Structural Detailing - CON4326

Assignment 9 - Truss

Truss
• The members in a truss are usually designed as pinned connection.
• In order to fulfill the assumption of a pinned connection, the centrelines of the
members have to meet a one point.
• Pay attention to the following when detailing pinned truss:
− For angle, the gauge line (backmark) of the bolt does not coincide with the
centrelines of the section.
− The setting out point (SOP) has to be clearly indicated and fully dimensioned.
− There may have difficulties in detailing when the angle between the members is
too small. Very large gusset plate may have to be provided.
− There may have difficulties in detailing when more than 3 members intersect at
one point.
• One of the methods in presenting the connection details of the whole truss is to draw
the centrelines of the whole truss in a smaller scale and the connection details in a
larger scale.
• Beware of out-of-plane stability of the truss. Details of connections for out-of-plane
members, e.g. purlin, roof bracing, gable truss, eaves beam, longitudinal tie, etc., have
to be considered. In another word, although the truss is presented in a 2-D elevation, it
has to be considered in 3-D when detailing the connections.
• The end trusses at the two ends of the building may have to be specially detailed to
cater for supports to side cladding, doors, ventilators, etc.
• If a very large section of the truss is to shop welded, allow tolerance for accumulative
distortion that may lead to site erection problem. Pay attention to the maximum length
of the shop-welded truss for transportation.
• If the truss has to be galvanized, pay attention on the maximum size of the galvanizing
bath available and also the possible distortion to the truss during hot dipping.
• Allow for other roof accessories, e.g. gutter, down pipe, ridge ventilator, skylight, etc.
Some minor accessories, e.g. the eaves gutter that is slightly sloped, can create great
difficulties in the detailing if it is not considered at the very beginning.

Purlin and Girt

• Check the type of cladding to be used. In particular the following information:
− The span and spacing between supports. It depends on the design wind pressure
and the length of one panel. Pay attention that closer support spacing is usually
required at the ridge, the eaves and the end span of a panel.
− Check the span of end cantilever. It affects the details at the ridge and eaves.
− Type of fixing. If self-drilling screw is used, check the fixing thickness of the
 supporting member.
− Some types of cladding specify the minimum bearing width, especially at lapping,
that will affect the size of purlin to be used.
• The connection of the purlin to the rafter shall be designed to allow for level
adjustment.
• Orient the member to avoid storage of water. For example, face the channel
downward.
• Pay attention to the sidesway stability of the members. Tie rod and sag rods may have
to be provided. Pay attention to the stability during erection.
• Pay attention on detailing for skylight, window, door, ventilators, etc. The size of the
members around the opening may have to be increased. If different sizes of members
have to be used, pay attention on how to flush the level or the outside dimension of the
cladding.

Assignment 9 - Truss
• Enclosed a drawing showing the details of a roof truss. Some details are omitted. You
are required to complete it.
• General information:
Spacing between node points = 2165 + X mm. Last Student ID digit 0 – 3 use X=35,
4 – 6 use X=135, 7 – 9 use X=235. All bolts are Grade 4.6 bolts M16 unless state
otherwise. All welding are 6 mm fillet weld all round unless state otherwise.
• Details of ridge connection (Detail B):
For connection of ridge beam to top chord, use two 8 mm thick plates on both sides
welded on 120 x 120 x 8 thick end plate. Fill the gap with silicone sealant. Use 2 nos.
bolts on both sides and 6 mm fillet weld.
• Details of tie connection (Detail C):
Use 70 x 5 CHS as tie. For the splice connection of tie to node C, use two 110 x 70 x 8
mm thick plates welded on 82 mm dia x 8 thick end plate. Fill the gap with silicone
sealant. Use 2 nos. bolts and 6 mm fillet weld. Provide 20 mm chamfer at corners.
• Details of purlin connection (Detail D):
Use 84 x 115 x 6 mm thick plate and 4 nos. bolts. Provide 4 mm gap between purlins.
Use 6 mm fillet weld with M12.
• Plot the drawing on A4 paper, use plot scale 1:15