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4.0 TRUSS DESIGN

4.1 Introduction

Trusses and lattice girder are fabricated from the various steel sections available, joined

together by welding or by bolting usually via gusset connecting plates. Generally the truss act in

one plane and are usually designed as pin jointed frames, although some main members may

be designed as continuous. Where member lie in three dimensions the truss is known as a

space frame. Trusses and lattice girder are particularly suited to long spans, as they can made

to any overall depth and are commonly used in bridge construction. In building they have

particular application for roof structures, and for members supporting heavy loads (column

from floors above) and for members having longer spans.

The use of greater over depth leads to large saving in weight of steel compared with a universal

beam. This saving of material cost can offset the extra fabrication costs in certain cases.

4.2 Type of truss and Application

How long can the largest sections in the table properties able to spans? Let say for a bridge a

single longitudinal member is required to carry 100kn/M UDL along 40m span, can a single 914

x 419 x 398 UB(the largest section in table of properties) adequate in shear capacity, moment
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capacity and without excessive deflection, lateral torsional buckling? The use of a single big

section will be very costly and may be feasible in erection and fabrication.

Moreover, the bending moment capacity, which is governed by the depth of section if obtained

by using a single cross-section, a large portion of the web actually is unused. Therefore a truss

system is suggested. Trusses and lattice girders are fabricated from the various steel section

jointed together by welding or by bolting via gusset (connecting) plate. The joints could be pin

or continuous. Normally they are designed either acting in one plane or in three dimensions

(space Frame). The figure is shown the type of the truss

Figure 1.0 Type of Truss

The member used in truss system normally are angle, double angle, C –channels, double C-

channels, SHS, CHS, Col formed steel etc. some of them are depicted as follow.
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Figure 2.0 Members used in truss system

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Figure 3.0 Terminology in truss system

4.3 Design of roof truss system

This session is purposely introducing the design of a simple plane roof truss system

(determinacy). The loading subjected by truss is transferred through the purlins, either directly

onto the nodes or on the top members span. It is ideal if the load transferred to the truss at the

node position, but commonly this is not possible. In roof truss design the purlin positions may

not be known initially, and allowing for the possibility of purlin changes during future re-

roofing, a random position for load is often allowed. Therefore the general procedure is

summarized in figure 4 below.

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Figure 4 Design procedure of roof truss

5.4 Loading

The loading subjected to a truss system could be dead load, live load and wind load. for roof

truss system, the dead load may be consisting of cladding, insulation, selfweight of trusses and

purlins, services etc. for live load, according to BS 6399-2 or CP3:ChV part 2 0.75kn/m2 may be

used where the entrance to the roof is available only for service purpose. Otherwise, 1.5KN/m2

may be used if the purpose is more than that. In local practice, especially for building up to

three storey, no additional wind load is considered on the roof.

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5.5 Purling Design

Figure 5 Purlins

As depicted in the figure, purlins are those members in a truss system which carrying the roof

sheets and transferring the load to the rafters. It is normally placed perpendicular to the rafters

and sag rod may be added (in order to educe the minimum size of purlins)(Table 27 BS 5950)

The purlins are not necessary to be analyzed as complicated as the other structural members.
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The satisfaction of the purlin is approached by the empirical rules suggested in CL 4.12.4.3 as:

a) The slope of the roof should be less than 30% from the horizontal.

b) The loading on the purlin should be substantially uniformly distributed. Not more than

10% of the total roof load on the member should be due to other type of load

c) The limitation of section modulus Z about its axis parallel to the plane of the cladding,

member dimension D perpendicular to the plane of cladding, B parallel to the palne of

cladding are given in table 27 BS5950 as shown below.

Figure 6 Empirical values for purlins(Table 27 BS 5950)

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Example 1(Purlin Design & Loading Transfer)

A plane truss (as shown below) is arranged all pulins on its node. Design the purlin using single

angle sections, with the following data

 Spacing between trusses = 5m

 Weight of roof sheet, insulation and purlins(on slope) = 0.35KN/m2

 Self-weight of truss (on Slope) = 0.20KN/m2

 Imposed Load(on Plan) = 0.75KN/m2

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Solution

a) Roof Slope

6.324

2m

6m

According to BS; Roof slope should be less then 30%

2
=
6

= 18.4° < 30°

b) Purlin Design

I. Dead Load = 0.35 KN/m2 (on slope)

II. Imposed Load = 0.75 × 6 6.324 = 0.71 KN/m (on Slope)

III. Surface of purlin = 6.324 3 = 2.11

= +

= (0.35 + 0.71) × 2.11 × 5 = .

