Bending Properties of Parallel Chord Truss with Steel-Web Members

A truss is a structure in which the members are connected and arranged such that they are primarily subjected to axial loading. A truss has the advantage that it can be used for a longer span because the structure distributes the applied force to its members well, and the load is transmitted only in the axial direction of the members. Trusses manufactured using timber have more advantages than those made of other materials. In this study, the properties of parallel chord trusses composed of timber chord and steel-web members were evaluated. We constructed truss specimens with various lengths by using upper and lower chords of 2 × 4 inch spruce-pine-fir lumber and steel-web members manufactured by S and P companies. The specimens were tested in accordance with KS F 2150. The test results showed that the load at the deflection limit and the deflection limit itself increased from L/180 to L/360 regardless of the length of the specimens. For specimens of the same length, the load at the deflection limit increased as the height of the parallel timber chord truss specimens increased from 200 to 300 mm. Successive installations of the steel-web members (SST) showed almost 2 times the load at each deflection limit compared to that of SAT specimens (alternate installation of the steel-web members). When comparing the three load– deflection limits in terms of the manufacturer of the steel-web members, the load at each deflection limit for SST specimens was higher than that for PST specimens.