Patent Publication Number: US-2022228360-A1

Title: Structural Member Assemblies, Beams, And Support Structures Comprising Same

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/802,050, filed Feb. 26, 2020, which is a division of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/443,493, filed on Jun. 17, 2019, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 16/400,896, filed on May 1, 2019, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,513,849. Each of the above-identified applications is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The disclosed invention relates to structural members, beams, and support structures. Optionally, the disclosed structural members, beams, and support structures can be used to construct at least a portion of a structural design, such as a building. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Structural members, such as beams, braces, tubes, rods, and columns, can be used as constituents of a structure&#39;s frame. The amount of material used in each structural member can reduce the cost of said structural member, but material reduction typically corresponds with a reduction in strength. Accordingly, a strong, inexpensive alternative can be desirable. 
     Structural members can be attached end-to-end to create columns and frames of structures. Accordingly, it can be desirable to facilitate alignment and coupling between adjacent structural members. 
     Conventional steel-concrete composite beams typically comprise heavy steel beams that can be expensive and increase weight without substantial added benefit to the beam&#39;s strength. Moreover, a lack of engagement between the steel and the concrete can limit the strength of the beam. 
     SUMMARY 
     Described herein, in various aspects, is a structural member design that can be used in a horizontal fashion to transfer building loads to vertical supports of a building or structure. The design of this horizontal structural member, referred to as a beam, can comprise a unique assembly of C-shaped channel members or “cees” assembled in a way to optimize strength and ease of constructability. The design can comprise shape-specific members that integrate the channel members and concrete into a strong and inexpensive composite beam. 
     According to a first aspect, a beam can have an upper surface and can comprise a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis. The plurality of steel channel members can cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein. The plurality of steel channel members can comprise a first C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having a base wall, first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from the base wall, and first and second flanges respectively inwardly extending from the first and second side walls. The channel of the first C-shaped channel member can define a portion of the interior volume. The first and second flanges can extend into the interior volume. A plurality of internally projecting members can be spaced along the longitudinal axis. The plurality of internally projecting members can be coupled to the base wall of the first C-shaped channel member and extend into the interior volume. A strap can be secured to the upper surface of the beam and extend across the interior volume so that when the interior volume is filled with concrete, the strap engages the concrete. 
     The plurality of steel channel members can further comprise a second C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel and a third C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel, wherein the second and third C-channels are disposed so that their respective channels open away from each other. The first C-shaped channel can extend between the second and third C-shaped channels. The channel of the first C-shaped channel member and outer surfaces of the second C-shaped channel member and the third C-shaped channel member can cooperate to define at least a portion of the interior volume. 
     The plurality of inwardly projecting members can comprise a plurality of shoulder bolts that are bolted to at least one steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members. 
     The beam can further comprise a generally planar wall that is elongated along the longitudinal axis and attached to the base wall of the first steel channel member. Each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members can comprise a web section extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, the web section having a distal end, and a generally planar tab extending perpendicularly to, and from the distal end of, the web section. 
     Each generally planar tab can have a distal end. Each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members can further comprise a flange extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of the generally planar tab. 
     The internally projecting members can be spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches. 
     The beam can further comprise a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps. 
     The depending internally projecting components can comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions. 
     At least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components can extend down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam. 
     Each of the plurality of steel channel members can comprise light gauge steel. 
     The plurality of internally projecting members can comprise a plurality of C-shaped components that are attached to the first C-shaped channel member. 
     The beam can further comprise concrete cured within the interior volume, wherein the first and second flanges of first C-shaped channel member, the plurality of internally projecting members, and the strap are engaged with the cured concrete. 
     A beam can comprise a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein, and a reinforcement member disposed within the interior volume and attached to a steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members. The reinforcement member can comprise a generally planar wall extending along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of web sections extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, each web section having a respective distal end, and a plurality of generally planar tabs, each generally planar tab extending from the distal end of a respective web section of the plurality of web sections. 
     The reinforcement member can further comprise a plurality of flanges, each flange of the plurality of flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of a respective generally planar tab. 
     The adjacent web sections can be spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches. 
     The beam can have an upper surface and further comprises a plurality of straps secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume. 
     The beam can further comprise a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps. 
     The depending internally projecting components can comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions. 
     At least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components can extend down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam. 
     Each of the plurality of steel channel members can comprise light gauge steel. 
     Additional advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed. 
    
    
     
       DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       These and other features of the preferred embodiments of the invention will become more apparent in the detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings wherein: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exploded structural member assembly, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross section of the structural member assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a cross section of an alternative structural member assembly, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 4  is a perspective view of an exploded structural member assembly of  FIG. 1  incorporated in a portion of a support column; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the portion of the support column of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIGS. 6A-6D  are schematics of sequential assembly steps for constructing a support column; 
         FIG. 7  is a schematic of another support column; 
         FIG. 8  is a schematic of yet another support column; 
         FIG. 9  is a top perspective view of an alignment bracket for use with embodiments of structural member assemblies as disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 10  is a bottom perspective view of the alignment bracket of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the alignment bracket of  FIG. 9  coupled to an inner member of a structural member assembly, in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 12  is a schematic of an inner member in accordance with embodiments disclosed herein; 
         FIG. 13  is a perspective view of a coupling bracket for attaching adjacent outer channel members; 
         FIG. 14A  is a schematic view of still another support column; 
         FIG. 14B  is a cross sectional view of the support column of  FIG. 14A , illustrating a structural member assembly comprising a structural tube and a center member; 
         FIG. 15  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of a beam having a plurality of internally projecting members therein; 
         FIG. 16  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of a beam having a plurality of internally projecting members therein, wherein the internally projecting members comprise portions of a reinforcement member; 
         FIG. 17  illustrates a partial perspective view of a beam with an alternative embodiment of internally projecting members; 
         FIG. 18  illustrates a cross sectional perspective view of the beam of  FIG. 17 ; and 
         FIG. 19  illustrates a perspective view of the beam having a plurality of straps and depending internally projecting components depending therefrom. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the invention, are shown. Indeed, this invention may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout. It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular methodology and protocols described, as such may vary. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. 
     Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which the invention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing description and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 
     As used herein the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, use of the term “a flange” can refer to one or more of such flanges, and so forth. 
     All technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs unless clearly indicated otherwise. 
     As used herein, the terms “optional” or “optionally” mean that the subsequently described event or circumstance may or may not occur, and that the description includes instances where said event or circumstance occurs and instances where it does not. 
     As used herein, the term “at least one of” is intended to be synonymous with “one or more of.” For example, “at least one of A, B and C” explicitly includes only A, only B, only C, and combinations of each. 
     The word “or” as used herein means any one member of a particular list and also includes any combination of members of that list. 
     Ranges can be expressed herein as from “about” one particular value, and/or to “about” another particular value. When such a range is expressed, another aspect includes from the one particular value and/or to the other particular value. Similarly, when values are expressed as approximations, by use of the antecedent “about,” it will be understood that the particular value forms another aspect. It will be further understood that the endpoints of each of the ranges are significant both in relation to the other endpoint, and independently of the other endpoint. Optionally, in some aspects, when values are approximated by use of the antecedent “about,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. Similarly, when values are approximated by the use of the antecedent “approximately” “generally,” or “substantially,” it is contemplated that values within up to 15%, up to 10%, up to 5%, or up to 1% (above or below) of the particularly stated value can be included within the scope of those aspects. 
