Structural member

Abstract

A structural member ( 20 ), including a longitudinally extending core ( 22 ), and at least two longitudinally extending ribs ( 24, 26, 28 ). Each rib ( 24, 26, 28 ), in profile, extends outwardly from the core ( 22 ) to an outer rib edge ( 30, 32, 34 ). The member ( 20 ) also includes a receiving aperture ( 36 ) in a first end ( 38 ) of the member ( 20 ) for receiving an end of an adjacent member ( 42 ).

1 . A structural member, comprising:
 a longitudinally extending core;   at least two longitudinally extending ribs, with the ribs extending from at least proximate a first end of the member to at least proximate a second end of the member;   with each rib, in profile, extending outwardly from the core to an outer rib edge; and   a receiving aperture provided in a first end of the member for receiving an end of an adjacent structural member, in an arrangement such that at least one rib of the structural member at least partially overlaps with at least one rib of the adjacent structural member.   
     
     
         2 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises a first connecting arrangement for connecting the first end to the end of the adjacent structural member. 
     
     
         3 . A structural member according to  claim 2 , wherein the first connecting arrangement comprises one or more fastener receiving apertures provided in at least one rib. 
     
     
         4 . A structural member according to  claim 3 , wherein the structural member comprises a second connecting arrangement for connecting the second end to another adjacent structural member. 
     
     
         5 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein the first end comprises an abutment shoulder provided on at least one of the ribs and core for alignment of the structural member with the adjacent structural member. 
     
     
         6 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein the structural member comprises 2, 3 or 4 longitudinally extending ribs. 
     
     
         7 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein each rib, in profile, tapers from the outer edge to the core. 
     
     
         8 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein the structural member is one of a pile section, pile, strut, column, beam or portion thereof. 
     
     
         9 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein each rib, in profile, is generally straight 
     
     
         10 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein each rib, in profile, is tapered. 
     
     
         11 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein each rib, in profile, is curved or bent. 
     
     
         12 . A structural member according  claim 1 , wherein the ribs are substantially equidistantly spaced about the core. 
     
     
         13 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein, in profile, the ribs generally define an X, Y or S shape. 
     
     
         14 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , when manufactured from two or more angled sections. 
     
     
         15 . A structural member according to  claim 1 , wherein the receiving aperture is a slot or slit. 
     
     
         16 . (canceled)