Composite structure

Abstract

A structure derives its structural strength and integrity entirely from interlocked pultruded composite members. The disclosed techniques can be used in a wide variety of applications including replacement for steel frame structures and is especially useful where the electrical properties of steel are undesirable, such as in high voltage transmission towers. Two types of pultrusions are used as structural members to build the entire structure. Lock-in butt joints between all members are made by inserting the compressed ends of the resilient bifurcations of the crossmembers into openings in the receiving member, where they expand to lock in place and are blocked against subsequent compression by inserts. Channels spanning the entire column lengths permit insertion of a crossmember anywhere along the channel where there is an access opening. Cruciform crossmember supports used throughout are made by passing one member through an expandible slit in the other member until corresponding notches interlock, with the joints so created allowing a few degrees of scissoring between the members to facilitate engagement of the crossmembers in the column channels through the smallest window possible.