MODULE 2 - ROOF TRUSSES

Industrial buildings are low-rise steel structures, characterized by their low height, lack of
interior floors, walls, and partitions. Invariably the roofing system for such buildings is truss
with roof coverings. Roof trusses are therefore an, integral part of an industrial building and
the like for supporting the roofing system. Roof truss may also be classed a plane truss or space
truss. In a plane truss the external loads and the component members lie in the same plane.
Whereas in a space truss, the component members are oriented in three dimensions in space
and loads may also act in any direction.

• Principal rafter is the top chord member of the truss and is subjected to compressive
forces when the loads from purlins are transferred at the nodes.
• However, in case the purlins are placed at intermediate points on the panel, the rafter
will be subjected to bending moment and shear force in addition to the axial
compression.
• The lower chord of the truss is known as principal tie and carries tension.
• The long middle tie member of the truss may sag because of its self-weight and to check
this a sag tie may be provided.
• The alternative of a sag tie is cambering of this long middle portion which, however,
may prove to be uneconomical.
• For the same reason the entire bottom chord can also be cambered.
• Struts are the members of the truss which are under compression while those bearing
tensions are called ties.
• The two main inclined members carrying tension are called sling members.
• All the members defined above may develop forces opposite in nature than those due
to gravity loads, because of wind.

The spacing between trusses is determined by the required column spacing and by
considerations of minimum cost for the structure as a whole. The usual economical spacing
ranges between 4 and 8 m, with the lower limit for short truss spans and the higher limit
for long spans of about 30 m or over.

Since it is economical to place the purlins at panel points so as to avoid bending in the top
chords, the framing of the truss members depends on the spacing of the purlins. Thus, for
trusses of medium and long spans, subdivision of the main panels may be desirable, as
shown in Figure. For large trusses, however, it is sometimes economical to have two purlins
for each panel, for two reasons. Firstly, the size of sheeting may limit the spacing and
secondly the large top chord section may be able to carry the bending moment efficiently.
Figure shows an arrangement where two purlins are placed on a panel.
Types of loads
Dead loads
• The dead loads of the truss include the dead load of roofing materials, purlins,
trusses and bracing systems.
• The dead weight of the trusses may be assumed to be equal to 10% of the
loads on the truss.
Live loads
• IS: 875 specify the following live loads to be assumed in the analysis of an
industrial building.

Snow loads
• The load due to snow depends upon the pitch of the roof, shape of the roof
and roofing material. Snow load may be assumed to be 2.5 N/mm2 per mm
depth of snow.

Wind loads
• The most critical load on an industrial building is the wind load.
• However, for the roofs and walls of an industrial building, consideration must
be made for the pressure difference between the opposite faces of such elements
to account for external and internal air pressure exerted by the wind blowing
against the building.

Load combinations

Selection of sections
• Angles or tubular sections may be used for compression members while flats, angles
or tubular sections for tension members.
• Two angles back-to-back or a structural tee are usually provided for the members
forming the skeleton of the truss (e.g., principal rafter, principal tie, etc.) and single
angles for filler (secondary) members (strut or tie).
• When the load is light and the span is short, a single angle section will often suffice
and may be used in spite of its lack of symmetry.

Connections
• Angle sections in trusses are joined by bolting or welding the members to gusset plate.
• For bolted construction of trusses, the bolt lines entering the joint must be concurrent
to avoid eccentricity
• If this is not possible and the joint is constructed with eccentricity, the members and the
connectors must be designed for the moment generated because of this eccentricity.
• This latter eccentricity is eliminated in welded construction by balancing of the two
weld lengths.
 End Bearings
• The roof trusses in buildings are supported either on masonry or concrete walls or
columns, or steel columns.
• In case of walls and concrete columns suitable bearing plates should be provided on
walls below the truss so as to keep the bearing pressure due to the reaction from truss
within permissible limits.
• In case of steel columns, a cap plate is provided over column top.
• Shoe plates are provided at each end of the truss and is connected to the bearing plate
or the column cap, as the case may be.
 1. Design a roof truss with tabulation of member forces as shown in Figure. Design
various member of roof truss along with their end connections with a gusset plate
of 10 mm thick. The truss rest on 300 x 500 mm column made of M 20 grade
concrete. Design the support bearing base plate for a reaction of 120 kN and
anchor bolt for an uplift force of 18 kN. Draw to suitable scale i) Elevation of truss
greater than half span ii) Enlarged view of support joint iii) Elevation of upper
joint of truss.

