Design of trusses with light gauge cold formed steel sections

The most complex component designed in light gauge framed residential stuctures are Roof trusses. In the design of light gauge cold formed metal trusses, the designer is meant to adhere to the requirements of Loading standards and steel design standards. Designers need to ensure that all the loads and load combinations stipulated in NASH Standard Residential and Low-rise Steel Framing Part 1 Design Crieteria and AS 4055 are checked and that the support, restraint conditions are accurately considered in the analysis. Various loads, load combinations, wind pressure coefficients, restraint and support conditions will be discussed in this paper. In the design of truss members, the requirement of AS/NZS 4600 should be strictly adhered. Effective length criteria for truss members is also discussed in this paper.This paper provides an illustrative example fo truss design using light gauge cold formed steel members. In the construction of roof, lateral restraints are provided by battens and other secondary members. The integrity of these restraints are discussed in this paper.