Multinail Hub - Basic Timber Truss Mechanics

25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Basic Timber Truss Mechanics

Basic Timber Truss Mechanics

It is best to think of a truss as a large beam with each member being in either
tension or compression. The panels in both the top chords and bottom chords
are simply beams fixed between the panel points.

You can calculate the forces applied to the truss as well as the reactions that
the truss applies at the support points and can then determine the tie-downs
required to cater for uplift.

The following truss examples show the compression and tension in different
members for various trusses.

Figure A1-02-04-01

Figure A1-02-04-02

Failure types

Failure of a truss generally means failure of an individual member; however

Failure type Affected member
any timber member can fail in a building. An individual member can also fail if
its deflection is too large. Deflection Chords Floor joists Rafters

Bending Chords Floor joists Beams

Tension Webs Chords

Compression Webs Chords Studs

Shear Bottom chords Beams

Modifying timber members because of failures

You can make the following changes to modify the truss based on failure
Failure type Correction
modes. The following lists appear in order of likely effectiveness (i.e. the first
change type in the list is more effective than the remaining change types):
Deflection Decrease length of panel

Increase size of member (depth, thickness)

Increase grade

Tension Increase grade

Increase size of member (depth, thickness)

Compression Decrease length - add ties

Increase size of member (depth, thickness)

Increase grade

Shear Increase grade

Increase size of member (depth, thickness)

Decrease length of panel

Load durations

When you first apply a small load to a timber member, the timber member deforms elastically. If you maintain the load, an increase in deformation occurs gradually with
time and reduces strength.

This increase in deformation is called “creep” and depends on the size of the applied load, temperature, humidity, etc.

Under a sustained load, the deformation increases for a period of time and then will gradually stables itself.

For example, an unseasoned beam may creep up to 3 times its initial deflection under load. A seasoned beam subjected to sustained loading only creeps to about
twice its initial elastic deflection.

Because of creep, you must make allowance for the fact a piece of timber loaded for a long period may deflect further after being loaded.

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Design Loads
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Design Loads

Design loads

The following details contain the basic dead, live and wind loads used for all NOTE:
truss design. The loads are used in as many combinations as required to
achieve the most adverse loads on a particular truss. This information is subject to changes according to Code requirements.

Dead loads are those loads considered to be applied to a truss system for the
duration of the life of the structure. They include the weight of roof sheeting and Tiles = Approximately 55kg/m²
purlins, ceiling material and battens, wind bracing, insulation, self-weight of the
truss, hot water tanks, walls, etc.
Sheet Roof = Approximately 12kg/m²
Loads are considered in two major combinations:

1. Maximum dead load value - used for calculations involving all dead Plaster = Approximately 10kg/m²
and live load combinations and for wind load (acting down on the
truss) which is an additional gravity load.
2. Minimum dead load value - used in combination with wind load
causing maximum possible uplift on the structure, thus achieving the
largest stress reversal in the truss members.

The following tables show examples of loads used for truss details.

Live loads

Top chord live loads Bottom chord live loads

For non-trafficable roofs (from AS1170 – Part 1 Table 3.2).

(From AS1170 – Part 1 Section 3.7.3)

For roofs of houses 0.25kPa i sapploed and a 1.1kN point load.

The load is assumed as that of a man standing in the centre of a particular

For non-residential roofd where the area supported by the truss exceeds 14m², panel of the truss bottom chord. The value is taken as 1.4kN where the internal
a value of 0.25KPa live load is applied over the plan area of the roof. height of the truss exceeds 1200mm and 0.9kN for height less than 1200mm.

