Design of trusses made of channel sections according to Eurocode rules

Abstract

This paper presents research activity related to design of trusses made of channel sections according to Eurocodes. Roof trusses made of hot rolled channel sections are designed primarily for medium spans and relatively small loads. On the basis a method is proposed for the design of welds in K and N truss connections by using a method of effective lengths. Such welded joints should be design on the basis of the axial force in bracing. The layouts of the welds and the procedure for calculating the lengths of the weld are also proposed. In the case of intermediate joints of the top chord the shape of the joint with an insert made of channel used to fix braces to obtain their connection with sufficient resistance is suggested. A solution of support joints suitable for the direct arrangement of fillet welds connecting the top chord and first brace with the stubs made of square or rectangular hollow sections is also presented. Described methods enable to design of welded connections of trusses made of channel sections. These recommendations are valid for fillet or groove welded joints subjected to predominantly static loading.