Steel Truss Manual

EASYSPAN Trusses
9020 Mt. Vernon Rd. St. Louisville, Ohio 43071

www.easyspantruss.com

EASYSPAN Truss

Steel Truss Manual

Copyright 2011 EASYSPAN Truss All rights reserved. No part of the manual may be reproduced, by any means, without written permission of the authors. Disclaimer of liability: The authors shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss or damage caused or alleged to be caused directly or indirectly by the information contained in this manual. While the manual is as accurate as the authors can make it, there may be errors, omissions and inaccuracies.
Steel Truss Manual - Final.Doc, 5/19/2011

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Table of Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 6 Section 1 Trusses ............................................................................................. 7 1.a Delivery ...................................................................................................... 7 1.a Assembly.................................................................................................... 8 1.b Lifting Trusses ............................................................................................ 9 1.c Gable End Trusses .................................................................................. 10 Section 2 Framed Gables ............................................................................... 11 2.a Constructing the Framed Gable ............................................................... 11 2.b Placing Purlin Clips .................................................................................. 13 2.c Setting the Framed Gable ........................................................................ 14 Section 3 EASYSPAN Gable Trusses............................................................. 16 3.a Setting the EASYSPAN Gable Truss ....................................................... 16 Section 4 Intermediate Trusses....................................................................... 18 4.a Cutting Post Tops..................................................................................... 18 4.b Post Stubs ................................................................................................ 18 4.c Setting Intermediate Trusses (up to 80' spans) ........................................ 20 4.d Setting Intermediate Trusses (SuperSPANTM trusses) ............................. 21 Section 5 Purlins ............................................................................................. 22 5.a Purlin Banding .......................................................................................... 24 Section 6 Bracing ............................................................................................ 26 6.a X-bracing .................................................................................................. 27 6.b Adjustments ............................................................................................. 28 6.c Bracing guidelines: ................................................................................... 29 6.d V-bracing (up to 80' spans) ...................................................................... 30 6.e Truss bracing (for SuperSPANTM trusses)................................................ 33 6.f Wall Banding ............................................................................................ 34 6.g SuperSPAN SureWall Bracing - optional.................................................. 35

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Table of Figures
Figure 1-1 - Larger trusses on a semi Figure 1-2 - Smaller trusses on rollback trailer Figure 1-3 - Trusses being rolled off at site Figure 1-4 - Trusses delivered and ready for assembly Figure 1-5 - Assembling trusses Figure 1-6 - Stacking assembled trusses Figure 1-7 - Assembled trusses with spacers Figure 1-8 - Lifting a large truss Figure 2-1 - Framed gable with purlin clips Figure 2-2 - Framed gable cuts (with 12 overhang) Figure 2-3 - Framed gable cuts (with no overhang) Figure 2-4 - Girder placed on truss for marking Figure 2-5 - Attaching purlin clips Figure 2-6 - Locating framed gable placement Figure 3-1 - EASYSPAN gable truss Figure 3-2 - Post bracket at Corner Post Figure 3-3 - Setting Gable Truss Figure 3-4 - Gable Steel Truss at Intermediate Post Figure 3-5 - Detail: Truss at Intermediate Post Figure 4-1 - Post Cut for Steel Truss Figure 4-2 - Post stub over eave opening Figure 4-3 - Detail: Post Stub Figure 4-4 - Intermediate Post Cap Figure 4-5 - Intermediate Truss (up to 80's span) at Post Figure 4-6 - Intermediate SuperSPAN Truss at Post Figure 5-1 - Trusses braced by purlins Figure 5-2 - Critical Truss Dimensions Figure 5-3 - Purlin Attachment (up to 80' spans) Figure 5-4 - Purlin Attachment (for SuperSPANTM trusses) Figure 5-5 - Purlin Banding at Eave Figure 5-6 - Detail: Purlin Banding at Eave Figure 5-7 - Detail: Purlin Banding at Peak Figure 6-1 - Types of bracing Figure 6-2 - Bay with x-bracing Figure 6-3 - X-bracing connection at peak Figure 6-4 - X-bracing connection at eave Figure 6-5 - Plan showing typical X-bracing layout Figure 6-6 - Bending V-bracing Figure 6-7 - V-bracing dimensions Figure 6-8 - Sample Truss layout showing V-bracing Figure 6-9 - SuperSPAN cross-rod bracing Figure 6-10 - SuperSPAN cross-rod bracing details Figure 6-11 - Wall banding at base of post
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Figure 6-12 - Detail: Wall banding Figure 6-13 - Bay with completed banding Figure 6-14 - SureWall bracing cut-away 34 35 35

