There is disclosed an elongate structural element (10). The element (10) includes an inner plate (12) having first and second opposing planar surfaces (14, 16). The element (10) further includes first and second outer sections (18, 18). Each of the outer sections (18, 18) comprises a central wall (20) having a pair of longitudinal grooves (32, 34). Each of the outer sections (18, 18) further comprises a pair of side walls (22, 24) extending from the central wall (20) to define a generally U-shaped channel (30). The longitudinal grooves (32, 34) depress into the U-shaped channel (30). Each of the outer sections (18, 18) further comprises a pair of flanges (26, 28) respectively extending outwardly from the pair of side walls (22, 24). The flanges (26, 28) of the first outer section (18) are attached to the first planar surface (14) of the plate (12) and the flanges (26, 28) of the second outer section (18) are attached to the second planar surface (16) of the plate (12) such that the U-shaped channels (30) are substantially closed by the inner plate (12) and opposed to each other.

The present technology relates to beams having a cross section defining a plurality of channels and assemblies comprising the beams. In embodiments the cross section may define four channels, facing in four directions. The cross section has the advantages of providing structural channels that provide strength, platforms for attaching sliding and fastening components, and conduits for protecting internal components. The interior and exterior surfaces of the channels are configured to permit multiple carriers to slide/roll in linear motion independently in multiple directions, with smooth action and stability due to one or more guiding features to distribute load. These and other embodiments are discussed in greater detail in the detailed description and drawing figures.

A method for manufacturing, transporting, and installing an extruded aluminum roof truss by manufacturing an extrusion that comprises a top chord extrusion, a bottom chord extrusion, a web brace extrusion, manufacturing standardized components such as a connector, a hinge, a bracket, and a fastener used to configure the extrusion into a truss configuration, pre-assembling the extrusion with an optionally pre-determined set of the standardized components required to either fully or partially assemble the truss prior to transport and installation at the building site, transporting the truss in either a fully or partially assembled compact configuration to the installation site, rotating the truss open by pivoting the web bracing into alignment with a matching connector hole on an extrusion at the installation site, and installing any required connectors or remaining standardized components to complete the truss.

A truss assembly for supporting a roof, floor, bridge or other structure, the truss having a plurality of work points spaced apart along a length of the truss, wherein at least one work point comprises a gusset plate secured directly between two parallel and adjacent members of a chord of the truss to join the two parallel and adjacent members of the chord, and the gusset plate also secured between first ends of two parallel and adjacent strut members of the truss to join the parallel and adjacent strut members to the chord at the gusset plate.

A strut channel support system including a first brace, a second brace, and a fastening mechanism connects at least two channel struts in a multi-orientable fashion. The first brace and the second brace both possess a U-shaped channel, a base, a fastener-engagement point, and a strut-engagement point. The base is terminally connected to the U-shaped channel, the fastener-engagement point is centrally integrated into the base, and the strut-attachment feature is integrated into the U-shaped channel. This permits the base to retain the rear portion of a strut channel. The U-shaped channel perimetrically braces the lateral sides of the strut channel. The first brace and the second brace attach to each other via the fastener-engagement point. The fastener-engagement point of the first brace and the fastener-engagement point of the second brace are mechanically coupled to each other. This enables a user to adjust the orientation between at least two strut channels.

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 solar system is provided and includes a solar array and a support structure configured to support the solar array. The support structure includes structural beam which includes an upper plate, a lower plate that is disposed opposite to the upper plate, a first side plate interposed between the upper and lower plates, and a second side plate interposed between the upper and lower plates and spaced apart from the first side plate. Each of the upper and lower plates is fixedly coupled to the first and second plates by a plurality of joints formed by clinching.

A strut channel support system including a first brace, a second brace, and a fastening mechanism connects at least two channel struts in a multi-orientable fashion. The first brace and the second brace both possess a U-shaped channel, a base, a fastener-engagement point, and a strut-engagement point. The base is terminally connected to the U-shaped channel, the fastener-engagement point is centrally integrated into the base, and the strut-attachment feature is integrated into the U-shaped channel. This permits the base to retain the rear portion of a strut channel. The U-shaped channel perimetrically braces the lateral sides of the strut channel. The first brace and the second brace attach to each other via the fastener-engagement point. The fastener-engagement point of the first brace and the fastener-engagement point of the second brace are mechanically coupled to each other. This enables a user to adjust the orientation between at least two strut channels.

A beam can comprise a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of steel channel members can cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein. The plurality of steel channel members can comprise a first C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having first and second flanges. The channel of the first C-shaped channel member can define a portion of an outer boundary of the interior volume. The first and second flanges can extend into the interior volume. A plurality of internally projecting members can be spaced along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of internally projecting members can extend into the interior volume from a steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members. A strap can extend across the interior volume so that when the interior volume is filled with concrete, the strap engages the concrete.