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.

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.

A truss connection apparatus is used to connect truss sections. A connection segment is mounted on each truss to be connected. Each connection segment has an opening, in alignment with each other to receive a fastener. The fastener is threaded on one end and can receive a nut. The other end of the fastener is a locking end having a radial protrusion. One of the connection segments has a securing means adapted to secure the locking end when the at least one protrusion of the locking end is rotated to a locking position. In the locking position the protrusion mates with the securing means and the fastener is prevented from rotational or axial movement and connection segments are fixed relative to each other as are the truss sections on which the connection sections are mounted.

A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.

A truss bracing system for roof trusses is disclosed. The truss bracing system comprises of a lateral brace and a diagonal brace connected through a pivot point. Both the lateral brace and diagonal brace include a first support member and a second support member where the first support member is angled relative to, and preferably perpendicular to, the second support member. The pivot point allows the diagonal brace to rotate relative to the lateral brace. That is, the truss bracing system has a closed configuration with the diagonal brace resting adjacent and parallel to the lateral brace and an extended configuration with the diagonal brace rotated relative to the lateral brace, such that the diagonal brace is angled relative to the lateral brace. Thus, the truss bracing system provides both lateral and diagonal support to the trusses to which it is attached.

A system for stiffening a structure has at least one pair of tie rods (3), each tie rod (3) of the pair of tie rods (3) having a first end (4) fastened to the structure (2) and a second end (5), and at least one device (6) for tensioning the tie rods (3) having a deformable linking element (7) fastened to the second end (5) of each tie rod (3) so as to connect the tie rods (3). An actuator (10) is configured to deform the linking element (7) so as to make it pass from an inactive configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a first state of tension to an active configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a second state of tension, different than the first state of tension.

A system for stiffening a structure has at least one pair of tie rods (3), each tie rod (3) of the pair of tie rods (3) having a first end (4) fastened to the structure (2) and a second end (5), and at least one device (6) for tensioning the tie rods (3) having a deformable linking element (7) fastened to the second end (5) of each tie rod (3) so as to connect the tie rods (3). An actuator (10) is configured to deform the linking element (7) so as to make it pass from an inactive configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a first state of tension to an active configuration in which the tie rods (3) are in a second state of tension, different than the first state of tension.

A building system that includes a modular panel with side members, at least one of the side members having an associated coupling for hooked connection with a corresponding shaped fixture of an adjacent structure, the coupling and fixture being adapted to be held together by a locking device that, when engaged, acts to lock the structure and the side member together and, when disengaged, allows for play between the panel and structure in order to free the panel from the structure.

A building system that includes a modular panel with side members, at least one of the side members having an associated coupling for hooked connection with a corresponding shaped fixture of an adjacent structure, the coupling and fixture being adapted to be held together by a locking device that, when engaged, acts to lock the structure and the side member together and, when disengaged, allows for play between the panel and structure in order to free the panel from the structure.