Built-up beam assembly for building structures

Abstract

A structural beam assembly is for use in supporting a fabric covered building includes a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment and a means for interconnecting the adjacent beam sections. Each beam section comprises an upper member, a lower member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members. According to one embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a connection bracket having an upper tubular member sized for insertion into the upper tubular members of a two adjacent beam sections and a lower tubular member sized for insertion into the lower members two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a swaged portion integrally formed on the upper tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed on the lower tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the reinforcing web comprises web plates and the connection means comprises overlapping portions formed on the web plates of adjacent beam sections. The overlapping portions are secured together by fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. In another embodiment, the connection means comprises connection brackets that extend between the web plates of adjacent beam sections and are secured thereto using fasteners. In another embodiment, the connection means connection means comprises a pinned connection assemblies. Each pinned connection assemblies comprises mating flanges formed on the ends of the adjacent beam sections and a pin that extend through apertures in the flanges to secure adjacent beam sections to one another.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Fabric covered buildings are well known wherein a plurality of supports, often made from tubing, are erected on a foundation base, and held in spaced apart relation by purlins connected between them. The structure is then covered with fabric, somewhat analogous to a tent. Such structures are beneficial because they are relatively economical, fast and easy to erect and maintain, durable and easy to relocate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] Certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention relate to a structural beam assembly or arch for use in supporting a fabric covered building. The assembly comprises a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment. Each beam section comprises an upper member, a lower member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members. A connection means is provided for interconnecting adjacent beam sections. According to one embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a connection bracket having an upper tubular member sized for insertion into the upper tubular members of a two adjacent beam sections, and a lower tubular member sized for insertion into the lower members two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the upper and lower members are tubular and the connection means comprises a swaged portion integrally formed on the upper tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed on the lower tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections. In another embodiment, the reinforcing web comprises web plates and the connection means comprises overlapping portions formed on the web plates of adjacent beam sections. The overlapping portions are secured together by fasteners, such as bolts or rivets. In another embodiment, the connection means comprises connection brackets that extend between the web plates of adjacent beam sections and are secured thereto using fasteners. In still another embodiment, the connection means comprises overlapping web plates and connection brackets that are affixed to the beam sections. In another embodiment, the connection means comprises a pinned connection assemblies. Each pinned connection assembly is adapted to secure a pair of adjacent beam sections together. Each pinned connection assemblies comprises mating flanges formed on the ends of the adjacent beam sections and a pin that extend through apertures in the flanges to secure adjacent beam sections to one another.

[0004] The reinforcing web is preferably in the form of a web plate. The web plate may include apertures along its length for reducing the weight of the beam sections. The apertures may be of a constant size, or they may vary in size along the length of the beam section. In one embodiment, the apertures are smaller in size at the center of the beam section.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support framework of a fabric covered building employing beam assemblies constructed according to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0006] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a beam assembly that can be used in the support framework of FIG. 1.

[0007] FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a beam assembly according to certain aspects of a first embodiment the present invention.

[0008] FIG. 4 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 3 partially assembled.

[0009] FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 3 fully assembled.

[0010] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assembly according to certain aspects of a second embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] FIG. 7 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 6 fully assembled.

[0012] FIG. 8 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assembly according to certain aspects of a third embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] FIG. 9 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 8 fully assembled.

[0014] FIG. 10 is another exploded perspective view illustrating a beam assembly according to the third embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 10 fully assembled.

[0016] FIG. 12 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assembly according to certain aspects of a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

[0017] FIG. 13 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 12 fully assembled.

[0018] FIG. 14 is another perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 12 fully assembled.

[0019] FIG. 15 is an exploded perspective view illustrating beam assembly according to certain aspects of a fifth embodiment of the present invention.

[0020] FIG. 16 is a perspective view showing the beam assembly of FIG. 15 fully assembled.

[0021] FIG. 17 is an elevation view of a beam arch illustrating certain aspects of a first web plate.

[0022] FIG. 18 is a perspective view illustrating certain aspects of an alternative web plate.

[0023] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the support framework of a fabric covered building employing gabled beam according to certain aspects of the present invention.

[0024] FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a beam assembly from FIG. 19.

