FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to lattice girders comprising longitudinal wires connected
by truss members and methods for the production thereof. The lattice girders can be
used as a construction material, for example in concrete structures.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Lattice girders are girders where the flanges are connected by a lattice web. The
lattice web provides resistance to bending of the girder with a minimal amount of
material. Because of this combination of strength and economy, lattice girders are
a popular construction material, which is for example used for the manufacture of
reinforced concrete.
[0003] Various types of lattice girders are known in the art. In many types of lattice girders,
the lattice web consists of a single longitudinal bar with a more or less sinusoidal
shape, which extends over the total length of the lattice girder. An example thereof
is the lattice girder described in patent
EP0079892.
[0004] The size and shape variation of the typical lattice girders used in construction
is small. While the size and shape of the wires may vary, the width and height variation
is limited, typically providing lattice girders with heights between 100 and 160 mm
and widths between 70 and 95 mm. These constraints are required in order to maintain
the structural force that the lattice girders provide. Lattice girders are often used
in construction as reinforcement material for concrete floors. In order to improve
the structural strength the size of the wires is often increased, especially when
a high structural strength in the longitudinal direction is required. However, once
the concrete floors are completely finished, and the lattice girders are entirely
embedded in the concrete floor, the improved the structural strength by the larger
wires of the lattice girders no longer perform their function as the concrete now
has enough structural strength of its own. Therefore the larger wire size constitutes
in a waste of material and only performs its function during the drying of the concrete.
[0005] Also, in the cases where an increase in wire diameter does not provide enough structural
strength to the concrete, the concrete slabs reinforced with lattice girders are typically
used on the first or higher floors of a building where the floors can be supported
from underneath.
[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for improved lattice girders which are able to provide
an improved structural support to concrete floors and methods for the production thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention relates in general to lattice girders and methods for the production
thereof.
[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an asymmetrical lattice girder
supporting frame comprising:
- two base joists and a top joist arranged in parallel relative to each other, each
of said joists forming an edge of a triangular prism, and
- truss members spatially connecting each of said base joists with said top joist, wherein
the cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular to said joists, provides a
triangular geometry wherein at least the size of the edges between the top joist corner
and each of the base joist corners is unequal.
[0009] More particularly, the present invention relates to a lattice girder wherein the
size difference between the edges joining the top joist corner with each of the base
joist corners is at least 1.5%, more preferably at least 2.5% and most preferably
at least 10%, for example 10%, 15% or 20%. In particularly, the present invention
relates to a lattice girder wherein the cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular
to said joists, provides an acute triangular geometry. More particularly, the present
invention relates to a lattice girder wherein the height of the lattice girder ranges
between 60 and 200 mm, and the width of the lattice girder ranges between 50 and 120
mm. More particularly, the present invention provides a lattice girder wherein as
least one of said joists has a diameter which is different from the diameter of the
other joists. More particularly, the present invention relates to a lattice girder
wherein said lattice girder further comprises at least one guiding feature for guiding
support columns through said lattice girder. More preferably, said guiding feature
is a pipe, preferably of a cylindrical shape, attached to said lattice girder passing
between said top joist and one of said base joists. More preferably, the central axis
of said pipe is perpendicular to the direction of said joists. Typically, the diameter
of said guiding feature ranges between 15 and 60 mm, and more preferably between 20
and 30 mm, for example 20, 22, 24, 26, 28 or 30 mm.
[0010] In a further embodiment, the present invention relates to a method for manufacturing
an asymmetric lattice girder according to the present invention, comprising the steps
of:
- a) selecting metal wires for manufacturing a top joist and two base joists based on
the required characteristics of said lattice girder;
- b) optionally unwinding said metal wires selected in step a) from a role;
- c) optionally straightening and cutting said metal wires for manufacturing said joists;
- d) selecting or manufacturing one or more truss members of a first size and one or
more truss members of a second size; and;
- e) spatially connecting said first base joist with said top joist through said truss
members of a first size and spatially connecting said second base joist with said
top joist through said truss members of a second size, thereby obtaining an asymmetrical
lattice girder.
[0011] More particularly, the present invention relates to a method wherein step e) includes
welding the ends and apexes of said truss members to said joists.
[0012] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a lattice girder floor comprising
a precast concrete slab with one or more cast in lattice girders according to the
present invention.
[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to the use of a lattice girder
or a lattice girder floor according to the present invention as a construction material.
More particularly, to the use of a lattice girder or a lattice girder floor according
to the present invention for guiding support columns, and more particularly to the
use of a lattice girder or a lattice girder floor according to the present invention
for supporting floors.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention
is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings,
their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals
indicate like or corresponding parts and features.