If the supported area is less than 14m², the value of live load is taken as:

= 1.8 + 0.12kPa
(Supported Area)

The supported area is usually the product of the truss span and spacing.
Wind load

1. Design wind velocity Vdes 3. Wind pressure (P)

Design wind velocity Vdes is determined from AS1170 Part 2. Wind Pressure (P) = 0.0006 x Vdes ² x Cfig (kPa)

For other areas, the following regional wind velocities can be used in timber 4. Examples
structures: Assuming a house with an eaves height of less than 5 metres and in a
Category 2 Region C area.
Region A - 45m/sec;
Region B - 57m/sec; The Wind Load is calculated as follows:
Region C - 66m/sec;
Region D - 80m/sec Regional Wind Velocity = 57.0 (m/sec)
M(z, cat) = 0.91
2. Design wind velocity Vz Ms = 1.0
V des = VR x M(z, cat) x Ms x Mt x Md Mt = 1.0
Design Wind Velocity = 57 x 0.91 x 1 x 1 = 52(m/sec)
Where: Wind Pressure (P) = 52² x 0.0006 x Cfig
P = 1.6224 (kPa) x Cfig
M(Z, cat) = Terrain-Height Multiplier
(Clause 4.2) Other design criteria

Ms = Shielding Multiplier Roof Span - 10 metres

(Clause 4.3) Roofing - Sheeting
Ceiling - Plasterboard
Mt = Topographic Multiplier Roof Pitch - 15°
(Clause 4.4) Truss Spacing - 900mm
Timber - Green Hardwood
Mi = Direction Multiplier Web Configuration - A Type
(Clause 3.3) The Wind Uplift force of each truss at support is calculated as
follows:
Alternative for houses AS4055 can be used and Table 2.1A and 2.1B give:
Wind Uplift = P x Spacing x Cfig x Span/2

Wind Class Design Wind Speed

N1 34

N2 40

N3 50

N4 61

C1 50

C2 61

NOTE:
This information is provided as a guide only.

Wind load calculation changes occur continuously and you must carefully consult the relevant Codes and other sources before undertaking this task.

Multinail’s Truss Design Software performs these calculations automatically, based on the latest Code refinements and “best practice’” design criteria.

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Design Properties
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Design Properties

Introduction

The Australian Standard AS1720.1 “Timber Structures Code” outlines the Stress levels in nailplates are checked against the allowable tooth pickup and
design properties of timbers for bending, tension, shear and compression. steel strength values that Multinail has determined over the years with different
timbers.
Multinail software checks that truss member stresses do not exceed the
allowable values and, if required, larger members or higher strength timber are
considered to help ensure stresses do not exceed allowable values.

Tension

A member in tension is subject to tensile stress (e.g. tow rope or chain).

Tension Stress (in a member)

= P/A in MPa
Where: P = Load in Newtons
A = Area in Square mm

Figure A1-02-02-01
Compression

A member in compression is tending to buckle or crush. Long compression

members buckle and are weaker than short ones which crush. The allowable
compression stress for a particular timber depends on the “slenderness ratio”
which is the greater of length/width or length/depth.

Figure A1-02-02-02

Bending

Beams are subject to bending stress (e.g. scaffold plank, diving board, etc.).
The actual bending stress fb = Bending/Section Modulus.

The Section Modulus (Z) is the resistance of a beam section to bending stress.
This property depends upon size and cross sectional shape and for a
uniformly rectangular shaped beam:
Z = bd²
6

Where:

b = width in mm
d = depth in mm

NOTE:
‘Z’ depends on the square of ‘d’, so doubling the depth increases
the strength of the beam four times.
Figure A1-02-02-01

For example:

Increasing 125 x 38 to 150 x 38 gives a sectional modulus of 142500mm3

which is stronger than a 125 x 50 which has a section modulus of 130208
mm3.

The depth is simply more important than the width. Deep beams require more
careful lateral restraint.

The Bending Moment depends on the load and the length of the beam.

For example: Figure A1-02-02-04

Consider a simply supported beam carrying a Point Load ‘P’ at midspan. By doubling the length (L) or load (P), you double the bending moment.

Deflection

During the analysis process when designing a truss, a number of deflection

calculations are made to determine:

A) Chord inter-panel deflection

The actual deflection of the timber chord between panel points is calculated
and compared to the allowable deflection by the Australian Standard or stricter
limits that may be applied.

B) Joint deflection

Each joint within the truss is checked for vertical and horizontal deflection. In a Figure A1-02-02-05
flat (i.e. horizontal) bottom chord truss, there is no horizontal deflection in the
By doubling the length (L) or load (P), you double the bending moment.
bottom chord panel points.

The deflection calculated in the bottom chord panel points is used to calculate
camber built into the truss during manufacture.

