Question

How do you determine the span of a truss?

Answer 1

The span of a truss is determined by measuring the distance between the two supports or points where the truss is connected. The span is essentially the length of the bottom chord of the truss, which is the horizontal member that carries the load. It's the distance over which the truss structure will bear the load and distribute it to the supports.

When designing or selecting a truss for a specific application, it's crucial to consider the span length as it directly affects the truss's load-bearing capacity, stability, and overall structural integrity. Different truss designs and materials can accommodate different span lengths, so it's important to choose the appropriate truss configuration based on factors like the load it will carry, the type of structure, and local building codes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Answer 2

1. **Identify Supports:** Locate the points where the truss is connected to its supports. These supports could be walls, columns, or other structures.

1. **Identify Supports:** Locate the points where the truss is connected to its supports. These supports could be walls, columns, or other structures.2. **Measure Chord Length:** Measure the distance along the bottom chord (horizontal member) of the truss between the points where the truss connects to its supports. This distance represents the span of the truss.

1. **Identify Supports:** Locate the points where the truss is connected to its supports. These supports could be walls, columns, or other structures.2. **Measure Chord Length:** Measure the distance along the bottom chord (horizontal member) of the truss between the points where the truss connects to its supports. This distance represents the span of the truss.3. **Exclude Overhang:** If the truss has overhangs beyond the supports, do not include these overhang lengths in the span measurement. The span refers to the distance between the support points only.

1. **Identify Supports:** Locate the points where the truss is connected to its supports. These supports could be walls, columns, or other structures.2. **Measure Chord Length:** Measure the distance along the bottom chord (horizontal member) of the truss between the points where the truss connects to its supports. This distance represents the span of the truss.3. **Exclude Overhang:** If the truss has overhangs beyond the supports, do not include these overhang lengths in the span measurement. The span refers to the distance between the support points only.4. **Repeat for Each Truss:** If you have multiple trusses in a series, each with its own span, measure the chord length for each truss to determine its individual span.

1. **Identify Supports:** Locate the points where the truss is connected to its supports. These supports could be walls, columns, or other structures.2. **Measure Chord Length:** Measure the distance along the bottom chord (horizontal member) of the truss between the points where the truss connects to its supports. This distance represents the span of the truss.3. **Exclude Overhang:** If the truss has overhangs beyond the supports, do not include these overhang lengths in the span measurement. The span refers to the distance between the support points only.4. **Repeat for Each Truss:** If you have multiple trusses in a series, each with its own span, measure the chord length for each truss to determine its individual span.It's important to measure accurately and consistently to ensure that the span is determined correctly. If you're uncertain about any measurements or calculations, consider consulting a professional engineer or a truss design specialist to ensure that the truss is properly sized and installed for its intended use and load requirements.