Steel Buildings in Europe

Part 2: Concept Design 2 - 36 4.2 Truss members Unless there are special architectural requirements, truss members are chosen to produce a simple connection between the chords and the internal members. Common combinations as shown in Figure 4.2 are:  Tees used as chords, with angles used as web members. The angles may be welded or bolted to the stem of the Tee.  Double angle members as chords, and single (or double) angles as internal members. The connections are made with a gusset plate welded between the angles forming the chords.  Rolled sections as chords, with the web in the plane of the truss. The internal members are usually angle members, connected via a gusset plate welded to the chord.  Rolled sections as chords, but with the web perpendicular to the plane of the truss. The connections to the chord members may be via gusset plates welded to the web, although the connections will need careful detailing. A simple, effective alternative is to choose chords that have the same overall depth, and connect the internal members to the outside of both flanges, generally by welding.  For heavily loaded trusses, rolled I or H sections, or channel sections may be used as the internal members. In such a large truss, developing economic connections will be important and both the members and internal members should be chosen with this in mind. The detailed design of trusses is covered in Single-storey steel buildings. Part5: Detailed design of trusses [3] .