     It should be understood that references herein to “top,” “bottom,” “above”, and “below” should be understood to be descriptive with respect to components&#39; orientations as shown the Figures. Such references should not be understood to limit the orientations of the components to the embodiments shown. For example, the structural member assemblies can be inverted so that the “top” and “bottom” ends are reversed. Similarly, in various embodiments, the structural member assemblies and support columns can extend horizontally or at any other angle with respect to the ground. 
     It is to be understood that unless otherwise expressly stated, it is in no way intended that any method set forth herein be construed as requiring that its steps be performed in a specific order. Accordingly, where a method claim does not actually recite an order to be followed by its steps or it is not otherwise specifically stated in the claims or descriptions that the steps are to be limited to a specific order, it is in no way intended that an order be inferred, in any respect. This holds for any possible non-express basis for interpretation, including: matters of logic with respect to arrangement of steps or operational flow; plain meaning derived from grammatical organization or punctuation; and the number or type of aspects described in the specification. 
     The following description supplies specific details in order to provide a thorough understanding. Nevertheless, the skilled artisan would understand that the apparatus, system, and associated methods of using the apparatus can be implemented and used without employing these specific details. Indeed, the apparatus, system, and associated methods can be placed into practice by modifying the illustrated apparatus, system, and associated methods and can be used in conjunction with any other apparatus and techniques conventionally used in the industry. 
     Disclosed herein, in various aspects and with reference to  FIG. 1 , is a structural member assembly  100  (shown in an exploded view) that is elongated in a longitudinal dimension  101 . The structural member assembly  100  can comprise a first outer channel member  102 A having a length  103 A, a second outer channel member  102 B having a length  103 B, and an inner member  104  having a length  105 . The first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B and the inner member  104  can optionally comprise light gauge steel, such as, for example, 12ga through 20ga. Further, first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B and inner member  104  can optionally comprise hot formed steel. The first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B can each define a channel therein. The first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B can be positioned adjacent each other so that the respective channels cooperate to define an interior passage. The inner member  104  can be disposed at least partially within the interior passage and couple to each of the first outer channel member  102 A and the second outer channel member  102 B. Although members are shown in the Figures as coupling via fasteners, it should be understood that in further embodiments, other attachment methods, such as welding and strapping methods, may be used. 
     The following illustrated cross sections are not drawn to scale and are provided to generally describe cross sectional shapes. The cross sections can be described with reference to a first transverse dimension  144  and a second transverse dimension  145  that is perpendicular to the first transverse dimension. 
     First Embodiment of Outer Channel Members 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, each of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B can comprise a base wall  106 A,  106 B, a first side wall  108 A,  108 B, and a second side wall  110 A,  110 B. The first and second side walls can extend from respective first ends  112 A,  112 B and second ends  114 A,  114 B of respective base walls  106 A,  106 B. Optionally, the first and second side walls can extend perpendicularly or substantially perpendicularly to the respective base walls. Accordingly, each of the first and second channel members  102 A,  102 B can define a respective channel  120 A,  120 B. Each base wall  106 A can have a respective inner surface,  122 A,  122 B and an opposing outer surface  124 A,  124 B. Similarly, each of the first and second side walls can define respective inner surfaces  126 A,  126 B and respective outer surfaces  128 A,  128 B. The respective inner surfaces of the base walls and side walls can cooperate to define the respective channels  120 A,  120 B. A respective first flange  130 A,  130 B can extend from an end  131 A,  131 B of each first side wall  108 A,  108 B opposite the respective base wall  106 A,  106 B and toward the respective second side wall  110 A,  110 B. Similarly, a respective second flange  132 A,  132 B can extend from an end  133 A,  133 B of each second side wall  110 A,  110 B opposite the respective base wall  106 A,  106 B and toward the respective first side wall  108 A,  108 B. The first flanges  130 A,  130 B and second flanges  132 A,  132 B can extend generally perpendicularly to their respective first and second side walls. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B can have C-shaped profiles. In some embodiments, the length of the base wall  106 A,  106 B of the first and second outer members  102 A,  102 B can be between 2 inches to 12 inches, including, for example and without limitation, lengths of about 2 inches, about 3 inches, about 4 inches, about 5 inches, about 6 inches, about 7 inches, about 8 inches, about 9 inches, about 10 inches, about 11 inches, or about 12 inches. In some aspects, the length of the first and second side walls can optionally be half (or about half) of the length of the base wall. Accordingly, in these aspects, when the first and second outer members are coupled together in a structural member  100 , the structural member  100  can have a square or substantially square cross sectional profile. 
     The first and second channels  102 A,  102 B can be disposed so that the inner surfaces of their respective base walls  106 A,  106 B oppose each other. The first channel  102 A and the second channel  102 B can be positioned so that their respective channels  120 A,  120 B cooperate to define an interior passage  142 . According to at least one embodiment, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the ends  131 A,  131 B of respective first side walls  108 A,  108 B can abut corresponding ends  133 A,  133 B of respective second side walls  110 A,  110 B. In further embodiments, the ends  131 A,  131 B,  133 A,  133 B can be spaced from each other, either in the first transverse dimension, the second transverse dimension, or both, while still cooperating to define an interior passage  142 . For example, in some embodiments, the first end  131 A of the first channel member  102 A and second end  133 B of the second channel member  102 B can be spaced from each other in the first transverse dimension  144  by a selected distance, such as about an inch. 
     Second Embodiment of Outer Channel Members 
     Referring to  FIG. 3 , in a second embodiment, each of the first and second outer channel members can have U-shaped profiles (as opposed to the C-shaped profiles of  FIG. 2  that include first and second flanges  130 A,B,  132 A,B). In a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, each of the first and second outer channel members  202 A,  202 B can comprise a base wall  206 A,  206 B, a first side wall  208 A,  208 B and a second side wall  210 A,  210 B. The first and second side walls can extend from respective first ends  212 A,  212 B and second ends  214 A,  214 B of respective base walls  206 A,  206 B. Accordingly, each of the first and second channel members can define a respective channel  220 A,  220 B. Each base wall  206 A can have a respective inner surface,  222 A,  222 B and an opposing outer surface  224 A,  124 B. Similarly, each of the first and second side walls can define respective inner walls  226 A,  226 B and respective outer walls  228 A,  228 B. 
     The first and second outer channel members  202 A,  202 B can be disposed so that the respective inner surfaces of the base walls and side walls can cooperate to define the respective channels  220 A,  220 B. The first side walls  208 A,  208 B can have ends  231 A,  231 B opposite the respective base wall  206 A,  206 B, and the second side walls  210 A,  210 B can have ends  233 A,  233 B opposite the respective base wall  206 A,  206 B. As shown in  FIG. 3 , ends  231 A,  233 A can extend past ends  231 B,  233 B in the first transverse dimension  144  so that the first arms  208 A,  208 B and second arms  210 A,  210 B can have overlapping portions  246 . The overlapping portions  246  can optionally receive fasteners  150 , such as, for example, self-tapping screws (e.g., TEX screws), rivets, or bolts, nuts, and washers. Optionally, the overlapping portions  246  can receive welds to affix the first and second outer channels together. 
