ADVANTAGES

and

DISADVANTAGES
of Using

STEEL
as

ROOF TRUSSES
 INTRODUCTION

• Loading system of a roof

• Types of trusses commonly used
• Materials commonly used
• Factors leading to the use of steel
 Loading System of A Roof
• Types of loadings

– Gravity
• self-weight and weight of the finishes

– Climatic loads
• Primary loads: wind and snow
• Induced loads: rain and icing
 Loading System of A Roof
• Load Transfer

• From the tiles and the roof itself to the purlins

• From purlins to truss

• From truss to columns or beams to finally be

transferred to the ground
 Types of Roof Trusses
• A roof truss is a structural member which supports
the purlins in roof construction.
 Types of Roof Trusses
• Span up to a distance of 30m – used where
large, clear, unobstructed areas are required.

• The ability to span large distances arises from

two factors:
– The high strength-to-weight ratio
– The design of the truss in the form of a series of
triangles.
 Types of Roof Trusses

• Roof trusses save material and on-site labor costs.

It is estimated that a material savings of about 30
percent is made on roof members and ceiling joists.

• Roof trusses come in a variety of shapes.

Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Bowstring Attic

Double Howe Double Fink

Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Dual Pitch Fan

Fink Flat
Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Gambrel Hip

Howe Inverted
Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Kingpost Modified Queenpost

Monopitch Piggyback
Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Polynesion Queenpost

Scissors Sloping Flat

Types of Roof Trusses - Examples

Stub Studio
Queenpost Truss
 Materials Commonly Used
• CAST IRON and ALUMINIUM

• TIMBER
– light timber roof trusses - used mainly for single family
dwellings
– heavy timber roof trusses - usually used to create large
clear areas like cathedral ceilings.

• STEEL
 Use of Steel in Roof Trusses
• High Yield's steel (yield strength 450 - 550 N / mm2),
or known as cold formed steel and only suitable to be
used to support spans less than 13m.

• Mild steel is usually used for longer spans. The yield

strength is 275 N/mm2 and usually it is thicker. The
extension used are welding or bolt and nut..

• Common use in factory building, hangar and long

truss that spans a large distance and is high.
Factors Leading to the Use of Steel
• Availability:
 Steel service centre
 Availability of shape
• Maintenance:
 Soap or mild detergent and water (Preferably
warm)
 Soap and warm water or organic solvent (eg:
acetone, alcohol, methylated spirits)
 Mild cleaning solutions (eg: Jif, specialty stainless
steel cleaners)
Factors Leading to the Use of Steel
• Cost of Production:
 A cost-push comes from raw material suppliers
 The extent of demand emerging from BRIC
countries
 Increased capacity to produce steel signals lower
prices in the future
 The price of steel is highly dependent on global
economic cycle
 British Standards
• BS 449:

The use of structural steel in building

• BS 4/ Bs 4848:

Specification for Hot-Rolled Structural

Steel Sections
 ADVANTAGES

and

DISADVANTAGES
 ADVANTAGES
• High strength-to-weight ratio
• High strength - providing design flexibility and superior
engineering provide excellent spanning capabilities.
• readily accommodate innovate renewable energy
technology.
• Resistant to catastrophes such as earthquakes.
• Weight of structures are smaller, thus easy to transport to
the site of construction.
 ADVANTAGES
• Uniformity
– The properties of steel do not change over time.

• Elasticity
– It is very highly performing under both tension
and compression, up to fairly high stresses.
– Behaves closer to design assumptions.
 ADVANTAGES
• High Ductility
– Steel deforms to a great extent before ultimate
failure.
– Visible evidence of impending failure. Precaution
steps can be taken.

• Toughness
– Steel has the ability to absorb energy in large
amounts before being deformed.
 ADVANTAGES
• Straight and true
– Steel members do not wrap, twist, sag or shrink.
They will remain straight and true minimizing
ongoing maintenances.

• Permanence
– Steel structures can last indefinitely, if properly
maintained. They can far exceed the useful life of
buildings with conventional wood trusses.
 ADVANTAGES
• Energy saving characteristic
– They span an area and provide space for a full
depth of insulation in the attic. For example:
Raised heel trusses

• Possible re-use (ultimate recyclable material)

– Steel is 100% recyclable
– Generate minimal waste products
 ADVANTAGES
• 100% Termite-proof.
– Total structural protection

• Air-vapor barrier
– Reduces mold, condensation, and rot.
 Other Advantages

• Ability to be fastened together by several connection devices

• Steel will not ignite or burn

• Adaptation to pre-fabrication

• Speed of erection

• Addition to existing structures

• Ability to be rolled into a wide variety of sizes and shapes

DISADVANTAGES
 DISADVANTAGES
• Corrosion
– Main disadvantage
– When freely exposed to air and water
– Needs to be painted regularly

• Susceptibility to Buckling
– Danger of buckling increases with increase in
length and slenderness.
 DISADVANTAGES
• Fatigue
– In tension only
– The strength decreases when subjected to a high
stress or a large number of variations of tensile stress

• Fire-Proofing costs
– Steel is an excellent heat conductor
– Can propagate heat very fast
– Require insulation or thermal breaks
 DISADVANTAGES
• Financial Restrictions:
– Only a few types of trusses are financially feasible

• An increase in manufacturing cost;

• Because it allows for maximum insulation
space, it will take more insulation to fill the
attic.
 DISADVANTAGES
• The Effect of Temperature

– Cold-drawn steel cables can totally fail at 800º F.

– Above 1000oF , expanding steel exert lateral thrust forces on

wall, causing collapse.

– Expansion within the truss cause the bottom chord to buckle or

fail

– Low temperatures may cause the steel to lose its ductility, thus
becoming brittle.
 DISADVANTAGES
• Skills Requirement

– Because light-gauge steel frame construction is

relatively new and innovative within the
residential construction industry, it is not only
unfamiliar to craftsmen but it is also unfamiliar to
engineers and code officials.
 DISADVANTAGES
• Tools Requirement

In addition to the labor training required to

convert to the use of steel, builders and laborers
must obtain some new tools not presently used by
carpenters. The combination of additional training
and tools translate to increased costs of
construction for a short period of time.
CONCLUSION
 CONCLUSION
• Roof trusses are of various types
• Dependant on the design requirements and
aesthetics view
• Steel is a widely used material
• Advantageous as compared to timber
• New technologies and innovations are being
discovered
THANK YOU