NOTE:

For trusses without horizontal bottom chords, the horizontal

deflection is very important as it may cause the supporting
structure to deflect outwards.

Care must be taken in applying the truss loads, fixing the truss
to the bearing point and maybe even design of the supporting
structure, to resist these loads.
Camber

A vertical displacement which is built into a truss to compensate for the

anticipated deflection due to applied loads. All trusses spanning relatively
large distances are cambered.

Camber is normally applied to the bottom chord joints during the truss
manufacturing. It varies depending on the truss type and span, roof pitch and
roof loads. Trusses with large camber need to be handled and installed
properly and carefully on site.

Camber helps to resist loads. The amount of camber is calculated by Roof to

resist the load of applied roofing and ceiling materials. Eventually, the
Figure A1-02-02-10
designed truss with camber will flatten out to provide straight chords once it has
been fully loaded. Therefore, the amount of camber can represent the truss
long-term deflection.

Truss Action

A truss is like a large beam with each member in tension or compression, the chords acting as beams between the panel points as well as carrying axial load. At any
joint, the sum of the forces acting must be zero (otherwise motion would occur) - this enables the forces to be determined.

For example:

Figure A1-02-02-01

By measuring (or scaling) or by using simple trigonometry The forces are found
to be 37.3 kN tension in the bottom chord and 38.6 kN compression in the top
chord.
Figure A1-02-02-07

The following diagrams show typical Tension (T) or Compression (C) forces in the modulus of a truss under uniformly distributed gravity loads.

Figure A1-02-04-01 Figure A1-02-02-08 Figure A1-02-04-02

Figure A1-02-02-09

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Mechanical Properties of Timber
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Mechanical Properties of Timber

Mechanical propertiest

Mechanical properties of Timber describes the way Timber behaves under applied forces.
Different timber species have certain characteristics that affect the strengths of the timber and limit the potential uses for the timber.
Mechanical properties consider the actual engineering terms and values that form the Grading Systems, Joint Groups and Strength Groups that are used in our
industry.
Before we discuss mechanical properties, you need to understand how timber works.

Forces and Loads

A force is a measure of a load applied to an object in a certain direction. For When you understand the stresses and strains on the timber, you can also
example, if you consider the tiles on roof trusses, we know the load and we develop methods to withstand the forces to make the structure sound.
know the direction – therefore we can calculate the force.
A mass of 1kg is approximately equal to 10 N, or 100kg is equivalent to 1kN.
Timber estimators work with the following loads:
Building plans show units of force as a kilonewton (kN) and show units of
Dead Load (DL) - permanent or long term loads including weights of stress as kilonewtons per square meter (kN/m2). This combination of units are
fixed materials (e.g. tiles to top chord, plasterboard ceiling to also commonly know as a Megapascal (MPa).
bottom chord, hot water systems, air-conditioning units, flooring,
etc.). Engineers refer to the following four main stresses and strains:
​Studs, wall plates and lintels have been sized in accordance with
the relevant Tables from AS1684. Compression;
Wind Load (WL) - environmental loads due to the wind pressure Tension;
applied to a structure. Shear; and
Service Loads (SL) - Solar Hot Water Systems (SHWS). Air Bending
Conditioning, etc.
Also considered is the deflection of individual members as well as the overall
When you add these types of loads to a Timber Structure, the engineers and component such as the Truss and Lintel etc.
Software program analysis the forces applied to the Timber members.
Depending on whether the timber moves (i.e. bends or deflects) you can take
actions to rectify, increase sizes or grades, increase thicknesses, decrease
spans, add additional supports, etc.

Compression

When a load is applied which tends to shorten or crush the body, the body is in
compression. The shortening is known as compressive strain and the stress is
compressive stress.
Compression strength relates to the ability of a section to support a given load
acting across that section. Compression occurs in columns, studs and stumps
where a member is holding up a load. It can also occur in some truss
members.

Figure A1-01-01-01
Tension

Tension occurs when the load applied tends to lengthen or stretch a body. The
lengthening is known as tensile strain and the stress produced is tensile stress.

Tension strength is the ability of a member to withstand an axial tension load.

The bottom cord of a roof truss is a typical example of a timber member
subjected to tension forces.