     Structural Member Assemblies and Support Columns Formed from Same 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2-4 , the inner member  104  can be received within, and extend through at least a portion of, the interior passage  142 . In some embodiments, the inner member  104  can have the same profile as that of the first and second members. For example, as shown in  FIG. 2 , the inner member  104  can have a base wall  170 , a first side wall  172  and a second side wall  174  extending from opposite ends of the base wall, and first and second flanges  176 ,  178  extending toward each other from distal ends of the first and second side walls. The first side wall  172  can abut the base wall  106 A of the first outer channel member  102 A, and the second side wall  174  can abut the base wall  106 B of the second outer channel member  102 B. Accordingly, the inner member  104  can extend between the base wall  106 A of the first channel member  102 A and the base wall  106 B of the second channel member  102 B. A plurality of fasteners  150  can attach the inner member  104  to each of the first and second channel members  102 A,  102 B along their shared length in the longitudinal dimension  101 . 
     Although the inner member is shown as a channel having a C-shaped profile or a U-shaped profile in the Figures, it should be understood that the inner member can have various other profiles, such as, for example, that of an I-beam, Z-channel, track, threaded rod with mounting plates, cold formed tube steel, or hollow structural tube. Accordingly, although references herein are made specifically to the inner member  104 , it should be understood that a U-shaped inner channel member  204 , as shown in  FIG. 3 , or various other inner members having alternative profiles, can be used. Moreover, although for clarity and conciseness, embodiments disclosed herein refer to the reference numerals of the first embodiment of  FIG. 2 , it should be understood that various further embodiments consistent with the present disclosure can use members shown in the second embodiment of  FIG. 3 , as well as various other member profiles. 
     Referring to  FIG. 1 , the first outer channel member  102 A can have a first longitudinal end  160 A and a second longitudinal end  162 A, and the second outer channel member  102 B can have a first longitudinal end  160 B and a second longitudinal end  162 B. The inner member  104  can have a first longitudinal end  164  and a second longitudinal end  166 . At least one of the longitudinal ends of the inner member  104  can be offset from a respective longitudinal end of the first outer channel member  102 A and the second outer channel member  102 B. That is, in one embodiment, the first longitudinal end  164  of the inner member  104  can be offset from the first longitudinal ends  160 A,  160 B of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B. In a further embodiment, the second longitudinal end  166  of the inner member  104  can be offset from the second longitudinal ends  162 A,  162 B of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B. Optionally, both longitudinal ends of the inner member can be offset from the respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members. In various embodiments, a longitudinal end of the inner member  104  can be offset from the respective longitudinal ends (the end of each member on the same side in the longitudinal dimension  101 ) of the first outer channel member  102 A and the second outer channel member  102 B by at least 12 inches. In further embodiments, at least one longitudinal end of the inner member  104  can be offset from the respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members optionally by at least one inch, at least six inches, at least twelve inches, at least two feet, or by at least three feet. In still further embodiments, the at least one longitudinal end of the inner member  104  can be offset from the respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members by approximately one third of the length of the first outer channel member. More generally, it is contemplated that the at least one longitudinal end of the inner member  104  can be offset from the respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members by approximately one-fourth to approximately one-half of the length of the first outer channel member. 
     Offsetting the end(s) can be accomplished, in some embodiments, by providing an inner member having a length that is greater than or less than the lengths of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B. In some embodiments, the inner member  104  can have a length  105  that is greater than half of the length  103 A of the first outer channel member  102 A and the length  103 B of the second outer channel member  102 B. The length  103 A of the first outer channel member  102 A can preferably be equal to the length  103 B of the second outer channel member  102 B, and respective longitudinal ends of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B can preferably be aligned. (It should be understood that respective ends of a member in relation to another member of the same structural member assembly can refer to ends on the same longitudinal end of each channel member. For example, the first end  160 A of the first outer channel member  102 A and the first end  160 B of the second outer channel member  102 B can be the “respective” ends with respect to the first end  164  of the inner member  104 .) However, in optional embodiments, the length  103 A of the first outer channel member  102 A can be greater than or less than the length  103 B of the second outer channel member  102 B. 
     In providing at least one offset between at least one longitudinal end of the inner member and the respective longitudinal ends of the outer channel members, portions of adjacent structural member assemblies  100  can be nested, as disclosed herein. In this way, the plurality of structural member assemblies  100  can easily and efficiently be stacked end-to-end. For example, referring to  FIGS. 1 and 4-6D , the first outer channel member  102 A and second outer channel member  102 B can each attach to the inner member  104  via fasteners  150  to construct a first structural member assembly. The bottom (second) longitudinal end  166  of the inner member  104  can be aligned with the bottom (second) ends  162 A,  162 B of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B. The first structural member assembly  100  can be anchored to a foundation via a bracket  340 . The bracket  340  can receive a fastener  342  to secure the bracket  340  to a foundation. The first structural member assembly  100  can then be secured via fasteners  150  (or welded) to the bracket  340 . For the first structural member assembly  100 , the length  105  of the inner member  104  can be about three quarters of the length  103 A of the first outer channel member  102 A, the latter of which is equal to the length  103 B of the second outer channel member  102 B. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG. 6A , the first structural member assembly  100  can define an empty portion  322  that comprises a length of the interior passage  142  that extends beyond the inner member  104 . As shown in  FIG. 6B , the empty portion  322  of the first structural member assembly&#39;s interior passage  142  can receive a portion of an inner member  104 ′ of a second structural member assembly  100 ′ therein. The inner member  104 ′ can be secured to the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B via a plurality of fasteners  150  along their respective shared lengths. In this way, the inner member  104  and the inner member  104 ′ can cooperate to define an inner member assembly  750  that extends through, and structurally supports, an entire length of the first and second members  102 A,  102 B. That is, it is contemplated that two or more inner members, when arranged end-to-end, can collectively define a length that extends through an entire length of an interior passage defined by a first outer channel member and a second outer channel member. A protruding portion  324  of the inner member  104 ′ can extend above the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B, which can provide attachment surfaces for affixing first and second outer channel members  102 A′,  102 B′ of the second structural member assembly  100 ′. The first and second outer channel members  102 A′,  102 B′, once affixed via fasteners to the second inner member  104 ′, can cooperate to define an empty portion  322 ′ of their interior passage that can, in turn, receive a third inner member  104 ″ of a third structural member assembly  100 ″, as shown in  FIG. 6C . The first and second outer channel members  102 A′,  102 B′ can attach to the third inner member  104 ″ via fasteners. Referring to  FIG. 6D , first and second outer channel members  102 A″,  102 B″ of a structural member  100 ″ can be affixed to the portion of the third inner member  104 ″ that extends from the first and second outer channel members  102 A′,  102 B′. Accordingly, the structural member assemblies  100  can be stacked to create a support column  300 . 
