Truss structures constructed with metal web members

Abstract

A plurality of V-shaped metal web members serve to interconnect two elongated wooden members for forming a truss or joist assembly. The two elongated wooden members are arranged so as to extend parallel to each other with a spacing therebetween. The metal web members are placed in the spacing between the wooden members and have their extremities connected to the wooden members. Each of the metal web members has connector nail plates located both at its apex and at each of its extremities. Struck out from each connector plate are a plurality of pairs of teeth with each pair of teeth leaving a corresponding slot between them. All of the teeth extend from the same face of the metal web member. Each of the connector plates at the two extremities is connected to the apex connector plate by a leg member. Each of the legs has at least one groove which extends from the same side of the metal web member as the teeth. Each of the legs also has side flanges extending on both sides thereof for the entire length of the leg which flanges also extend in the same direction as the groove. The flanges and grooves are formed with appropriate depths to sufficiently increase the rigidity of the metal web member for avoiding any bending of the legs when subjected to normal compressive loads.