[0025] FIG. 21 illustrates a beam section having rectangular tubular members.

[0026] FIG. 22 illustrates another beam section having square tubular members.

[0027] FIG. 23 illustrates a beam section having oval-shaped tubular members.

[0028] FIG. 24 illustrates a beam section having trapezoidal tubular members.

[0029] FIG. 25 illustrate a pinned connection between a base plate and a built-up section according to certain aspects of the present invention.

[0030] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a pinned connection for interconnecting adjacent beam sections according to certain aspects of the present invention.

[0031] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate beam assembly according to certain aspects of another embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the preferred embodiments of the present invention, there is shown in the drawings, embodiments which are presently preferred. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the support framework 10 of a fabric covered building employing built-up beam assemblies (or arches) 12 according to certain aspects of the present invention. To erect the fabric covered building, a number of completed beam assemblies 12 are laterally spaced on the ground on an anchoring foundation, such as a concrete slab, columns or walls. The beam assemblies 12 are raised into a vertical orientation and anchored to the foundation by base plates 14. For example, fasteners, such as bolts or concrete fasteners, can extend through the base plates 14 and into the foundation for securing the beam assemblies 12 to the foundation. Purlins 16 are attached between the adjacent beam assemblies 12 at several locations throughout the framework 10. A fabric membrane, not shown, is pulled over the framework 10 and secured to the framework with means such as ropes, cables and/or tie down bars. While the beam assemblies are described in the context of a fabric covered building, it will be understood that other applications exist for the beam assemblies. For example the beam assemblies can be used to support a building covered with flexible sheets of metal, plastic, or wood.

[0034] FIGS. 3-4 illustrate first beam assembly 18 according to certain aspects of a first embodiment the present invention. The beam assembly 18 includes a plurality of beam sections 20, which are joined to one another by connection brackets 22. In some instance the terminology column or leg is used to refer to a vertical structural member; whereas the term beam or rafter is used to refer to the members that span horizontally between the vertical columns. The beams sections described herein can take the form of vertical sections (such as Section 15 in FIG. 2) or “spanning members” (such as Section 17 in FIG. 2). Each beam section 20 includes an upper tube 24 and a lower tube 26 joined together by a web plate 28. The tubes 24, 26 may, for example, have a 2.50 inch O.D. and are spaced from one another by the web plate 28 at a uniform distance, such as 12 to 16 inches between centers. It will be appreciated that the tubes may have different sizes, shapes and/or spacing without departing from the scope of the present invention. Several alternative tube designs are shown in FIGS. 21-24. While these alternatives are not exhaustive, they are illustrative of possible design variations that fall within the scope of the present invention.

[0035] The tubes 24, 26 are preferably joined to the web plate 28 by welding. For example, the tubes 24, 26 may be stitch welded to the web plate 28 at regular intervals, e.g., every 4 inches. Alternatively, a continuous weld can be used to join the tubes 24, 26 to the web plate 28. As will be appreciated, welds can be applied to either or both sides of the web plate 28.

[0036] The connection bracket 22 includes an upper connector tube 30 and a lower connector tube 32 joined together by a connection plate 34. The plate 34 is preferably joined to the tubes 30, 32 by welding. The connector tubes 30, 32 are sized for insertion into the ends of the tubes 24, 26 on the beam sections 20. The tubes 30, 32 may have a continuous diameter (as shown) or they may have swaged ends. Adjacent beam sections 20 are joined together by inserting the connector tubes 30, 32 into the ends of the built-up beam tubes 24, 26, as is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Mechanical fasteners, not shown, may be used to secure the beam sections 20 to the connection bracket 26. For example, holes may be drilled through the overlapping sections of the connector tubes 24, 26 and built-up beam tubes 30, 32. Bolts may be installed through the holes to secure the connector tubes 30, 32 within the built-up beam tubes 24, 26. The connection plate 34 presents purlin holes 36 that allow purlins 16 to extend between adjacent beam arches, as is generally shown in FIG. 1.

