Structural materials and structures

Abstract

The objective of the present invention is to provide structural materials and structures that can be easily and inexpensively manufactured using conventional lumber, can be easily manufactured to various dimensions, and have sufficient strength. [Solution] The structural member 100 is made up of multiple long square timbers 1 connected by connecting fittings M, and the connecting fittings M include a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6 that can engage with each other. One square timber 1a and the other square timber 1b are arranged with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other, and the male fitting 4 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a that faces the other square timber 1b, and the female fitting 6 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b that faces the one square timber 1a. By engaging the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6, the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a and the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b are connected.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to structural materials and structures.

Background Art

[0002] Recently, glued laminated timber has been used for structural materials such as columns and beams in wooden buildings, or for internal structures such as structures. Such glued laminated timber is formed, for example, into square timbers or thick boards by making laminas (sawn boards) or small square timbers obtained by cutting logs from mountains have their fiber directions substantially parallel to each other and integrally bonding them in the directions of thickness, width, and length. Although glued laminated timber is generally more costly than non-glued timber depending on the type of log, it is beneficial in terms of effective utilization of resources and is widely used. However, in glued laminated timber, although one of the length or cross-sectional area can be increased, it has been difficult to increase both the length and cross-sectional area from the viewpoint of material procurement.

[0003] On the other hand, as a new building material for structures, the use of CLT (Cross Laminated Timber) has been proposed. CLT is a panel in which a plurality of lamina layers are laminated and bonded so that their fiber directions are orthogonal to each other. However, at present, CLT is very large and inconvenient to use, and is not widely distributed.

[0004] In Patent Document 1, for example, a plurality of reinforcing plates made of cellulose nanofibers are assembled in a grid shape to form a reinforcing member, and a plurality of column members are arranged between the grid-shaped reinforcing members to form one column in an assembled state. The column members use wood materials such as CLT, LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber), and glued laminated timber. In the technology described in Patent Document 1 above, the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the column is increased by arranging multiple column members between reinforcing members. However, if the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the column is to be increased further, it was necessary to change the size of the reinforcing members and column members separately according to the increased cross-sectional area. As a result, it was not easy to increase the overall cross-sectional area of ​​the column, and the construction work was complicated. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 6991849 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0006] This invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its purpose is to provide a structural material and structure that can be easily and inexpensively manufactured using conventional lumber, can be easily manufactured to various dimensions, and has sufficient strength. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The invention described in claim 1 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, A structural member 100 made by connecting multiple long pieces of timber 1 with connecting fittings M, The aforementioned connecting fitting M comprises a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6 that can engage with each other. One timber 1a and the other timber 1b are arranged with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other. On the longitudinal side surface 11 of one of the square timbers 1a, the male fitting 4 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the other square timber 1b. On the longitudinal side surface 11 of the other square timber 1b, the female fitting 6 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the one square timber 1a. The male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 engage with each other, thereby connecting the longitudinal side surface 11 of one of the square timbers 1a and the longitudinal side surface 11 of the other square timber 1b.

[0008] According to the invention described in claim 1, a structural member 100 is made by connecting a plurality of long square timbers 1 with a connecting fitting M, wherein the connecting fitting M comprises a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6 that can engage with each other, one square timber 1a and the other square timber 1b are arranged with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other, the male fitting 4 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a that faces the other square timber 1b, and the female fitting 6 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b that faces the one square timber 1a, and the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a and the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b are connected by the engagement of the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6. Therefore, by engaging the male fitting 4 of one timber 1a with the female fitting 6 of the other timber 1b, the longitudinal side surface 11 of one timber 1a and the longitudinal side surface 11 of the other timber 1b can be easily connected. Therefore, since conventional timbers can be used as the timber 1 and connected with male fittings 4 and female fittings 6, materials can be easily procured and the product can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the number of timbers 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the structural member 100 can be easily changed, allowing for structural members 100 of various dimensions. Furthermore, since they are connected by male fittings 4 and female fittings 6, the structural material 100 can be made with superior strength. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the material of the timber 1, the strength of the structural member 100 can be freely altered, increasing its range of applications.

[0009] The invention described in claim 2 is, for example, as shown in Figure 1, in the structural member 100 described in claim 1, The longitudinal end of the male fitting or the longitudinal end of the female fitting 6 extends from the longitudinal end face 12 of the square timber 1.

[0010] According to the invention described in claim 2, since the longitudinal end of the male fitting or the longitudinal end of the female fitting 6 extends from the longitudinal end face 12 of the square timber 1, the extended male fitting or female fitting 6 can be easily connected to the longitudinal end face of other square timbers. Therefore, by changing the number of square timbers 1 connected in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal dimensions of the structural member 100 can be easily changed, and structural members 100 of various dimensions can be made. Furthermore, a structural member 100 with excellent strength can be made.

[0011] The invention described in claim 3 is, for example, as shown in Figures 16 and 17, in the structural member 300 described in claim 1, The present invention is characterized in that the male fitting 4A or the female fitting 6A is further provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of the square timber 9, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction.

[0012] According to the invention described in claim 3, a male fitting 4A or a female fitting 6A is further provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of the square timber 9, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the longitudinal end faces of the square timbers 9 can be easily connected by the male fitting 4A or the female fitting 6A. Consequently, by changing the number of square timbers 9 connected in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal dimensions of the structural member 300 can be easily changed, and structural members 300 of various dimensions can be made. Furthermore, a structural member 300 with excellent strength can be made.

