GB2304854A

GB2304854A - Framework connector

Info

Publication number: GB2304854A
Application number: GB9616618A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Forbes Shand; Jack Rogers; Trevor Clark
Original assignee: R B FARQUHAR Ltd
Current assignee: R B FARQUHAR Ltd
Priority date: 1995-08-12
Filing date: 1996-08-08
Publication date: 1997-03-26
Also published as: GB9616618D0; GB9516577D0

Abstract

A structural frame for a building and the like comprises hollow structural members of square or rectangular section joined by connectors (23), each connector comprising a body (22) and three male members (24, 25, 26) extending orthogonally therefrom and sized to fit within the hollow ends of respective structural members. The connectors (23) and structural members are initially held together using adhesive and then secured permanently by spiral springs or pins driven into holes (28). The connectors (23) are each cast in one piece from spheroidal graphitic cast iron, and the structural members are rolled steel sections.

Description

CONNECTOR This invention relates to connector, and in particular, but not exclusively, to a connector for use in the construction industry for connecting structural columns and beams. The invention also relates to a structure including such connectors.

Many buildings and structures are built around steel frames, formed of vertical columns and horizontal beams.

The columns and beams are generally connected by bolting or welding, both of which create stresses at the connections, and which generally require the presence of skilled tradesmen to ensure that the connections are properly formed.

It is among the objectives of the present invention to provide a connector which obviates or mitigates these disadvantages.

According to the present invention there is provided a structure comprising: at least two structural members having hollow ends: and at least one connector, the connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom, each male member being adapted to be received in a close fitting relationship with a respective structural member end.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of forming a structural frame for a building and the like, the method comprising: providing a plurality of structural members having hollow ends; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom; and securing the male members in the hollow ends of respective structural members to form a structural frame.

The invention permits frames for buildings and other structures to be assembled quickly and easily, without requiring skilled labour.

Preferably, the male members extend orthogonally from the connector body. Most preferably, each connector has three or more male members extending therefrom.

Preferably also, each male member is initially secured in the respective structural member end using adhesive for temporary alignment purposes, which adhesive may be applied to the male member before it is inserted into the structural member. Such an operation may be readily carried out by unskilled personnel. Additionally, retaining members may be used to permanently secure the joints. Most preferably, a spiral pin or the like is driven through appropriate aligned holes in the members, and again this operation being readily carried out by unskilled personnel.

Preferably also, the male members and the hollow structural members are of generally square or rectangular section. This provides an increased contact area between the connected members and is therefore particularly advantageous where the members are initially secured by adhesive. Most preferably, the corners of at least the male members and the hollow ends of the structural members are radiused, to minimise stress concentration and the likelihood of crack formation.

Preferably also, the structure is formed of iron-based material. Most preferably, the connector is formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron, such that the connectors may be cast in one piece. This material also provides good impact resistance and resistance to crushing.

Conveniently, the structural members are steel rolled hollow sections (RHS).

These and other aspects of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a structural frame in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and Figures 2, 3 and 4 are end, side and plan views of a connector forming part of the frame of Figure 1.

Reference is first made to Figure 1 of the drawings which illustrates an exemplary structure in the form of a cuboid frame 8, made in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The frame 8 comprises four upright columns 10, 11, 12, 13, four floor beams 14, 15, 16, 17 and four roof beams 18, 19, 20 and 21. The columns and beams are joined by respective floor and roof node connectors 22, 23, and an exemplary roof node connector 23 is illustrated in Figures 2 to 4.

The columns and beams comprise rectangular steel rolled sections (RHS), the columns 10 - 13 and the shorter side beams 14, 15, 18, 19 being of square section, and the longer front and rear beams 16, 17, 20, 21 being of rectangular section.

The connector 23 is a casting formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron and includes a generally cuboid body 22 and three male members 24, 25, 26 extending orthogonally therefrom. The male members are sized to be located within the ends of the respective column 10 and beams 18, 20 and thus the member 24 for engaging the front roof beam 20 is rectangular, while the members 25, 26 for engaging the column 10 and the side beam 18 are of square cross-section.

It will be noted that the corners of the male members 24, 25, 26 are radiused to minimise stress concentration and thus minimise the risk of crack formation. The beams and columns are similarly radiused.

In use, the male members 24, 25, 26 are located in the ends of the respective column and beams during assembly of the frame 8. Prior to locating the members in the hollow ends of the structural members, the outer surfaces of the members 24, 25, 26 are coated with adhesive such that an adhesive bond is formed between the male members and the ends of the hollow members. In addition, a number of holes 28 are drilled through the assembled columns, beams and male members to receive spiral springs (not shown) to further secure the column and beams on the connector 23.

Thus, it may be seen that connectors, in conjunction with the hollow structural members, may be relatively easily connected to create a structural frame 10.

It will be clear to those of skill in the art that the above-described embodiment is merely exemplary of the present invention and that various modifications and improvements may be made thereto, without departing from the invention.

Claims

1. A structure comprising: at least two structural members having hollow ends; and at least one connector, the connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom, each male member being adapted to be received in a close fitting relationship with a respective structural member end.

2. The structure of claim wherein the male members extend orthogonally from each connector body.

3. The structure of claim 1 or 2 wherein each connector has three or more male members extending therefrom.

4. The structure of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein each male member is initially secured in a respective structural member by adhesive.

5. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein retaining members are utilised to permanently secure the male members in the ends of the structural members.

6. The structure of claim 5 wherein the retaining members are in the form of spiral pins driven through appropriate aligned holes in the members.

7. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the male members and the structural members are of generally square or rectangular section.

8. The structure of claim 7 wherein the corners of at least the male members and the hollow ends of the structural members are radiused.

9. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the structural members and connector are formed of iron based material.

10. The structure of claim 9 wherein the connector is formed of spheroidal graphitic cast iron.

11. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the connector is cast in a single piece.

12. The structure of any of the preceding claims wherein the structural members are steel rolled hollow sections.

13. A method of forming a structural frame for a building and the like, the method comprising: providing a plurality of structural members having hollow ends; providing a plurality of connectors, each connector comprising a body with at least two male members extending therefrom; and securing the male members in the hollow ends of respective structural members to form a structural frame.

14. The method of claim 13 wherein each male member is initially secured in the respective structural member end by adhesive.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14 where retaining members are utilised to permanently secure the structural members on the connectors.

16. The method of claim 15 wherein holes are drilled through the hollow ends and male members of the assembled structural members and connectors and the retaining members located therein.

17. The connector substantially as described herein and as illustrated in Figures 2, 3 and 4 of the accompanying drawings.