Wood Bowstring Trusses: Evaluating Distress through Structural Analysis
Publication: Forensic Engineering 2022
ABSTRACT
From the early 1900s through the 1960s, wood bowstring trusses were a popular structural solution for roof framing, especially in buildings where long, open spans were desired. Many of these structures are still in service today, and due to increasing costs associated with the replacement of existing buildings, repair, and rehabilitation of these structures has become economically attractive. The reuse of bowstring trusses requires careful engineering assessment of their ability to continue to perform safely under applicable building code requirements. Successful assessment of in-place structural capacity requires a thorough investigation of existing conditions and a realistic structural analysis. This paper discusses the process of establishing design values for timber members in existing structures (visual stress grading) as well as considerations and methods to create finite element models that accurately represent the behavior of bowstring trusses. By using a realistic structural model, the engineer can better understand structural behavior, which will guide the process of selecting efficient rehabilitation options.
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Forensic Engineering 2022
Pages: 1016 - 1025
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Published online: Nov 2, 2022
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