] The diaphragm portion 900 includes two horizontal braces: a third

horizontal brace 905 and a fourth horizontal brace 910 which interconnect the

stiles 805, 810 of the frame 800.

[0056] In addition, the diaphragm portion 900 includes a reinforcing panel 915

extending across the space defined by the vertical stiles 805, 810 of the frame

800 and the third and fourth horizontal braces 905, 910 of the diaphragm portion

900. In combination, the horizontal braces 905, 910 and the reinforcing panel

915 provide the diaphragm portion 900 with a substantially C-shaped cross

section.

[0057] As described above in relation the diaphragm portion 200 of truss 10,

the diaphragm portion 900 may be formed by welding the horizontal braces

905, 910 and the reinforcing panel 915 together. Alternatively, the diaphragm

portion 900 can also be integrally formed as a single component. Distinct

advantages are provided by both options. As a single component, the integrally

formed diaphragm portion reduces the number of pieces required to form the

truss and thereby reduces the overall amount of welding to be performed to

assemble the truss. However, if the diaphragm is formed from individual

components, the components can be more easily stored. For example,

horizontal braces can be stacked atop one another, saving space.

[0058] It is envisioned that in some embodiments, the frame (not including the

diaphragm portion) includes n diagonal cross-braces and n+1 horizonal braces

to allow the truss to be extended to fill the available space in the wall frame,

where n represents any number equal to or greater than 0. In these

embodiments, each diagonal cross-brace is connected adjacent to and located

between two horizontal braces (of any of the frame or the diaphragm portion)

such that a quadrilateral frame (of a substantially square or rectangular shape)

separated into two triangular portions is formed by the two vertical stiles, two

horizontal braces and a diagonal cross-brace extending between the two

vertical stiles. The arrangement described could be repeated ad infinitum to

achieve a truss of a desired height.

[0059] In some embodiments, the parallel stiles are spaced apart by between

about 250mm and 600mm. In some embodiments, the two distally located

horizontal braces (one forming part of the diaphragm portion and the other

located between the vertical stiles at an opposite end) are spaced between

about 2400mm and 3600mm to brace walls having a nominal wall height

between 2400mm and 3600mm. Advantageously, embodiments of the invention are able to withstand forces between 3.3kN and 13.7kN which the inventors have found to be an approximate 12% increase in bracing strength relative to some existing trusses having no diaphragm portion.

[0060] In some embodiments, the diaphragm portion includes a reinforcing

member extending between the horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion to

provide additional structural integrity. The reinforcing member is preferably

located halfway along a length of each of the second and third horizontal

braces.

[0061] It will be appreciated that two or more reinforcing members could be

included in the diaphragm portion to provide additional strength to the truss.

[0062] Each of the stiles and the braces are formed from C-section steel, which

of course may be galvanised, powder-coated or otherwise treated to be

resistant to corrosion.

[0063] The components of the truss may be screwed or riveted together but are

preferably welded together or integrally formed.

[0064] It will be appreciated that the height and width of the truss can be varied

to suit available space in a wall frame, as required.

[0065] Advantageously, as mentioned above the diaphragm allows easier

access to the bolt holes.

[0066] Further advantageously, the diaphragm provides increased structural

integrity and improved resistance to forces to prevent instability in the wall.

[0067] In use, the frame and diaphragm portion are joined together, by welding

for example, at a manufacturing facility to form a truss as described herein. The

truss is subsequently delivered to a building site for installation.

[0068] At the building site, once the structural foundations of the building are

established, including the wall frames, the truss is then placed vertically within

the wall frame whereby the webbing of the horizontal brace of the diaphragm

are aligned with the frame. Due to the additional space provided by the

diaphragm portion, the bolts are then easily aligned with and passed through

the apertures of the diaphragm into the wall frame. A nut can then be attached

to the bolt and tightened against the diaphragm to secure the truss to the wall

frame and/or a structural foundation. Advantageously, the truss provides lateral

bracing against lateral forces, such as those imparted by wind, for example.