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Use angle of purlin; (BS 5950 Table 27)

= 1800

= 11.18 × 5000
1800 = .

= 5000
45 = 45 = .

Assume sag rod are assigned on the middle of purlins between two trusses

5000
= 2 2
60 = 60 = .

Therefore, use angle 125 X 75 X 10L (Zx = 36.5)

Loading transferred to the trusses (on nodes)

I. Dead Load = 0.35 + 0.2 = 0.55 KN/m (on slope)

II. Imposed Load = 0.17 KN/m (on Slope)

Total dead load Gk = 0.55 × 2.11 × 5 = .

Total imposed Load Qk = 0.71 × 2.11 × 5 = .

Design Load P = 1.4 GK + 1.6Qk

1.4(5.8) + 1.6(7.49) = .
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Other way to calculate dead load

= 0.55 KN/m

= 0.55 cos 18.4

= . /

0.58 × 5 × 12
= = .
6

Figure below showed the loading summary on the roof truss

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5.6 Tension Member

5.6.1 General

The specification of tension members are given in CL 4.6.1(BS 5950) generally the tension

capacity Pt is given by

Where,

Ae is the sum of effective areas ae of all the elements of the cross section. It should be less

than 1.2 times the total net area An.

The above formula is based on the assumption that the member is loaded on its axis. If

members are connected eccentric to their axes, the reduction of tensile capacity may be limited

by using the tensile moment expression,

+ + ≤ 1

However, angle, channels and T sections could be treated as axially loaded by using reduce

Tension capacity as follows (CL 4.6.2):

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For simple tied(no moment along the member) single angle consisting of a angle connected

only through one leg only; single channel connected only through one web, or a T-section

connected only the flange,

- For bolted connections :

= ( − 0.5 2)

- For welded Connections :

= ( − 0.3 2)

Where

2= − 1

a1 is the gross area of the connected element, taken as the product of its thickness and

the overall leg width for an angle, the overall depth for a channel or the flange width for

a T-section.
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For simple tied double consisting of a single angle connected only through one leg only; two

channels connected only through one web, or two T-sections connected only through the

flange, see figure below.

Figure 7 Pt for double angle, channel or T section members

Figure 8 Definition of some terms about the section area

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Example 2 Tension Member

An internal member of a truss system is subjects to tensile force 260KN from truss analysis as

shown in figure below. Propose a suitable cross section for it if

a) The end connections are welded

b) The end connection are bolt (∅ 24mm bolt)

Solution:

I. Welded Section

I. Preliminary sizing

Ft =260KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Area needed = Ae

260 × 10
275 = 945.45 2

Referring to Bs 5950 try use angle 100 X 65 X 7L where Ag = 11.2 cm2

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II. Tension Capacity

Assume the longer leg of the section welded to gusset; there fore the neutral

axis is eccentric away.

1 = 100 × 7 = 100 2

2= − 2

= 1120 − 700 = 420

= ( − 0.3 2)

= 275 × (1120 − 0.3 × 420) × 10

= . > = 260

III. Bolted end

I. Preliminary Sizing

Ft = 260KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Assume D=24 mm

ℎ = +

= +3

= 24 + 3 = 27
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Assume the section of the thickness is 8mm

260 × 10
= 275 + ( 27 + 8) = 1161.45

Try angle 100 X 65 X 10L where Ag = 15.6 cm2

II. Tension Capacity

= −

= 1560 − (27 × 8) =

= 1.2

= 1.2 × 1344 = .

1 = 100 × 10 − 27 × 10 =

2 = 1560 − 7330 =

= ( − 0.5 2)

= 275 ( 1612.8 − 0.5(830) × 10

= . > = 260
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5.7 Compression Members

The design basis of a compression member in truss is generally similar to a column. To simplify

the design procedure, the angle, channels and T-section are allowed to be design ignoring the

effect of end –connection eccentricity; through the empirical based limitations given in Cl

4.7.10 BS 5950. The limitations are describing the slenderness λ of the member in term of end

connection, effective length and different axes. The critical λ (largest value) is determined from

the rest (e.g , ) therefore results the compression capacity through the

formula Pc = Ag pc

Let us look in the expression of λ. Consider the single angle struct with double-bolt fixing:

Figure 9 λ for a double bolted member

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Where;

ra is the radius of gyration about an axis through the centroid of the angle parallel to

the gusset, so on for rb

rv is the minimum radius of gyration.