55.460

Member Force Nature of force (N)

AB, GF 240 kN Compression, C
BC, FE 210 kN C
CD, ED 160 kN C
AL, GH 208 kN Tension, T
LK, HI 208 kN T
KJ, IJ 182 kN T
BL, FH 0 -
BK, FI 30 kN C
CK, EI 18 kN T
CJ, EJ 66 kN C
DJ 60 kN C

Important points to be noted

• Top and Bottom chord – Two angles or Double angles
• Inner members - Single angles
• Use at least two bolts
• Gusset plate thickness should be uniform

• Design of Top chord members (AB, BC, CD) (Compression members)

AB, BC, CD are top chord member, maximum load is 240 kN
Factored load or 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 = 240 x 1.5 = 360 kN
 Length of members AB/ BC/ CD
cos 30 = 2/ AB , AB = 2/ cos 30 = 2.3 m = 2300 mm
Assume design compressive stress, 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 110 N/mm2
(Assume 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 40 -120 N/mm2 based on load and experience)
𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 360 × 103
Gross area, Ag = = = 3272.7 mm2 = 32.73 cm2
𝑓𝑐𝑑 110
• Select double angle section from steel table
From Steel Table 6, Page 18, Try 2 ISA 80 x 80 x 10 mm

Area = 30.10 cm2 , rxx = 2.41 cm Taking gusset plate of 10 mm thickness,

ryy = 3.73 cm
rmin = 2.41 cm or 24.1 mm
• Effective length of section - Page 48, CL7.5.2.1, IS 800- 2007

Effective length for Top chord members (AB) , Leff = 0.85 x L = 0.85 x 2.3 = 1.955 m
𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓 1955
Slenderness ratio, λ = = = 81.12
𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛 24.1
Since it is a built-up member it will come under buckling class “c” (IS 800 – 2007, Page 44,
Table 10). If it is class “c”, Use Table 9(c)
From Table 9 (c) Page 42 – IS 800 2007, through interpolation, for λ = 81.12 we get design
Compressive Stress, 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 134.32 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2
(Page 34) Design compressive strength, 𝑃𝑐 = 𝑓𝑐𝑑 × 𝐴𝑔 = 134.32 × 3010
= 404.3 kN > 360 kN
So selected section is safe.

• Connections
Using M 22 Property Class 5.6 bolts
• Shear strength of bolts - Page 75 CL10.3.3 , IS 800 2007
Assume fully threaded bolts, number of shear planes 𝑛𝑛 = 2 , 𝑛𝑠 = 0 ( no shank
portion)
𝜋
𝐴𝑛𝑏 = 0.78 × 4 × 222 = 296.5 𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 0, 𝑓𝑢𝑏 = 500 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2, ᵞ𝑚𝑏 = 1.25

500
= (2 × 296.5) = 136.94 kN….. (1)
√3 ×1.25
• Bearing strength of bolts - Page 75 CL10.3.4 , IS 800 2007

Pitch, p = 2.5× d = 2.5 × 22 = 55 mm

Edge distance e = 1.7 × 𝑑𝑜 = 1.7× 24 = 40.8 ≈ 45 mm ( 𝑑𝑜 𝑖𝑠 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑎 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒, (22 +
2)

𝑓𝑢𝑏 = 500 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2, 𝑓𝑢 = 410 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2, t = 10 mm, d = 22 mm