Figure A1-01-01-02

Shear

Shear occurs when a load tends to move one part of a body over an adjacent
part. The amount of movement along the shear plane is the shear strain and
the stress produced is the shear stress.
The shear strength of timber is gauged by its ability to oppose forces acting in
opposite directions in a section, tending to cause a sliding action of one part
over another.
An example of shear forces acting on a section of timber is the case of a bolted
joint in the bottom cord of a truss. Shear stress is also present where a beam
rests on a wall. In this situation, the shear is perpendicular to the grain.

Figure A1-01-01-03

Bending

Bending commonly occurs in structural members such as Beams and Joists. A

Beam supported at both ends and loaded in the middle tends to bend
downwards

When this occurs, the top part of the beam tends to shorten and undergoes
compressive stresses; while the bottom part tends to stretch and undergoes
tensile stresses.

Both stresses decrease toward a neutral axis, near the centre of the beam,
where no bending stress exists and where shear stress is at its maximum. This
is the reason for requiring higher Grades of Timber and better joints on the
outside rather than at the centre of laminated beams.

Many species of timber have been tested and rated against these four tests
and using this data, Timber Engineers have been able to equate values to
various timber groups. Timber Groups are various species of timber that are
rated in the same level of testing values.

Figure A1-01-01-04
There are two types of values gained from the testing – Strength Group and
Joint Group. The Strength Group refers to how strong the Timber is in relation
to the density and the above 4 stresses and strains placed on the Timber. The
following table shows the strength group for dry timber only - green timber has
a similar table.

Note – Softwoods are usually grouped in SD5 to SD7; hardwoods usually

found in groups SD1 to SD4.

Property Strength Group

SD1 SD2 SD3 SD4 SD5 SD6 SD7

Bearing perpendicular to grain 26 23 19 17 13 10 8.6

Bearing parallel to grain 76 67 59 51 40 30 23

The Joint Group refers to how well the Timber performs with fixings.

The following table shows the range of values for joint groups for seasoned timber:

Property Joint Group

JD1 JD2 JD3 JD4 JD5 JD6

Air dry density between 10% - 15% (kg/m3) 940 750 - 935 600 - 745 480 - 595 380 - 475 300 - 375

The timber strength relates to the tests performed and the species grouping. To calculate the actual Stress Grade (i.e. how strong the timber is), you must review the
natural characteristics and grade the timber based on the number of defects found. The Timber Grades range from 1 (being the strongest) to 4 (being the weakest).
Timber below a Grade 4 are not classed as Structural Timbers.

The following table shows the possible stress grades and strength groups for each timber group:

Strength Group Stress Grade

Grade 1 Grade 2 Grade 3 Grade 4

SD1 F34 F27 F22 F17

SD2 F34 F27 F22 F17

SD3 F27 F22 F17 F14

SD4 F22 F17 F14 F11

SD5 F17 F14 F11 F8

SD6 F14 F11 F8 F7

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Roof Truss Numbering System
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Roof Truss Numbering System

Multinail uses a simple, flexible and very versatile system of

member and joint numbers to identify all members and
connectors.

HL - Left heel
HR - Right heel
TO - Always allocated to the apex
B0 - Always allocated to the joint immediately below the apex joint
T1R - First Joint to the right of apex
T2R - Second Joint to the right of apex Figure A1-04-01-01
T1L - First Joint to the left of apex
T2L - Second Joint to the left of apex
TCR - Top Chord right of apex
TCL - Top Chord left of apex

A variation to this Numbering System occurs when the Top Chord contains a
splice.

The Top Chord is then allocated two denotations:

TC1-R - If the upper Top Chord right is equal length to the left side then it is
labelled as TC1

TC2-R - If the lower Top Chord right is equal length to the left side then it is
labelled as TC2

Figure A1-04-01-02 If the Top Chord contains three members, than the next Top Chord would be
marked TC3-R, etc.

