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Damaged Truss Analysis

Damaged Truss Analysis

Damaged Truss Analysis

(OP)
A client asked us to analyze a damage / twisted steel truss. The truss consist of pipes and walkway over a river to a dock. Not sure what caused the damage, high winds or high pipe loads, but engineering was wrong. How do you analyze a damaged with normal software. They are also asking us at what point is the truss not safe for using the walkway. Any help would be appreciated...

RE: Damaged Truss Analysis

Post a lot of pictures so that the responders are better informed.

RE: Damaged Truss Analysis

Some things you can look at with software:

Reduced cross-sections due to damage or deterioration
Deformed geometry (especially for trusses, in compression members) -- with a lot of precise measurement and careful input

But when you're talking about significant damage, a lot of the checks you'll need to perform don't compute nicely and rely on engineering judgement to find equivalent ways to consider the demands and capacities of the existing structure.

Also remember that if you're talking about walkway safety (in what sounds like an industrial environment), you may need to consider OSHA regs (or whatever safety regulations apply) in addition to your governing structural code.

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The name is a long story -- just call me Lo.

RE: Damaged Truss Analysis

Depends how much damage there is. If members are visibly twisted or bent, it may be possible to heat straighten them. If there is significant damage, you will probably need to shore it and replace the damaged members. Since you believe little if any engineering went into the original construction, that means this thing was fabricated by a bunch of DIY'ers or plant guys with a welder? If that's the case, there ALOT of unknowns.....material strength and grade, weld size and quality, etc.

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