Truss Calculator

The Truss Calculator allows users to determine critical parameters such as Rafter Length, Dead Load, Live Load, Wind Load, Total Design Load, and Maximum Axial Force based on their specific input details like Span Length, Roof Pitch, Truss Spacing, Roof Material, Snow Load, and Design Wind Speed.

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Truss Calculator Usage Guide

This guide will walk you through how to use the Truss Calculator effectively to determine the required truss parameters for your project.

Step 1: Gather Required Inputs

Begin by collecting the necessary data to input into the calculator. You will need to know:

  • Span Length: The total span of the truss in meters. Enter a value between 1 and 30.
  • Roof Pitch: The angle of the roof in degrees. Acceptable values range from 10 to 45.
  • Truss Spacing: Distance between each truss, measured in meters, from 0.3 to 2.4.
  • Roof Material: The material of the roof, which influences the dead load. Choose from Asphalt Shingles, Clay Tiles, Metal Roofing, or Slate.
  • Snow Load: The anticipated snow load in kN/m². Enter a value between 0 and 5.
  • Wind Speed: The design wind speed in m/s. Valid inputs range from 0 to 50.

Step 2: Input Data into the Calculator

Using the fields in the input area of the Truss Calculator, enter the data you collected:

  1. Enter the Span Length, ensuring it is between 1 and 30 meters.
  2. Provide the Roof Pitch value, making sure it falls between 10 and 45 degrees.
  3. Specify the Truss Spacing in meters within the allowed range of 0.3 to 2.4.
  4. Select the Roof Material from the dropdown options presented.
  5. Input the Snow Load value and ensure it is within 0 to 5 kN/m².
  6. Finally, enter the Wind Speed value, ensuring it meets the 0 to 50 m/s criteria.

Step 3: Calculate and Interpret Results

Once all data is entered correctly, the calculator will provide several calculated results:

  • Rafter Length: Calculated using the formula spanLength / (2 * cos(roofPitch * PI / 180)), this provides the length of each rafter needed in meters.
  • Dead Load: Based on the formula roofMaterial * trussSpacing, this represents the static load from the roof material per meter in kN/m.
  • Live Load: Given by snowLoad * trussSpacing, it represents the snow load per meter in kN/m.
  • Wind Load: Determined by 0.613 * pow(windSpeed, 2) * 0.001 * trussSpacing, this is the load from wind pressure per meter in kN/m.
  • Total Design Load: This is the sum of loads calculated with the equation 1.2 * deadLoad + 1.6 * liveLoad + 0.8 * windLoad.
  • Maximum Axial Force: A critical value determined by totalLoad * spanLength / (2 * sin(roofPitch * PI / 180)), indicating the maximum force experienced in kN.

Refer to these results to evaluate the structural requirements and ensure your design complies with safety standards. Make any necessary adjustments to your design or input values to achieve optimal safety and efficiency.