Bottom Chords Splices

For the bottom chord, the numbers and markings are similar. If the Truss does
not have a B0 joint, then the joints are marked as B1R, etc. and B1L from an
imaginary line from the T0 connector. Hence, the more joints, the more
numbers to each side of this imaginary line.
With Standard Trusses, there are normally only one splice joint per bottom
chord and the size and stress grade of each member is the same, thus the
bottom chords are numbered BC1 and BC2 as it is not critical to which side of
the truss it is positioned.
When a chord is spliced between panel points, it is marked as LTS1 (being the
first splice in the top chord on the left hand side of the TO position). Similarly to
RTS1.
When the chord is spliced at a panel point, the joint is marked as LTS2 or
LBS3 relevant to the joint number in the top or bottom chord.
Webs

Webs (the internal truss members) are marked according to their position in
For Trusses with multiple Bottom Chords such as Cathedral Trusses in which
relation to the apex joint T0 and the vertical web under this joint, or the
there may be up to five Bottom Chords (each one may be a different size). The
imaginary line from the T0 position.
members are numbered from the left hand side to of the Truss and are marked
as BC1, BC2....BC5. This numbering reflects the manner in which the Truss
The webs to the left of the T0 are marked W1L, W2L, etc. and webs to the
drawing is developed.
right of this line are marked W1R, W2R, etc.

Note that it is possible that there may be more webs on one side than the other
of the T0 position.

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Roof Truss Terminology
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Roof Truss Terminology

Figure A1-03-01-01

Truss Member

A prefabricated, engineered building component which functions as a Any element (chord or web) of a truss.
structural support member.

Apex Axial force

The point on a truss at which the top chords meet. A force (either compression or tension) that acts along the length of a truss
member. Measured in newtons (N) or kilo newtons (kN)

Axial stress Battens

A measure of the intensity of an axial force at a point along a member, Structural members which are fixed perpendicular to the Top Chords of a
calculated by dividing the axial force at that point by the cross-sectional area of Truss to support the roofing material or to the Bottom Chords to support the
the member. Measured in mega pascals (MPa). ceiling material and to restrain the Truss from buckling.

Bending moment Bending stress

A measure of the intensity of the combined forces acting on a member; i.e. the A measure of the intensity of the combined bending forces acting on a
reaction of a member to forces applied perpendicular to it (including the member, calculated by dividing the bending forces acting on a member, are
perpendicular components of applied forces). The maximum bending moment calculated by dividing the bending member by the section modulus of the
is generally towards the centre of a simple beam member. member.

Bottom chord Butt joint

The member which defines the bottom edge of the truss. Usually horizontal, A joint perpendicular to the length of two members joined at their ends.
this member carries a combined tension and bending stress under normal
gravity loads.

Camber Cantilever

A vertical displacement which is built into a Truss to compensate for the Where the support point of the Truss is moved to an internal position along the
anticipated deflection due to applied loads. All trusses spanning relatively Bottom Chord of the Trusses.
large distances are cambered.
Combined stress Concentrated or Point Load

The combined axial and bending stresses which act on a member A load applied at a specific point; i.e. a load arising from a man standing on the
simultaneously; i.e. the combination of compression & bending stresses in a Truss.
Top Chord or tension & bending stresses in a Bottom Chord which typically
occur under normal gravity loads.

Cut-off Dead Load

The term used to describe a truss which is based on a standard shape but cut The weight of all the permanent loads applied to member of a truss; i.e. The
short of the full span. weight of the member itself, Purlins, Roofing Ceilings, Tiles etc.

Deflection Eaves Overhang

The linear movement of a point on a member as a result of the application of a The extension of the top chord beyond the end of the truss to form the eaves of
load or a combination of loads. A measure of the deformation of a beam under a roofing structure.
the load.

Heel Hip Joint

A point on a truss where the top and bottom chords join. The joint between the sloping and horizontal top chords of a Truncated Truss.

Laminated Beam or Truss Lateral Tie

Two or more Members or Trusses mechanically fastened to act as a composite A member connected at right angles to a chord or web member of a truss to
unit. Lamination allows the achievement of the increased strength without the restrain the member.
use of a solid, larger section Timber.

Live Load Load Duration Factor

Temporary loads applied to the truss during maintenance by workers and The percentage increase in the stress allowed in a member based upon the
during constructions. length of time that the load causing the stress is on the member. (The shorter
the duration of the load, the higher the Load Duration Coefficient). (k2)

Manufacturing Details Mid-panel Splice

Drawings which contain the data for truss fabrication and approval by local A splice in a member (at a specified distance from a panel point).
building authorities. (Produced automatically by the software used by Multinail
Fabricators.)

