A joist assembly system that is structured for dynamic retrieval of components, dynamic and precise positioning and location of retrieved components, assembly of the components to form a joist, and delivery of the assembled joist. The joist assembly system has a plurality of material handling systems, a plurality of welding systems, and a rigging table system. The material handling systems are structured to load and position the components such as chords and webs onto the rigging table. The rigging table in turn supports the chords or webs. Subsequently, the plurality of welding systems weld the webs to the chords to form the joist.

A joist assembly system that is structured for dynamic retrieval of components, dynamic and precise positioning and location of retrieved components, assembly of the components to form a joist, and delivery of the assembled joist. The joist assembly system has a plurality of material handling systems, a plurality of welding systems, and a rigging table system. The material handling systems are structured to load and position the components such as chords and webs onto the rigging table. The rigging table in turn supports the chords or webs. Subsequently, the plurality of welding systems weld the webs to the chords to form the joist.

A panelized system for structural decking systems. The panelized system has a plurality of joists operatively coupled together through one or more decking panels. In order to aid in resisting rollover (e.g., the joists rotating with respect to the decking panels and/or support members during installation) bracing members may be utilized. A bracing member may be operatively coupled to a joist (e.g., a lower chord of a joist, web, upper chord, or the like) and to the decking panel (e.g., location on the decking between two joists, such as the mid-point of decking between two joists, or the like). In this way, the joists may be supported directly to the decking instead of having to run cross-bracing (e.g., x-shaped, or the like) between each of the joists. Once the panelized system is assembled on the ground, the panelized system may be lifted into place and assembled to a building.

A panelized system for structural decking systems. The panelized system has a plurality of joists operatively coupled together through one or more decking panels. In order to aid in resisting rollover (e.g., the joists rotating with respect to the decking panels and/or support members during installation) bracing members may be utilized. A bracing member may be operatively coupled to a joist (e.g., a lower chord of a joist, web, upper chord, or the like) and to the decking panel (e.g., location on the decking between two joists, such as the mid-point of decking between two joists, or the like). In this way, the joists may be supported directly to the decking instead of having to run cross-bracing (e.g., x-shaped, or the like) between each of the joists. Once the panelized system is assembled on the ground, the panelized system may be lifted into place and assembled to a building.

The disclosure relates to support members for ceiling systems, such as those that can be formed into an interconnected grid to be suspended from a ceiling and support ceiling tiles. One aspect of the disclosure is a linearly-extending support member for a ceiling tile. The support member has a cross-sectional shape that includes a substantially vertical central web with a top end and a bottom end; at least one flange extending substantially horizontally from the bottom end of the web, the flange having an upper surface and a lower surface; and a bulb extending from the top end of the web, the bulb having a first side and a second side with a cavity therebetween, the bulb having an upper portion and a lower portion adjacent the top end of the web, wherein the entire lower portion of the bulb is narrower than the upper portion of the bulb and wider than the central web, the bulb comprising a series of spaced apertures formed therein through both the first side and the second side of the bulb, each aperture being disposed at least partially in the lower portion of the bulb, each aperture having an upper portion and a lower portion, wherein the upper portion of the aperture is rounded.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

The present application is directed toward fire-rated wall construction components and wall systems for use in building construction. Embodiments can include tracks for holding studs which incorporate various geometries capable of receiving fire-retardant material, flat straps for use between tracks and fluted wall components, fire sponges for use in fluted wall components, and tracks with protruding grooves or other structures which prevent unwanted air movement between a wallboard component and the track.

A strut and method using same is provided. The strut comprises a body member having a longitudinal axis, a first end and a second end. A first gripping member is connected to the first end of the body member. The first gripping member comprises a first plate for engaging a first structural engagement member. A second gripping member is connected to the second end of the body member. The second gripping member comprises a second plate for engaging a second structural member. The body member of the strut extends in a direction to intercept each of the first and second plates.