Figure 1 Illustration of a lattice girder
Figure 2 Cross-section illustration of lattice girder according to a specific embodiment of
the present invention
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but
the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in
the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.
[0016] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and
plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0017] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous
with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended
and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The
terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" when referring to recited members,
elements or method steps also include embodiments which "consist of" said recited
members, elements or method steps.
[0018] Furthermore, the terms first, second, third and the like in the description and in
the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily
for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be
understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances
and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation
in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.
[0019] The term "about" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter,
an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of
+/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still
more preferably +/-0.1 % or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations
are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that
the value to which the modifier "about" refers is itself also specifically, and preferably,
disclosed.
[0020] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions
subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.
[0021] All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference
in their entirety.
[0022] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical
and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill
in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions
for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching
of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely
to aid in the understanding of the invention.
[0023] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means
that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with
the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus,
appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places
throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment,
but may. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be
combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art
from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments
described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments,
combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope
of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those
in the art. For example, in the following claims, any of the claimed embodiments can
be used in any combination.
[0024] The present invention generally relates to lattice girders that are asymmetrical
in that the triangular geometry of the cross-section of said lattice girder us such
that the size of the edges between the top corner and the side corners are unequal.
By providing such an asymmetrical lattice girder the structural force of the lattice
girder is reduced, as compared to normal lattice girders having a symmetrical form.
While one would normally not consider reducing the structural strength of the lattice
girder, the inventors have now found that an asymmetrical lattice girder according
to the present invention provides the benefit of enabling the use of additional support
structures supporting the lattice girder. When using lattice girders in a concrete
floor, the structural strength of the lattice girder mainly plays a role during the
initial phase where the concrete has to harden and dry in order to obtain its strength,
once this is done the, lattice girder only provides a minor contribution to the strength
of the floor structure. By using the asymmetrical lattice girders according to the
present invention, additional removable support structures may be provided through
the lattice girder, the support structures providing support to the lattice girder
during the construction stages where the lattice girder need to offer structural support,
but once the concrete is in place and provides structural support, the support structures
can be removed. Normal symmetrical lattice girders do not offer enough room to position
such support structures. The inventors have now found that an asymmetrical lattice
girder, although providing less structural support, can offer enough room to position
support structures through the lattice girder. The latter allows the manufacturer
to provide a high degree of support in the regions of the girder that are more susceptible
for mechanical stresses while other parts of the lattice girder that are less susceptible
for mechanical stresses can be provided with a smaller support. This allows a more
economical manufacturing of the lattice girder.
[0025] In a first aspect, the present invention provides an asymmetrical lattice girder,
herein also referred to as "girder". The asymmetrical girder according to the present
invention comprises:
- two base joists and a top joist arranged in parallel relative to each other, each
of said joists forming an edge of a triangular prism, and
- truss members spatially connecting each of said base joists with said top joist, wherein
the cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular to said joists, provides a
triangular geometry wherein at least the size of the edges between the top joist corner
and each of the base joist corners is unequal.
[0026] The base joists are herein also referred to as first base joist and second base joist.
The three joists of the girder are positioned parallel to each other, and each of
the joists forms an edge of a triangular prism. Each base joist is joined to the top
joist via truss members.
[0027] The truss members ensure that the relative position of the joists is fixed, and that
the lattice girder can resist bending. In the lattice girder according to the present
invention, each truss member is comprised of a wire which is connected to the base
joist and to the top joist. Consequently, each truss member is comprised of a curved
or bent wire. Thus, the truss members typically comprise one or more curved portions.
In particular embodiments, the truss members have a zig-zag shape, e.g. a sinusoidal
shape or sawtooth pattern.
[0028] The curved portions of the truss members may form sharp or rounded corners. This
may depend on the wire type of which the truss members are comprised. In particular
embodiments, the radius of curvature of the curved portions ranges between 0.01 cm
and 10 cm, more particularly between 0.2 cm and 5 cm, for example 0.5 cm, 1 cm, 2
cm, 3 cm, 4 cm or 5 cm.
[0029] In particular embodiments, the connection between the truss members and the joists
are made via the ends and apexes of the truss members. The apexes of the truss members
are typically curved. Accordingly, in particular embodiments, the connection between
the truss members and the joists are made via the ends and curved portions of the
truss members.
