Sensitivity of Space Trusses to Uneven Support Settlement

Abstract

Uneven support settlements are a liability for every structure. However, as space trusses typically span large areas on few outer supports, they are more likely to encounter some uneven settlements. This paper presents an assessment of the sensitivity of space trusses to settlements in various situations with different aspect ratios and supporting conditions, and under different types and magnitudes of uneven support settlement. Additionally, the effect of composite action between a top concrete slab and a steel truss on truss sensitivity to uneven settlements is assessed. The work is carried out on twelve non-composite and composite square-on-square space trusses.