A reinforced beam system comprises at least one pair of angularly spaced, corner-connected beams configured with two oppositely oriented triangular closed head portions, and a web interposed between head portions; a plurality of reinforcement elements forcibly contacting an interior wall of the corresponding head portion; and for each pair, at least one angled connector. A first leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a second head portion of the first beam and is connected to a first reinforcement element inserted within the second head portion of the first beam, and a second leg of the angled connector abuts the flange of a first head portion of the second beam and is connected to a second reinforcement element inserted within both the first head portion of the second beam and a first head portion of the first beam. A beam system in one embodiment is devoid of reinforcement elements.

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.

An elongate roll-formed structural member comprising a pair of generally C-shaped channel elements nested together, the pair of generally C-shaped channel elements forming a body having a substantially rectangular cross-section profile. The body comprising first and second flanges and first and second web portions separating the first and second flanges. The first and second web portions at one or both of the top and/or bottom of the body narrow towards each other and defines a recessed region, adapted for optionally receiving forcing members.

Provided herein is an assembly for carrying or supporting a load. The assembly comprises a plurality of members connectable in an assembled arrangement for carrying or supporting the load. Each member comprises a first end and a second end, at least one of the first end and the second end has a pair of connecting members comprising two lugs that each has defined therein two holes. The lugs are configured for alignment with a corresponding pair of lugs formed on another member in the assembly. Fasteners extend through the holes formed in the lugs when the holes are aligned. Further provided are members for use in the assembly and connector elements for attaching two or more members in the assembly.

Provided is a building structure enabling use of a horizontal member made of heavy gauge steel and braces installed between pillars erected in a longitudinal direction to be eliminated and structurally efficient. A building structure of the present invention includes: a horizontal member (10) installed between pillars (30) erected in a longitudinal direction; and a unit (20) installed on the horizontal member (10), wherein the horizontal member (10) is made of light gauge steel, the unit (20) includes: 1) a horizontal frame (21) including a short side member (21a) and formed in a rectangular shape; 2) a beam (22) connected to a center of the short side member (21a) in a lengthwise direction to be perpendicular to the horizontal frame (21) and having a truss structure; 3) a first diagonal member (23) installed between one end of the short side member (21a) and the beam (22); and 4) a second diagonal member (24) installed between another end of the short side member (21a) and the beam (22), the short side member (21a) is an upper chord member of a girder (50) connected to the pillar (30) and having a truss structure, the horizontal member (10) is a lower chord member of the girder (50), a vertical member (22c) of the beam (22) is a vertical member of the girder (50), and the first diagonal member (23) and the second diagonal member (24) are diagonal members of the girder (50).

An example of conversion of solar energy into other forms of useful energy is taking heat from an area below a roof and using the heat to generate mechanical energy or electrical power. An air duct opening is placed in a hottest area under the roof. An air fan is placed in the air duct to draw the heated air from the area below the roof. A heat exchanger coil is placed inside the air duct. A return air duct is routed back to the area below the roof. The heat exchanger coil is coupled to a turbine through a closed loop line. A heat transfer medium pump, a first valve and a second valve are retained in the closed loop line. The first valve, second valve and pump are used regulate heat transfer medium into and out of the turbine. An electrical generator may be connected to the turbine.

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 moment frame is disclosed for a sloped roof construction. The moment frame includes a lateral bracing system having a high initial stiffness and including yield links capable of effectively dissipating energy generated within the lateral bracing system under lateral loads.

A building structure including a first building member and a second building member may be connected by a plurality of fasteners, each fastener having a head, a threaded portion having a through hardness of between HRB 70 and HRC 40, a thread-forming portion of at least HRC 50 hardness enabling the fastener to form threads in at least the second steel building member, and a fluted lead portion of at least HRC 50 hardness with a nominal diameter between 70 and 95% of major diameter, such that the fastener is capable of providing a ratio of strip torque to thread-forming torque of at least 3.0 and a ratio of strip torque to drive torque greater than 6.0 when the second steel building member having a thickness of 0.25 inch and the fluted lead portion having at least one diameter within nominal diameter between 80 and 98% of major diameter.

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.