Influence of the Structure of Lattice Beams on Their Strength Properties

Abstract

This paper presents the strength properties of wooden trusses. The proposed solutions may constitute an alternative to currently produced trusses, in cases when posts and cross braces are joined with flanges using punched metal plate fasteners. Glued carpentry joints, although requiring a more complicated manufacturing process, on the one hand promote a more rational utilisation of available structural timber resources, while on the other hand they restrict the use of metal fasteners. The results of the conducted analyses show that the proposed solutions at the current stage of research are characterised by an approx. 30% lower static bending strength compared to trusses manufactured using punched metal plate fasteners. However, these solutions make it possible to produce trusses with load-bearing capacities comparable to that of structural timber of grade C24 and stiffness slightly higher than that of lattice beams manufactured using punched metal plate fasteners. The strength of wooden trusses manufactured in the laboratory ranged from nearly 20 N/mm2 to over 32 N/mm2. Thus, satisfactory primary values for further work were obtained.