45 55 𝑓𝑢𝑏 500
𝑘𝑏 = 3 ×24 = 0.63, 𝑘𝑏 = – 0.25 = 0.513, = 410 = 1.22, 1.0
3 ×24 𝑓𝑢

410
𝑉𝑑𝑝𝑏 = 2.5 × 0.513 × 22 × 10 × 1.25 = 92.54 kN …...(2)
Bolt value = Minimum of (1) and (2) = 92.54 kN
360
No of bolts = = 3.8 ≈ 4
92.54
Hence provide 2 ISA 80 × 80 × 10 mm with 4 bolts

• Design of Bottom chord members (AL, LK, KJ)-Tension members

Taking Max Force = 208 kN
Factored Tensile Force 𝑇𝑑𝑔 = 208 x 1.5 = 312 kN
Tensile strength due to gross section yielding, Page 32, CL 6.2 (IS 800)
 312 ×103 × 1.1
Gross area, 𝐴𝑔 = = 1372.8 𝑚𝑚2
250
Since it is bottom member, increase the area by 30% = 1.3 × 1372.8 = 1784.64 𝑚𝑚2 =
17.84 𝑐𝑚2
From Steel table Page No 18, table 6 (Double angle)

Try 2 ISA 80× 80 × 6 mm ( two angles back to back) 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ 10 𝑚𝑚 𝑔𝑎𝑝

𝐴𝑔 = 18.58 𝑐𝑚2 = 1858 𝑚𝑚2
• Connections
Use M 22, class 5.6 ( Same bolt diameter for all connection design)

• Shear strength of bolts

Assume fully threaded bolts, number of shear planes 𝑛𝑛 = 2 ,( double angle), 𝑛𝑠 =
0 ( no shank portion)
𝜋
𝐴𝑛𝑠 = 0.78 × 4 × 222 = 296.5 𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 0

500
= (2 × 296.5) = 136.94 kN…(1)
√3 ×1.25
• Bearing strength of bolts

410
𝑉𝑑𝑝𝑏 = 2.5 × 0.513 × 22 × 6 × 1.25 = 55.53 kN…. (2)
Bolt value = 55.53 kN (least of (1) or (2)
312
No of bolts = =6
55.53
Hence provide 2 ISA 80 × 80 × 6 mm with 6 bolts

(In case of High Strength Friction Grip Bolts (HSFG) - Shear capacity only needs
to be calculated by CL 10.4.3, page 76 and then calculate no of bolts based on shear
capacity) No need of calculating “bearing strength of bolts”.
 SP 6, Page 168

Longitudinal section of a double angle with bolts

• Check for rupture (tension member)

Page 33 CL 6.3.3 IS 800 - 2007

80

6
80
w = outstand leg width or width of unconnected leg = 80 mm
Lc = Distance between the outermost bolts in the end joint measured along
the load direction = 275 mm
t = 6mm
𝑓𝑢 = 410 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2 , Ultimate strength of material
𝑓𝑦 = 250 𝑁/𝑚𝑚2, Yield strength of material
 bs = w + wt – t = 80 + 45 – 6 = 119 mm

= 1.132
𝛾𝑚0 𝑓𝑢
Also find = 1.44
𝑓𝑦 𝛾𝑚1
As per IS 800 – 2007, β = 1.132 ≥ 0.7 ≤ 1.44
Hence take β = 1.132

24

Angle section attached to gusset plate

𝑡
𝑨𝒈𝒐 = Gross area of outstanding or unconnected leg (without bolt) = (𝐵 − 2 ) 𝑡 =
6
(80 − 2) 6 = 462 𝑚𝑚2

𝑡
𝑨𝒏𝒄 = Net area of connected leg (subtract area of bolt hole) = (𝐴 − 𝑑𝑜 − 2 ) 𝑡 = (
6
(80 − 24 − 2 ) 6 = 318 𝑚𝑚2 where 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑚𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟 𝑜𝑓 𝑏𝑜𝑙𝑡 ℎ𝑜𝑙𝑒, 𝑑𝑜 = 22 + 2 = 24 𝑚𝑚
For double angle section multiply the value of Tdn by “2”