[0013] The invention described in claim 4 is, for example, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 8 to 11, in the structural member 100 described in claim 1, The male fitting 4 is provided with a protrusion 42 on the opposing surface of one of the square timbers 1a that protrudes from the opposing surface toward the other square timber 1b, The female fitting 6 is provided with a recess 62 on the opposing surface of the other square timber 1b that is recessed inward from the opposing surface and engages with the protrusion 42, In the state in which the protrusion 42 is engaged with the recess 62, The convex portion 42 has a tapered surface 421 that widens toward the recess 62 so as to resist the direction of withdrawal from the recess 62. The recess 62 has a tapered surface 621 that narrows toward the protrusion 42 so as to resist the pulling direction, The present invention is characterized in that the tapered surface 421 of the convex portion 42 and the tapered surface 621 of the concave portion 62 come into contact with each other when the convex portion 42 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular timber relative to the concave portion 62.

[0014] According to the invention described in claim 4, the male fitting 4 is provided with a protrusion 42 on the opposing surface of one square timber 1a that protrudes from the opposing surface toward the other square timber 1b, and the female fitting 6 is provided with a recess 62 on the opposing surface of the other square timber 1b that recesses inward from the opposing surface and engages with the protrusion 42, and in a state in which the protrusion 42 is engaged with the recess 62, the protrusion 42 has a tapered surface 421 that widens toward the recess 62 so as to resist the direction of pulling out from the recess 62, and the recess 62 has a tapered surface 621 that narrows toward the protrusion 42 so as to resist the direction of pulling out, and by sliding the protrusion 42 along the longitudinal direction of the square timber toward the recess 62, the tapered surface 421 of the protrusion 42 and the tapered surface 621 of the recess 62 come into contact with each other. Therefore, when a force is applied in the direction of pulling the protrusion 42 out of the recess 62, the tapered surfaces 421 and 621 resist the pulling direction, making it impossible to pull the protrusion 42 out of the recess 62. Consequently, the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 can be firmly fixed, and the timbers can be firmly connected to each other. Furthermore, by sliding the protrusion 42 along the longitudinal direction of the timber 1b relative to the recess 62, the tapered surfaces 421 and 621 come into contact and engage with each other, making it easy to connect the timbers together.

[0015] The invention described in claim 5 is, for example, as shown in Figures 12 and 13, in the structural member 100 described in claim 1, A male rail portion 3 is formed on the opposing surface of one of the square timbers 1a, on which the male fitting 4 is provided. The aramid fiber rod 71 is inserted from the male fitting 4 toward the male rail portion 3, and the male fitting 4 is fixed to the male rail portion 3 by sandwiching the periphery of the aramid fiber rod 71 with the stopper 73.

[0016] According to the invention described in claim 5, on the opposing surface of one square bar 1a, a male rail portion 3 on which the male fitting 4 is provided is formed. The aramid fiber rod 71 is inserted from the male fitting 4 toward the male rail portion 3, and the male fitting 4 is fixed to the male rail portion 3 by sandwiching the periphery of the aramid fiber rod 71 with the stopper 73. Here, since the aramid fiber rod 71 is very strong against pulling out, it can surely prevent the male fitting 4 from coming out of the male rail portion 3. Also, since the periphery of the inserted aramid fiber rod 7l is sandwiched by the stopper 73, it can also prevent the inserted aramid fiber rod 71 from coming out.

[0017] The invention described in claim 6 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, in the structural material 100 described in claim 1, On the opposing surface of the other square bar 1b, a female rail portion 5 on which the female fitting 6 is provided is formed, The female fitting 6 provided on the female rail portion 5 is characterized in that the aramid fiber rod 81 is inserted from the female fitting 6 toward the female rail portion 5, and the female fitting 6 is fixed to the female rail portion 5 by sandwiching the periphery of the aramid fiber rod 81 with the stopper 83.

[0018] According to the invention described in claim 6, a female rail portion 5 provided with a female fitting 6 is formed on the opposing surface of the other square member 1b. The female fitting 6 provided on the female rail portion 5 has an aramid fiber rod 81 inserted from the female fitting 6 toward the female rail portion 5, and the female fitting 6 is fixed to the female rail portion 5 by sandwiching the periphery of the aramid fiber rod 81 with a stopper 83. Here, since the aramid fiber rod 81 is very strong against pulling out, it can surely prevent the female fitting 6 from coming off the female rail portion 5. Further, since the periphery of the aramid fiber rod 81 is sandwiched by the stopper 83, it can also prevent the inserted aramid fiber rod 81 from coming out.

[0019] The invention described in claim 7 is a structure 200 formed by connecting a plurality of structural materials 100a and 100b described in claim 2 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIGS. 4 to 7, for example, At the longitudinal end faces of the structural materials adjacent to each other, the male fitting or the female fitting 6 extending from the longitudinal end face 12 of the square member 1 constituting one of the structural materials 100a is engaged with the female fitting or the male fitting 4 of the other structural material 100b, which is characterized in that.

[0020] According to the invention described in claim 7, it is a structure 200 formed by connecting a plurality of structural materials 100a and 100b in the longitudinal direction. At the longitudinal end faces of the structural materials adjacent to each other, the male fitting or the female fitting 6 extending from the longitudinal end face 12 of the square member 1 constituting one of the structural materials 100a is engaged with the female fitting or the male fitting 4 of the other structural material 100b. Therefore, by engaging the male fitting or the female fitting 6 extending from the longitudinal end face 12 of one of the structural materials 100a with the female fitting or the male fitting 4 of the other structural material 100b, the structural materials can be easily and firmly connected in the longitudinal direction.

[0021] The invention described in claim 8 is a structure 400 formed by connecting a plurality of structural materials 300a and 300b described in claim 3 in the longitudinal direction, as shown in FIGS. 17 and 18, for example, The present invention is characterized in that, at the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, the male fitting or female fitting 6A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of the square timber 9 constituting one structural member 300a engages with the male fitting 4A or female fitting provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of the square timber 9 constituting the other structural member 300b.