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Introduction
The purpose of this manual is to assist you in the erection of your postframe building using EASYSPAN steel trusses. This manual assumes that you have already completed the initial framing and are prepared to begin setting trusses. The step-by-step instructions and illustrations included here are not necessarily the only way to build a post-frame building. They do, however, comprise what we feel are best practices for doing so. The tips and suggestions are the result of years of post-frame and construction experience, as well as feedback received from both customers and contractors. This manual is generic and assumes that other drawings or documentation was provided with your building package that contains specific dimensions and instructions for constructing your building. You will find the acronym RTD ("refer to drawings") used throughout this document reminding you to refer to your drawing set for specifics on a certain topic. In the event of any discrepancy between this manual and your drawings, the drawings should always take precedence.

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Section 1 Trusses

1.a Delivery
When your EASYSPAN trusses arrive, be sure to place the truss bundles so that they are not in the way of the construction project. Inspect the trusses after they have been delivered.

Figure 1-1 - Larger trusses on a semi

Figure 1-2 - Smaller trusses on rollback trailer

Figure 1-3 - Trusses being rolled off at site

Figure 1-4 - Trusses delivered and ready for assembly

Note: Do not use damaged trusses. Report any damage to your sales associate.

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1.a Assembly
Your EASYSPAN trusses will arrive in two or three pieces, depending on the size of your building. They will need to be assembled using the hardware provided. As each truss is assembled, stack them using scrap lumber as spacers between trusses to protect the purlin clips.

Figure 1-5 - Assembling trusses

Figure 1-6 - Stacking assembled trusses

Figure 1-7 - Assembled trusses with spacers

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1.b Lifting Trusses
While EASYSPAN trusses are engineered for handling roof loads such as wind, rain and snow, lifting them into position can cause unique stresses that can damage their integrity. Adherence to the following truss lifting guidelines is critical: Do not lift bundled trusses by the bands. - Trusses should be lifted individually with cables, straps, or chains. Trusses over 30' wide will need to be by a fork-lift or crane. Do not attach cables, chains or hooks to the web members. - Lifting devices (properly rated slings, chains, cables, or nylon straps) should be connected to the truss' top chord with a closed-loop attachment. Do not lift trusses with spans greater than 36 at their peak Identifying the quantity and location of the "lift points" is the first step to lifting the trusses safely. Lift points should be spaced evenly across the truss, distributing the weight evenly across all lift points. Truss Span 24 - 36 40 - 50 60 - 70 80 + Lift Points 1 (at peak) 2 3 4

Each truss should be set in proper position per the building designers framing plan and held with the lifting device until the ends of the truss are securely fastened and all temporary bracing is installed.

Figure 1-8 - Lifting a large truss

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1.c Gable End Trusses

After the bracing and framing are completed, the gables can constructed in preparation for setting the intermediate trusses. Note: Before setting any trusses, it is important to verify the squareness of your building. The standard building kit includes wood framed gables which are explained in Section 2. Alternately, customers may choose to upgrade to the EASYSPAN gable truss, which are explained in Section 3.

If your building kit contains EASYSPAN gable truss, skip to Section 3.

If your building kit contains framed gables, proceed to Section 2.