Mitre Cut Overhang

A cut in one or more member made at an angle to a Plane of the Truss. I.e. The clear extension of a chord beyond the main structure of a Truss. (See also
The Top or Bottom Chords of a Creeper Truss are mitered at 45 degrees at Eaves Overhang)
the end of the Truss where they meet the Hip Truss.

Panel Panel Point

The chord segment of a Truss, usually the Top or Bottom Chord between two The connection point between a Chord and Web.
panel points.

Panel Point Splice Pitch

A Splice joint in a Chord and Web. The angular slope of a Roof or Ceiling. Also the angular slope of the Top or
Bottom Chords of a Truss which form and/or follow the line of a Roof or
Ceiling.
Plumb cut Purlin

A vertical cut. A plumb cut is perpendicular to a horizontal member. All splices A structural member fixed perpendicular to the Top Chord of a Truss to
are plumb cut. support the roofing.

Span

The distance between the outer edges of the loadbearing walls supporting the
Trusses.

Splice Joint Support Reactions

The point at which the Top or Bottom Chords are joined (at or between panel Those forces (usually resolved into horizontal and vertical components) .which
points) to form a single Truss Member. are provided by the Truss supports and are equal and opposite to the sum of
the applied forces.

Top Chords Truncated Girder Station

Generally the sloping of members to a Truss which define its top edge. Under The position of a Truncated Girder. Defined in terms of its distance from the
normal gravity loads, these members usually carry a combined compression end wall.
and bending stress.

Webs Wind Loads

Members which join the Top and Bottom Chords, together with them form a Wind loads are the forces applied to the Roof Trusses by the virtue of wind
Truss by which structural loads are transferred to the Truss support. blowing on the structure, typically (not always) upwards.

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Multinail Hub - Truss Design & Analysis
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Truss Design & Analysis

Introduction

This section provides a brief introduction to the techniques for Truss design; it
is not intended as a comprehensive guide.

The design of the Truss members can begin immediately after determining the
anticipated loadings (i.e. Dead Load, Live Load and Wind Load) .

Truss Analysis

For Truss shapes, where members and joints form a fully triangulated system
(i.e. statically determinant Trusses), Truss analysis makes the following
assumptions;
​Chords are continuous members for bending moment, shear and
deflection calculations. Negative moments at joint (nodes) areas
evaluated and these moments are used to calculate the shear and
deflection values at any point along the chord, for distributed and
concentrated loads.
Member forces can be calculated using a “pure” Truss (i.e. all
members pin-jointed).
Total Truss deflection used to evaluate Truss camber and to limit
overall deflections can be calculated using the system of virtual
work. Again, the members are considered as pin-ended and a unit
load is placed at the required point of deflection.

Truss loading combination and load duration

The following load combinations are used when designing all Trusses: Where:
SW = Self Weight (timber Trusses)
SW + DL: permanent duration DL = Dead Loads (tiles, plaster)
SW + DL + SLL: short term live load combination SLL, MLL = Live Loads (people, snow)
SW + DL + MLL: medium term live load combination WL = Wind Loads
SW + DL + WL: extremely short duration
Each member in the Truss is checked for strength under all three combinations
of loadings. Dead loads plus live loads and dead loads plus wind loads may
constitute several separate combinations in order to have checked the worst
possible combination.

Load Duration

The limit state stress in a timber member is depends on the load duration factor
(k1). For a combination of loads, the selected load duration factor is the factor
corresponding to the shortest duration load in the combination.
For Trusses designed according to AS1720.1-2010, the duration of a load
considered to act on a Truss is of major importance for dead loads only; the
load is considered permanent and thus factor k1 at 0.57 is used. For dead and
wind load combinations, the wind load duration is considered as gusts of
extremely short duration and k1 of 1.0 (for timber) is used. For dead and live
load combinations several load cases may have to be checked due to differing
load durations. In general, live loads are taken as applicable for up to 5 days
with a k1 of 0.94 (for timber). Live loads on overhangs are applicable for up to
5 hours with a k1 of 0.97. Either may be critical.