[0022] According to the invention described in claim 8, a structure 400 is formed by connecting a plurality of structural members 300a and 300b in the longitudinal direction, wherein at the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, a male or female fitting 6A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of a square timber 9 constituting one structural member 300a engages with a male or female fitting provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of a square timber 9 constituting the other structural member 300b. Therefore, by engaging the male or female fitting 6A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of one structural member 300a with the male or female fitting 4A of the other structural member 300b, the structural members can be easily and firmly connected in the longitudinal direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present invention, it is possible to provide structural materials and structures that can be easily and inexpensively manufactured using conventional lumber, can be easily manufactured to various dimensions, and have sufficient strength. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0024] [Figure 1] This is an exploded perspective view of the structural material in the first embodiment. [Figure 2] This is a top view of Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 1 is a top view of a structural member formed by connecting the square timbers shown. [Figure 4] This is an exploded perspective view of the structure in the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view of the structure in the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4. [Figure 7]This is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 4. [Figure 8] This is a perspective view of the male fitting in the first embodiment. [Figure 9] This is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end face showing the state in which the male fitting is attached to the male rail portion of the square timber in the first embodiment. [Figure 10] This is a perspective view of the female fitting in the first embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end face showing the state in which the female fitting is attached to the female rail portion of the square timber in the first embodiment. [Figure 12] This is a longitudinal side view showing the modified configuration in which a male fitting is attached to the male rail portion of the timber. [Figure 13] Figure 12 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII. [Figure 14] This is a longitudinal side view showing the modified configuration in which the female fitting is attached to the female rail portion of the timber. [Figure 15] Figure 14 shows a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV. [Figure 16] This is an exploded perspective view of the structural material in the second embodiment. [Figure 17] This is an exploded perspective view of the structure in the second embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view of the structure in the second embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0025] Embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings. The features and technical effects of the embodiments will be understood from the following detailed description and drawings. However, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The scope of the present invention is not limited to the examples shown in the drawings, as the drawings are provided for illustrative purposes only.

[0026] 1. First Embodiment [Structural material] Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of the structural member, and Figure 2 is a top view of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a top view of the structural member formed by connecting the square timbers shown in Figure 1. The structural member 100 is made up of multiple long square timbers 1 connected by connecting fittings M. The connecting fittings M include a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6. The following description will explain a structural member 100 in which eight square timbers 1 are connected by connecting fittings M, but the number of square timbers 1 is not limited to this.

[0027] <lumber> The timber 1 is made of wood material such as cypress, larch, or cedar. The timber 1 is a long member in the vertical direction and is approximately square in cross-sectional view from above. The timber 1 is preferably of a commonly available length of 3m and dimensions of 120mm x 120mm or 150mm x 150mm. Multiple rectangular timbers 1 are arranged with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other. Eight rectangular timbers 1 are arranged in a rectangular frame shape in plan view, with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other. As a result, a space S is formed inside the eight rectangular timbers 1 arranged in a rectangular frame shape, which is elongated vertically and approximately square in plan view (see Figure 3). In the following, the longitudinal side surface 11 refers to the side surface of the timber 1 along its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal end surface 12 of the timber 1 refers to the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal side surface 11, and in Figure 1, it refers to the top and bottom surfaces of the timber 1.

[0028] Of the eight timbers 1, the timber 1a positioned at the corner in the top view in Figure 2 has a male rail section 3 and a female rail section 5 formed along the longitudinal direction on two adjacent longitudinal sides 11 of its four longitudinal sides 11. The male rail section 3 is formed as a rectangular recess in the longitudinal side surface 11 of the square timber 1 when viewed from above. A male fitting 4 is attached to the male rail section 3. The female rail section 5 is formed as a rectangular recess in the longitudinal side surface 11 of the square timber 1 when viewed from above. A female fitting 6 is attached to the female rail section 5.

[0029] Of the eight timbers 1, the timbers 1b that are positioned in a top view in Figure 2, excluding the corners, have male rail sections 3 and female rail sections 5 formed along their longitudinal direction on two of their four longitudinal side surfaces 11, which are on opposite sides of each other. Furthermore, a male fitting 4 is attached to the male rail section 3, and a female fitting 6 is attached to the female rail section 5.

[0030] As described above, adjacent wooden beams are connected by a male fitting 4 attached to one beam 1a and a female fitting 6 attached to the other beam 1b, facing each other. The male fitting 4 and female fitting 6 facing each other engage with each other, thereby connecting the adjacent wooden beams. Details of the male rail section 3, male fitting 4, female rail section 5, and female fitting 6 will be described later.

[0031] The structural member 100 shown in Figure 1 is used as the lower structural member 100a in the structure 200 described later. The upper end of the female fitting 6 extends from the longitudinal end face 12, i.e., the upper surface, of each corner timber 1 of the lower structural member 100a. As will be described later, this extended portion 63 of the female fitting 6 engages with the male fitting 4 of the upper structural member 100b.

[0032] [Structure] Next, we will describe the structure 200 using the structural material 100 mentioned above. The structural element 200 can be used, for example, as laminated timber for columns, beams, or interior finishing of structures in wooden buildings. The following explanation will use the application to columns as an example.

[0033] Figure 4 is an exploded perspective view of the structure, and Figure 5 is an external perspective view of the structure. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VI-VI in Figure 4, and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line VII-VII in Figure 4. The structure 200 is formed by connecting a lower structural member 100a and an upper structural member 100b. The lower structural member 100a and the upper structural member 100b each have eight square timbers 1. The lower structural member 100a is the same as the structural member 100 shown in Figure 1 above. The lower structural member 100a consists of eight square timbers 1 arranged in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and the eight square timbers 1 are connected by the engagement of opposing male fittings 4 and female fittings 6. The upper structural member 100b is also made up of eight square timbers 1 arranged in a rectangular frame shape when viewed from above, and the eight square timbers 1 are connected by the engagement of opposing male fittings 4 and female fittings 6. Here, the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 are engaged by sliding the convex portion 42 of the male fitting 4 into the concave portion 62 of the female fitting 6, as will be described later.

