Patent ID: 8910454

Claim:
A timber joist comprising: first and second flanges connected together by a 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 act together as a composite structural member, wherein each flange 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 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 facing surfaces of the first and second flanges have substantially curved profiles, and wherein the web has a height greater than the diameter of the first or second flange.