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Structural steel trusses

Introduction

15/6/2015 10:19 AM

Introduction | Tata Steel Construction

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Introduction
A truss, or lattice structure, is a structural assembly of small
interconnected elements.

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Trusses are formed by an interconnected assembly of relatively

small elements, which create a lattice arrangement. The overall form,
size and shape of the truss is as important as the strength of the
individual components, and a wide variety of design options is
available.
A truss acts like a beam, with bending resisted by the couple created
by forces in the top and bottom members.
When an I-shaped beam is subjected to simple bending it can be
seen that the bulk of resistance to bending moment is offered by a
couple consisting of the forces in the flanges multiplied by the
distance between them. Accepting that little error is involved in
assuming that all resistance to bending is offered in this way, the
most efficient system will be one in which the flange forces are
reduced to a minimum to save material, and the distance between
increased accordingly.

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Structural principles
Shear forces are resisted by the internal members.
This, however, leaves the problem of accommodating shear forces
which, in the case of the I-beam, were absorbed by the web. To
continue to provide a solid web would waste a lot of material. As an
alternative, discrete members running diagonally, and sometimes
vertically, are used to carry the shear. The resulting system, given
the generic name of a truss, will carry loads over large spans with
great economy.
Trusses are structurally efficient and particularly popular for long
span roofs.
Trusses are highly efficient, able to span considerable distance, and
they are visually light. The economy in use of materials has led to the
use of truss systems in preference to beams in a large number of
situations, both in the vertical and horizontal planes. They became
popular solutions to the problem of roofing in large clear areas such
as factories, workshops and railway stations. In these situations the
increased structural depth inherent in truss structures was not unduly
punitive. In contrast, their use as floor support systems was
hampered by their increased depth.

Long span truss roof

Trusses are typically used for spans of between 10 - 100m, with a
span:depth ratio of between 10:1 and 15:1.

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Introduction | Tata Steel Construction

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