[0034] In the lower structural member 100a, the length of the female fitting 6 in the longitudinal direction is longer than the length of the male fitting 4 in the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the female fitting 6 extends from the upper surface, which is the longitudinal end face 12 of the eight connected square timbers 1. That is, the female fitting 6 extends from the upper surface of the lower structural member 100a. The length L1 of the extended portion 63 of the female fitting 6 is preferably about one-quarter of the total length of the upper structural member 100b that is connected to the upper side. By setting the length L1 of the extended portion 63 to about one-quarter of the total length of the upper structural member 100b to be connected, the lower structural member 100a and the upper structural member 100b can be reliably connected, and strength can also be ensured.

[0035] The arrangement of the male fittings 4 and female fittings 6 attached to the eight square timbers 1 that make up the upper structural member 100b is basically the same as the arrangement of the male fittings 4 and female fittings 6 attached to the eight square timbers 1 of the lower structural member 100a, as shown in Figure 6. However, the difference is that in the eight square timbers 1 of the upper structural member 100b, the female fittings 6 are not attached to the parts into which the extended portion 63 of the female fittings 6 attached to the lower structural member 100a is inserted. Specifically, as shown in Figure 7, the extended portion 63 of the female fitting 6 attached to the lower structural member 100a is inserted into approximately one-quarter of the female rail portion 5 of the square timber 1 of the upper structural member 100b from the lower end. Therefore, as shown in Figure 6, the female fitting 6 is pre-attached only to approximately three-quarters of the female rail portion 5 of the square timber 1 of the upper structural member 100b from the upper end. Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow from the upper end of the upper structural member 100b to three-quarters of its total length. Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the arrow from the lower end of the upper structural member 100b to one-quarter of its total length.

[0036] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the extended portion 63 of the female fitting 6 of the lower structural member 100a is slid and fitted into the female rail portion 5 of the upper structural member 100b, and the extended portion 63 engages with the male fitting 4 of the upper structural member 100b. In this way, the lower structural member 100a and the upper structural member 100b are connected and the structure 200 is formed. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, it is preferable for strength reasons to fill the outer surface of the joint between the lower structural member 100a and the upper structural member 100b with a filler such as high-strength mortar. In addition, reinforcing metal fittings or the like may be wrapped around the outer surface of the joint.

[0037] [Connecting hardware] Figure 8 is a perspective view of the male fitting, and Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end face showing the male fitting attached to the male rail portion of the square timber. The connecting fitting M comprises a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6. The male fitting 4 is preferably made of steel. The male fitting 4 comprises a fitting portion 41 that is fitted into the male rail portion 3 and a protrusion 42 formed on the fitting portion 41. The fitting portion 41 is a long, plate-like member with the same shape as the male rail portion 3, and has a rectangular shape in cross-section. The protrusion 42 protrudes from the longitudinal side of the fitting portion 41 (longitudinal side) toward the other opposing square timber 1b. When the protrusion 42 is engaged with the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 provided on the other square timber 1b, the protrusion 42 has a tapered surface 421 that widens toward the recess 62 so as to resist the direction of withdrawal from the recess 62 (see Figures 2 and 3). The tip of the protrusion 42 has a parallel surface 422 that is parallel to the longitudinal side of the fitting portion 41 (or the longitudinal side 11 of the square timber 1a). Therefore, the protrusion 42 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in cross-section by the tapered surface 421 and the parallel surface 422. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 9, the angle θ1 formed by the longitudinal side surface of the fitting portion 41 and the tapered surface 421 of the protrusion 42 is preferably 45 degrees. By setting the angle θ1 to 45 degrees, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 42 from coming out of the recess 62.

[0038] A hidden hole 423 is formed in the parallel surface 422 of the protrusion 42 into which a screw is driven. Note that the hidden hole 423 is not shown in Figure 8 due to drawing limitations. The fitting part 41 is fitted into the male rail part 3 of the square timber 1, and the male fitting 4 is attached by driving a screw B from the parallel surface 422 of the protrusion 42 toward the bottom surface 31 that forms the male rail part 3.

[0039] Figure 10 is a perspective view of the female fitting, and Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of the longitudinal end face showing the female fitting attached to the female rail portion of the square timber. The female fitting 6 is preferably made of steel. The female fitting 6 comprises a fitting portion 61 that is fitted into the female rail portion 5 and a recess 62 formed in the fitting portion 61. The fitting portion 61 is a long, plate-like member with the same shape as the female rail portion 5, and has a rectangular shape in cross-section. The recess 62 is recessed inward from the longitudinal side of the fitting portion 61 (longitudinal side), along the longitudinal direction. When the convex portion 42 of the male fitting 4 provided on one of the square timbers 1a is engaged with the recess 62, the recess 62 has a tapered surface 621 that narrows toward the convex portion 42 side so as to resist the pulling direction (see Figure 2). Therefore, the recess 62 is formed in a substantially triangular shape in cross-section by the tapered surface 621 and the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62. In the cross-sectional view of Figure 11, the angle θ2 formed by the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62 and the tapered surface 621 is preferably the same as the angle θ1, and is preferably 45 degrees. By setting the angle θ2 to 45 degrees, it is possible to prevent the protrusion 42 from coming out of the recess 62.

[0040] A hidden hole 623 is formed in the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62, into which a screw B is driven. Note that the hidden hole 623 is not shown in Figure 10 due to drawing limitations. The fitting part 61 is fitted into the female rail part 5 of the square timber 1, and the female fitting 6 is attached by driving a screw B from the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62 toward the bottom surface that forms the female rail part 5.

[0041] As described above, the male fitting 4 is attached to the male rail section 3, and the female rail section 5 is attached to the female rail section 5. Then, the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 is slid along the longitudinal direction from the longitudinal end of the square timber 1 into the recess 62 of the female fitting 6. As a result, the tapered surface 421 of the protrusion 42 and the tapered surface 621 of the recess 62 come into contact with each other. Consequently, the protrusion 42 is prevented from coming out of the recess 62.

