Self mating beam section

Abstract

A self-mating beam section for constructing a box beam, the self-mating beam section having a substantially “C” shape comprising a web with a first flange and a second flange extending outwardly from the web. The flanges may extend substantially perpendicularly to the web. The self-mating beam section further includes a first longitudinal groove and a second longitudinal groove disposed proximate the intersection of the web and the flange. Each groove configured for receiving a free end of each flange of another identical self-mating beam section, wherein the difference between a width of a groove and the flange thickness is limited to prevent deflection of the free end of the flange when received into a corresponding flange so that the flange does not experience local buckling prior to the beam being loaded to a design stress corresponding to a similarly shaped tubular section.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A box beam section comprising:
 a web;   a first flange extending away from said web proximate a first end of said web, said first flange having a first flange thickness;   a second flange extending away from said web proximate a second end of said web, said second flange having a second flange thickness; and   a first longitudinal groove orientated parallel to and disposed outward of said first flange, said first longitudinal groove having a first groove width; and   a second longitudinal groove orientated parallel to and disposed inward of said second flange, said second longitudinal groove having a second groove width;   wherein first flange thickness is less than said second groove width and a difference between said first flange thickness and said second groove width is a first allowable clearance;   wherein second flange thickness is less than said first groove width and a difference between said second flange thickness and said first groove width is a second allowable clearance; and   wherein said first allowable clearance is less than a deflection of said first flange under a first loading that causes local buckling of said first flange, and said second allowable clearance is less than a deflection of said second flange under a second loading that causes a local buckling of said second flange.   
     
     
         2 . The box beam section of  claim 1  wherein the first allowable clearance is less than or equal to 0.01 inches and the second allowable clearance is less than or equal to 0.01 inches. 
     
     
         3 . A box beam comprising:
 A first beam section and a second beam section coupled by a plurality of fasteners;   Said first and second beam sections being substantially identical, each identical beam section comprising:   a web;   a first flange extending away from said web proximate a first end of said web, said first flange having a first flange thickness;   a second flange extending away from said web proximate a second end of said web, said second flange having a second flange thickness; and   a first longitudinal groove orientated parallel to and disposed outward of said first flange, said first longitudinal groove having a first groove width; and   a second longitudinal groove orientated parallel to and disposed inward of said second flange, said second longitudinal groove having a second groove width;   wherein first flange thickness is less than said second groove width and a difference between said first flange thickness and said second groove width is a first allowable clearance;   wherein second flange thickness is less than said first groove width and a difference between said second flange thickness and said first groove width is a second allowable clearance; and   wherein said first allowable clearance is less than a deflection of said first flange under a first loading that causes local buckling of said first flange, and said second allowable clearance is less than a deflection of said second flange under a second loading that causes a local buckling of said second flange; and   wherein each of said first and second flanges of said first and second beam sections have a free end, and said free ends of said flanges of said first beam section are received into said grooves of said second beam section and, wherein said free ends of said flanges of said second beam section are received into said grooves of said first beam section.   
     
     
         4 . The box beam section of  claim 3  wherein the first allowable clearance is less than or equal to 0.01 inches and the second allowable clearance is less than or equal to 0.01 inches.