410 250
For double angle 𝑇𝑑𝑛 = 2 × (0.9 × 318 × 1.25 + 1.132 × 462 × )
1.1
= 425.47 kN > 312 kN , It is safe.
• Check for block shear

SHEAR

TENSION

Page 33 CL 6.4.1
 Length of shearing action, 𝐿𝑣 = 45 + 5 × 55 = 320 mm
Length of tensile action, 𝐿𝑡 = 35 mm
Gross area in shear parallel to force , 𝐴𝑣𝑔 = 𝐿𝑣 × t = 320 × 6 = 1920 𝑚𝑚2
Net area in shear parallel to force, 𝐴𝑣𝑛 = 𝐴𝑣𝑔 – 5.5 × 𝑑𝑜 × t
= 1920 − 5.5 × 24 × 6 = 1128 𝑚𝑚2
Gross area in tension perpendicular to force, 𝐴𝑡𝑔 = 𝐿𝑡 × t = 35 × 6 = 210 𝑚𝑚2
Net area in tension perpendicular to force, 𝐴𝑡𝑛 = 210 – 0.5 × 24 × 6 =138 𝑚𝑚2

250 410
For two angles, 𝑇𝑑𝑏 = 2 × [ 1920 × + 0.9 × 138 × 1.25 ] = 585.3 kN > 312 kN
√3×1.1

410 250
For two angles, 𝑇𝑑𝑏 = 2 × [ 0.9 × 1128 × 1.25× + 210 × ] = 479.9 kN> 312 kN
√3 1.1
Hence 2 ISA 80 × 80 × 6 mm is safe .

• Design of “Inner Tension members”

Member Force CK = 18 kN
Factored Force, 𝑇𝑑𝑔 = 1.5 × 18 = 27 kN
Tensile strength due to gross section yielding, Page 32, CL 6.2 (IS 800)

Ag = 118.8 mm2 = 1.18cm2

Use Steel table and Take single angle section ( it is a inner member)
Table 1, Page 2 , Choose ISA 50 X 50 X 6 mm ,
Area = 5.68 cm2 =568 mm2
• Connection – Bolts - M 12 Class 5.6
Diameter of bolt hole 𝑑𝑜 = 12 + 1 = 13 𝑚𝑚

• Shear strength of bolts

Assume fully threaded bolts, number of shear planes 𝑛𝑛 = 1 (single angle section) , 𝑛𝑠 =
0 ( no shank portion)
 𝜋
𝐴𝑛𝑏 = 0.78 × × 122 = 88.2 𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 0, , 𝑓𝑢𝑏 = 500 N/mm2
4

0
500
= (1 × 88.2) = 20.36 kN…..(1)
√3 ×1.25

• Bearing strength of bolts

Pitch, p = 2.5× d = 2.5× 12 = 30 mm, t = 6 mm

Edge distance e = 1.7 × 𝑑𝑜 = 1.7× 13 = 22.1 = 25 mm

25 30 𝑓𝑢𝑏 500
Smallest of : 𝑘𝑏 = 3 ×13 = 0.64, 𝑘𝑏 = – 0.25 = 0.519, = 410 = 1.22, 1.0
3 ×13 𝑓𝑢

410
𝑉𝑑𝑝𝑏 = 2.5 × 0.519 × 12 × 6 × 1.25 = 30.64 kN…..(2)
Bolt value = 20.36 kN (LEAST OF (1) and (2) )
No of Bolts = 27/ 20.36 = 2 ( Minimum no of bolts =2)

Use SP6, Page 168, Note down gauge distance for leg size 50 mm, which is 28 mm
• Check for rupture
w, width of unconnected leg = 50 mm, t = 6 mm, distance between end bolts, Lc = 30
mm,
bs = w + wt – t
bs = 50 +28 - 6 = 72 mm