[0042] (modified version) The male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 were fixed to the male rail section 3 and the female rail section 5, respectively, with screws B, but the fixing method is not limited to this. The following describes some variations of the fixing method. Figure 12 is a longitudinal side view showing the state in which the male fitting is attached to the male rail portion of the square timber, and Figure 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XIII-XIII in Figure 12. The protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 has holes 424 formed substantially perpendicular to the parallel surface 422 toward the fitting portion 41. Multiple holes 424 are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the protrusion 42. The holes 424 have a substantially circular shape in cross-section. A hole 32 is formed on the bottom surface 31 of the male rail section 3, extending inward from the bottom surface 31 towards the inside of the square timber 1. The hole 32 is approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 31 of the male rail section 3. The holes 32 formed in the male rail portion 3 are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the male rail portion 3, corresponding to the holes 424. Therefore, the protrusions 42 of the male fitting 4, the fitting portion 41, and the holes 424 and 32 formed in the square timber 1 are continuous. The length L2 of the continuous hole 33 formed by the continuous holes 424 and 32 is preferably 250 mm or more, which is longer than the length of the aramid fiber rod 71, which will be described later. In addition, the diameter of the continuous hole 33 is larger than the diameter of the aramid fiber rod 71.

[0043] An aramid fiber rod 71 is inserted into the continuous hole 33. The aramid fiber rod 71 is cylindrical and made of aramid fibers. The length of the aramid fiber rod 71 is such that it can be inserted into the continuous hole 33, and preferably does not protrude from the parallel surface 422 of the protrusion 42. The length of the aramid fiber rod 71 is preferably 240 mm or more. Furthermore, the continuous holes 33 are filled with epoxy resin. This fills the gap between the aramid fiber rod 71 and the continuous holes 33 with epoxy resin 72.

[0044] The aramid fiber rod 71 inserted into the continuous hole 33 is fixed in place by a stopper 73 inserted into the hole 424 of the protrusion 42. The stopper 73 is ring-shaped. The head of the aramid fiber rod 71, which is inserted into the continuous hole 33, is positioned inside the ring of the stopper 73, and the stopper 73 clamps around the aramid fiber rod 71. In this way, the aramid fiber rod 71 is fixed in place so that it does not come out of the continuous hole 33.

[0045] In addition to fixing the male fitting 4 to the male rail section 3 using the aramid fiber rod 71 and stopper 73, fixing with screws as described above may also be performed.

[0046] Figure 14 is a longitudinal side view showing the female fitting attached to the female rail portion of the timber, and Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line XV-XV in Figure 14. A hole 624 is formed approximately perpendicularly from the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 toward the bottom surface 51 of the female rail portion 5. Multiple holes 624 are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the recess 62. The holes 624 have a roughly circular shape in cross-section. A hole 52 is formed on the bottom surface 51 of the female rail section 5, extending inward from the bottom surface 51 towards the inside of the square timber 1. The hole 52 is approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface 51 of the female rail section 5. The holes 52 formed in the female rail portion 5 are formed at predetermined intervals along the longitudinal direction of the female rail portion 5, corresponding to the holes 624. Therefore, the recesses 62 of the female fitting 6, the fitting portion 61, and the holes 624 and 52 formed in the square timber 1 are continuous. The length L3 of the continuous hole 53 formed by the continuous holes 624 and 52 is preferably 250 mm or more, which is longer than the length of the aramid fiber rod 81, which will be described later. In addition, the diameter of the continuous hole 53 is larger than the diameter of the aramid fiber rod 81.

[0047] An aramid fiber rod 81 is inserted into the continuous hole 53. The aramid fiber rod 81 is cylindrical and made of aramid fibers. The length of the aramid fiber rod 81 is preferably such that it can be inserted into the continuous hole 53 and does not protrude from the bottom surface 622 that forms the recess 62. The length of the aramid fiber rod 81 is preferably 240 mm or more. Furthermore, the continuous holes 53 are filled with epoxy resin 82. This fills the gap between the aramid fiber rod 81 and the continuous holes 53 with epoxy resin 82.

[0048] The aramid fiber rod 81 inserted into the continuous hole 53 is fixed in place by a stopper 83 inserted into the hole 624 of the recess 62. The stopper 83 is ring-shaped. The head of the aramid fiber rod 81, which is inserted into the continuous hole 53, is positioned inside the ring of the stopper 83, and the stopper 83 clamps around the aramid fiber rod 81. In this way, the aramid fiber rod 81 is fixed in place so that it does not come out of the continuous hole 53.

[0049] In addition to fixing the female fitting 6 to the female rail portion 5 using the aramid fiber rod 81 and stopper 83, fixing may also be done with screws as described above.

[0050] According to the first embodiment, the following excellent effects are achieved. The structural member 100 is a structural member 100 made by connecting a plurality of long square timbers 1 with connecting fittings M, wherein the connecting fittings M are equipped with a male fitting 4 and a female fitting 6 that can engage with each other, and one square timber 1a and the other square timber 1b are arranged with their longitudinal sides 11 facing each other, the male fitting 4 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a that faces the other square timber 1b, and the female fitting 6 is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b that faces the one square timber 1a, and the longitudinal side 11 of one square timber 1a and the longitudinal side 11 of the other square timber 1b are connected by the engagement of the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6. Therefore, by engaging the male fitting 4 of one timber 1a with the female fitting 6 of the other timber 1b, the longitudinal side surface 11 of one timber 1a and the longitudinal side surface 11 of the other timber 1b can be easily connected. Therefore, since conventional timbers can be used as the timber 1 and connected with male fittings 4 and female fittings 6, materials can be easily procured and the product can be manufactured at low cost. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the number of timbers 1, the cross-sectional area of ​​the structural member 100 can be easily changed, allowing for structural members 100 of various dimensions. Furthermore, since they are connected by male fittings 4 and female fittings 6, the structural material 100 can be made with superior strength. Furthermore, by appropriately changing the material of the timber 1, the strength of the structural member 100 can be freely altered, increasing its range of applications.

