Tubular joist structures and assemblies and methods of using

Abstract

A hollow tubular joist structure, a joist assembly including a plurality of aligned repetitive tubular joist structures, and a method of constructing this joist assembly. The tubular joist structure may include any suitable cross-sectional geometry. The joist structure includes a tubular top chord; a tubular bottom chord; and, a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The diagonals may also be tubular. The diagonals are arranged in a zig-zag formation between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord. The tubular top chord may be capable of receiving a power actuated fastener (PAF). The tubular top chord or the tubular bottom chord may also be capable of receiving a utility conduit. A method of constructing a joist assembly of the present disclosure includes assembling a plurality of joist structures each including a top chord, a bottom chord, and a plurality of diagonals extending between the top chord and bottom chord; and, wherein a plurality of the joist structures include a tubular top chord and a tubular bottom chord.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.