[0069] In this specification, adjectives such as first and second, left and right,

top and bottom, and the like may be used solely to distinguish one element or

action from another element or action without necessarily requiring or implying

any actual such relationship or order. Where the context permits, reference to

an integer or a component or step (or the like) is not to be interpreted as being

limited to only one of that integer, component, or step, but rather could be one

or more of that integer, component, or step, etc.

[0070] The above description of various embodiments of the present invention

is provided for purposes of description to one of ordinary skill in the related art.

It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to a single disclosed

embodiment. As mentioned above, numerous alternatives and variations to the

present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the above

teaching. Accordingly, while some alternative embodiments have been

discussed specifically, other embodiments will be apparent or relatively easily

developed by those of ordinary skill in the art. The invention is intended to

embrace all alternatives, modifications and variations of the present invention that have been discussed herein, and other embodiments that fall within the spirit and scope of the above described invention.

[0071] In this specification, the terms 'comprises', 'comprising', 'includes',

'including', or similar terms are intended to mean a non-exclusive inclusion,

such that a method, system or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does

not include those elements solely, but may well include other elements not

listed.

Claims

1. A truss for bracing a building wall, the truss comprising:

a frame having two substantially parallel stiles interconnected by at

least one horizontal brace and at least one cross-brace extending diagonally

between the two stiles; and

at least one diaphragm portion connected to the frame, each

diaphragm portion comprising:

a first horizontal brace;

a second horizontal brace parallel to the first horizontal brace; and

a reinforcing panel connected to the first and second horizontal braces,

wherein the first horizontal brace is parallel to the second horizontal

brace, the first and second horizontal braces connect the two stiles of the

frame, and the second horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion extends

between a distal end of each of the parallel stiles of the frame; and

the at-least one diagonal cross-brace has a first end connected to the

first horizontal brace of the diaphragm.

2. A truss in accordance with claim 1, wherein the reinforcing panel is

connected to the first and second horizontal braces of the diaphragm

portion and the two stiles of the frame.

3. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-2, wherein each of the

horizontal braces and stiles have a substantially C-shaped profile or

box profile.

4. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first

horizontal brace of the frame is connected at a distal end of the stiles.

5. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-4, wherein each of the

horizontal braces of the frame and the diaphragm portion are

substantiallyparallel.

6. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-5, wherein the

diaphragm portion is integrally formed and has a substantially C

shaped cross-section.

7. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-6, wherein the

diaphragm portion is fixedly attached to the parallel stiles.

8. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-7, wherein the

diaphragm portion is welded to the parallel stiles.

9. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-8, wherein the

diaphragm portion is received within a channel of the parallel stiles and

welded to the parallel stiles.

10.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-9, wherein the

diaphragm further comprises one or more apertures for receiving bolts

therethrough.

11.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-10, wherein a webbing

of the second horizontal brace of the diaphragm portion comprises one

or more apertures therethrough for receiving a bolt to secure the truss

to a frame and/or a structural foundation.

12.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-11, the truss further

comprising a reinforcing member extending between the first and

second horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion.

13.A truss in accordance with claim 12, wherein the reinforcing member is

located halfway along a length of each of the first and second

horizontal braces of the diaphragm portion.

14.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-13, wherein the frame

further comprises a plurality of horizontal braces.

15. A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-14, wherein the

frame further comprises a plurality of cross-braces and/or a plurality of

horizontal braces.

16.A truss in accordance with claim 15, wherein each cross-brace is

adjacent to a horizontal brace.

17.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-16, wherein the truss

further comprises a second diaphragm portion connected to the frame,

wherein the second diaphragm portion is connected to the frame at an

end of the frame opposite an end of the frame connected to a first

diaphragm portion.

18.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-17, wherein the parallel

stiles are spaced apart by between about 250mm and 600mm.

19.A truss in accordance with any one of claims 1-18, wherein the

diaphragm portion and a distally located horizontal braces are spaced

between about 2400mm and 3600mm to brace walls having a nominal

wall height between 2400mm and 3600m.