[0051] Since the longitudinal end of the female fitting 6 of the structural member 100a extends from the longitudinal end face 12 of the square timber 1, it can be easily connected to the longitudinal end face of other square timbers using this extended female fitting 6. Therefore, by changing the number of square timbers 1 connected in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal dimensions of the structural member 100 can be easily changed, and structural members 100 of various dimensions can be made. Furthermore, a structural member 100 with excellent strength can be made.

[0052] The male fitting 4 has a protrusion 42 on the opposing surface of one square timber 1a that protrudes from the opposing surface toward the other square timber 1b, and the female fitting 6 has a recess 62 on the opposing surface of the other square timber 1b that recesses inward from the opposing surface and engages with the protrusion 42, and when the protrusion 42 is engaged with the recess 62, the protrusion 42 has a tapered surface 421 that widens toward the recess 62 so as to resist the pulling direction from the recess 62, and the recess 62 has a tapered surface 621 that narrows toward the protrusion 42 so as to resist the pulling direction, and when the protrusion 42 is slid along the longitudinal direction of the square timber toward the recess 62 the tapered surface 421 of the protrusion 42 and the tapered surface 621 of the recess 62 come into contact with each other. Therefore, when a force is applied in the direction of pulling the protrusion 42 out of the recess 62, the tapered surfaces 421 and 621 resist the pulling direction, making it impossible to pull the protrusion 42 out of the recess 62. Consequently, the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 can be firmly fixed, and the timbers can be firmly connected to each other. Furthermore, by sliding the protrusion 42 along the longitudinal direction of the timber 1b relative to the recess 62, the tapered surfaces 421 and 621 come into contact and engage with each other, making it easy to connect the timbers together.

[0053] A male rail section 3 is formed on the opposing surface of one of the square timbers 1a, and a male fitting 4 is provided thereon. The aramid fiber rod 71 is inserted from the male fitting 4 toward the male rail section 3, and the male fitting 4 is fixed to the male rail section 3 by clamping the aramid fiber rod 71 with a stopper 73. Here, since the aramid fiber rod 71 is very strong against pulling, the male fitting 4 can be reliably prevented from coming out of the male rail section 3. In addition, since the aramid fiber rod 71 is clamped around by the stopper 73, it is also prevented from coming out once inserted.

[0054] On the opposing surface of the other square timber 1b, a female rail section 5 is formed, into which a female fitting 6 is provided. The female fitting 6 is provided on the female rail section 5, and the aramid fiber rod 81 is inserted from the female fitting 6 toward the female rail section 5. The female fitting 6 is fixed to the female rail section 5 by clamping the aramid fiber rod 81 with a stopper 83. Here, since the aramid fiber rod 81 is very strong against pulling, the female fitting 6 can be reliably prevented from coming out of the female rail section 5. In addition, since the aramid fiber rod 81 is clamped around by the stopper 83, it can also be prevented from coming out once inserted.

[0055] Furthermore, the structure 200 is a structure formed by connecting multiple structural members 100a and 100b in the longitudinal direction, and at the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, a male or female fitting 6 extending from the longitudinal end face 12 of a square timber 1 constituting one structural member 100a is engaged with a female or male fitting 4 of the other structural member 100b. Therefore, by engaging the male or female fitting 6 extending from the longitudinal end face 12 of one structural member 100a with the female or male fitting 4 of the other structural member 100b, the structural members can be easily and firmly connected in the longitudinal direction.

[0056] 2. Second Embodiment While the structure of the first embodiment described above was applied to a column, the structure of the second embodiment is applied to a beam. [Structural material] Figure 16 is an exploded perspective view of the structural members. The structural member 300 is made up of multiple long square timbers 9 connected by connecting fittings M. In the following description, a structural member 300 in which three square timbers 9 are connected by connecting fittings M will be described, but the number of square timbers 9 is not limited to this. The connecting fittings M are the same male fittings 4 and female fittings 6 as in the first embodiment. Therefore, the same reference numerals are used for similar components and their descriptions are omitted.

[0057] <lumber> The timber 9 is made of wood material, similar to the timber 1 in the first embodiment. The timber 9 is a long member running horizontally, with a roughly rectangular cross-section at its longitudinal end face. Preferably, the timber 9 is 3m in length, for example, a commonly available length. Three rectangular timbers 9 are arranged parallel to each other with their longitudinal sides 91 facing each other. Specifically in Figure 16, rectangular timbers 9b and 9c are positioned in front of and behind the central rectangular timber 9a, respectively. Hereafter, the central rectangular timber will be referred to as the central rectangular timber 9a. The rectangular timber positioned in front of the central rectangular timber 9a will be referred to as the front rectangular timber 9b, and the rectangular timber positioned behind the central rectangular timber 9a will be referred to as the rear rectangular timber 9c. Furthermore, in the following, the longitudinal side surface 91 refers to the two side surfaces with the larger area among the four side surfaces of the timber 9 along its longitudinal direction. The longitudinal end surface 92 is the surface perpendicular to the longitudinal side surface 91, and in Figure 16, it refers to the right end surface or the left end surface of the timber 9.

