A method for forming a joining profile in a structural member comprises
providing an assembly having a base member, a forming body and a pair of
side anvils having profiles formed therewithin. The method further
comprises mounting the structural member on the base member, advancing
the forming body toward the structural member such that the structural
member is clamped to the base member, urging the side anvils toward
flanges of the structural member, forming a profile in each of the
flanges, and engaging protrusions of the side anvils with the web such
that opposing portions of the web are forced upwardly by the protrusions
at locations adjacent to each one of the flange profiles in order to
accommodate formation of the flange profiles in the structural member.
Formation of the joining profiles in the structural members allows for
detachable engagement thereof with another member having a corresponding
mating profile.