The bottom chord of a warren roof truss as shown in the figure below is to be designed.

Assume
that the bottom chord connection is made with 9 inch longitudinal welds at both ends of the
flange. Use A992 steel with Fy = 50 ksi and Fu = 65 ksi. The given loads in the figure are factored
loads.

Required:

1. Determine the Reduction Coefficient U using

a. The formula U = 1-(x/L) < .90
b. The range values for longitudinal welds connection
c. What value of U will you recommend for design.

Solution for a:

For the gross section,

48.04
Required Ag = = 0.90(50) = 1.07 in2
0.90

For the net section,

48.04
Required Ae = = 0.75(65) = 0.985 in2
0.75

Try an MT5 x 3.75;

Ag = 1.11 in2 > 1.07 in2 (ok)

Compute the shear lag factor U;

1.51
U=1 =1- = 0.8322
9

Ae = Ag U = 1.11(0.8322) = 0.924 in2 < 0.985 in2 (N.G.)

Try an MT6 x 5;

Ag = 1.48 in2 > 1.07 in2 (ok)

Compute the shear lag factor U;

1.86
U=1 =1- = 0.7933
9

Ae = Ag U = 1.48(0.7933) = 1.17 in2 > 0.985 in2 (ok)

If we assume that the bottom chord is braced at the panel joints,

5(12)

=
0.594
= 101 < 300 (ok)

Therefore, use an MT6 x5.