I have a very interesting project coming up that will require the use of VERY LARGE vierendeel trusses. I have looked through my steel texts, and my structural analysis texts, but can't find any information on them. Does anyone know of a good reference for me to read up on this - just to get myself acquainted with this topic?
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vierendeel trusses
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Well, I don't really get involved in teh schematics of a project - although I am involved very early in this one. We work with a lot of pretty big architects and have our projects covered in some architecture and engineering magazines (as well as local metro newspapers, but I am sure this is common for most). The architects also work for clients for whom money is almost never an issue.
I have yet to do a building with a braced frame because the architects always want the open spaces and don't want the restrictions of diagonals, so I am certain the vierendeel is here to stay for this project (our typical lateral resisting system is type II with wind connections). In fact, if I understood the 10 minute discussion I had the other day with the project engineer, the complex geometry and large cantilevers is almost dictating its use. I will find out much more in the coming days as I get introduced to the project more. I will update if anyone is interested.
All of that being said, Blodgett has a very limited discussion on this topic. I have also done a search on AISC and have come up with very little. Does anyone know of any other references?
I have yet to do a building with a braced frame because the architects always want the open spaces and don't want the restrictions of diagonals, so I am certain the vierendeel is here to stay for this project (our typical lateral resisting system is type II with wind connections). In fact, if I understood the 10 minute discussion I had the other day with the project engineer, the complex geometry and large cantilevers is almost dictating its use. I will find out much more in the coming days as I get introduced to the project more. I will update if anyone is interested.
All of that being said, Blodgett has a very limited discussion on this topic. I have also done a search on AISC and have come up with very little. Does anyone know of any other references?
bridgebuster
Active member
There's a vierendeel truss pedestrian bridge connected to the building I work in. It is clad; has a roof and windows.
I have some of the plan sheets; it's all full-pen welding at the joints.
Clear span - 220'
Width c/c of trusses - 22'
Height c/c of horizontal chords - 24'
There are bolted splices every 40" horizontal and at the midpoint of each vertical.
All members are A36 steel, built up "I" sections; all flanges are 20" wide.
The horizontal chords have 56" webs; web thickness varies from 5/8" to 1 1/8"; flange thickness varies from 1" to 2".
I couldn't find the web depth of the verticals but on an Elevation View, they're drawn the same size as the horizontals. Web thickness varies from 5/8"; flange thickness varies from 1" to 2 5/8". to 3/4"
I have some of the plan sheets; it's all full-pen welding at the joints.
Clear span - 220'
Width c/c of trusses - 22'
Height c/c of horizontal chords - 24'
There are bolted splices every 40" horizontal and at the midpoint of each vertical.
All members are A36 steel, built up "I" sections; all flanges are 20" wide.
The horizontal chords have 56" webs; web thickness varies from 5/8" to 1 1/8"; flange thickness varies from 1" to 2".
I couldn't find the web depth of the verticals but on an Elevation View, they're drawn the same size as the horizontals. Web thickness varies from 5/8"; flange thickness varies from 1" to 2 5/8". to 3/4"
bridgebuster
Active member
forgot to mention - all flange splices use 1 1/8" A490 bolts; all web splices are 7/8" A490.
A490 - what every ironworker loves. :-(
A490 - what every ironworker loves. :-(
For what it's worth, if you go to and search for "vierendeel truss" several books come up.
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