Civil Engineering/Vierendeel Truss

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Expert: - 12/9/2007


Question
Dear Arshad,

I wonder if you could provide me with detailed method of analysis of a vierendeel Truss (No Diagonal). The truss I have to analyse spans 22m, with uniformly distributed load on both top and bottom chords as well as two point loads at two nodes at the top chord.

Your help is highly appreciated

Regards

Samer


Answer
Hi Samer,

Basically you work out the total bending moment and shear, assuming that it is a solid beam, then design each segment of the truss to take the top and bottom chord tension/compression as well as bending due to the shear difference between one side of each square to the other- in other words- the difference in vertical forces.

It is a bit difficult to explain this without sketches, but maybe you get the idea. This website has some further info:

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=85066

Civil Engineering

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Arshad Khan

Expertise

I can answer any questions to do with civil and structural engineering consultancy and construction industry in East Africa and the Middle East, and specifically with the analysis and design of reinforced concrete structures. My particular expertise is in the aseismic design and optimisation of tall buildings.

Experience

Employment history: 36 years in Construction and consultancy in the UK, Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Eritrea, South Africa, Somalia, Zambia, Austria, Bahrain, Kuwait, Doha and the U.A.E.

Organizations
.Fellow of Institution of Structural Engineers (UK) .Fellow of Institution of Civil Engineers(UK) .Member of the Institution of Engineers, Kenya .Registered Engineer, ERB, Kenya .Member of the Architectural Association of Kenya (Engineers Chapter) .Chartered Engineer (UK)

Publications
•1984: International Conference on the Art and Practice of Structural Design, London •1994: 3rd Int. Kerensky Conference in Structural Engineering, Singapore •2008: International Conference on High-Rise Towers, Abu Dhabi

Education/Credentials
BSc, 1st Class Hons, in Building Engineering, University of Bath, UK MSc in Concrete Structures and Technology, University of London. Diploma of Imperial College, UK.

Awards and Honors
•Science Congress Special Award (for 2-seater Hovercraft - 1968) •Institution of Civil Engineers Award for outstanding performance at Bath University (1975) •Concrete Society Postgraduate study Bursary Award (1976) •Consular Representative for British High Commission, Nairobi. (1995 to 1998) •Examiner for Institution of Civil Engineers Professional Interviews, Nairobi. (1997 to 1998) •Branch Representative in Vienna for PI assessment for Inst. of Struct. Engrs. (1999 to date)

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