Patent ID: 9605431
Date: 2017-03-28
CPC Classifications: E04B,E04C

Claim:
1. A timber joist comprising: a web; and first and second flanges connected together by the web, the first and second flanges each having respective facing surfaces facing each other and each having a respective slot formed therein that extends longitudinally along a length of the flange and that is dimensioned so as to receive the web therein, the web extending into and being bonded in the slots of the first and second flanges so as to be structurally integral with the flanges, and such that the web, the first flange, and the second flange form a composite structural member, wherein each of the first and second flanges comprises a timber pole having a central axis, a diameter, and opposite ends, said timber poles each being a naturally-occurring round cross-section pole having a central core and a peripheral surface trimmed so that the pole has a substantially constant cross-sectional shape over a total length thereof, wherein at least one end of one of the first and second flanges has an axial bore extending along at least part of the central axis of the flange, the axial bore being sized to receive a dowel and configured to form a load-bearing dowel connection therewith, wherein the surfaces of the first and second flanges facing one another have substantially curved profiles, wherein the web has a height greater than the diameter of the first or second flange, and wherein the web extends to a depth of at least about 20% of the diameter of the flange into which the web is embedded.