Design of Truss Members

Truss webs are designed for axial forces and chords, for axial forces plus
bending moments and checked for shear and deflection between web
junctions.

Webs

Tension webs are checked for slenderness and the nett cross-sectional area is Compression webs are also checked for slenderness. Effective length is used
used to evaluate the tension stress. The cross-sectional area is taken as the for buckling of the web in the plane of the Truss and out of the Truss plane.
product of the actual member depth and the thickness.
Chords
Tension chords are designed for strength and stiffness and must withstand
combined tension and bending. The slenderness of the member is checked as
tension webs and also as a beam. The shear of the member is also checked
but is usually critical only on heavily loaded members (e.g. girder Trusses).
The stiffness criteria is to limit the deflection of a chord between the panel
points. The long term deflection is calculated for dead loads only, as the
instantaneous deflection under this load multiplied by duration factor (from
AS1720) is determined by the moisture condition of the timber. The limit on this
deflection is (panel length) ÷300.
Modification factors used in design
The following is a typical calculation for bending strength. The capacity in
bending (ɸM) of unnotched beams, for strength limit state, shall satisfy:
Standard and complex design
Both standard Truss designs and complex Truss designs can be generated by
Multinail Fabricators or Multinail Engineers.
When a complex design is generated by the Fabricator for a quotation job, it is
standard practice for a copy of the input and output to be checked by an
engineer - either an independent consultant or a Multinail Engineer - before
manufacturing the Truss.
For large projects (e.g. hospitals, schools, offices, etc.) the entire project is
initially analysed and an overall Truss and bracing layout completed. Each
Truss is then individually analysed, designed, drawn to scale, costed and
presented with full cutting and jig layout dimensions to ensure accurate and
uniform manufacture.
Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.
Live load and wind load deflections are calculated separately without
consideration of the dead load deflection. Deflection is limited for live and wind
loads to overcome damage to cladding materials and to reduce unsightly bows
in the roof or ceiling.
Compression chords are also designed for strength and stiffness. The strength
of compression chords depends largely on the lateral restraint conditions of the
chords. The combined compression and bending stresses in the members are
checked using the index equation in AS1720. Shear stress is also checked as
for tension chords.
Deflections are checked as for tension chords and designed for similar
allowable values.
(ɸM) ≥ M*
where:
(ɸM) = ɸk[f’bZ]
and,
M* = design action effect in bending
ɸ = capacity factor
k = k1 x k4 …. x k12 and is the cumulative effective
of the appropriate modification factors
f’b = characteristic strength in bending
Z = ​section modulus of beam about the axis of bending (bd2/6)
Trusses are usually analysed and designed for dead, live and wind loads;
however the analysis and design may be extended to include concentrated
point loads as required. Trusses can also be analysed and designed for snow
load, impact loads, moving loads, seismic loads, etc.
If the drawing specifies the purpose of the structure and the anticipated loads,
all the loads will be considered during Truss analysis and design and clearly
itemised on the drawing. Computations can also be supplied if required.
Multinail Hub - Truss Shapes
25 May 2020 Multinail Australia

Truss Shapes
These diagrams indicate the approximate shapes of the Trusses most
commonly used. The choice of the Truss shape for a particular application
depends upon the loading and span requirements. General spans mentioned
are for 90mm for the Top and Bottom Chords

Kingpost Truss

For spans approximately 4m. Used primarily inhouse and for garage
constructions.

Figure A1-05-01-01

Queenpost Truss

For spans approximately 6m. Used mainly for house construction.

Figure A1-05-01-02

A-Truss

For spans approximately 9m. This is the most commonly used Truss for both
domestic and commercial applications.

Figure A1-05-01-03

B-Truss

For spans approximately 13m. Used primarily in residential and smaller

commercial buildings, this Truss is generally preferred to the A-Truss for larger
spans since it offers greater strength (additional web members) at lower cost
due to the reduction in size of top and bottom chord timber.

Figure A1-05-01-04
C-Truss

For spans approximately 16m. Used principally for commercial and industrial
buildings. This can be constructed with lower strength Timbers.