[0058] In Figure 16, on the longitudinal side surface 91 of the front corner member 9b, one male rail section 3 and one female rail section 5 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the central corner member 9a. The male rail section 3 and the female rail section 5 are formed parallel to each other. In Figure 16, the upper side is the male rail section 3 and the lower side is the female rail section 5. On the longitudinal side surface 91 of the rear corner member 9c, one female rail section 5 and one male rail section 3 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the central corner member 9a. The male rail section 3 and the female rail section 5 are formed parallel to each other. In Figure 16, the upper side is the female rail section 5 and the lower side is the male rail section 3. On the longitudinal side surface 91 of the central corner member 9a, one female rail section 5 and one male rail section 3 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the front corner member 9b. In Figure 16, the upper side is the female rail section 5 and the lower side is the male rail section 3. Furthermore, on the longitudinal side surface 91 of the central corner member 9a, one male rail section 3 and one female rail section 5 are formed along the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the rear corner member 9c. In Figure 16, the upper side is the male rail section 3 and the lower side is the female rail section 5.

[0059] The male rail portion 3 and female rail portion 5 formed on the front timber 9b, rear timber 9c, and central timber 9a are formed as rectangular recesses in the longitudinal side surface 91 of the timber when viewed from the side, similar to the male rail portion 3 and female rail portion 5 of the first embodiment. Furthermore, the male rail portion 3 is fitted with a male fitting 4 similar to that of the first embodiment. The female rail portion 5 is fitted with a female fitting 6 similar to that of the first embodiment. Therefore, the front corner member 9b and the central corner member 9a are connected by sliding and engaging the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 of the front corner member 9b with the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 of the central corner member 9, and sliding and engaging the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 of the central corner member 9a with the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 of the front corner member 9b.

[0060] Furthermore, the rear corner member 9c and the central corner member 9a are connected by sliding the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 of the rear corner member 9c into the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 of the central corner member 9a, and sliding the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4 of the central corner member 9a into the recess 62 of the female fitting 6 of the rear corner member 9c.

[0061] The structural member 300 shown in Figure 16 is used as the left structural member 300a in the structure 400 described later. A female rail portion 5A is formed on the longitudinal end face 92, i.e., the right end face, of each corner timber 9 of the left structural member 300a. A female fitting 6A is attached to the female rail portion 5A. This female fitting 6A is designed to engage with the male fitting 4A of the right structural member 300b in the structure 400 described later. Further details will be provided later.

[0062] [Structure] Next, we will describe the structure 400 using the structural material 300 described above. Figure 17 is an exploded perspective view of the structure, and Figure 18 is an external perspective view of the structure. The structure 400 comprises a left structural member 300a and a right structural member 300b. The structure 400 is formed by connecting the right end face of the left structural member 300a and the left end face of the right structural member 300b. The left structural member 300a and the right structural member 300b each have three square timbers 9. The left structural member 300a is the same as the structural member 300 shown in Figure 16 above. In the left structural member 300a, three square timbers 9 are arranged so that their respective longitudinal sides 91 are parallel to each other. The three square timbers 9 are connected by the engagement of opposing male fittings 4 and female fittings 6. In the right structural member 300b, three square timbers 9 are arranged so that their respective longitudinal sides 91 are parallel to each other. The three square timbers 9 are connected by the engagement of opposing male fittings 4 and female fittings 6. Here, the male fitting 4 and the female fitting 6 are engaged by sliding the convex portion 42 of the male fitting 4 into the concave portion 62 of the female fitting 6.

[0063] Female rail sections 5A are formed on the longitudinal end face 92 of the left structural member 300a, that is, on the right end face of each of the three square timbers 9 that make up the left structural member 300a. A male rail portion 3A is formed on the longitudinal end face 92 of the right structural member 300b, that is, on the left end face of each of the three square timbers 9 that make up the right structural member 300b. The female rail portion 5A and male rail portion 3A formed on the right and left end faces of these square timbers 9 are formed as rectangular recesses in cross-section on the right and left end faces of the square timbers 9, similar to the female rail portion 5 and male rail portion 3 formed on the longitudinal side surface 91 of the square timbers 9. Furthermore, a male fitting 4A is attached to the male rail section 3A, and a female fitting 6A is attached to the female rail section 5A. The structures of the female rail section 5A and male rail section 3A formed on the longitudinal end face of the square timber 9 are the same as those of the female rail section 5 and male rail section 3 on the longitudinal side surface of the square timber 9, so their explanation is omitted. The structures of the male fitting 4A and female fitting 6A are also the same as those of the male fitting 4 and male fitting 6, so their explanation is omitted.

[0064] As shown in Figures 17 and 18, the protrusion 42 of the male fitting 4A attached to the left end face of the right structural member 300b is engaged by sliding into the recess 62 of the female fitting 6A attached to the right end face of the left structural member 300a. In this way, the left structural member 300a and the right structural member 300b are connected to form the structure 400. Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, it is preferable for strength reasons to fill the outer surface of the joint between the left structural member 300a and the right structural member 300b with a filler such as mortar. In addition, reinforcing metal fittings or the like may be wrapped around the outer surface of the joint.

[0065] Furthermore, the structure 200 of the first embodiment can be used as a column, and the structure 400 of the second embodiment can be used as a beam, and these columns and beams can be connected separately using connecting fittings.

[0066] Furthermore, the male fittings 4, 4A and female fittings 6, 6A can be fixed to the timber 9 using screws or aramid fiber rods, as in the first embodiment.

[0067] The second embodiment provides the following excellent effects. In the structural member 300, male fittings 4A or female fittings 6A are provided on the longitudinal end faces 92 of the square timbers 9, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Therefore, the longitudinal end faces of the square timbers 9 can be easily connected using the male fittings 4A or female fittings 6A. Consequently, by changing the number of square timbers 9 connected in the longitudinal direction, the longitudinal dimensions of the structural member 300 can be easily changed, allowing for structural members 300 of various dimensions. Furthermore, a structural member 300 with superior strength can be achieved.

[0068] The structure 400 is formed by connecting multiple structural members 300a and 300b in the longitudinal direction, and at the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, a male or female fitting 6A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of a square timber 9 constituting one structural member 300a engages with a male or female fitting 4A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of a square timber 9 constituting the other structural member 300b. Therefore, by engaging the male or female fitting 6A provided on the longitudinal end face 92 of one structural member 300a with the male or female fitting 4A of the other structural member 300b, the structural members can be easily and firmly connected in the longitudinal direction.