𝑡 6
𝐴𝑔𝑜 = Gross area of unconnected leg = (𝐵 − 2 ) 𝑡 = (50 − 2) 6 =282 𝑚𝑚2
𝑡 6
𝐴𝑛𝑐 = Net area of connected leg = (𝐴 − 𝑑𝑜 − 2 ) 𝑡 = (50 − 13 − 2 ) 6 = 204 𝑚𝑚2
Also calculate β = 1.4 – 0.076 x (50 /6) x (250/410) x (72/30) = 0.47 ≤ 0.7
𝛾𝑚0 𝑓𝑢
= 1.44 , The value of β = 0.47 ≤ 1.44 .
𝑓𝑦 𝛾𝑚1
Let us take β = 0.7, since calculated value of β is less than 0.7
410 250
For single angle 𝑇𝑑𝑛 = 1× (0.9 × 204 × 1.25 + 0.7 × 282 × )=
1.1

= 105.08 kN >27 kN, it is safe.

• Check for block shear
Page 33 CL 6.4.1
 𝐴𝑣𝑔 = 𝐿𝑣 × t = (30 +25) × 6 = 330 𝑚𝑚2 𝐴𝑣𝑛 = 330 – 1.5 × 13 × 𝟔 = 213 𝑚𝑚2
𝐴𝑡𝑔 = 𝐿𝑡 × t = 22 × 6 = 132 𝑚𝑚2 𝐴𝑡𝑛 = 132 – 0.5 × 𝟏𝟑 × 𝟔 =93 𝑚𝑚2

250 410
For single angles, 𝑇𝑑𝑏 = 1× [ 330 × 1.1×√3 + 0.9 × 93 × 1.25 ] = 70.75kN > 27 kN

410 250
For two angles, 𝑇𝑑𝑏 = 1 × [ 0.9 × 213 × 1.25×√3 + 132 × ] = 66.30 kN> 27 kN
1.1
Hence ISA 50 × 50 × 6 mm is safe .

• Design of Inner compression members (BK, CJ, DJ)

3.46 m

Taking Maximum Force = 66.0 kN

Factored Force = 1.5 × 66.0 = 99. kN
Take the member which is having maximum length ie DJ = 3.46 m
Maximum Length = 3.46 m
Assume 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 50 N/mm2
(Assume 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 40 -120 N/mm2 based on load and experience)
𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝐹𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 99.07 × 103
Gross Area, Ag = = = 1981.4 mm2 = 19.81 cm2
𝑓𝑐𝑑 50
From Steel Table, Try Single ISA 100 x 100 x 10 mm (Table 1, Page 4)
Area = 19.03 cm2
rxx = ryy = 3.05 cm = 30.5 mm
ruu = 3.85 cm, rvv = 1.94 cm
So rmin = 1.94 cm = 19.4 mm

Here load is acting through only one leg it will be subjected to torsional buckling
Using Page 48, Table 12 and using CL 7.5.1.2 Loaded through one leg ( IS 800 2007)
Assuming bolts ≥ 2 and hinged end conditions with gusset plate, 𝑘1 = 0.7, 𝑘2 = 0.6, 𝑘3 = 5
Assuming Effective length, Leff = 0.85 × 𝐿 = 0.85 × 3460 = 2940 𝑚𝑚
ε = 1 , E = 2 × 105 N/mm2 b1 = b2 = 100 mm, t = 10 mm

𝐿𝑒𝑓𝑓
𝑟𝑣𝑣
λvv = = 1.705
𝜋2 ε
ε√
250

λΦ = 0.1125, 𝑘1 = 0.7, 𝑘2 = 0.6, 𝑘3 = 5

Equivalent slenderness ratio, λe = 1.589

From Table 10, Page No 44, Choose the buckling class based on type of section
Since it is single angle section, choose buckling class as ‘c’. Based on Buckling class, find
α from Table 7 Page No 35 as 0.49.

