Connector for structural sandwich plate members

1. A method of manufacturing a component of a structure comprising the steps of:

providing a connecting member comprising an elongate metal body having a longitudinal axis, a substantially constant cross-section perpendicular to said longitudinal axis and at least one tapered edge parallel to said longitudinal axis and formed by first and second inclined surfaces;

welding first and second metal plates to said connecting member in a spaced apart relationship to define a cavity, said first and second inclined surfaces serving as landing surfaces and providing weld preparations for said first and second metal plates respectively; and

injecting plastics material into said cavity to bond said first and second metal plates together with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

2. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of welding a further member to said connecting member.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein said connecting member has a second tapered edge formed by third and fourth inclined surfaces and said step of welding a further member comprises:

welding third and fourth metal plates to said connecting member in a spaced apart relationship to form a second cavity, said third and fourth inclined surfaces serving as landing surfaces and providing weld preparations for said third and fourth metal plates respectively; and

injecting plastics material into said second cavity to bond said third and fourth metal plates together with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween.

4. A method according to claim 2 wherein said step of welding a further member comprises:

providing a structural sandwich plate member comprising third and fourth metal plates welded at their peripheries to a second connecting member and a core layer of plastics material bonded to said third and fourth metal plates with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween; and

welding said second connecting member to said connecting member.

5. A method according to claim 1 wherein said step of welding a further member comprises welding a steel plate to said connecting member.

6. A method according to claim 1 wherein said connecting member has a second tapered edge and further comprises the steps of:

providing a structural sandwich plate member comprising third and fourth metal plates welded at their peripheries to a second connecting member and a core layer of plastics material bonded to said third and fourth metal plates with sufficient strength to transfer shear forces therebetween, said second connecting member having a shear key in a major face thereof, said shear key having a shape corresponding to the second tapered edge of said connecting member;

engaging said second tapered edge of said connecting member in said shear key; and

welding said second connecting member to said first connecting member.

7. A method of building a structure comprising the steps of:

manufacturing a plurality of structural components according to the method of claim 1 ; and

assembling said structural components to form said structure.

8. A method according to claim 7 wherein said steps of manufacturing and assembling are carried out at different sites.

9. A method according to claim 7 wherein said structure is a building, a bridge, a ship, ship component or an off-shore structure.