Guidelines for Use of Collar Beams
Publication: Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 3, Issue 1
Abstract
Collar beams are used within triangular wooden roof structures as both ridge ties and rafter braces, in spite of the fact that specific recommendations for their use are often contradictory or imprecise. To develop more consistent and rational guidelines for the use of collar beams, a structural model of a triangular roof was subjected to various loading scenarios across a wide range of both roof slopes and collar beam locations. It was found that in regions of moderate or heavy snow, collars can effectively prevent rafter separation at the ridge; in regions of high wind and no snow, either metal ridge straps or collars placed directly at the ridge should be used for most roof configurations. When used as rafter braces to permit larger spans, collar beams can have a modest impact, but only within a limited range of roof angles.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Architectural Engineering
Volume 3 • Issue 1 • March 1997
Pages: 15 - 24
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Published online: Mar 1, 1997
Published in print: Mar 1997
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