[0030] The lattice girder according to the present invention is asymmetrical in that the
cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular to said joists, provides a triangular
geometry wherein at least the size of the edges between the top joist corner and each
of the base joist corners is unequal. More particularly, the size difference between
the edges joining the top joist corner with each of the base joist corners is at least
1%, 1.5%, 2 %, 2.5%, 3 %, 3.5%, 4 %, 4.5%, 5 %, 7.5% or at least 10%, for example
12.5%, 15%, 17.5% or 20%. The percentage is based on size difference in respect to
largest edge. Depending on the dimensions of the lattice girder according to the present
invention the size difference percentage may vary. Typically, the size difference
between the edges is 1 mm or more. By providing this size difference an asymmetrical
lattice girder is obtained wherein one of the sides enables to insert support structures
through the lattice girder thereby enabling the lattice girder to be supported when
used.
[0031] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein the cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular to
said joists, provides an acute triangular geometry. With acute triangular geometry
is meant a triangular geometry wherein all interior angles of the triangular geometry
measure less than 90°. In particular embodiments the triangular geometry is scalene,
meaning that all sides are unequal. More particularly, said geometrical triangle is
scalene and acute.
[0032] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein the height of the lattice girder ranges between 60 and 200
mm, for example 60, 80, 100, 120, 140, 160, 180 or 200 mm, and the width of the lattice
girder ranges between 50 and 120 mm, for example 50, 70, 90, 110 or 120 mm. The dimensions
of the lattice girder according to the present invention typically depend on the intended
use of the girder. The length of the girders depends on the requirements of the customer
and typically ranges between 1 and 10 m. The distance between the base joists is typically
between 50 mm and 120 mm, more particularly between 70 and 95 mm, for example 70,
75, 80, 85, 90 or 95 mm. The height of the girder (i.e. the distance between the top
joist and the plane defined by the base joists) is typically between 60 and 200 mm,
more particularly between 100 and 170 mm, for example 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160
or 170 mm. The angle between the plane defined by the top joist and the first base
joist and the plane defined by the top joist and the second base joist is typically
below 90°, for example 85°, 80°, 75°, 70°, 65°, 60°, 55°, 50°, 45°, 40°, 35°, 30°
or lower.
[0033] The lattice girders known in the art often comprise one or more triangular units
constructed with straight members whose ends are connected at joints referred to as
nodes. Such structures are also known as truss structures. External forces and reactions
to those forces are considered to act only at the nodes and result in forces in the
members which are either tensile or compressive forces. Torques are excluded because
the nodes in a truss are treated as revolutes. Truss structures are typically comprised
of triangles because of the simplicity and structural stability of such design. Accordingly,
in particular embodiments, the truss members form triangular spaces along the length
of the lattice girder, more particularly alternatively inverted triangular spaces.
However, a similar structural stability can also be obtained using other shapes or
combinations of shapes. In particular embodiments, the truss members form shapes along
the length of the lattice girder selected from sinusoidal shapes, triangular spaces,
trapezoidal spaces, parallelogram-shaped spaces, rectangular spaces and square spaces.
The base of the triangular, trapezoidal, parallelogram-shaped, rectangular and/or
square spaces typically ranges between 100 and 300 mm, for example 100, 125, 150,
175, 200, 225, 250, 275 or 300 mm. In particular embodiments, the truss members form
trapezoidal spaces along the length of the lattice girder, more particularly alternatively
inverted trapezoidal spaces. In certain embodiments, the truss members joining two
joists may form sinusoidal, triangular and/or trapezoidal spaces. Truss members forming
triangular, trapezoidal and/or sinusoidal spaces provide the most effective support
and are easy to handle in the manufacturing process.
[0034] Typically, the truss members comprise angled portions. Angled portions are portions
of the truss members which are positioned in a direction which is not perpendicular
to the joists to which the truss member is connected. Optionally, the truss members
may further comprise straight portions. Straight portions are portions of the truss
members which are positioned in a direction perpendicular to the joists to which the
truss member is connected.
[0035] In particular embodiments, the angle between the angled portions and the joists to
which the truss member is connected is between 55° and 65°, more particularly about
60°. In further embodiments, the truss members comprise angled portions, forming alternatively
inverted equilateral triangle-shaped spaces along its length. The inventors found
this to be the most effective and economical structure in most cases. In certain embodiments,
the truss members comprise alternatively straight and angled portions, wherein the
angled portions slope up towards one point along the length of the lattice girder.
In further embodiments, this point is the center of the girder. Such a configuration
of straight and angled portions between two joists is known in the art as a Howe truss.
In certain situations, this configuration provides an optimized strength of the girder.
