Bar Joist Support System for Roof Deck Reinforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for reinforcing roof decking after cutting openings for heavy equipment in steel-framed buildings, such as welding angle clips, cause structural damage, are difficult, dangerous, and lead to uneven load distribution, potentially resulting in roof failure.
Innovation Solution
A support system comprising end brackets secured to metal bar joists or beams with elongate bars and T-bracket assemblies that transmit loads without welding, allowing for secure installation of cross members and distributing loads evenly across the roof decking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If welding angle clips are used to support welded angle framing steel, then the load can be transferred to the bar joists, but the welding may cause unintended structural damage to the joists through undercutting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process with a mechanical connection system consisting of heel clips, angle irons, and support brackets that transfer loads through friction and mechanical interlocking rather than fusion. This eliminates the thermal damage and undercutting associated with welding while maintaining effective load transfer to the bar joists.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components (heel clips, angle irons, and support brackets) between the equipment and the bar joists. These intermediaries distribute the load over a larger area and through multiple contact points, preventing concentrated stresses that would damage the joist structure while still achieving the required load transfer.
2Ease of manufacture
If welding is performed from awkward angles with limited space constraints, then the support structure can be installed, but the welding becomes difficult or dangerous
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into separate, pre-fabricated components (heel clips, angle irons, support brackets) that can be assembled in place using simple mechanical fasteners. This segmentation allows each component to be installed independently from accessible positions, eliminating the need for difficult welding operations in confined or awkward spaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the welding operation with mechanical fastening methods (bolts, screws, or interlocking features) that can be performed from accessible positions. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards and difficulty associated with welding in confined spaces while maintaining structural integrity.
3Ease of manufacture
If material is removed from the framing angle to install support, then the support can be installed, but the framing angle becomes weakened and less capable of supporting loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary support brackets and angle irons that attach to the framing angle without removing material. These intermediaries provide the necessary support function while preserving the full structural integrity of the original framing angle, allowing it to maintain its full load-carrying capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sacrificial or replaceable support components (such as removable brackets or adjustable support elements) that can be installed and removed without permanently altering the framing structure. This allows the framing angle to remain intact and fully functional, while the support elements provide temporary or permanent assistance as needed.
4Ease of manufacture
If support angles are installed before the decking, then the support structure can be positioned, but stress concentrates along the line where the edge of the top flange of the joist meets the framing angle
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into multiple components (heel clips at the joist ends, intermediate support brackets, and cross members) that distribute the load across multiple discrete contact points along the framing angle. This segmentation prevents stress concentration at any single location, including the critical junction where the top flange meets the framing angle.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different support components at different locations along the framing angle, with heel clips at the ends and intermediate brackets at strategically positioned intervals. This localized approach ensures even load distribution by providing support precisely where needed, preventing stress concentration at the flange-edge junction while maintaining proper support throughout the structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A support system securable between pairs of metal bar joists or beams includes one or more end brackets secured to the top of a first bar joist at one end, and another corresponding number of end brackets secured to the top of a second bar joist opposite the first two end brackets. One or more elongate bars span the distance separating the bar joists. Each elongate bar is secured to one of the end brackets secured to the first bar joist at a first end, and to the respective, aligned end bracket secured to the second bar joist at a second end. Cross members, each defined by a pair T-shaped bracket assemblies having cross bars secured thereto, are secured between the elongate bars.