     Although the steps disclosed herein refer to empty portions of interior passages receiving inner members, it should be understood that, in embodiments consistent with this disclosure, adjacent pairs of inner members can be positioned end-to-end, and the outer channel members can then be positioned around the adjacent pair of inner members and coupled via fasteners to the pair of inner members. Accordingly, stacking of structural member assemblies  100 , as disclosed herein, should be understood to describe the arrangement of the coupled structure, rather than the order in which the components are coupled. As disclosed herein, “respective longitudinal ends” of adjacent structures/members should be understood to include opposing ends of adjacent structures/members. For example, referring to  FIG. 6D , with respect to the first structural member  100  and the second structural member  100 , the top ends of the first and second outer channel members  102 A,  102 B and the bottom ends of the first and second outer channel members  102 A′,  102 B′ are “respective longitudinal ends” of adjacent structures/members. 
     The method of alternatingly attaching outer channel members of one structural member assembly to inner channel members of adjacent structural member assemblies can be repeated to create support columns of various lengths. In some embodiments, support columns  300  may comprise, two, three, four, five, or more structural member assemblies  100 . Because the inner members are shorter than the outer channel members, an additional inner member  310  can extend through an empty portion  322 ″ of an interior passage  142 ″ of the structural member assembly  100 ″ so that the collective length  312  of the inner members  104 ,  104 ″,  104 ″′ and the additional inner member  310  is substantially equal to the collective length  316  of the stacked outer channel members. According to some aspects, the ends of structural member assemblies  100  can directly abut respective adjacent structural member assemblies. However, it should be understood that this disclosure include support columns having some longitudinal spacing (e.g., less than one inch, less than two inches, or less than four inches) between adjacent structural member assemblies, or between components of adjacent structural member assemblies. Moreover, it should be understood that structural member assembly components that are separated by spacing components (e.g., spaced by the thickness of the coupling plates  650  or the thickness of the alignment plate  600 ) should fall within aspects of this disclosure. For example, it should be understood that adjacent ends of adjacent center members  140  that “extend to” each other can include ends of adjacent center members that engage the same alignment plate  600 . Moreover, it is contemplated that center members that are spaced from adjacent center members can optionally “extend to” each other if they are longitudinally spaced by no more than one inch, by no more than two inches, or by no more than four inches. Similarly, members that are aligned “end-to-end” should be understood to include members that are abutting each other, spaced by a spacing component such as a coupling plate  650  or an alignment plate  600 , or longitudinally spaced by no more than one inch, by no more than two inches, or by no more than four inches. 
     It should be understood that each inner member need not have the same length as the other inner members in a support column. For example, referring to  FIG. 7 , in some embodiments, a first inner member  404  can be shorter than its respective first and second outer channel members  402 A,  402 B. Each subsequent inner member  404 ′,  404 ″ can have the same length as their respective first and second outer channel members  402 A′,  402 B′,  402 A″,  402 B″. Because the first inner member  404  is shorter than its respective first and second outer channel members  402 A,  402 B, the other inner members  404 ′,  404 ″ can be shifted along the longitudinal dimension  101  with respect to their corresponding first and second outer channel members so that the respective longitudinal ends can be offset. An additional inner member  410 , which can optionally have a shorter length than inner members  404 ′,  404 ″, can extend through the remainder of the length of the top structural member assembly&#39;s interior passage. As shown, in some optional aspects, it is contemplated that the combined length of the inner members can be equal or substantially equal to the combined length of the outer channel members. 
     In further embodiments, at least one inner member can be longer than its respective first and second outer channel members. For example, referring to  FIG. 8 , an inner member  504  of a structural member assembly  500  can be longer than its respective first and second outer channel members  502 A,  502 B, thereby providing a protruding portion  524  that extends beyond the respective ends of the first and second outer channel members  502 A,  502 B. 
     Optionally, with reference to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 13 , a coupling plate  650  can be disposed on each side of the inner member  104  in the second transverse dimension  145 . The coupling plate  650  can have a first generally planar portion  652  and a second generally planar portion  654 . The first generally planar portion  652  can be disposed at least partially within the internal passage  142  of the structural member assembly  100 . The first generally planar portion  652  can have a slot  656  that is sized and centered in the first transverse dimension  144  to receive adjacent pairs of first flanges  130 A,  130 B and second flanges  132 A,  132 B ( FIG. 2 ). A face of the first generally planar portion  652  can abut the first and second side walls&#39; interior surfaces of the first and second channel members  102 A,  102 B, and fasteners can attach the coupling plate  650  to the first and second channel members. The second generally planar portion  654  can extend above the top ends (i.e., the first ends  160 A,  160 B) of the first and second channel members  102 A,  102 B. The second generally planar portion  654  can be offset from the first generally planar portion  652  in the second transverse dimension  145  so that the second portion  654  can extend to an outside of an adjacent pair of first and second channel members  102 A′,  102 B′ ( FIG. 6C ). Fasteners can extend through holes  658  to attach the adjacent pair of first and second channel members  102 A′,  102 B′. In this way, adjacent longitudinal ends of adjacent structural member assemblies&#39; first and second channel members can be can be aligned and attached to each other. 
     Referring to  FIG. 2 , it can be desirable to position each inner member  104  so that its base wall  170  extends at or near the center of the interior passage  142  in the second transverse dimension  145 . Referring also to  FIGS. 4, and 9-11 , an alignment bracket  600  can be disposed between adjacent inner members  104 ,  104 ′. The alignment bracket  600  can have a generally rectangular profile having a length  602  and a width  604 . The length  602  and width  604  can be selected so that the alignment bracket  600  can be received within the interior passage  142  so that its rectangular profile is perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension  101 . The alignment bracket  600  can comprise notches  606  to receive the first and second flanges  130 A,  130 B,  132 A,  132 B ( FIG. 2 ). Circumferential surfaces of the alignment bracket can have a small clearance from the first and second outer channel members&#39; inner surfaces so that the first and second outer channel members&#39; respective inner surfaces constrain the alignment bracket in the first and second transverse dimensions  144 ,  145 . 
     The alignment bracket  600  can have a depending flange  610  that extends downward and generally perpendicularly to the rectangular profile of the alignment bracket. The depending flange  610  can be disposed adjacent a base wall  170  of the inner member  104 , and the pair can be coupled with fasteners  150 . In this way, the top end of the inner member  104  can be positioned within the interior passage  142 . 
     The alignment bracket  600  can have a circumferential upwardly extending projection  620  that defines a gap  622  on each side for receiving the inner member  104 ′ therein. For example, the circumferential upwardly extending projection  620  can comprise first edges  624  and second edges  226  that extend in the longitudinal dimension  101  and are spaced from each other in the second transverse dimension  145 . The first edge  624  can define a first stop to constrain a back surface (e.g., an outer surface of the base wall  170  ( FIG. 2 )) of the inner member  104 , and the second edge  624  can define a second stop to constrain a front surface (e.g., an outer surface of the first/second flanges  176 ,  178  ( FIG. 2 )) of the inner member  104 ′. The alignment bracket  600  can therefore constrain the position of the bottom end of the inner member  104 ′. In this way, the inner members can be positioned within the interior passage  142 . It should be understood that, although the embodiments illustrate the alignment bracket  600  orienting the top and bottom ends of the inner member, it should be understood that the alignment bracket  600  could be vertically inverted to position opposing ends of inner members within an interior passage of first and second channel members. Moreover, in view of this disclosure, alternative designs of alignment brackets that position the inner member within the first and second channel members will be apparent to one skilled in the art. 
