Composite Open Web Beam-Joist With Cambered Utility Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current steel-supported concrete floor and roof construction methods in commercial buildings are inefficient and costly, as they rely on traditional steel joists that require complex installation and materials, lacking a superior beam-joist structure for large-scale construction.
Innovation Solution
A composite open web beam joist is developed, featuring a cambered beam-joist with triangular web sections, chord angle beams, and a vertical plate, manufactured through cutting, cambering, and welding processes to create a more efficient and economical structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional steel joists are used with complex installation methods, then structural integrity is maintained, but construction cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The beam-joist is segmented into modular components including pre-fabricated chord assemblies with integrated bearing seats, panel sections with standardized web configurations, and connection elements. This segmentation enables factory pre-assembly while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection details.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the bearing seat, chord members, and connection hardware into integrated assemblies. The bearing seat is combined with the chord members to form unified components that simplify field installation while maintaining load path continuity and structural strength.
2Productivity
If traditional steel joist construction methods are used, then load-bearing capacity is achieved, but material cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Connection hardware, bearing seats, and alignment features are pre-installed on chord members during factory fabrication. Panel points and connection zones are pre-prepared with standardized detailing, enabling rapid field assembly without complex on-site fabrication or alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention standardizes geometric parameters including panel point spacing, chord member dimensions, and bearing seat configurations. This parameter standardization enables modular assembly and simplifies installation procedures while maintaining structural performance through optimized dimensional relationships.
3Ease of operation
If open web design is used for utilities installation, then accessibility is improved, but structural strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The web configuration is optimized locally at different positions along the span. Panel points are strategically positioned to maintain structural strength where required, while open web sections are provided where utilities need access. The chord member spacing and web orientation are varied to balance structural performance with utilities accessibility in different zones.
Solution Approach 2:
The chord members are given a cambered curvature to counteract deflection and maintain structural strength. This camber compensates for the reduced stiffness from open web configurations, ensuring that the beam maintains adequate strength and stiffness while providing open spaces for utilities installation.
Data Source
AI summary
A composite open web beam joist includes a cambered beam joist portion including a top end, a bottom end, a first side, a second side, and an open web layout extending from end to end. The open web layout includes triangular web sections and openings between each of the triangular web sections. Each triangular web section includes a peak. A first chord angle beam is attached to the first side of the cambered beam-joist portion at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A second chord angle beam is attached to the second side of the cambered beam-joist at the peaks of the triangular web sections. A plate is vertically attached to a center of the top end of the cambered beam-joist. The plate extended longitudinally along the center of the top end of the cambered beam joist portion. The plate includes a distal end having a flange and a recess.