Figure A1-05-01-05

Half A-Truss

For spans up to 6m. Used for residential construction where the Trusses may
form a decorative feature.

Figure A1-05-01-06

Half B-Truss

For spans up to 9m. Uses are similar to those for the A-Truss.

Figure A1-05-01-07

Half C-Truss

For spans up to 11m. Uses are similar to those for the A-Truss but tends to be
preferred to the half A-Truss for reasons given under C-Truss.
 Figure A1-05-01-08

Truncated Truss

Spans depend on depth. There are two types of Truncated Trusses; the
Truncated Girder Truss and the Standard Truncated Truss. Together they
facilitate Hip Roofc constructions.

Figure A1-05-01-09

Hip Truss

A half Truss with an extended Top Chord which is used to form a Hip Ridge of
a Hip Roof.

Figure A1-05-01-10

Jack Truss

Similar to the half A-Truss but with an extended mitered Top Chord which
overlies a Truncated Truss to meet the extended Top Chord of a Hip Truss.

Figure A1-05-01-11

Creeper Truss

Similar to a Jack Truss but mitre cut to intersect the Hip Truss between the
outer wall and the Truncated Girder.
 Figure A1-05-01-12

Girder Truss

Special Trusses of any standard Truss shape used to support other Trusses
which meet at the right angel. (The standard shape is maintained but Girder
Truss members are generally larger in both size and stress grade) Girders can
be any shape and carry Trusses at any angle.

Figure A1-05-01-13

Scissor Truss

Not a standard Truss design but often used to achieve special vaulted ceiling
effects, sometimes with relatively wide spans.

Figure A1-05-01-14

Half Scissor Truss

As its name implies, one-half of the Standard Scissor Truss used for industrial,
commercial and residential buildings.

Figure A1-05-01-15

Pitched Warren

Generally used for industrial or commercial buildings to achieve low pitch with
high strength over large spans.

Figure A1-05-01-16
Dual Pitch Truss

Non-standard Trusses used to achieve special architectural effects. The left

Top Chord is a different Pitch to the right Top Chord.

Figure A1-05-01-17

Cut-off Truss

Any Truss, the shape of which forms part of a standard Truss. As the name
implies, the cut-off Truss has a shorter span than that of the standard Truss on
which it is based; it is terminated by a vertical member along the line of the
‘cut-off’.

Figure A1-05-01-18

Bowstring Truss

Used for large span industrial and commercial buildings including aircraft
hangars, where the roof profile is curved. Bowstrings can be used everywhere
domestic included.

Figure A1-05-01-19

Howe Truss

For spans up to 12m. Used mainly for applications which involve high loading
of the Bottom Chord (in preference to the A-Truss).

Figure A1-05-01-20

Pratt Truss

For spans up to 12m. May be used in preference to Howe Truss for

circumstances of a high Bottom Chord loading.

Figure A1-05-01-21
Fan Fink Truss

For spans up to 9m. Used mainly for applications which involve high loading of
the Top Chord (e.g. where the Truss is exposed and the Ceiling load is carried
on the Top Chord).

Figure A1-05-01-22

For spans up to 16m. Used for the same reasons as the Howe Truss (in
preference to the B-Truss).

Figure A1-05-01-23

Parallel Chorded

As its name implies, the Top and Bottom chord are parallel. Used for both floor
and roof applications.

Figure A1-05-01-24

Attic Truss

Special purpose Truss to simplify an Attic Construction.

Figure A1-05-01-25
Portal Frame

A standard commercial and industrial design for wide spans.

Figure A1-05-01-26

Inverted Cantilever

Used to achieve special architectural effects in Churches, Restaurants, Motels

etc.

Figure A1-05-01-27

Cathedral Truss

A non-standard Truss used mainly in residential buildings to achieve a vaulted

ceiling effect.

Figure A1-05-01-28

Bell Truss

A Standard Truss used to achieve a Bell-shaped roof-line. E.g. 4 Top Chords

at different pitches

Figure A1-05-01-29

Due to continual product improvement Multinail Australia Pty Ltd. reserves the right to change the product/s depicted - both in description and specification.
This document has to be read in conjunction with Multinail’s Technical Manual.