Purlin Design Examples
Purlin Design Examples
= 10 degrees
Critical Design Load Combinations for the Ultimate Limit State (AS/NZS 1170.0,
clause 4.2)
i) W*ULS
= 1.2G + 1.5Q
= (1.2 x 0.12) + (1.5 x 0.25)
= 0.52 kPa
ii) W*ULS
= 1.2G + Su + cQ
= (1.2 x 0.12) + 0.5 + (0.0 x 0.25)
= 0.64 kPa
= 0.9G + Wu
= (0.9 x 0.12) 0.95
= 0.84 kPa
iii) W*ULS
(outward)
Critical Design Load Combinations for the Serviceability Limit State (AS/NZS 1170.0,
clause 4.3)
i) W*SLS
= LP /300 under G + l Q = [0.12 + (0.0 x 0.25)] x 300/150
= 0.24 kPa
ii) W*SLS
= LP /150 under Ws
= 0.66
= 0.66 kPa
(outward)
For i) we have converted the load by a factor of 300/150 in order to compare the load directly with
Ws in the Top Notch load span tables as these are based on span/150.
Optimise Roofing Profile Spans
In this case we have a restricted access roof where the point load requirement limits the
intermediate span of the Styleline x 0.40 mm BMT profile to 1.6 m. End spanning capability of the
roofing is reduced to 1.1 m, i.e. 70% of the intermediate span. Generally these spans will not fit the
rafter length exactly, hence the requirement to Optimise.
The optimised roofing profile intermediate span is based on the rafter length and the number of
purlins, NP (assuming at least four) and is given by LRI = LRT / [NP 1.6].
Try 7 Purlins,
Try 9 Purlins,
Try 8 Purlins,
=
=
=
1.85 m
1.35 m
1.56 m
No good
Not controlling
Intermediate spans and 1.26 m edge spans
From this, 8 purlins are required and the purlin spacings may be rationalised to 1.6 m intermediate
spans and 1.0 m spans at the sheet ends.
Continued on next page
May 2004
Purlin Systems
1.06 kN/m
Therefore both wind load outward and deflection govern and a 150 x 1.15 Top Notch purlin is
required.
Therefore use,
150 x 1.15 Top Notch purlins single span at 1.6 m intermediate spacings and 1.0 m at sheet ends.
Typically for multiple bay structures it would be more efficient to use a lapped purlin system as
shown below.
2. Lapped Span Purlin Design
a) Check End Bays (5 m span)
Check design capacities (using those given in the lapped end span Top Notch load span tables):
W*ULS
= 1.6 x 0.64
= 1.02 kN/m
c.f 1.18 kN/m for a 100 x 0.75
W*ULS
= 1.6 x 0.84
= 1.34 kN/m
c.f 1.76 kN/m for a 100 x 0.95
Check deflections
W*SLS
= 1.6 x 0.66
= 1.06 kN/m
c.f 1.15 kN/m for a 120 x 0.95
Therefore wind load deflection governs the end span and a 120 x 0.95 lapped Top Notch is required.
b) Check Internal Bays (5 m span)
Check design capacities (using those given in the lapped internal span Top Notch load span tables):
W*ULS
= 1.6 x 0.64
= 1.02 kN/m
c.f 1.64 kN/m for a 100 x 0.75
W*ULS
= 1.6 x 0.84
= 1.34 kN/m
c.f 1.64 kN/m for a 100 x 0.75
Check deflections
W*SLS
= 1.6 x 0.66
= 1.06 kN/m
c.f 1.36 kN/m for a 100 x 0.95
Therefore wind load deflection governs the internal span and a 100 x 0.95 lapped Top Notch is
required.
Therefore use,
Top Notch 120 x 0.95 lapped purlins at 1.6 m intermediate spacings and 1.0 m at sheet ends.
(The size is governed by the end bays.)
Typically,Top Notch purlins must have the same depth on all bays and different thicknesses are not
mixed when specifying Top Notch purlins for practical reasons.
May 2004
Purlin Systems
May 2004