     Although the disclosure refers to the inner member  104  as a unitary body, it should be understood that, in some embodiments, the inner member  104  can comprise a plurality of coupled components. For example, referring to  FIG. 12 , an inner member  700  in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure can comprise a first portion  702  having a first length, a second portion  704  having a second length. The first portion  702  and second portion  704  can be separated by an alignment bracket  600 . Although not a unitary body, the inner member  700  can provide structural support to its structural member assembly along its length  710 . Although the structural member assemblies are described herein as comprising first and second outer channel members, in various aspects, a structural member  100  can comprise an outer structural tubing member (i.e., hollow structural sections, or “HSS”) and an inner member. Referring to  FIGS. 14A and 14B , a support column  950  can comprise a plurality of structural member assemblies  900 . The structural member assemblies  900  can each comprise an outer tubing member  902  and an inner member  904 . The outer tubing member  902  can have, in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the structural member assembly&#39;s longitudinal dimension, a hollow rectangular profile. The inner member  904  can comprise a channel member or HSS member. The inner member  904  can couple to the outer tubing member  902 . The respective longitudinal ends of the inner members  904  can be offset from respective longitudinal ends of the outer tubing members to enable the structural member assemblies  900  to be stacked, as disclosed herein, to create the support column  950 . 
     Structural member assemblies  100  and support columns  300 , as discussed herein, can provide various improvements over known structural members. According to one aspect, the structural member assemblies  100  can be made partially or entirely of light gauge steel, thereby providing structural support at a low weight and cost. Moreover, the ends of the inner members that are offset from the ends of the outer channel members enable the structural member assemblies  100  to be nested so that adjacent structural member assemblies can easily be stacked to create support columns  300 . Additionally, the inner members  104  of the support columns  300  not only provide surface for coupling adjacent structural member assemblies  100 ; the inner members  104  can provide structural support to the support columns  300 . According to some aspects, a plurality of inner members  104  can cooperate to define an inner support that extends along an entire length, or substantially an entire length, of the support column  300 . That is, the center supports  104  can provide both surfaces for easy attachment of adjacent structural member assemblies and structural support along the entire length of the support column. Because the structural member assemblies  100  can be stacked as disclosed, the cross sectional profiles of respective structural assemblies, in planes perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, can be the same. Accordingly, disclosed embodiments can be distinguished from conventional assemblies that employ nested members having sequentially smaller cross sections. Optionally, the columns  300  can be used in multi-level construction, such as for multi-level storage structure buildings. The disclosed structural members can have improved load carrying capacity and strength over conventional structural members. Further, the disclosed columns having structural members with offset ends can have greater shear strength than conventional systems. For example, in conventional multi-level storage structure buildings, structural columns have longitudinal ends that terminate at each floor, wherein adjacent columns are coupled at adjoining ends to create unions having weak shear strength. In contrast, the disclosed embodiments can create a single continuous structural column that does not have unions with weak shear strength. Improved shear strength can be particularly critical for providing stability in seismic or earthquake zones. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 5 , the structural member assemblies  100  and support columns  300  can be used to create a structural frame. A portion of a structural frame can comprise a structural member assembly  100  and a transversely extending beam  800 . The transversely extending beam  800  can comprise a first channel member  802 , a second channel member  804 , and a bridge channel member  806 . Each of the first channel member  802 , the second channel member  804 , and the bridge channel member  806  can have C-shaped cross sections. The first channel member  802  can couple via fasteners  150  to the base wall  106 A of the structural member assembly&#39;s first outer channel member  102 A, and the second channel member  804  can couple to the base wall  106 B of the structural member assembly&#39;s second outer channel member  102 B. In this configuration, the first channel member  802  and second channel member  804  are oriented so that their respective channels open away from each other. In this configuration, the first channel member  802  and second channel member  804  can abut and attach to the support column  300  without modification of said first and second channel member  802 ,  804 . It can be appreciated that if a pair of members have legs extending toward each other, said members have to first be modified to remove at least portions of said legs in order to abut the pair of members to the support column for attachment thereto, the modification of which can reduce the structural integrity of the members. Thus, the first and second channel members  802 ,  804  can, without modification, be used in compound span configurations. That is, the first and second channel members  802 ,  804  can extend across, and attach to, three or more support columns, as opposed to just extending between two adjacent support columns, as in a simple span configuration. The bridge channel member  806  can have a width in the first transverse dimension  144  that is equal to the width of the structural member assembly  100  in the same dimension. Accordingly, the bridge channel member  806  can extend between, and attach to each of, the first channel member  802  and the second channel member  804 . In this way, the horizontal transversely extending beam  800  can be coupled to the structural member assembly  100  to support a floor of a multi-story storage structure. Although disclosed herein as coupling to the support columns  300 , it should be understood that the beams  800  can be used with any other column type, such as, for example, conventional heavy gauge steel columns as are known in the art. Further, it should be understood that, although particular embodiments of transverse structures are disclosed in detail herein, various other transverse structures/beams can be coupled to, and supported by, support columns  300 . For example, in another embodiment, a horizontally oriented support column  300  can be attached to a vertically oriented support columns  300  via one or more gussets. Transversely extending beams  800  can alternatively be any conventional beam known in the art. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 4, 5, and 15  according to further aspects, the beam  800  can define an interior volume  808  and have a longitudinal axis  810 . The interior volume  808  can receive concrete to form a composite beam. In some optional aspects, the concrete can be pumped into the interior volume  808  from the bottom of the beam rather than filling from the top down. In further optional aspects, the concrete can be 3000 psi concrete. As described above, each of the first channel member  802 , second channel member  804 , and the bridge channel member  806  can have C-shaped profiles. That is, each channel member can comprise, in cross sections perpendicular to each channel&#39;s longitudinal dimension, a base wall  807 , first and second side walls  809  extending perpendicularly from the base wall  807 , and respective first and second flanges  811  extending toward each other from distal ends of the first and second side walls  809 . Each channel member can thus define a channel opening, opposite the base wall, between the first and second flanges. Each channel member can have an opening direction defined as a direction from the channel member&#39;s base wall to its opening. The first channel member  802  and second channel member  804  can be oriented so that their respective channel openings face away from each other. Accordingly, outer surfaces (i.e., surfaces opposite each channel&#39;s interior) of the first channel member  802  and second channel member  804  can define side walls of the beam&#39;s interior volume  808 . In this way, the first channel member  802  and second channel member  804  can provide flat surfaces for abutting the support column  300  without any need for modification. The bridge channel member  806  can be oriented so that its channel opens upwardly. In this way, the bridge channel member  806  can define a lower surface of the beam&#39;s interior volume  808 . Each of the first channel member  802 , second channel member  804 , and the bridge channel member  806  can comprise light gauge steel. In exemplary aspects, the first channel member  802 , the second channel member  804 , and the bridge channel member  806  can be secured together by bolts or other fasteners. However, it is also contemplated that the bridge channel members disclosed herein could be formed together as a single, unitary or monolithic structure. 
