Introduction
A triangular timber truss is typically a specialist contractor design item that falls outside the responsibility of the structural engineer. Although trusses must comply with the design criteria for the building into which they will be installed, the sizing of these components and the connections within them usually falls under the remit of the contractor.
Nonetheless, in order to assess a truss design produced by a specialist contractor, the structural engineer needs to understand the theory underpinning the design.
This Technical Guidance Note offers advice on the design of triangular timber trusses. Due to the complexity of the subject, the advice given should not be regarded as comprehensive and readers are strongly encouraged to consult the reference materials listed at the end of this note.