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Section 2 Framed Gables

The trusses provided with your building kit are intermediate trusses only; the gables (endwalls) are "framed trusses" constructed out of lumber (as shown below). With the wood framed gable, special purlin clips are attached to the framing to accept the purlins.

Figure 2-1 - Framed gable with purlin clips

These gables will be framed to match the pitch of the intermediate steel trusses. Note: Do not cut the tops off of any gable posts until all trusses are set in place.

2.a Constructing the Framed Gable

Framing the gables requires precise cuts and measurements to ensure that the purlins align properly with the intermediate steel trusses. In this section, the examples and measurements used will be based on a typical 4/12 pitch for the trusses. For assistance with other roof pitches, contact 64 Metals directly. Lumber Selection The size of lumber that is used for the gable girder depends on the post spacing on the gable end of your building. Post spacing 8 o.c. 12 o.c. 16 o.c. Girder size 2x6 2x8 2x10

Table 2-1 - Gable Framing Lumber (Sizes based on 20 lb ground snow load.)

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Girder Cuts One end of the girders will need cut as shown in one of the two illustrations below, depending on your buildings overhang length. The other end of the girder will get a plumb cut at the building's peak.
Note: A full size template is included at the end of this manual to assist in laying out girder cuts.

Figure 2-2 - Framed gable cuts (with 12 overhang)

Figure 2-3 - Framed gable cuts (with no overhang)

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2.b Placing Purlin Clips
Purlin clips should be added before setting the framed gables on the building. it is important that the these clips align with the purlin clips on your steel trusses. The easiest and most accurate way to do this is to lay the cut gable girder board on one of the trusses. At each of the trusss purlin clips, place a mark on the gable board indicating where the centerline of the purlin will rest on the gable board.

Figure 2-4 - Girder placed on truss for marking

Once marked, the purlin clips can be attached with the provided hardware. Refer to drawings (RTD) for specific hardware.

Figure 2-5 - Attaching purlin clips

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2.c Setting the Framed Gable

Since the gable is being constructed from wood, attaching it so that it lines up with the intermediate trusses is important. The most reliable method (illustrated below) uses an intermediate truss as a template.
Note: This is a critical step in constructing your building. Failure to properly frame the gable can result in uneven purlins and roof metal.

Temporarily set one of the steel trusses inside the gable posts, resting on the top eave girt. Make sure the truss is centered on the building. For accurate alignment, place a 3/4" shim under both sides of the truss to approximate the thickness of the post bracket that will be used with the intermediate trusses. Strike a mark where the top chord of the truss touches each gable post. These marks will be used to determine the angle of the gable framing. The template truss & shim can then be removed. Repeat this process for both gables.

Figure 2-6 - Locating framed gable placement

For best results, it is recommended that the "template truss" be the first truss that is used when beginning to set intermediate trusses.

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If your building kit contains framed gables, you may skip to Section 4.

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Section 3 EASYSPAN Gable Trusses

The optional EASYSPAN Series gable end trusses are manufactured similar to the intermediate trusses, containing integrated clips to accept purlins.

Figure 3-1 - EASYSPAN gable truss

3.a Setting the EASYSPAN Gable Truss

Steel gable trusses are placed on the inside of the gable posts (i.e. inside the building) resting on a post bracket. The post bracket is attached to the post with the lag bolts provided and the top of the bracket should be level with the top-most girt. The edge of the post bracket should be flush with the outside (eave) edge of the corner post. This will ensure proper placement of the truss.

Figure 3-2 - Post bracket at Corner Post

Note: Do not cut the tops off of any gable posts

until all trusses are set in place.
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Gable trusses are placed by resting them on the seat created by the post bracket. Secure the trusses by using the hardware provided.

Figure 3-3 - Setting Gable Truss (truss shown with optional overhang)

At intermediate gable posts, the truss is held against the post using the truss ties and hardware provided. The truss ties are not structural; they serve to keep the truss upright against the post until the rest of the roof system (additional trusses, purlins, and roof metal) is being erected.