[0069] Furthermore, in recent years, there has been a growing demand for the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality, which aims to achieve virtually zero carbon dioxide emissions, and for the achievement of the SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). In the construction industry, efforts are also being made to use wood in buildings, which has lower carbon dioxide emissions. The structural materials 100, 300 and structural components 200, 400 mentioned above utilize lumber, which is a wood-based material, and therefore can contribute to the realization of a decarbonized society through the promotion of carbon neutrality and the achievement of the SDGs.

[0070] The embodiments to which the present invention can be applied are not limited to those described above, and can be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention. Modifications are described below. The following modifications may be combined as much as possible. Furthermore, in the following modifications, elements common to the embodiments described above are denoted by the same reference numerals, and their descriptions are omitted or simplified.

[0071] In the first embodiment described above, the upper end of the female fitting 6 extends from the longitudinal end face 12 of the lower structural member 100a of the structure 200. However, the structure is not limited to this, and although not shown, the upper end of the male fitting 4 may also extend from the longitudinal end face 12 of the lower structural member 100a. In this case, it is preferable to have a structure that engages with the female fitting 6 of the upper structural member 100b.

[0072] Furthermore, in the first embodiment described above, the structural member 100a has male fittings 4 and female fittings 6 attached to two longitudinal sides 11 of each square timber 1, but connecting fittings may also be attached to three or four longitudinal sides of each square timber. This makes it possible to increase the number of square timbers to be connected, and to increase the cross-sectional area at the longitudinal end face of the structure 200. Furthermore, in the structural member 100a, the female fitting 6 extends only from the upper end face of the longitudinal end face 12 of the square timber 1. However, the female fitting 6 may also be extended from the lower end face, and another structural member may be connected to the lower end face as well. This makes it possible to increase the longitudinal dimension of the structure 200.

[0073] Similarly, in the second embodiment, the structural member 300 may also have connecting fittings M attached to the two smaller sides of the four sides of the rectangular timber 9 along its longitudinal direction. This allows for an increase in the number of connecting rectangular timbers 9, thereby increasing the cross-sectional area at the longitudinal end face of the structure 400. Furthermore, although the male fittings 4A and female fittings 6A are attached to only one of the longitudinal end faces 92 of the square timber 9, the male fittings 4A and female fittings 6A may also be attached to the other end face. This allows for an increase in the number of square timbers 9 to be connected, thereby increasing the longitudinal dimension of the structure 300. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0074] 1, 1a, 1b, 9 square timbers 3 Male rail section 4, 4A Male fitting 5 Female rail section 6, 6A Female connector 11, 91 Longitudinal side view 12, 92 Longitudinal end face 42 Convex part 62 recesses 71, 81 Aramid fiber rods 73, 83 Stopper 100, 100a, 100b, 300, 300a, 300b structural material 200, 400 structures 421, 621 Tapered surface M connecting fittings

Claims

1. A structural member made by connecting multiple long pieces of timber with connecting fittings, The aforementioned connecting fitting comprises a male fitting and a female fitting that can engage with each other, One timber and the other timber are positioned with their longitudinal sides facing each other. On the longitudinal side surface of one of the aforementioned square timbers, the male fitting is provided extending in the longitudinal direction on the surface facing the other square timber. The female fitting is provided on the longitudinal side surface of the other timber, on the surface facing the first timber, extending in the longitudinal direction. The male fitting and the female fitting engage with each other, thereby connecting the longitudinal side surface of one of the timbers and the longitudinal side surface of the other timber. A structural material characterized by the following features.

2. The longitudinal end of the male fitting or the longitudinal end of the female fitting extends from the longitudinal end face of the square timber. The structural material according to feature 1.

3. The male or female fitting is further provided on the longitudinal end face of the aforementioned square timber, extending in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. The structural material according to feature 1.

4. The male fitting is provided with a protrusion on the opposing surface of one of the square timbers that protrudes from the opposing surface toward the other square timber, The female fitting is provided with a recess on the opposing surface of the other square timber that is recessed inward from the opposing surface and engages with the protrusion, In the state in which the protrusion is engaged with the recess, The convex portion has a tapered surface that widens toward the recess side so as to resist the direction of withdrawal from the recess, The recess has a tapered surface that narrows toward the convex portion so as to resist the pulling direction, By sliding the protrusion along the longitudinal direction of the rectangular timber relative to the recess, the tapered surface of the protrusion and the tapered surface of the recess come into contact with each other. The structural material according to feature 1.

5. A male rail portion is formed on the opposing surface of one of the aforementioned square timbers, on which the male fitting is provided. The aramid fiber rod is inserted from the male fitting toward the male rail portion, and the male fitting is fixed to the male rail portion by clamping the aramid fiber rod with a stopper. The structural material according to feature 1.

6. A female rail portion is formed on the opposing surface of the other square timber, on which the female fitting is provided. The female fitting provided on the female rail portion is fixed to the female rail portion by inserting an aramid fiber rod from the female fitting toward the female rail portion and clamping the aramid fiber rod with a stopper. The structural material according to feature 1.

7. A structure comprising a plurality of structural members described in claim 2 connected in the longitudinal direction, At the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, the male or female fitting extending from the longitudinal end face of the square timber constituting one structural member engages with the female or male fitting of the other structural member. A structure characterized by the following features.

8. A structure comprising a plurality of structural members described in claim 3 connected in the longitudinal direction, At the longitudinal end faces of adjacent structural members, the male or female fitting provided on the longitudinal end face of the square timber constituting one structural member engages with the male or female fitting provided on the longitudinal end face of the square timber constituting the other structural member. A structure characterized by the following features.

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