[0036] In certain embodiments, the truss members comprise alternatively straight and angled
portions, wherein the angled portions slope down towards one point along the length
of the lattice girder. In further embodiments, this point is the center of the girder.
Such a configuration of straight and angled portions between two joists is known in
the art as a Pratt truss. In certain cases, this configuration provides an optimized
strength of the girder.
[0037] The joists and truss members of the girder are typically made of metal wires. The
term "metal wire" as used herein refers to a single, usually cylindrical, string of
metal which is used to bear mechanical loads. The metal wire refers to a single, string
of metal which may be used for a large number of applications. In fact the metal wire
is an important raw material in industry and construction.
[0038] The material of the metal wires may be any type of metal or metallic alloy such as,
platinum, silver, iron, copper, aluminium, gold, steel, brass or bronze. Optionally,
the metal wires may be provided with a coating. Preferably the material of the metal
core is steel or iron. When a steel metal core is used, the steel may provided with
either a low or high carbon content.
[0039] The metal wires may be provided with a coating, such as but not limited to metal
wires provided with a galvanization layer, a polymer coating or a metal oxide coating.
The metal wires may have any cross-section such as round, square, rectangular, oval
or half oval cross-sections. The metal wires forming the joists may be chosen within
a diameter range ranging between 4 mm and 45 mm (such as 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 15, 17,
19, 21, 23, 27, 29, 31, 33, 35, 37, 39, 41 and 43 mm), preferably between 6 mm and
18 mm. The metal wires forming the truss members may be chosen within a diameter range
ranging between 3 mm and 15 mm, preferably between 3 mm and 10 mm more preferably
between 4 and 7 mm. Typically, the diameter of the joists is larger than the diameter
of the truss members.
[0040] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein as least one of said joists has a diameter which is different
from the diameter of the other joists. Preferably, the diameter of said top joist
is different from the diameter of said base joists.
[0041] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein said lattice girder further comprises at least one guiding
feature for guiding support columns through said lattice girder. Whereas an asymmetrical
lattice girder according to the present invention may be provided such that support
structures such as support columns are provided through the lattice girder, in particular
embodiments the lattice girder may be further provided with guiding features that
allow passing through support structures such as support columns. Whereas traditional
lattice girders could only be used for the construction of floors on the first floor
or above, the latter allows the use of lattice girders for the construction of ground
floors where the room underneath is not or difficult to access. As support structures
such as support beams have to be removed when the floor is structurally stable, normal
lattice girders could not be used when the area underneath the floor was not accessible.
The lattice girders according to the present invention allow the introduction and
removal of support structures for the lattice girders at all times during the construction
process.
[0042] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein said guiding feature is a pipe, preferably of a cylindrical
shape, attached to said lattice girder passing between said top joist and one of said
base joists. Other shapes of the guiding feature can also be envisaged, including
square or rectangular shaped guiding features. The pipe as used herein can be any
shape considered by a skilled person, including, but not limited to cylindrical, oval,
square, rectangular, etc.
[0043] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein the central axis of said pipe is perpendicular to the direction
of said joists.
[0044] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to asymmetrical
lattice girders wherein the diameter of said guiding feature ranges between 15 and
60 mm (such as 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 45, 50, 55 or 60 mm), and more preferably between
20 and 30 mm.
[0045] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a method for manufacturing an
asymmetrical lattice girder as described herein. The method for manufacturing according
to the present invention comprises the steps of:
- a) selecting metal wires for manufacturing a top joist and two base joists based on
the required characteristics of said lattice girder;
- b) optionally unwinding said metal wires selected in step a) from a role;
- c) optionally straightening and cutting said metal wires for manufacturing said joists;
- d) selecting or manufacturing one or more truss members of a first size and one or
more truss members of a second size; and;
- e) spatially connecting said first base joist with said top joist through said truss
members of a first size and spatially connecting said second base joist with said
top joist through said truss members of a second size, thereby obtaining an asymmetrical
lattice girder.
[0046] In the methods for manufacturing lattice girders currently known in the art, typically
five wires are selected: three wires for manufacturing the joists, and two for the
truss members. Each of the five members is therefore unwinded from a different role,
followed by manufacturing and joining of the joists and truss members, thereby obtaining
the girder.
[0047] The metal wires selected in step a) may differ from each other. For example, the
selected wires may have a different diameter. However, in many cases, at least two
of the selected wires are identical. In this case, the identical wires may be unwinded
from the same role, in contrast with the methods known in the art. Accordingly, in
particular embodiments, the wires for manufacturing at least two joists of the girder
are unwinded from the same role. In this case, steps b) and c) may be repeated for
each of the identical wires.
