Mr Abdul Azim Abdullah

Applied loading induces either axial tension

or axial compression
Examples: bracing systems, pin-jointed
trusses, lattice girders or suspension systems
Frequently, in structural frames, sections are
subjected to combined axial and bending
effects which maybe caused by eccentric
connections, wind loading or frame rigid
action.

Types of section used for axially loaded

member: rolled uniform beams, columns and
hollow sections; threaded bars, flat plates
and wire ropes.

Beams and plate girders does not always

provide the most economic or suitable
structural solution when spanning large
openings.
The use of roof trusses or lattice girders are
more practical
Advantages: lighter roof, large voids for
services and for aesthetic/ architectural
reasons.

Trusses are frequently used as secondary

structural elements to distribute wind loading
to the foundations, as temporary bracing
during construction and for torsional and
lateral stability.
Roof trusses and lattice girders are open-web
flexural members which transmit the loads
applied within their spans to support points
by means of bending and shear

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For beams, the bending and shear is

transmitted by inducing bending moments
and shear forces in the cross-sections
Trusses and lattice girders transfer their
loads by inducing axial tensile or compressive
forces in individual members
Truss is most economic when the
arrangement is such that most members are
in tension
Method of analysis: method of sections, joint
resolution or the use of computer software.
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Sag rods to minimizes

excessive sag under self-weight
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Arrangement of the internal framing of a roof

truss depends upon its span
Rafters are normally divided into equal panel
length and ideally the loads are applied at the
node points by roof purlins
Purlin spacing is dependent on the form of
roof cladding used
In case of purlins do not coincide with the
node points, the main members (rafters or
top and bottom chord/booms of lattice
girders) are also subjected to local bending
which must be allowed for in design
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The internal structure of trusses should be

such that, if possible, the long members are
ties (in tension), while the short members are
struts (in compression)
The framing of roof trusses should be
triangulated considering the span and the
spacing of the applied loads.
If purlins do not coincide with the panel
points then secondary bracing can be
adopted as an alternative to designing for
combined axial and bending effects

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1)

Trusses members are connected together

at their ends only

In practice, the top and bottom chords are

normally continuous and span several joints
rather than being a series of discontinuous
short members.
Since truss members are usually long and
slender and do not support significant
bending moments, this assumption in the
analysis is acceptable.
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2)

Truss members are connected together by

frictionless pins

In real trusses the members are connected at

the joints using bolted or welded gusset
plates or end plates rather than frictionless
pins
Provided that the setting outlines of the bolts
or the centroidal axes of the members
intersect at the assumed joint locations,
experience has shown that this idealisation is
acceptable

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3)

The truss structure is loaded only at the

joints

Often the exact location of purlins relative to

the joints on the top of the compression
chord/rafters is unknown at the design stage
of a truss.
In these circumstances, assuming that the
purlins do not coincide with the position of
the joints, a local bending moment in
addition to the axial load is assumed in the
truss members

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A number of empirical rules are given in

Clause 4.10 for this situation. The design of
such members is carried out assuming a
combined axial load and bending moment
In accordance with the requirements of
Clause 4.8, the bending moment is assumed
to be equal to wL2/6

w total load/unit length applied

perpendicular to the rafters

L length of the rafter between the joints

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4)

The self-weight of the members may be

neglected or assumed to act at the
adjacent nodes

Frequently in the analysis of small trusses it

is reasonable to neglect the self-weight of
the members
This may not be acceptable for large trusses,
particularly those used in bridge construction
Common practice is to assume that half of
the weight of each member of the acts at
each of the two joints that it connects
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Dead Load
Cladding, insulation, truss self-weight and purlin, services,
etc
Live Load
o BS6399-2
o 0.75kN/m2 (service purposes only)
o 1.5 kN/m2 (more than service purposes only)
Wind Load
o CP3:Ch V: Part 2.
o The loads acts normal to the roof surface
o Wind loads are important in design of light roofs
where suction can cause load reversal to give uplift
o With heavy decking like concrete flat roofs, the wind
uplift will be lower than the dead load. So wind need
not be considered.
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Two types of member design:

Tension members
Compression members

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