[0037] The web plates 28 include cut-out sections or apertures 38. While circular cut-out sections 38 are shown, it will be appreciated that other shapes may also be used. Alternatively, the web plates 28 may be formed without the cut-out sections 38. The cutout sections 38 provide an appealing visual effect and also reduce material, and hence the weight, of the beam assembly 18. The cut-out sections 38 may have a uniform size and spacing, as is shown in FIG. 17. Alternatively, the size and/or spacing of the cut-out sections may vary along the length of the beam section. For example, FIG. 18 shows an embodiment where the cut-out sections 38 become progressively smaller as towards the center of a give beam section. Progressively decreasing the size of the cut-out sections 38 towards the center of a given beam section is beneficial in counteracting the high bending moments that occur at the center of the beam section. Specifically, removing less material from the web plate at the center of the beam section helps to minimize the stress concentration due to the bending moment.

[0038] While the beam assembly 18 of FIGS. 3-5 has been shown with a web plate 28, it will be appreciated that the connection bracket 22 could also be used with beam sections having webbing formed from tubes, such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 6,085,468. However, the solid web plate 28 provides increased strength to the beam assembly, while reducing material thickness and labor costs.

[0039] FIGS. 6-7 illustrate a second beam assembly 40, according to certain aspects of a second embodiment of the invention. The beam assembly 40 includes a plurality of beam sections 42, 44. Each beam section 42, 44 has an upper tube 46, 50 and a lower tube 48, 42 joined by a web plate 54, 56 in the manner described above in connection with the first embodiment. The web plates 54, 56 may include cut-out sections 57, as were described above. Adjacent beam sections are interconnected by a swaged tubing connection. In particular, the ends of the tubes 50, 52 on one of the beam sections 44 include swaged portions 58, which are sized for insertion into the tubes 46, 48 of the other beam section 42. The overlapping of material at the swaged joint increases the overall shear strength of the joint. The length of the swaged portions 58 can be varied depending on the application to control the amount of overlap between adjacent beam sections 42, 44. In addition, in some applications it may be desirable to provide a longer swaged portion on one of the tubes, e.g., the upper tube 50 versus the lower tube 52. The swaged portions 58 may be formed at only one end of a given beam section. Alternatively, in some applications it may be desirable to form swaged portions at both ends of a given beam section, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 10. In some applications it may also be desirable to swage the top tube on one beam section and swage the bottom tube on an adjacent beam section.

[0040] The end of the web plate 54 may be offset so that it overlaps with the web plate 56 on the other beam section 42, as shown in FIG. 6. The overlap between the web plates 54, 56 increase the strength of the joint. Fastener holes 60 in the ends of the web plates 54, 56 align with each other when the beam sections 42, 44 are joined to one another.

[0041] Connection brackets 62 are mounted on opposite sides of the web plates 54, 56 for securing the adjacent beam sections 42, 44 together. Each connection bracket 60 has a planar first portion 64 and a flange 66, which extends generally perpendicular to the first portion 64. The first portion 64 is sized and shaped to fit flush against the faces of the web plates 56, 58. Fastener holes 68 in the first portion 64 align with the fastener holes 60 in the ends of the web plates 52, 54. Bolts 70 extend through the fastener holes 68, 60 in the connection brackets 62 and the web plates 54, 56 and are secured in place by nuts 72. While bolts have been shown for interconnecting the beam sections, it will be appreciated that other fasteners, such as rivets may also be used. Moreover, the fastener holes on either the connection bracket or the web plates may be elongated, e.g., in the form of slots, to ease assembly of the joint.

[0042] In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener holes 60, 68 are arranged in a straight line. In some applications it may be desirable to offset the fastener holes from one another to distribute the bolt loads and reduce the shear force at the joint. The flanges 66 on the connection brackets 62 have cut-out sections 74 to match the profile of the tubes. As a result, the flanges 66 fit tightly against the tubes, which further strengthens the joint.