[0048] According to a particular embodiment, the present invention relates to a method wherein
step e) includes welding the ends and apexes of said truss members to said joists.
[0049] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a lattice girder floor comprising
a precast concrete slab with one or more cast in lattice girders according to the
present invention. Lattice girder floors typically comprise a thin reinforced precast
concrete slab and one or more lattice girders wherein the base joists are embedded
into the concrete slab. These structures are most frequently used reinforced floor
type is used for all applications in residential and commercial construction. The
fundamental benefits are amongst other things a high-quality product at a reasonable
price, extreme dimensioning versatility and rapid on site installation. In a particular
embodiment said lattice girder floor is further provided with a guiding feature, such
as for instance a hollow pipe, passing through the lattice girder and the concrete
slab thereby forming a hole through the concrete slab and allowing support structures
to be guided through the lattice girder floor structure.
[0050] In a further aspect, the present invention provides in the use of a lattice girder
or a lattice girder floor according to the present invention as a construction material
more particularly the use for guiding support columns and most particularly the use
for supporting floors.
[0051] In a further aspect, the present invention provides the use of a lattice girder as
described herein as a construction material. In particular embodiments, the present
invention provides the use of a lattice girder as described herein as a rebar, for
example in a reinforced concrete structure.
[0052] The present invention will be illustrated by the following non-limiting examples.
EXAMPLE
[0053] Figures 1 and 2 illustrate lattice girders according to specific embodiments of the
present invention. The lattice girders typically comprise two base joists (1,2) and
a top joist (3) arranged in parallel relative to each other and truss members (4,5)
spatially connecting each of said base joists (1,2) with said top joist (3). The cross-section
view of the lattice girder is provided in figure 2, clearly illustrating the asymmetrical
character of the lattice girder wherein the triangular geometry provides that the
size of the edges between the top joist corner and each of the base joist corners
are unequal. It can be seen that the distance between the top joist (3) and base joist
(2), bridged by truss member (5), is larger compared to the distance between the top
joist (3) and base joist (1), bridged by truss member (4), thereby proving the asymmetrical
lattice girder according to the present invention.
1. An asymmetrical lattice girder supporting frame comprising:
- two base joists and a top joist arranged in parallel relative to each other, each
of said joists forming an edge of a triangular prism, and
- truss members spatially connecting each of said base joists with said top joist,
wherein the cross-section of said lattice girder, perpendicular to said joists, provides
a triangular geometry wherein at least the size of the edges between the top joist
corner and each of the base joist corners is unequal.
2. The lattice girder according to claim 1, wherein the size difference between the edges
joining the top joist corner with each of the base joist corners is at least 1.5%.
3. The lattice girder according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the cross-section of said lattice
girder, perpendicular to said joists, provides an acute triangular geometry.
4. The lattice girder according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the height of the
lattice girder ranges between 60 and 200 mm, and the width of the lattice girder ranges
between 50 and 120 mm.
5. The lattice girder according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of
said joists has a diameter which is different from the diameter of the other joists.
6. The lattice girder according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said lattice girder
further comprises at least one guiding feature for guiding support columns through
said lattice girder.
7. The lattice girder according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein said guiding feature
is a pipe attached to said lattice girder passing between said top joist and one of
said base joists.
8. The lattice girder according to claim 7, wherein the central axis of said pipe is
perpendicular to the direction of said joists.
9. The lattice girder according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the diameter of
said guiding feature ranges between 15 and 60 mm.
10. A method for manufacturing an asymmetric lattice girder according to any one of claims
1 to 9, comprising the steps of:
a) selecting metal wires for manufacturing a top joist and two base joists based on
the required characteristics of said lattice girder;
b) optionally unwinding said metal wires selected in step a) from a role;
c) optionally straightening and cutting said metal wires for manufacturing said joists;
d) selecting or manufacturing one or more truss members of a first size and one or
more truss members of a second size; and;
e) spatially connecting said first base joist with said top joist through said truss
members of a first size and spatially connecting said second base joist with said
top joist through said truss members of a second size, thereby obtaining an asymmetrical
lattice girder.
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein step e) includes welding the ends and apexes
of said truss members to said joists.
12. Lattice girder floor comprising a precast concrete slab with one or more cast in lattice
girders according to any of claims 1 to 9.
13. Use of a lattice girder according to any one of claims 1 to 9 or a lattice girder
floor according to claim 12 as a construction material.
14. Use of a lattice girder or lattice girder floor according to claim 13 for guiding
support columns.
15. Use of a lattice girder or lattice girder floor according to claim 13 or 14 for supporting
floors.