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How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

(OP)
I have a bachelor degree in mechanical Eng. and actually I am working as a truss designer technician, but I'd like to become in a Truss Design Engineer. What would I have to do?

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

If I understand your question correctly, you will need to gain more experience and obtain your P.E.

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

Do you work for a press plate truss company?

Are you currently determining the loads which are applied to the trusses?

Do you run any analysis programs to determine the required number of fasteners at the truss joints?

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

I am a truss design engineer.  The best advice I can give you is to align yourself with a truss manufacturer which has a PE on staff that you can work under and learn from.  They will not only teach you how to design trusses, but also teach you how to repair them.  If you are doing just technician work, and are not gaining the required experience under a PE, you will not be eligible for the NCEES exam.  

Jordan

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

I agree with woodengineer.

woodengineer, do you currently seal shop drawings?  What software do you use?
I am a PE working for a wood truss manufacturer and currently do not seal drawings but am looking into doing it.  Unfortunately there is no PE besides me here, and I do not have experience with how these programs analyze trusses.  Do you have any advice on how to get more experience with the analytical methods of the design software?   

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

CJSchwartz,

I currently use Mitek Software, and do seal truss engineering drawings.  Eventhough you work for a truss manufacturer it says alot about your integrity to not sign what you are unsure of.  

Here is how to get to the next step:

1.  Spend a week with one of your technicians having them show you how to model trusses, modify them, change lumber, plating, wind, loading, etc.
2.  contact the plate manufacturer and sit with one of their engineers for a week.  (If your company buys enough plates, they might be willing to do this.)
3.  Familiarize yourself with WTCA and ANSI TPI documents (ANSI-TPI 1-02 for example)
4.  Virginia Tech offers once a year or every other year a three day course on truss repair.

Truss design software is complex, but you should have a relatively short learning curve.  The programs are all matrix analysis which is required by code.

Good Luck.

Jordan

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

Thanks woodengineer,
I actually have been designing trusses for a few years now.  I just have not spent the time to learn how the program analyzes the trusses and thus, do not feel comfortable sealing the drawings.  I used to use Mitek but our company now uses Robbins.  I will definitely look into the other items you indicate.    
On average, how much time do you spend looking over a single truss?  Does your company carry an errors and omissions policy for you to seal drawings?  Or is their general liability coverage adequate to cover you?      

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

Obviously some trusses take more time to review than others.  I spend a good bit of time checking girders.  I spend very little time checking valley set trusses.  

Many manufacturers employ PE's and cover them under general product liability.  Others do carry errors and ommisions.  Contact your company's attorney and ask him/her that question.  Make sure your company endemnifies you personally.  We certainly do not get paid enough to carry that burden.

I have to believe that if you have been designing metal plate connected wood trusses for a few years, you should feel comfortable sealing the truss engineering.  Ask yourself what you are unsure of and get those questions answered by Robbins.

Jordan

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

The best way is to get your foot in the door with someone who works in the truss design to get you a position to learn how it all works. That is exactly how i got in the door and now i do really well for a 3 year designer. I am in the 2nd seat at my company in designing.

Good luck and If you ever have some questions feel free to check out my website it might help with questions.

www.rooftrussdesigns.com

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

(OP)
Thanks so much, and yes I'm working already for 2 years as Truss designer, this is why I wolud like to be a Truss Design Engineer

RE: How to become an Engineer Truss Designer?

(OP)
Thanks so much, and yes I'm working already for 2 years as Truss designer, this is why I wolud like to be a Truss Design Engineer
Thanks

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