[0043] FIGS. 8-11 illustrate a third beam assembly 76 according to certain aspects of a third embodiment of the present invention. The beam assembly 76 includes a plurality of beam sections 78, 80. Each beam section 78, 80 includes a respective upper tube 82, 84 and a respective lower tube 86, 88, which are joined together by a web plate 90, 92 in the manner described above. In this embodiment, the web plates 90, 92 of adjacent beam sections do not overlap. Instead, they generally form a butt joint. Connection brackets 94 are mounted on both sides of the web plates 90, 92 for securing the beam sections 78, 80 together. Each connection bracket 94 has a planar first portion 96 and a pair of flanges 98 that extend generally perpendicular to the first portion 96. The first portion 96 is sized and shaped to fit flush against the face of the web plates 90, 92. Fastener holes 100 in the connection bracket align with fastener holes 102 in the ends of the web plates 90, 92. Fasteners extend through the holes 100, 102 to secure the connection brackets and the web plates together. In the illustrated embodiment, the fasteners are in the form of bolts 104 and nuts 105. The fastener holes 102 in the web plates may be elongated, as shown, to ease assembly of the joint.

[0044] The fastener holes 100, 102 are preferably arranged in an offset pattern to distribute the bolt loads, thereby increasing the joints resistance to shear and tear out forces. In the illustrated embodiment, the fastener holes 100, 102 are arranged in an oval pattern, but it will be appreciated that other patterns will also work. For example, a diagonal pattern could be used to distribute the loads over an even larger number of bolts, which would further increase the resistance to shear. Other aspects of the beam assembly 76 may be constructed generally as was described above.

[0045] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a fourth beam assembly 110 according to certain aspects of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The beam assembly 110 of FIGS. 12-14 is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 8-11, except for the construction of the connector brackets 112. In particular, the connection brackets 112 in FIGS. 12-14 have only one flange 114. Eliminating one of the flanges from the connector bracket reduces the weight of the bracket, thereby reducing cost.

[0046] FIGS. 15-16 illustrate a fifth beam assembly 118 according to certain aspects of the present invention. The beam assembly of FIGS. 15-16 is similar to the one shown in FIGS. 12-14, except that the ends of the beam sections are cut on an angle. This creates a beveled or angled joint, which increases the strength of the joint. The connection brackets are similar to those shown in FIGS. 12-14, except that they are shaped to extend over the angled joint between the adjacent beam sections. The fastener holes are preferably arranged in an offset pattern, as was discussed above.

[0047] FIGS. 19-20 illustrate a gabled beam assembly 119 according to certain aspects of an embodiment of the present invention. The gabled beam assembly 119 can employ any of the joint assemblies described above.

[0048] FIGS. 21-25 illustrate additional alternative designs for beam sections according to certain aspects of the present invention. These beam sections are similar to the beam sections described above, except for the geometry of their upper and lower tubes. Specifically, in FIG. 21, the upper and lower tubes are rectangular in cross-section. FIG. 22 shows a beam section having square tubes. FIG. 23 shows a beam section having oval-shaped tubes. FIG. 24 illustrates a beam section having trapezoidal tubes. The beam sections shown in FIGS. 21-25 can be joined together using any of the methods described above. Moreover, it will be appreciated that the tubes can assume numerous other cross-sectional configurations without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0049] FIG. 25 illustrates a pinned connection between a base plate and a beam section according to certain aspects of the present invention. The base plate 120 includes a bottom plate 122, which is adapted to be secured to the foundation, e.g., by bolts or concrete fasteners (not shown). The base plate 122 includes a plurality of mounting apertures 124 for this purpose. A pair of opposed flanges 126a, 126b extend upwardly from the bottom plate 122 and are configured to receive a flange 128 carried by the end of a built-up beam section 130. A connector pin 132 extends through apertures in flanges 126a, 128, 126b for securing the beam section 130 to the base plate 120. The pinned connection is designed to counteract the bending moment created by forces placed on the building structure due to wind and snow loads, for example. The pinned connection helps to reduce the bending moment by allowing the building to move in response to external forces, such as wind or snow loads, and does not transfer any of the bending moment through the pinned connection between the beam section and the stationary foundation. As a result, stresses are reduced in the beam sections, allowing material thickness to be reduced, thereby reducing the cost of the building. This same type of pinned connection could also be used in a pony wall building design to connect the roof rafters to the posts forming the pony wall.

