Civil construction is a highly complex field, requiring expertise not only in engineering and construction, but also in administration and planning. One of the key aspects involved is the need to understand all the materials used and how they impact construction quality. A metal truss, for example, is a component you'll find in virtually every large-scale project.
If applied correctly, trusses can have a significant impact on a project, reducing costs and also improving the building's resilience once completed. However, to fully leverage these qualities, you must thoroughly understand the characteristics of this material, its variations, and its best application locations.
To help you with this, we're here to answer your main questions about metal trusses, including when they should be used in a project, their main advantages, and the different types available. Stay tuned.
THE truss A two- or three-dimensional steel structure that follows a triangular pattern. It consists of two or more parallel longitudinal steel wires, which are interconnected by other wires, forming several triangles along the structure. Each node between the parallel wires is welded, creating a singular, solid structure.
The simple metal truss is the most basic form of this structure, following a two-dimensional pattern. It consists of just two parallel wires, which are interconnected by several other wires, both perpendicular and angled.
The main function of this structure is to reduce the amount of metal required to create a sturdy support structure. The metal web distributes its own weight and that of the structure more efficiently than a single beam could.
Trusses can be used in various types of projects, contributing to their support and durability. One of the most common examples is when there's a large span between two support points. A single metal beam wouldn't be able to support the entire weight without giving way. With a truss-shaped structure, the weight is better distributed and prevents deformation.
In civil construction, metal trusses are most commonly used as part of various structures. truss for slab, for example, is one of the most common applications for trusses in small and medium-sized projects. By using metal trusses as part of the structuring alongside concrete in slab construction, you achieve a lighter slab capable of supporting a greater load.
You also find this pattern in larger, more complex structures, such as large bridges, which need to optimize weight distribution and minimize the amount of material used. And, in some cases, it also appears as a better aesthetic option in some architectural styles.
With the right planning, trusses can bring several benefits to your construction projects. civil constructionIt's just a matter of understanding what its particularities are and how they impact different parts of the structure.
Check out these advantages and their benefits for your projects here.
As mentioned, one of the great benefits of a truss structure is its reduced weight. Its triangular pattern allows for the construction of a piece with the same load-bearing potential with significantly less metal, which reduces the overall weight of the structure once built.
This is due to the better distribution of the pile between the beams. Tensioning the lateral portion of a single beam causes it to bend easily, which would require significantly more resources to maintain its conformity. In the triangular pattern, this pressure is distributed and supported by each wire equally, in addition to better transmitting the weight to the columns.
Furthermore, a lighter structure is also easier to support, requiring even less material and reducing pressure on the columns. Ultimately, the weight gain can also be seen in many other spaces.
When we think about the application of metals in civil construction, especially the structural steel, its durability is always a priority. Even concrete used in internal structures, such as reinforced concrete, must be able to withstand high pressure without deforming, otherwise it can negatively impact the longevity of the property once built.
However, as we've already mentioned, you don't necessarily need to use more material or a more expensive metal to get the most out of your resources. You just need to know how to use it efficiently to maximize your savings. resistance.
In the case of metal trusses, their shape is ideal for maximizing their durability. Because all pressure is better distributed, the risk of a single point or even a single point suffering significant damage and deforming is much lower. This is crucial in slab construction, supporting a roof or any area with a very large span.
The choice of construction materials does not only take into account their application in construction, but also a host of other logistical issues. Even if a material is highly resistant and contributes significantly to the final result of the project, this doesn't make much difference if it's very expensive to transport and store to the construction site.
At this point, metal trusses are a good alternative, as their structure is much lighter and easier to handle compared to traditional metal beams. This means that their implementation on site is also usually faster and less costly for the team. And a project completed more quickly is also less vulnerable to accidents or delays of any kind.
In many cases, installing trusses in a structure isn't much different than installing more traditional pieces. Simply instruct the construction team on how to safely prepare the structure.
A common problem when requesting construction quotes and planning the materials used is having to factor in excess or insufficient resources. After all, it's necessary to consider application errors, minor adjustments, losses, and other similar details. Even a highly experienced professional can have trouble calculating an accurate value.
