Truss Top Chord Lateral Support 1

[hoshang]

Hi all,
For a Pratt truss, lateral support is provided by a transverse U-frame consisting of the floor beam and truss verticals. What about a Warren truss? It doesn't have verticals.

 

[hoshang]

Hi BA,
I meant can points A and B in this image be considered as support points?

or these points (my A and B) can be assumed as one point so that there would be 3 points of support: one at each end and one at the middle so it can mimic the analysis model (a two-span truss supported by three points)?

 

[BAretired]

Your points A and B are necessary supports. So there are four supports in total.

The middle truss acts like a doubly cantilevered beam with a truss reaction R at the end of each cantilever. See below.

 

[hoshang]

Hi BA,
My thought is this

analytically maybe represented by this for simplicity (i.e., two hinges and two rollers):

Am I right?
My query is what would mimic this (i.e., two rollers and one hinge):

 

[BAretired]

Hi BA,
My thought is this
View attachment 15328
analytically maybe represented by this for simplicity (i.e., two hinges and two rollers):

Yes, that would be possible.

View attachment 15329
Am I right?
My query is what would mimic this (i.e., two rollers and one hinge):

1. Two rollers and one hinge would be possible, but a pinned support would need a stiff column below it, fixed at the base and pinned at the top. A pin can't exist by itself.
2. The entire structure would deflect with the column in addition to temperature movement.
3. Each truss would span 90' instead of 60', so the trusses would use more steel.
4. Erection would be considerably more difficult without a middle truss held in place while erecting the two exterior trusses.

View attachment 15330