Structural element

Abstract

A structural element comprising a web, a pair of substantially oppositely directed flanges projecting outwardly from respective ends of the web, wherein the web comprises two or more channels formed therein, and wherein at least two of the two or more channels project into the web in opposed orientation to one another.

1 . A structural element comprising a web, a pair of substantially oppositely directed flanges projecting outwardly from respective ends of the web, wherein the web comprises two or more channels formed therein, and wherein at least two of the two or more channels project into the web in opposed orientation to one another. 
     
     
         2 . A structural element according to  claim 1  wherein the pair of flanges are disposed substantially parallel to one another. 
     
     
         3 . A structural element according to  claim 1  or  claim 2  wherein the pair of flanges are disposed substantially at right-angles to the web. 
     
     
         4 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein one of the pair of flanges is wider than the other of the pair of flanges. 
     
     
         5 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein at least one of the pair of flanges is provided with at least one lip extending therefrom. 
     
     
         6 . A structural element according to  claim 5  wherein the at least one lip is disposed at an included angle of less than 180° to the flange or flanges. 
     
     
         7 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein each of the pair of flanges is provided with a lip. 
     
     
         8 . A structural element according to  claim 7  wherein the lip associated with a first of the pair of the flanges is disposed at an angle of approximately 90° to the first of the pair of flanges, and the lip associated with a second of the pair of flanges is disposed at an angle of between 90° and 180° to the second of the pair of flanges. 
     
     
         9 . A structural element according to any one of  claims 5  to  8  wherein the at least one lip is bent or curved along at least a portion of its length. 
     
     
         10 . A structural element according to any one of  claims 5  to  9  wherein the at least one lip is provided with a lip return. 
     
     
         11 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more channels are spaced apart from one another by a portion of the height of the web. 
     
     
         12 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more channels are shaped so as to enhance one or more of the torsional, vertical and lateral strengths of the structural element. 
     
     
         13 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the two or more channels are adapted to provide engagement enhancement for the use of one or more bridging members. 
     
     
         14 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the at least two of the two or more channels are located an approximately equal distance from the middle of the web as one another. 
     
     
         15 . A structural element according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the structural element is a purlin. 
     
     
         16 . A structural element comprising a web, a pair of flanges projecting outwardly in substantially the same direction from respective ends of the web, wherein the web comprises two or more channels formed therein, and wherein at least two of the two or more channels project into the web in the same orientation as one another. 
     
     
         17 . A structural element according to  claim 16  wherein each of the pair of flanges are disposed substantially at right-angles to the web. 
     
     
         18 . A structural element according to  claim 16  or  claim 17  wherein at least one of the pair of flanges is provided with a lip extending therefrom. 
     
     
         19 . A structural element according to  claim 18  wherein the lip is disposed at an angle of about 90° to the at least one of the pair of flanges. 
     
     
         20 . A structural element according to any one of  claims 16  to  20  wherein the at least two of the two or more channels extend into the web in the same direction as the flanges. 
     
     
         21 . A structural element according to any one of  claims 16  to  21  wherein the structural element is a purlin.