     In providing the bridge channel member  806  with a C-shaped profile, the bridge channel member  806  can define flanges  812  that extend inwardly into the beam&#39;s interior volume  808  and engage the concrete to increase the composite beam&#39;s overall strength. Prior to hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the concrete can be positioned both above and below each flange  812  such that the flange is surrounded by or embedded within the concrete. After hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the flange can provide support to the concrete during flexing or other movement of the beam and distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members. In some embodiments, the flanges can extend into the interior volume  808  at about one third of the height of the beam. That is, the length of the first and second legs of the bridge channel member  806  can be about one third of the height of the beam. Accordingly, for a six inch tall beam, the flanges can extend inwardly at about two inches from the bottom of the beam. 
     Additionally, or alternatively, the beam  800  can comprise a plurality of internally projecting members  820  that are spaced along the beam&#39;s longitudinal axis  810 . The internally projecting members  820  can be configured to engage the concrete to distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members. Prior to hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the concrete can be positioned to surround or embed the internally projecting members  820  within the concrete. After hardening/curing of the concrete, it is contemplated that the projecting members  820  can provide support to the concrete during flexing or other movement of the beam and distribute forces between the concrete and the steel channel members. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , according to a first embodiment, the internally projecting members  820  can comprise shoulder bolts  822  that extend through holes in the bridge channel member  806  and attach via nuts on a bottom side of the bridge channel member  806 . It can be appreciated that conventional composite beams comprise heavy gauge steel that allows shear studs to be welded thereto for engaging the concrete. However, welding such shear studs to light gauge steel can be difficult or impossible. Moreover, welding in field applications can be time consuming and cause difficulty in maintaining quality control. Accordingly, using shoulder bolts as disclosed herein for engaging the concrete overcomes the challenge of attaching shear studs via weldment. Further, shoulder bolts require only one nut for attachment, and the shoulder can provide for installation at a consistent desired height and a measurable engagement between the concrete and the steel after concrete has filled the beam. The shoulder bolts can be selected from various sizes, depending on the application, without requiring specialized tooling to manufacture. The shoulder bolts can optionally be about two inches long and have a shoulder diameter of at least one quarter of an inch. In further optional embodiments, the shoulder bolts can have various dimensions, including shoulder sizes from one to ten inches in length and one quarter to one inch in diameter. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , in a second embodiment, the internally projecting members  820  can comprise portions of a Z-channel structure  830 . The Z-channel structure  830  can optionally comprise light gauge steel. The Z-channel structure  830  can comprise, in cross sections perpendicular to the Z-channel structure&#39;s longitudinal axis, a lower wall  832 , a plurality of planar or generally planar upper tabs  834  that are parallel to, or generally parallel to, the lower wall  832 , and a plurality of web sections  836  extending between the lower wall  832  and the upper tabs  834 . According to various aspects, the beam can have a height that is fifty percent greater than the beam&#39;s width. Thus, according to at least one embodiment, the beam can be four inches in width and six inches in height. The web sections can optionally extend about one third of the beam&#39;s height, or one half of the beam&#39;s width. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the web sections  836  can extend vertically by about two inches, and the upper tabs  834  can extend horizontally along a transverse axis, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis  810 , by about two inches. Thus, in some embodiments, the flanges  812  of the bridge channel member  806  can be approximately coplanar with to the upper tabs  834 . In some embodiments, the Z-channel structure  830  can further comprise a downwardly extending return flange  838  that extends perpendicularly to, and at a distal edge of, the upper tabs  834 . The return flange  838  can optionally extend vertically (downwardly) about ⅝ of an inch. Gaps  840  are disposed between sections of the upper tabs  834  and web portions  836 . The gaps  840  can extend longitudinally between about 6″ inches and about 12″ inches. Having gaps  840  with such spacing can optimize composite action between the steel members and the concrete. In some embodiments, the Z-channel structure  830  can be manufactured by removing sections of a continuous Z-channel, thereby leaving the upper portion  834  and web portion  836 . The lower wall  832  can provide a base that can be attached via mounting hardware  150  to the bridge channel member  806 . The mounting hardware  150  can further engage the concrete to enhance composite action. Similarly, the mounting hardware  150  that attach the first and second channel members  802 ,  804  to the support columns  300  (e.g., heads of self-tapping screws) can further enhance composite action between the steel members and the concrete. In using a Z-channel structure as disclosed herein, composite engagement between the concrete and the steel components can be increased by 14-25% over conventional methods. As should be apparent to one skilled in the art, in further embodiments, a U-shaped channel or a C-shaped channel can similarly be modified to provide internally protruding web sections and upper tabs connected by a longitudinally continuous web. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 17 and 18 , in a third embodiment, each of the internally projecting members  820  can comprise a C-shaped component  850  (i.e., having generally parallel plate portions  852  that are connected by a web  854  and flanges  855  that extend toward each other from distal ends of respective parallel plate portions  852 ). The parallel plate portions  852  can comprise aligned and concentric through-holes  856  that receive a bolt  858  therethrough. In this way, the C-shaped components  850  can be bolted to the bridge channel member  806  at spaced intervals along the longitudinal axis  810 . The C-shaped components  850  can be oriented so that the direction of extension of the parallel plates  852  from their respective webs  854  is parallel to the longitudinal axis  810  of the beam  800 . The web  854  can extend vertically about two inches, and the parallel plate portions  852  can extend approximately two inches along the longitudinal axis  810 . In various further embodiments, the web  854  and parallel plate portions  852  can optionally extend vertically about one third of the height of the first and second channels  802 ,  804  (i.e., the beam&#39;s height). The C-shaped components  850  can have a gauge thickness that is at least as thick as the gauge thickness of the bridge channel member  806 . In further embodiments, the internally projecting members  820  can have U-shaped profiles and be configured like the C-shaped components  850  as disclosed above. The C-shaped components  850  can optionally comprise steel or any combination of material and thickness that is stronger than the bridge channel member  806 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 16 and 18 , straps  860  can extend across the channel interior volume  808  defined by the beam  800 . The straps  860  can attach to the upper surfaces of the first and second channel members  802 ,  804  via screws or other fasteners or via weldment. Concrete can fill the beam  800  beyond the straps  860  so that the straps can engage the concrete. After curing/hardening of the concrete, it is contemplated that the straps  860  can be configured to support the concrete within the beam and transmit forces from the concrete to the steel beam structure. Referring also to  FIG. 19 , in some embodiments, depending internally projecting components  862  can attach to, and extend downward from, the straps  860  to engage the concrete. It should be understood that concrete has excellent compressive strength, while steel has excellent tensile strength. During use, as the beam is loaded, portions of the beam can be in tension, while other portions of the beam can be in compression, and the stress in the beam can transition at a transition height along the beam&#39;s height. The depending internally projecting components  862  can extend to the transition height in order to transfer tension from the concrete to the steel beams, which possess excellent tensile strength. The transition height can vary as a function of the beam&#39;s size, shape, depth, and width. In some embodiments, the transition height can be between about one quarter and one half of the beam&#39;s height, and, in some embodiments, at about one third of the beam&#39;s height as measured from the top of the beam (i.e., from about one-half to about three-quarters of the beam&#39;s height as measured from the bottom of the beam and, in some embodiments, about two-thirds of the beam&#39;s height as measured from the bottom of the beam). In further embodiments, the transition height can be at about 15% of the beam&#39;s height as measured from the top of the beam (i.e., about 85% of the beam&#39;s height as measured from the bottom of the beam). In some embodiments, the depending internally projecting components  862  can comprise depending C-shaped components  864 . Attachment hardware  866  (e.g., a bolt and nut, as shown) can attach each of the depending C-shaped components  864  to a respective strap  860 . The depending C-shaped components  864  can attach so that the screw extends parallel to the C-shaped component&#39;s web and through the C-shaped component&#39;s parallel wall portions. In various other embodiments, the depending internally projecting components  862  can have other shapes and structures. For example, in some embodiments, the depending internally projecting components  862  can comprise shoulder bolts that extend downwardly from the straps  860 . 
