A method including placing on a surface a first beam having a first end with a first clevis component opposing a second clevis component. A second beam, including a second end having a third clevis component opposing a fourth clevis component, is placed adjacent the first end on the surface. The first clevis component is connected to the third clevis component. A lifter is connected to the first end and the second end, which are lifted simultaneously from the surface while rotating the first beam and the second beam about the connector until the second clevis component engages the fourth clevis component. Connection between the second clevis component and the fourth clevis component then may be completed.

A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

A clearspan structure including component systems, and methods of forming a clearspan structure including component systems, for mitigating hazards to personnel or equipment from explosions, fires, toxic material release, and other hazards in hazardous locations. The exemplary clearspan structure is also capable of withstanding environmental conditions such as snow loads and wind. The exemplary clearspan structure is, for example, a tent or fabric structure which includes a plurality of frame members forming a support system for the clearspan structure, and fabric roof portions and walls for enclosing the clearspan structure.

A reinforcement structure includes compound trusses placed horizontally symmetrically, and each compound truss is constituted by a first truss and a second truss. Each first truss has: a vertical side; a first inclined side extending obliquely downward from an upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between the vertical side and a lower end of the first inclined side. Each second truss shares the first inclined side with the first truss and has: a horizontal side extending horizontally from the upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between a tip end of the horizontal side and the lower end of the first inclined side. Each compound truss is coupled to the construction in a state where the vertical side is along an inner side surface of the construction and the horizontal side is along a ceiling surface of the construction.

A reinforcement structure includes compound trusses placed horizontally symmetrically, and each compound truss is constituted by a first truss and a second truss. Each first truss has: a vertical side; a first inclined side extending obliquely downward from an upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between the vertical side and a lower end of the first inclined side. Each second truss shares the first inclined side with the first truss and has: a horizontal side extending horizontally from the upper end of the vertical side; and a second inclined side connecting between a tip end of the horizontal side and the lower end of the first inclined side. Each compound truss is coupled to the construction in a state where the vertical side is along an inner side surface of the construction and the horizontal side is along a ceiling surface of the construction.

A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

A composite structural member for a building structure comprises a first elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region and a second elongate portion having a first end region and a second end region. The second end region of the first elongate portion is connected to the first end region of the second elongate portion so that the composite structural member provided thereby is substantially longer than either of the first and second elongate portions. The first elongate portion may comprise a first member suited for resisting high magnitude forces and the second elongate portion may be a second member, less well suited for resisting high forces but having lower cost per unit length. The composite structural member may be a rafter, especially a rafter of a portal frame.

A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

A building construction method uses wall frames having a moveable top track. The track is fixed in a raised position so as to be load-bearing during construction, allowing construction work to progress quickly. When supporting concrete columns have cured, the fixing can be released allowing the track to move into a lowered position and for the building load to transfer to the columns.

Arch structure of steel frame construction comprising: a plurality of elongated metal or steel stringer members and arch members, each stringer member and arch member comprising one of a tubular, I-beam, I-beam angled flange, C-beam, T-beam, and L-beam, cross-section shape, each of the plurality of arch members undergirding a one of the plurality of stringer members located between two non-adjacently positioned stringer members at a mid-point of each of the plurality of arch members, each of the plurality of arch members being oriented in crossing relationship to another of the arch members, the arch members being oriented for indirect complete abutting, and without any notch in any the arch member or any the stringer member, side surfaces of the plurality of stringer members via a plurality of brackets and fasteners. Or, the arch member ends may completely abut and be welded to side surfaces of the stringer members.