Patent ID: 7334373

Claim:
A method of forming a composite structural assembly, comprising: providing a baseplate formed from a first composite matrix comprising reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin via a pultrusion process, said baseplate comprising: a generally planar base section having a first side corresponding to a first of upper and lower faces thereof and a second side corresponding to another of said of upper and lower faces; a plurality of ribs extending from said first side of said base section; and a plurality of open channels disposed between said ribs and generally bounded by adjacent said ribs and said first side of said base section; providing a top plate formed from a second composite matrix of reinforcing fibers in a polymer resin; thereafter, securing said top plate to said baseplate so as to generally enclose at least a portion of said channels; forming a hole in said base section between a selected pair of said ribs, wherein said hole communicates with a corresponding channel defined by said selected pair of said ribs, wherein said hole is adapted to receive a fastener to fasten said baseplate to a support beam; inserting a fastener into said corresponding channel and through said hole to secure said baseplate to the support beam; and introducing grout into said corresponding channel such that said grout surrounds at least a portion of said fastener to secure said fastener in said corresponding channel; wherein said corresponding channel is enclosed when said top plate is secured to said baseplate.