Tubular Truss – Gapped K-Connection with square HSS and unbalanced branch loads
Steel Design Guide 24 - Example 8.5
References
Packer, Jeffery A., Donald Sherman, and Maura Lecce. Design Guide 24: Hollow Structural Section Connections. Chicago, IL: American Institute of Steel Construction, 2010.Details
From the reference:
A planar roof truss contains the planar HSS 45° gapped K-connection shown in Figure 8-10. Note that the chord moment is necessary for equilibrium because of the noding eccentricity. Because the vertical components of the branch member forces differ by more than 20%, the connection must be treated as a combination of two types: a K-connection and a cross-connection [see AISC Specification Section K2(b)], as will be demonstrated. The loads shown consist of live load and dead load in the ratio 3:1. Determine the adequacy of the HSS connection and also consider the design of the welds.
Refer to the figure in the reference for additional details.
Results
| Parameter | RAM Connection | Reference | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| K Gapped connection – Branch chord wall plastification capacity (kips) | 414.94 | 415 | None |
| X connection – Branch chord wall plastification capacity (kips) | 276.36 | 277 | None |