And even when there's a fairly accurate estimate of how much material will be needed, there's still the problem of purchasing standardized products. This often means buying a few more metal beams than necessary and cutting some of them to fill in parts of the structure.
In this regard, metal trusses also offer a good solution, as they are custom-made. Depending on the type of structure you intend to use, you can order the exact number of trusses, each with the correct dimensions for the project. At most, you should slightly exceed the estimated length to allow for margin of error.
This is also a way to save your team's productive time. If the parts aren't the size you need when they arrive at the construction site, the team has to make several cuts, adjustments, and weldings to get them into the ideal shape. With custom parts, there's much less adjustment work.
As well as several other pieces and structures, you'll find several types of metal trusses in buildings, each serving a different purpose. Again, it's a matter of how the material is applied and how these differences impact the structure as a whole.
Check out the main types of trusses and where they are most recommended here.
Also called a Warren truss, this is a truss design in which the top and bottom wires, called chords, are parallel to each other. The truss members connecting the two chords follow a uniform pattern from one side to the other, usually in an "X" or zigzag pattern.
This format is best suited for structures that need to span a span between 20m and 100m in length. The efficient weight distribution to the ends and along the bottom flange is ideal for handling tension in the central section, minimizing deformation while still maintaining some flexibility to prevent rupture.
By looking at this pattern, you'll recognize the support structure of various types of bridges, with multiple triangles distributing the weight among the supporting points. This structure must support a large amount of weight across its entire length and is also subject to a regular increase or decrease in pressure.
This type of metal truss follows a pattern very similar to the parallel chord truss, but with a few key differences. First, it also has its main chords parallel to each other, but instead of an "X" or zigzag pattern, it has several vertical beams interspersed with diagonal wires.
What defines the Pratt truss is the diagonal wires at its ends that point toward the center of the span. In other words, the geometric pattern here is mirrored. It's also a simple structure, recommended for spanning small spans, between 20 and 100 meters. It's common in various types of structures, including slab roofs, for example.
The big question with this type of truss is how these different beams and elements are affected. In the case of the Pratt truss, the diagonal elements are under tension, meaning the force of the weight tries to stretch the metal. The vertical elements, on the other hand, are compressed by the load present in the structure.
The Howe truss follows the same pattern as the Pratt truss, with vertical and diagonal beams in a mirrored pattern. However, instead of pointing toward the center, the ends point toward the lower outer portion. Visually, a Howe truss is just an upside-down Pratt truss.
Naturally, this also reverses the roles of the vertical and diagonal members of the truss. In the Howe truss, the vertical beams are under tension, stretching as the load increases. The diagonal members, on the other hand, are compressed by the weight.
Despite this fundamental difference, their applications in civil construction are still quite similar, if not identical. The choice between one or the other usually depends on the specific context in which the beam will be used and how changing these tension and compression points can help optimize the weight distribution in the structure.
Another common metal truss shape you encounter in everyday life is the trapezoidal one. The trapezoidal shape here comes from a slope in the upper chord, which may or may not have a kink in its center, forming an apex in the structure. If there is a kink, you'll see two rectangular trapezoids formed in the center.
The structure between the chords is usually identical to that used in Howe or Pratt trusses, with vertical and diagonal components, but adjusted for the different heights along the trapezoid. It is a simple and efficient format, highly recommended for roofs and roofs without slab.
Also called a Fink truss, it has a “V” pattern in its elements, forming a triangle with the upper and lower chords and a filling with several alternating support beams, forming several smaller triangles.
As mentioned, using triangular patterns greatly helps optimize the material by distributing the weight and increasing its overall strength without increasing its weight. Triangular trusses, in particular, are best suited for small spans, less than 20 meters, as extending the width of this triangle too much would reduce its efficiency. At this point, it's better to use other models.
The metal truss is a simple but very ingenious solution to improve the efficiency of the steel within a structure. With proper application, you can significantly improve the strength of a slab or roof support, as well as making the construction process more efficient.
Looking for high-quality materials to help with your project? Then check out our product catalog and request a budget with the Aço Cearense Group right now!
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