Common truss/lvl problem 1

[KCAP]

So sorry to have to bring this to the discussion but unexpected turn has left me no choice. I have common trusses made of 2 x 4s spanning 23.5 feet. I was knocking down a wall (perpendicular and midpoint to trusses) and decided I wanted to place an lvl up in the attic with some simpson ties for piece of mind (the trusses technically don't need that wall but it's an older home where they were made on site so I wanted to cover my bases). Unfortunately, the carpenters cut through the bottom chord of 2 of the trusses (at midpoint) before I could catch it(unbelieveable). Will adding a 12 foot 2 x 4 on either side of the damaged trusses provide adequate support to complete my job? If so, I believe I also need alternating kicker braces along the 16 ft lvl. Would those go from the top of the lvl back 4-5 feet and then still braced on the bottom chord of the truss? Should I block the damaged trusses some on either side as well? Seems basic, but the setback has got me second guessing now. Thanks so much in advance to everyone.

 

[XR250]

yes to the sistering
yes to the kickers
meh to the blocking

 

[RontheRedneck]

Hard to say about repairing the trusses. The tension in the bottom member will obviously vary with the pitch and loading. The fasteners quantity and spacing also needs to be looked at.

The top edge of any beam needs to be braced. If you have access to a beam program it might have an option for inputting the spacing of the braces.

 

[phamENG]

I take it this is the result of this: thread507-493272

Since you're not a structural engineer, and they have obviously screwed up an engineered component, the correct solution is to hire an engineer to design the repair.

 

[BAretired]

I agree completely with phamEng. Retain an engineer to review what has been built and to recommend what needs to be done to render the structure safe for occupancy.

I have common trusses made of 2 x 4s spanning 23.5 feet. I was knocking down a wall (perpendicular and midpoint to trusses) and decided I wanted to place an lvl up in the attic with some simpson ties for piece of mind (the trusses technically don't need that wall seems like two of them do but it's an older home where they were made on site so I wanted to cover my bases).