From Page 34, CL 7.1.2.1, IS 800-2007

Put α = 0.49, λe = 1.589, Φ = 2.102

250
(Single angle section) Design compressive stress, 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = =
1.1( 2.102+( 2.1022 −1.5892 )0.5 )
108.47 N/mm2
The design compressive strength of a member is given by:
Load Pd = A × 𝑓𝑐𝑑 = 1903 × 108.47 = 206.42 kN > 99.07 kN
Hence it is safe.
 Design of connection using M22, class 5.6 ( same diameter bolt)
Benefit- No need to do shear strength calculations, (for single angle, 𝑛𝑛 = 1)
• Shear strength of bolts
Assume fully threaded bolts, number of shear planes 𝑛𝑛 = 1 ( Single angle section), 𝑛𝑠 = 0
(no shank portion)
𝜋
𝐴𝑛𝑠 = 0.78 × 4 × 222 = 296.5 𝑚𝑚2 , 𝐴𝑠𝑏 = 0

500
= (1 × 296.5) = 68.47 kN….. (1)
√3 ×1.25
• Bearing strength of bolts

Pitch, p = 2.5× d = 2.5× 22 = 55 mm

Edge distance e = 1.7 × 𝑑𝑜 = 1.7× 24 = 40.8 = 45 mm

45 55 𝑓𝑢𝑏 500
𝑘𝑏 = 3 ×24 = 0.63, 𝑘𝑏 = – 0.25 = 0.513, = 410 = 1.22, 1.0
3 ×24 𝑓𝑢

410
𝑉𝑑𝑝𝑏 = 2.5 × 0.513 × 22 × 10 × 1.25 = 92.54kN…..(2)
Bolt value = Minimum of (1) and (2) = 68.47kN
99
No of bolts = =2
68.47

• Design of Bearing Plate

Support Reaction = 120 kN
Factored Reaction = 1.5 × 120 = 180 kN
CL 34.4, Page 56 IS 456 2000
Using M 20 concrete, Bearing pressure of concrete = 0.45 𝑓𝑐𝑘 = 0.45 × 20 = 9 N/𝑚𝑚2

180 × 103
Area of Bearing plate = = 20000 𝑚𝑚2
9
Provide square plate = √20000 = 141.4 mm
Provide 200 mm × 200 mm as base dimensions
• Calculation of thickness ‘t’ of the bearing plate

Upward pressure, qo = Support Reaction / Size of plate = 180 x 103/ (200 x 200) = 4.5 N/mm2
For 1mm, it is 4.5 N/mm
87
Moment at section XX ( near the inner face of angle section), Mxx = 4.5 × 87 × =
2
17030.25 𝑁𝑚𝑚
Take b = 1mm, d = ( t + 8 )
𝑓𝑦 𝑑2
Using Bending formula Mxx = 𝜎𝑏 ×Z = × b× ( Z is section modulus)
𝛾𝑚𝑜 6
250 (𝑡+8)2
17.03 × 10 3 = × 1×
1.1 6
t = 13.20 mm ≈ 14 mm
Bearing plate 200 × 200 × 14 mm

• Design of Anchor Bolts

Given Uplift force = 18 kN at each support
Assuming two Anchor bolts at each support, Force on each anchor bolt = 18/2 =9.0 kN
Factored force on anchor bolt = 9.0 x 1.5 = 13.5 kN
From CL 26.2.1.1 Bond stress for M 20 ( RCC column M 20) = 1.2 N/𝑚𝑚2 , increase by 60%
(Page 43, IS 456 2000) = 1.2 x 1.6

To find length of Anchor bolt

Let us assume 18 mm diameter Anchor Bolt
Factored Uplift Force = Force developed around the anchor bolt
= (Circumference × length) × Bond stress
3
13.5 × 10 = π × 18 × length × ( 1.2 × 𝟏. 𝟔)
length = 124.34 mm ≈ 125 mm
Provide 2, 18 mm Φ anchor bolts of length 125 mm at each end.