Structural Members And Structures Using Them, And Methods

Abstract

Structural members, building structures, and methods for making them, are provided that are less prone to develop squeaks. The methods include, in one aspect, placing at least one panel on the flange surfaces of joists with an activatable adhesive provided between the panel and the flange surfaces to bond the flange surfaces to the panels in an effective long lasting manner. In another aspect, adhesive is introduced into a groove array in a joist flange surface to attach a panel pre-positioned on the grooved flange surface. Building frame structures, such as subflooring assemblies, made by the methods are also provided.

1 . A method of making a building structure, comprising:
 placing at least one panel on a flange surface of a plurality of joists wherein a flange surface of a joist proximate to said panel comprises an effective amount of an activatable adhesive, and   activating said activatable adhesive thereby bonding the panel and proximate flange surface.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1  further comprising securing said panel to said joists with fasteners to mechanically secure said panel to said joists. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said building structure is selected from a floor, a wall, a ceiling, or a roof. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said activating comprises contacting said adhesive with an activation fluid. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said activating comprises spraying an activation solution on said adhesive on said upper flange surface before said placing of said panel on said upper flange surface. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said adhesive comprises a foamable adhesive. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said upper flange surface further comprises a groove array adapted to receive activatable adhesive, activating fluid, or both. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 . wherein said groove array comprises at least one groove positioning said activatable adhesive on the upper flanges surfaces of the joist. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein said joist further comprises at least one joist hole extending from a side opposite the upper flange surface to said groove array, and said activating of said adhesive comprises introducing an activator fluid through said joist hole into said groove array. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , wherein said joist further comprising a drain hole at a different longitudinal location along the joist than the joist hole which extends from said groove of said array to a side opposite the upper flange surface, wherein said activating of said adhesive comprises said introducing of said activator solution through said joist hole into said groove array at least until at least a portion of said activator fluid drains from drain hole. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrier film containing said activitable adhesive. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said activating comprises imparting adhesive activation energy to said adhesive sufficient to induce activation of said adhesive to bond the upper joist surface and said panel thereto, wherein said activation energy is selected from sonication energy, radio frequency energy, microwave energy, heat energy, or pressure energy. 
     
     
         13 . A method of making a building structure, comprising
 placing at least one panel on a flange surface of at least one joist wherein a flange surface of said joist proximate to said panel comprises a groove array adapted to receive flowable adhesive;   introducing flowable adhesive into said groove array in an effective amount for bonding the panel and flange surface.   
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said panel comprises at least one panel hole extending through said panel, and said adhesive being injected through said panel hole into said groove array of said joist. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said joist further comprises at least one joist hole extending from a side opposite the upper flange surface to said groove array, and said adhesive being injected through said joist hole into said groove array. 
     
     
         16 . A structural member comprising an activatable adhesive on a surface of a joist. 
     
     
         17 . The structural member of  claim 16 , wherein said activatable adhesive comprises a foamable adhesive, and said joist comprises a grooved surface adapted for positioning said adhesive before activation of said adhesive. 
     
     
         18 . The structural member of  claim 16 , further comprising a carrier film on said joist surface, said carrier film containing said activatable adhesive. 
     
     
         19 . A building structure comprising a plurality of joists having flange surfaces and at least one panel attached on said flange surfaces comprising an effective amount of an activated adhesive attaching said joists to said at least one panel. 
     
     
         20 . The building structure of  claim 19 , wherein said building structure is selected from a floor, a wall, a ceiling, or a roof.