     Each of the internally projecting members  820 , return flanges  838 , straps  860 , and depending internally projecting components  862  can enhance the engagement between the steel members and the concrete to provide a composite beam having improved strength over conventional beams. Because the transition height, as disclosed above, can vary, based on parameters of the beam, the combination of the internally projecting members  820 , return flanges  838 , straps  860 , and depending internally projecting components  862  provides for composite action along the height of the beam, enabling composite action closest to the transition height, regardless of the position of said transition height along the height of the beam. The disclosed configuration can further be cheaper to manufacture and more simple to assemble, thereby reducing assembly time over conventional framing methods. Many or all of the components of the beam  800  can be off-the-shelf items, thereby providing for low cost and easy procurement. As the beams  800  can be attached to columns in a compound span configuration, the beams can be attached more easily and in a configuration having greater overall strength than conventional simple span beams. Additionally, the disclosed embodiments enable easier field modification than conventional trough designs; because the beam spans across columns rather than fitting between the columns, the beam&#39;s steel channel members can be cut in situ. Moreover, conventional beams comprise heavy gauge steel, which can increase cost and weight without substantially enhancing the strength of the beam. Accordingly, the light gauge steel can decrease the cost and the weight of the beam. 
     Although disclosed as separate and independent components, it is contemplated that any of the beam structures disclosed herein can be used in combination with any of the structural member assemblies disclosed herein to form a support structure for a building or other construction. 
     EXEMPLARY ASPECTS 
     In view of the described products, systems, and methods and variations thereof, herein below are described certain more particularly described aspects of the invention. These particularly recited aspects should not however be interpreted to have any limiting effect on any different claims containing different or more general teachings described herein, or that the “particular” aspects are somehow limited in some way other than the inherent meanings of the language literally used therein. 
     Aspect 1: A beam having an upper surface and comprising: a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein, wherein the plurality of steel channel members comprises a first C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having: a base wall; first and second side walls extending perpendicularly from the base wall; and first and second flanges respectively inwardly extending from the first and second side walls, wherein the channel of the first C-shaped channel member defines a portion of the interior volume, and wherein the first and second flanges extend into the interior volume; a plurality of internally projecting members spaced along the longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of internally projecting members are coupled to the base wall of the first C-shaped channel member and extend into the interior volume; and a strap secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume so that when the interior volume is filled with concrete, the strap engages the concrete. 
     Aspect 2: The beam of aspect 1, wherein the plurality of steel channel members further comprises: a second C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel; and a third C-shaped channel member defining a channel therein and having an outer surface opposite the channel, wherein the second and third C-channels are disposed so that their respective channels open away from each other, wherein the first C-shaped channel extends between the second and third C-shaped channels, and wherein the channel of the first C-shaped channel member and outer surfaces of the second C-shaped channel member and the third C-shaped channel member cooperate to define at least a portion of the interior volume. 
     Aspect 3: The beam of aspect 1 or aspect 2, wherein the plurality of inwardly projecting members comprises a plurality of shoulder bolts that are bolted to at least one steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members. 
     Aspect 4: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising a generally planar wall that is elongated along the longitudinal axis and attached to the base wall of the first steel channel member, wherein each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members comprises: a web section extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, the web section having a distal end; and a generally planar tab extending perpendicularly to, and from the distal end of, the web section. 
     Aspect 5: The beam of aspect 4, wherein each generally planar tab has a distal end, and wherein each inwardly projecting member of the plurality of inwardly projecting members further comprises a flange extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of the generally planar tab. 
     Aspect 6: The beam of aspect 4 or aspect 5, wherein the internally projecting members are spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches. 
     Aspect 7: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps. 
     Aspect 8: The beam of aspect 7, wherein the depending internally projecting components comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions. 
     Aspect 9: The beam of aspect 7 or aspect 8, wherein at least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components extends down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam. 
     Aspect 10: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, wherein each of the plurality of steel channel members comprises light gauge steel. 
     Aspect 11: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, wherein the plurality of internally projecting members comprise a plurality of C-shaped components that are attached to the first C-shaped channel member. 
     Aspect 12: The beam of any of the preceding aspects, further comprising concrete cured within the interior volume, wherein the first and second flanges of first C-shaped channel member, the plurality of internally projecting members, and the strap are engaged with the cured concrete. 
     Aspect 13: A beam comprising: a plurality of steel channel members that extend along a longitudinal axis, wherein the plurality of steel channel members cooperate to define an interior volume that is configured to receive concrete therein; and a reinforcement member disposed within the interior volume and attached to a steel channel member of the plurality of steel channel members, the reinforcement member comprising: a generally planar wall extending along the longitudinal axis, a plurality of web sections extending upwardly from the generally planar wall, each web section having a respective distal end; and a plurality of generally planar tabs, each generally planar tab extending from the distal end of a respective web section of the plurality of web sections. 
     Aspect 14: The beam of aspect 13, wherein the reinforcement member further comprises a plurality of flanges, each flange of the plurality of flanges extending generally perpendicularly to the distal end of a respective generally planar tab. 
     Aspect 15: The beam of aspect 13 or aspect 14, wherein the adjacent web sections are spaced apart by between about 6 inches and about 12 inches. 
     Aspect 16: The beam of any of aspects 13-15, wherein the beam has an upper surface and further comprises a plurality of straps secured to the upper surface of the beam and extending across the interior volume. 
     Aspect 17: The beam of aspect 16, further comprising a plurality of depending internally projecting components attached to, and extending downward from, the plurality of straps. 
     Aspect 18: The beam of aspect 17, wherein the depending internally projecting components comprise a pair of parallel portions and a web extending vertically between the parallel portions. 
     Aspect 19: The beam of aspect 17 or aspect 18, wherein at least one of the plurality of depending internally projecting components extends down from a respective strap of the plurality of straps by at least 33% of a height of the beam. 
     Aspect 20: The beam of any of aspects 13-19, wherein each of the plurality of steel channel members comprises light gauge steel. 
     Aspect A1: A structural member assembly extending in a longitudinal dimension, the structural member assembly comprising: a first channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and an inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the inner member has a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define an interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the inner member extends through at least a portion of the interior passage and is attached to at least one of the first channel member and the second channel member, wherein at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member is longitudinally spaced from a respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and a respective longitudinal end of the second channel member, wherein the length of the inner member is greater than half of the length of the first channel member and greater than half of the length of the second channel member. 