Figure 3-4 - Gable Steel Truss at Intermediate Post

Figure 3-5 - Detail: Truss at Intermediate Post

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Section 4 Intermediate Trusses

4.a Cutting Post Tops

Once the gable posts have been set, the tops of all sidewall posts can be cut. Intermediate trusses are designed to rest directly on top of the posts, so the posts should be cut flush with the top of the top girt (as shown below). The gable posts can be cut just above the gable girder or the steel truss. Note: Do not cut the tops off of any gable posts until all trusses are set in place.

Figure 4-1 - Post Cut for Steel Truss

4.b Post Stubs

Ideally, all intermediate trusses would rest, or bear, on a post. It is not uncommon, however, to have a truss that needs to rest where no post can be placed. For example, if a garage door doesnt fit in between the buildings post (bay) spacing, it would not be acceptable to place a post in the door opening. In such conditions, post stubs are used to take the place of, and serve the purpose of, the post. Post stubs provide both weight transfer as well as uplift protection.

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Figure 4-2 - Post stub over eave opening

The post stub should be the same size as the adjacent posts, and can often be made using leftover post tops.

Figure 4-3 - Detail: Post Stub

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4.c Setting Intermediate Trusses (up to 80' spans)

A post cap is required on the top of each post (or post stub) to provide an attachment for the steel truss. Attach the post cap such that the edge is against the top girt (i.e. flush with the outside of the post) using the hardware provided.

Figure 4-4 - Intermediate Post Cap

Once the post caps are in place on both sides of the building, the truss can be set (see Section 1.b on Lifting Trusses) and secured to the threaded studs on the post cap. If the building has an overhang, the properly positioned post cap will ensure the correct overhang distance.

12"

Figure 4-5 - Intermediate Truss (up to 80's span) at Post (shown with optional overhang)

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4.d Setting Intermediate Trusses (SuperSPANTM trusses)
The post cap on EASYSPAN's 100'+ SuperSPAN trusses is integrated into the truss itself.

Figure 4-6 - Intermediate SuperSPAN Truss at Post

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Section 5 Purlins

Purlins will serve as truss bracing to strength the unfinished building and should be added as soon as possible. Purlin braces should be attached at a minimum of (8) on center as each truss is set. The remaining purlins can be added after you have confirmed that the trusses are square.

Figure 5-1 - Trusses braced by purlins

Before nailing purlins, confirm that the truss-to-truss measurement at the ridge (B) is the same as the measurement at the posts (A).

Figure 5-2 - Critical Truss Dimensions

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After securing the first truss with the purlins, check to see if the truss is vertical by using line-of-sight. Standing outside the building, site each truss eave to eave. If the truss is not vertical, adjust the purlin bracing to straighten the truss. Note: Do not remove any temporary post bracing until all trusses have been set and all permanent bracing has been installed according to plans. Place purlins in the purlin clips and secure them using the hardware provided. Lumber for purlins should be 2100 Fb MSR (machine stress rated).

Figure 5-3 - Purlin Attachment (up to 80' spans)

Figure 5-4 - Purlin Attachment (for SuperSPAN

TM

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5.a Purlin Banding

EASYSPAN trusses are engineered to permit bay spacing up to 16 o.c. Purlins that are 16' long may sag slightly prior to attaching the metal roofing. Purlin banding is provided that will counteract this effect. Halfway between each truss, attach banding to purlins using the hardware provided (RTD).

Figure 5-5 - Purlin Banding at Eave

Purlin banding should start at one fascia board, go across the peak, and down to the opposite fascia board. Banding should be woven over and under the first three purlins at both eaves, run along the bottom of the purlins to the peak, then cross to the top of the purlins at the peak. Note: Purlin Banding is required with all 16' 2x6 purlins, as well as on all buildings using the SuperSPAN (100'+ span) trusses. Also, SuperSPAN trusses may require 2 rows of banding per bay. Please refer to drawings.