[0050] FIGS. 26-29 illustrate a pinned connection that can be used for interconnecting adjacent beam sections 140, 142 at the crown/peak of the building structure. The beam sections 140, 142 carry mating connection brackets 144, 146 on their ends. The first connection brackets 144 includes a pair of longitudinally extending, opposed flanges or plates 148a, 148b. The other connection bracket 146 includes a single longitudinally extending flange or plates 150 that is sized to slide into place between the flanges 148a, 148b on the other beam section 140. The flanges 148a, 148b, 150 include pin-receiving apertures 152 that align with each other when the flange 150 is slid into place between the flanges 148a, 148b. A connection pin 154 extends through the apertures 152 for securing the beam sections 140, 142 to each other. Each connection bracket 142, 144 includes laterally extending flanges 156. Using a pinned connection at the peak of a building functions to reduce the overall stresses in the beam members in much the same manner as was outlined above in connection with the pinned base plate connection.

[0051] FIGS. 30 and 31 illustrate another embodiment of a beam assembly 240 according to certain aspects of the present invention. This embodiment is similar to the one shown in FIG. 6, except that it also includes connection brackets that are secured to the beam sections. The beam assembly 240 includes a plurality of beam sections 242, 244. Each beam section 242, 244 has an upper tube 246, 250 and a lower tube 248, 252 joined by a respective web plate 254, 256 in the manner described above. The web plates 254, 256 may include cut-out sections 257, as were described above. The ends of the tubes 250, 252 on one of the beam sections 244 include swaged portions 258, which are sized for insertion into the tubes 246, 248 of the other beam section 242. The swaged portions 258 may be formed at only one end of a given beam section. Alternatively, in some applications it may be desirable to form swaged portions at both ends of a given beam section, as is shown in FIGS. 2 and 10. In some applications it may also be desirable to swage the top tube on one beam section and swage the bottom tube on an adjacent beam section.

[0052] The ends of the web plates 254, 256 are offset from one another so that they overlap when the beam sections 242, 244 are joined together. (See FIG. 31). Fastener holes 260 in the ends of the web plates 254, 256 align with each other when the beam sections 242, 244 are joined to one another. Fasteners, such as bolts (not shown), are mounted in the holes 260 to secure the beam sections together.

[0053] Connection brackets 262 are affixed to the beam sections, adjacent the upper and lower tubes. The connection brackets may be permanently secured to the beam sections, e.g., by welding. Alternatively, the connection brackets could be connected to the beam sections by fasteners, such as rivets or bolts. In the illustrated embodiment, each beam section includes an upper and lower connection bracket. The connection brackets on the adjacent beam sections align with one another when the beam sections are joined together, as shown in FIG. 31. Fasteners, not shown, such as bolts extend through fastener holes 264 in the connection brackets to further secure the beam sections together. In the illustrated embodiment, each connection bracket 262 includes three fastener holes 264.

[0054] When the beam sections are assembled, they are joined together, not only be the bolts through the offset web plates, but also by the connection plates located around the upper and lower tubes. The bolt in the connection plates, along with the use of the web plate bolts, are the primary means of connecting the beam sections together. In this embodiment, the swaged portions function primarily to align the beam sections with one another as they are joined together.

[0055] The various components of the beam assembles are preferably formed of metal. For example, the upper and lower likes can be formed of 2-½″ O.D. steel tubes and the web plates can be formed from 14 gage hot rolled steel. Similarly, the connection brackets can be formed from a metal, such as ¼″ hot rolled steel. It will be appreciated, however, that other materials, such as aluminum, can be used to form some or all of the components.

[0056] While the invention has been described with reference to a preferred embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed.

Claims

1. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabric covered building, comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment, each beam comprising an upper tubular member, a lower tubular member and a web plate extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower tubular members; and a connection means for interconnecting adjacent beam sections.

2. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a connection bracket having an upper tubular member sized for insertion into the upper tubular members of two adjacent beam sections and a lower tubular member sized for insertion into the lower members of two adjacent beam sections.

3. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a swaged portion integrally formed on the upper tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections and a swaged portion integrally formed on the lower tubular member of one of the two adjacent beam sections, the swaged portions being sized for insertion into the tubular member of the other adjacent beam section.

4. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web plate includes a plurality of apertures formed along its length.

5. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 4, wherein the apertures vary in size.

6. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections have portions that overlap with one another.

7. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein the connection means comprises fasteners for securing the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections together.

8. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 6, wherein the connection means comprises at least one connection plate secured to the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections by fasteners.

9. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections form butt joints.

10. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the web plates are generally planar.

11. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein at least some of the beam sections are arcuate.

12. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises connection brackets extending between the web plates of adjacent beam sections and secured thereto by fasteners.

13. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 12, wherein each connection bracket comprises a generally planar portion sized and shaped to fit flush against the web plates of two adjacent beam sections.

14. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 1, wherein the connection means comprises a plurality of pinned connection assemblies, each pinned connection assembly securing a pair of adjacent beam sections together, each of the pinned connection assemblies comprising mating flanges formed on the ends of the adjacent beam sections and a pin that extends through apertures in the flanges to secure adjacent beam sections to one another.

15. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabric covered building, comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment, each beam section comprising a hollow upper member, a hollow lower member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members; and a plurality of connection brackets, each connection bracket being adapted interconnect two adjacent beam sections in the beam assembly, each connection bracket having an upper member sized for insertion into the upper tubular member of at least one of the two adjacent beam sections and a lower connection member sized for insertion into the lower member of at least at least one of the two adjacent beam sections.

16. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein the upper and lower connection members are hollow.

17. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein each connection bracket further comprises a connection plate interconnecting the upper and lower connection members.

18. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 17, wherein the connection plate includes holes configured to receive purlins.

19. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 15, wherein the reinforcing web comprises a generally planar member.

20. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 19. wherein the generally planar member includes a plurality of apertures formed along its length.

21. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 20, wherein the apertures vary in size.

22. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabric covered building, comprising: a plurality of adjacent beam sections in end-to-end alignment, each beam section comprising an upper tubular member, a lower tubular member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower tubular members; and wherein pairs of adjacent beam sections are interconnected by swaged connections formed on the upper and lower tubular members, each swaged connection comprising a reduced diameter portion formed on the tubular member of one of the adjacent beam sections that is sized for insertion into the tubular member of the other of the adjacent beam sections.

23. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, further comprising connection brackets that secure the reinforcing webs of adjacent beam sections to one another.

24. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 23, wherein the reinforcing webs comprise generally planar web plates and each connection bracket comprises a generally planar portion that is sized and shaped to fit flush against the web plates of two adjacent beam sections.

25. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 24, further comprising fasteners that extend through the planar portions of the connection brackets and the web plates for securing the connection brackets to the web plates.

26. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 24, wherein each connection bracket includes at least one flange that extends generally perpendicular to the planar portion of a respective connection bracket.

27. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein the reinforcing webs comprise generally planar web plates.

28. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein each web plate includes a plurality of apertures formed along its length.

29. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 28, wherein the apertures vary in size.

30. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 27, wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections have portions that overlap with one another.

31. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 30, further comprising fasteners for securing the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections together.

32. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 31, wherein the connection means comprises at least one connection bracket that is secured to the overlapping portions of adjacent beam sections by fasteners.

33. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 27, wherein the web plates of adjacent beam sections form butt joints.

34. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 22, wherein at least some of the beam sections are arcuate.

35. A structural beam assembly for use in supporting a fabric covered building, comprising: a first beam section comprising an upper member, a lower member and a reinforcing web extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members; and a first connection bracket formed on one end of the first beam section and defining a pin-receiving aperture; a second connection bracket formed on one end of the second beam section and defining a pin-receiving aperture configured to align with the pin-receiving aperture of the first connection bracket; and a pin extending through the pin-receiving apertures for securing the beam sections to each other.

36. A beam assembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein the upper and lower members of the beam sections are hollow.

37. A beam assembly as set forth in claim 36, wherein the reinforcing web comprises a generally planar plate extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower members.

38. A beam assembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein the first connection bracket comprises a pair of spaced apart, longitudinally extending flanges and the second connection bracket comprises a longitudinal flange that is sized to mate between the flanges of the first connection bracket.

39. A structural beam assembly as set forth in claim 35, wherein the upper and lower members are arcuate.