Composite building structure

Abstract

Abstract A composite building structure particularly suited for homes and for modular components of homes includes structural members and associated panel members which may in part be prefabricated and assembled with minimal labor. The structural or beam members such as joists, rafters, and studding, are fabricated in roughly Tshaped or inverted T-shaped form. Each such beam or other member comprises a first tension or transverse timber firmly secured or bonded to an edge of a second timber or main compression member having a free edge. Bonding is preferably by gluing. Supplemental compression members are secured to the second timber along a line spaced from the free edge to help support panel elements set between or on two beams. These supplemental members may be short lengths of dimension lumber such as 2 X 2'' s, 2 X 4'' s and the like. These reinforce the main compression member and the enhanced strength of the beams permits wider spacing between them and use of wider panels. Panels for walls, floor, ceiling and roofs are supported by the free edges of these beams and in part by the supplemental compression members. They may be reinforced by struts or sub-beams which are supported on the supplemental compression members or on flanges of the first or tension members. The latter are finished on their exposed surfaces to serve as dividers of attractive appearance between the panels. The structure thus reduces timber requirements and/or provides stronger construction at reduced costs, as it permits use of scrap or short length materials in part.

Inventors

• 👤 Ronald L Molen

Bibliographic Details