Heavy Wood Truss Information
Heavy Wood Truss Information
(OP)
I am an engineer retained to investigate a failed wood truss building. Three bottom chords on different trusses, different locations failed. I am trying to find backup information on trusses. I believe that this truss is pre 1956, probably WWII. I have the ASCE document on upgrading wood structures. Would like to find more information such as were reduced snow loads used and what was the life expectancy of these buildings vs others of their era. This is going into litigation and I would like to be as well armed with the facts as possible.





RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
For a failure in a building that old, it would be interesting to know the basis for litigation.
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Mike McCann
MMC Engineering
Motto: KISS
Motivation: Don't ask
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Has there been any noticeable weather change... heavier snowfalls, colder, etc.
Has the building been 'sealed' during the last decade that might increase humidity and lead to 'dry-rot' (actually brown rot) What is the moisture content of the structure? <18%-20%?
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Jim
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
How can I get a copy of Canada's code?
Thanks
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Garth Dreger PE
AZ Phoenix area
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Splitting of Lower Chord along Bolt at Steel Splice Plates and Heel Plates
Tension Failure in Lower Chord
Cross grain shrinkage of timber attached with steel side plates with multiple rows of bolts often causes the initial splitting.
- Timber defects (Large knots)
Excess Loading
– Gravity
– Mechanical Equipment
– Multiple layers of roofing
- Interior pressure
- Physical damaged
Differences in timber design values from as built to today
Earthquake induced loads
Physical
- Rot
- Insects
- Water
- Fire
Attached is an article
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
Dik
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
RE: Heavy Wood Truss Information
You might search some of these..