The graphics are simplified examples (courtesy of WTCA) for various truss component's terms and configurations. Understanding the terms is key to efficient coordination with pre-engineered truss engineers.

Common Truss Components

Typical Truss Configurations

Typically architects and structural engineers do not  perform the design and engineering calculations for a pre-engineered wood trussed roof as are required for acquiring a building permit. The manufacturer does these designs utilizing their proprietary systems and our design criteria and layout.

On Sunday I stopped by the Kershenstein residence to see what progress has taken place. Along with the upper floor framing and upper framed walls, the upper level trusses look to be almost all in place. Also on the lower level, temporary bracing is in place until the stone clad concrete masonry columns are built to support the main level deck above.

I drove by the Holly Park Community Center and the wall framing is just about complete. The trusses are sitting across the street ready to be set in the next few days.

Most residential projects and wood framed commercial projects utilize roof trusses. A roof truss is generally cheaper and less time consuming than a roof framed with rafters. It has these advantages because it is created from smaller pieces of lumber and it is fabricated in a shop and then only has to be set up in the field.

When we design a house we do a truss layout where we show where we anticipate each truss going and give information on what the shape of the top and bottom of the truss is, what the plate heights are and what the loading criteria is for the trusses. We also call out if the truss is a flat bottom truss, a scissor truss or an attic truss. Then the contractor gives our layout to their truss supplier. The truss supplier does the actual design of each individual truss based on our roof design. The reason for this is that each truss supplier may have a slightly different preference for how they construct the truss and they use their own proprietary software for the design. When the truss drawings are complete the contractor sends them to the Architect for review. Usually the drawings are right on when we review them.

The wrinkle that we are starting to see more of is municipalities requiring the submittal of truss drawings to their building department prior to the issue of the building permit. This can cost some time because typically the truss supplier doesn't do their design until after they are selected as the winning bid. In other words the truss supplier has to be selected prior to the completion of architectural drawings, otherwise expect another week or two added to the schedule. Oftentimes in a bid situation the contractor hasn't been selected at this point.

I've recently run into this new policy in Jefferson County and Commerce City, Colorado. I'd urge municipalities to look at this policy and consider going back to not requiring truss drawings to be submitted as part of the permitting process.

You couldn't have asked for a nicer day to set trusses.

Also, a nice day for taking pictures of people setting trusses.