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Figure 5-6 - Detail: Purlin Banding at Eave

Figure 5-7 - Detail: Purlin Banding at Peak

Note: Do not over-tension banding as it may cause purlins to bow.

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Section 6 Bracing

In addition to the Purlin Banding mentioned in the previous section, EASYSPAN trusses are engineered to incorporate other types of bracing for increased strength and stability. X-bracing is used between the trusses specified in the drawings. V-bracing is used between trusses and purlins. Wall banding is used between posts. It is critical that the bracing be installed at the appropriate construction phase as well as in the proper fashion. Failure to do so could result in the structural failure of your building during construction.

V-bracing X-bracing

Purlin banding Wall banding

Figure 6-1 - Types of bracing

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6.a X-bracing
EASYSPAN trusses incorporate high tensile aircraft-grade roof cable X-bracing between trusses. This bracing should be installed as soon as an adjacent truss has been set. Each truss is built with a slot (at eaves) and an attachment post (at peak) for the cabling.

Figure 6-2 - Bay with x-bracing

At the peak, one end of the looped cable is secured to the post using the hardware provided (RTD).

Figure 6-3 - X-bracing connection at peak

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At the eaves, the other end of the looped cable (with the eye bolt) is fed through the slot in the truss and through the hillside washer. A nut and washer are used on the eye bolt to tighten the X-bracing cable.

Figure 6-4 - X-bracing connection at eave

6.b Adjustments
If the X-bracing is not long enough or is too long, the cable end can be untwisted to adjust the cable. Starting at the eyelet end, unwrap the twist-strands, adjust the cable, then re-wrap the twist-strands. The end of the long cable should be no more than 2 away from the yellow marking on the twist-strands. Note: it is easier to adjust one end at a time.

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6.c Bracing guidelines:

There should be no more than (3) adjacent bays un-braced. Refer to drawings for which bays should be braced. In high seismic areas, additional X-bracing may be required. End bays are typically un-braced, except in the case of small buildings with only (2) bays. In such cases, both bays will be braced using slotted banding instead of the x-brace cables.

End bays typically un-braced.

Braced bay.

No more than (3) adjacent un-braced bays.

Figure 6-5 - Plan showing typical X-bracing layout

Note: Over-tightening of X-bracing can cause purlins to buckle and throw the building out of square. It is acceptable for x-bracing to sag vertically 1/2" - 3/4".

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6.d V-bracing (up to 80' spans)

V-bracing stabilizes the bottom chord of each intermediate truss and keeps it vertical. This bracing serves the same purpose as the lateral bracing used with wood trusses. V-bracing is provided as straight stock metal that is bent against the bottom chord of the truss at the location designated on the Truss Layout drawing (Figure 6-8). Each side of the V-brace is attached to the purlin with hardware provided.

Figure 6-6 - Bending V-bracing

Placement and spacing of V-bracing is specified in the drawings on the Truss Layout sheet in the drawing set provided.

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Figure 6-7 - V-bracing dimensions

Truss Size 24 30 40 50 60 70

A Spacing 4 4 4 8 8 8

B Spread 2 2 2 3 3 3

Quantity per truss 4 6 8 6 8 10

Table 6-1 - V-bracing Parameters

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Figure 6-8 - Sample Truss layout showing V-bracing

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6.e Truss bracing (for SuperSPANTM trusses)
Because of their clear span capabilities, SuperSPAN trusses require truss-to-truss bracing beyond the V-bracing used on smaller spans. This cross-rod bracing provides protection against uplift and buckling.

Figure 6-9 - SuperSPAN cross-rod bracing

Figure 6-10 - SuperSPAN cross-rod bracing details

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6.f Wall Banding
Install slotted band bracing between posts as shown in drawings. Wrap banding around posts at both top and bottom.

Figure 6-11 - Wall banding at base of post

Figure 6-12 - Detail: Wall banding

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Figure 6-13 - Bay with completed banding

6.g SuperSPAN SureWall Bracing - optional

Figure 6-14 - SureWall bracing cut-away

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