Recall the coefficient of effective length Le in column design, 0.85 is indicating the element

which is partially restraint at the end 1.0 is indicating the pin joint. From this view, the

expression

1.0 0.85
= =

Similar to the = in column design. The next expressions which contain slenderness

factor of 0.7 purposely for indicating the allowance of eccentricity 0.7 is pessimistically indicate

the effective length of the member and the additional constant (15 and 30) are assigned to

indicate the allowance of eccentricity.

For compression member subjected to bending moment, it should satisfy the three moment

axial compression interaction limitations which expressed in flexural expression in cl 4.8. 3

where
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Example 3 Compression members

Design the compression member for the truss in figure below. Use different section for the top

chord and internal vertical members. Use equal angle grade S275 and double bolted connection

Solution

a) Internal vertical member

I. Preliminary sizing

Fc = 46 KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Know that all members are bolt and assume that

D = 24mm

t = 8mm

An = area of hole

(24 + 3) × 8 = 216
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Assume based on the practice

= 0.4

− =

×
= + 216
.

= 634

Try to use 60 X 60 X 6L

II. Section Classification

= =1

60
= =
6
10 < 15 = 15

= = 20 < 24 = 24

ℎ ,

III. Slenderness

Cl 4.7.10.2(a) single angle

a)

0.85 2000
= 0.85 11.7 = 145.30

But ≥ 0.7 + 15 = 134.7 < 145.30

Use 145.30
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b)
2000
1.0 = 1.0 18.2 = 109.9

But ≥ 1.0 + 30 = 106.9 < 109.9

Use 109.9

c)

0.85 2000
= 0.85 18.2 = 93.41

But ≥ 0.7 + 30 = 106.9 > 93.41

Use 93.41

Thus = .

IV. Compression capacity

Table 23,24c

= 145.30

= 275 / 2

= 72 / 2

Cl 4.7.4

= 691 × 72 × 10

= . > = 46 ok
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b) Top Chord

I. Preliminary sizing

Fc = 90 KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Know that all members are bolt and assume that 2 hole

D = 24mm

t = 8mm

An = area of hole

2(24 + 3) × 8 = 432

Use double angle

Assume based on the practice

= 0.4

− =

×
= + 432
.

= 1250

Try to use 2/ 65 X 50 X 8L (Ag = 16.5 cm2)

II. Section Classification

= =1

650
=
68
10 < 15 = 15
65
=
8
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8.13 < 15 = 15

= = 14.38 < 24 = 24

ℎ ,

III. Slenderness

(Table 25)

Cl 4.7.10.3(a) single angle

a)

1.0 3000
= 1.0 11.7 = 149.25
0.7 + 30 = 134.48 < 149.25

Use .

b)

Assume the back to back struct are interconnected each 500mm

spacing using bolts, as shown figure below.
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c)
500
= 10.5 = 47.62

(0.85 ⁄ ) +

(0.85 × 3000 ⁄ 22.8) + 47.623

= 121.56

1.4 = 1.4 × 47.62 = 66.67 < 121.56

Use 121.56

Thus = .

IV. Compression capacity

Table 23,24c

= 149.25

= 275 / 2

= 68 / 2

Cl 4.7.4

= 1650 × 68 × 10

= . > = 90 ok
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Example 4 Designing of Truss

Design a roof truss(pratt) for a factory which covers an area of 40 X 12m. Details of the truss are

shown below. Use mild steel for all members and apply welding to all connection

Solution:

I) LOADING
1) Dead Load (on Slope)

7 mm thick steel sheeting = 0.1 KN/m2

Insulation and
lamp = 0.15 KN/m2
Self-weight of purlins = 0.05 KN/m2
Self-weight of
Truss = 0.1 KN/m2
Total dead load Gk = 0.4 KN/m2

2) Live load:
For service
Live load on plan = 0.75 KN/m2
Live load on slope = 0.75 X (6/6.008)
= 0.075KN/m2
Total live load, Qk = 0.75KN/m2
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Design load, q

= 1.4 + 1.6

1.76
= 1.4(0.4) + 1.6(0.75) =

Concentrated load on nodes, P

= × ×

= 1.76 × 5 × 1.5

= .

= .
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II. ANALYSIS

On node analysis

Apply truss analysis based on assumption that the loads are concentrated on nodes;

Figure On node analysis

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Table below show the analysis result of the truss

Member Node Axial load(factored) (KN)

(+) Tension
(-) Compression

Bottom chord 1 to 2 0.00

2 to 3 78.00
3 to4 115.50
internal member 1 to 8 -52.80
2 to 8 87.20
2 to 9 -39.00
3 to 9 42.80
3 to 10 -20.00
4 to 10 -6.80
4 to 11 7.00
Top chord 8 to 9 -78.30
9 to 10 -116.00
10 to 11 -122.00

Bending Analysis

The top chord members are subjected to the transverse loading due to he purlins load.