     Aspect A2: The structural member assembly of aspect A1, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member comprises light gauge steel. 
     Aspect A3: The structural member assembly of aspect A1, wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall, wherein the base wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall cooperate to define the inner channel, and wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner surface of the base wall of the first channel member opposes the inner surface of the base wall of the second channel member. 
     Aspect A4: The structural member assembly of aspect A3, wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in the cross sectional plane, further comprises: a first flange extending from a first end of the first side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the second side wall; and a second flange extending from a first end of the second side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the first side wall. 
     Aspect A5: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A4, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member, in the cross sectional plane, have the same shape. 
     Aspect A6: The structural member assembly of assembly of any one of Aspects A1-A5, wherein the length of the first channel member and the length of the second channel member are substantially equal. 
     Aspect A7: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A6, wherein said at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member is longitudinally spaced from the respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and the respective longitudinal end of the second channel member by at least twelve inches. 
     Aspect A8: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A7, wherein the length of the inner member is greater than the length of the first channel member and greater than the length of the second channel member. 
     Aspect A9: The structural member assembly of aspect A8, wherein the inner member comprises a first portion and a second portion, wherein the first portion of the inner member is arranged end-to-end with the second portion of the inner member, wherein the first portion and the second portion are discrete components. 
     Aspect A10: The structural member assembly of any of aspects A1-A7, wherein the length of the inner member is less than the length of the first channel member and less than the length of the second channel member. 
     Aspect A11: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A10, wherein the inner member extends from a wall of the first member to an opposing wall of the second member. 
     Aspect A12: The structural member assembly of aspect A11, wherein the inner member comprises a first parallel wall, a second parallel wall, and a web extending between the first and second parallel walls, wherein the first wall of the inner member abuts and attaches to the wall of the first member, and the second parallel wall of the inner member abuts the opposing wall of the second member. 
     Aspect A13: The structural member assembly of any one of aspects A1-A12, wherein the structural member is a constituent of a multi-story storage structure. 
     Aspect A14: A support column extending in a longitudinal dimension, the support column comprising: a plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures, each longitudinal structure having a first longitudinal end and an opposing second longitudinal end, and each longitudinal structure having a length in the longitudinal dimension and defining an interior passage extending along the length; and a plurality of inner members, each inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end and having a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures are aligned end-to-end along a single axis, wherein respective longitudinal ends of each of the outer hollow longitudinal structures are coupled to respective longitudinal ends of each adjacent outer hollow longitudinal structure, wherein the interior passages of the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures cooperate to define an interior passage of the support column, wherein the plurality of inner members are aligned end-to-end along the single axis within the interior passage of the support column so that the first and second longitudinal ends of each of the inner members extend to respective longitudinal ends of each adjacent inner member, wherein at least one end of at least one inner member is longitudinally offset from every longitudinal end of the plurality of outer hollow longitudinal structures. 
     Aspect A15: The support column of aspect A14, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure comprises: a first channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and wherein each of the first channel member and the second channel member, in a cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall, wherein the base wall, the first side wall, and the second side wall cooperate to define the inner channel, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner surface of the base wall of the first channel member opposes the inner surface of the base wall of second channel member, and so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define the interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension. 
     Aspect A16: The support column of aspect A15, wherein each inner member extends from a wall of the first channel member of at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure to an opposing wall of the respective second channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure. 
     Aspect A17: The support column of aspect A16, wherein each of the inner members comprises a first parallel wall, a second parallel wall, and a web extending between the first and second parallel walls, wherein the first wall of the inner member abuts and attaches to the wall of the first channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure, and the second parallel wall of the inner member abuts the opposing wall of the respective second channel member of the at least one outer hollow longitudinal structure. 
     Aspect A18: The support column of any one of aspects A14-A17, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, and the center member comprises light gauge steel. 
     Aspect A19. A structural assembly extending in a longitudinal dimension, the structural assembly comprising: a first channel member, having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; a second channel member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member has a length in the longitudinal dimension and defines an inner channel extending along the length; and an inner member having a first longitudinal end and an opposed second longitudinal end, wherein the inner member has a length in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the first and second channel members are positioned with respect to each other so that the inner channels of the first and second channel members cooperate to define an interior passage extending in the longitudinal dimension, wherein the inner member extends through at least a portion of the interior passage and is attached to at least one of the first channel member and the second channel member, wherein at least one of the first and second longitudinal ends of the inner member extends beyond a respective longitudinal end of the first channel member and a respective longitudinal end of the second channel member in a first direction, wherein the first direction extends toward the respective longitudinal end of the first channel member from the opposing longitudinal end of the first channel member. 
     Aspect A20: The structural assembly of aspect A19, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure has the same cross sectional profile. 
     Aspect A21: The structural assembly of aspect A19, wherein each outer hollow longitudinal structure comprises structural tubing. 
     Aspect A22: A method comprising: coupling a first channel member to a first inner member and a second channel member to the first inner member, wherein the first channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the first channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, wherein the second channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the second channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, so that the inner channel of the first channel member and the inner channel of the second channel member oppose each other and cooperate to define a first interior passage therein and so that the first end of the first inner member defines a protruding portion that extends beyond the first end of the first channel member and the first end of the second channel member; coupling a third channel member and a fourth channel member to the protruding portion of the first inner member, wherein the third channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the third channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, wherein the fourth channel member has a length, a first longitudinal end, and an opposing second longitudinal end, wherein the fourth channel member defines an inner channel extending along the length, so that the inner channel of the third channel member and the inner channel of the fourth channel member oppose each other and cooperate to define a second interior passage therein; coupling a second inner member to the third channel member and the fourth channel member so that the first inner member and the second inner member cooperate to define an inner member assembly that extends through an entire longitudinal length of the second interior passage. 
     Aspect A23: The method of aspect A22, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, the third channel member, the fourth channel member, the first center member, and the second center member comprises light gauge steel. 
     Aspect A24: The method of aspect A22 or aspect A23, wherein each of the first channel member, the second channel member, the third channel member, the fourth channel member, in a respective cross sectional plane perpendicular to the longitudinal dimension, comprises a base wall having an inner surface, an outer surface, a first end, and a second end, a first side wall extending from the first end of the base wall in a respective direction that is perpendicular to the base wall, a second side wall extending from the second end of the base wall in the respective direction that is perpendicular to the base wall. 
     Aspect A25: The method of aspect A24, wherein each of the first channel member the second channel member, the third channel member, and the fourth channel member, in the respective cross sectional plane, further comprises: a first flange extending from a first end of the first side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the second side wall; and a second flange extending from a first end of the second side wall that is opposite the base wall and in a direction toward the first side wall. 
     Aspect B1: A structural frame for a building, the structural frame comprising: a beam of any one of aspects 1-20; and a support column coupled to the beam. 
     Aspect B2: The structural frame of aspect B1, wherein the support column is a support column according to any one of aspects A14-A18. 
     Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail by way of illustration and example for purposes of clarity of understanding, certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.