Therefore a moment analysis which treating the member as continuos member should be

carried on:
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Result from the computer analysis (plane frame analysis), the maximum moment Mmax is

3.8KNm.

To allow future re roofing we may determine the maximum moment as

max = = 13.2 × 2 6 = 4.4

6
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III. TOP CHORD DESIGN

I. Preliminary sizing

Fc = 122 KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Assume based on the practice

= 0.15

×
= .

= 2957.6

Try to use 100 X 100 X 15L (Ag = 28 cm2)

II. Section Classification

= =1

100
= =
15
6.67 < 15 = 15

= = 13.33 < 24 = 24

ℎ ,
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III. Slenderness

= = 2 = 2.0 ( ℎ )

= = 1 = 1.5 ( )

= 1 = 2.0

Table 25

Cl 4.7.10.2(a) single angle

a)

0.85 2000
= 0.85 19.3 = 88.08

≥ 0.7 + 15 = 87.54 < 88.08

Use 88.08

b)
1500
1.0 = 1.0 29.8 = 50.34

≥ 1.0 + 30 = 65.23 > 50.34

Use 65.23

c)

0.85 2000
= 0.85 29.8 = 57.05

≥ 0.7 + 30 = 76.98 > 57.05

Use 76.36

Thus = .
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IV. Compression capacity

Table 23,24c

= 88.08

= 275 / 2

= 146 / 2

Cl 4.7.4

= 3560 × 146 × 10

= . > = 122 ok

V. Linear Interaction Checking

Heel of angle in compression

= 0.8

= 0.8 × 275 × 35.6 × 10

= 7.83

The column interaction expression

122 4.4 0
+ + = + +
519.76 7.83

= . <1
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IV. INTERNAL VERTICAL MEMBER

I. Preliminary sizing

Fc = 52.8 KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Assume based on the practice

= 0.4

. ×
= .

= 480

Try to use 50 X 50 X 6L (Ag = 5.69 cm2)

II. Section Classification

= =1

50
= =
6
8.33 < 15 = 15

= = 16.67 < 24 = 24

ℎ ,
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III. Slenderness

= = = 1.0 ( ℎ )

Table 25

Cl 4.7.10.2(a) single angle

a)

0.85 1000
= 0.85 9.63 = 88.27

≥ 0.7 + 15 = 87.69 < 88.27

Use 88.27

b)
1000
1.0 = 1.0 15 = 66.67

≥ 1.0 + 30 = 76.67 > 66.67

Use 76.67

c)

0.85 1000
= 0.85 15 = 56.67

≥ 0.7 + 30 = 76.67 > 56.67

Use 76.67

Thus = .
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VI. Compression capacity

Table 23,24c

= 88.27

= 275 / 2

= 145 / 2

Cl 4.7.4

= 569 × 145 × 10

= . > = 52.8 ok

V. INTERNAL SLOPE MEMBER DESIGN

I. Preliminary sizing

Ft =87.2KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Area needed = Ae

87.2 × 10
275 = 317 2

Referring to BS 5950 try use angle 45 X 45 X 5 L where Ag = 4.3cm2

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II. Tension Capacity

Assume the longer leg of the section welded to gusset; therefore the neutral axis

is eccentric away.

1 = 45 × 5 = 225 2

2= − 2

= 430 − 225 = 205

= ( − 0.3 2)

= 275 × (430 − 0.3 × 205) × 10

= . > = 87.2

V. BOTTOM CHORD

I. Preliminary sizing

Ft =115.5KN

Py = 275 N/mm2

Area needed = Ae

115.5 × 10
275 = 420 2

Although 40 X 40 X 5L has adequate cross sectional area. To ease the section,

we may use angle 50 X 50 X 6L where Ag = 5.67 cm2 so that only one type of

internal members section being used.

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II. Tension Capacity

Assume the longer leg of the section welded to gusset; therefore the neutral axis

is eccentric away.

1 = 50 × 6 = 300 2

2= − 2

= 569 − 300 = 269

= ( − 0.3 2)

= 275 × (569 − 0.3 × 269) × 10

= . > = 115.5

SUMMARY

To simplify the erection work the 45 X 45 X 5L may be replaced with 50 X 50 X 6L. Therefore the

truss is using 100 X 100 X 100L for top chord and 50 X 50 X 6L for the rest remained.