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Steel Trusses

Steel Trusses

Steel Trusses2025-03-11T14:31:26+00:00

Novelty Steel Fabricates Steel Trusses for Various Applications Such as Steel Buildings, Steel Bridges and Conveyor Frames.

Table of Contents

Truss Type Footbridge

Truss Types by Shapes

Pratt Truss

Design:

  • The diagonals are sloped toward the centre in tension under normal loads.
  • Vertical members are in compression.
  • Characterized by a simple and repetitive structure with many triangular shapes.

Application:

Advantages:

  • Efficient in handling heavy loads with less material.
  • Easy to fabricate and assemble.
  • Best suited for spans with uniformly distributed loads.

Warren Truss

Design:

  • Consists of equilateral or isosceles triangles with no vertical members.
  • Both compression and tension forces are spread throughout the structure.

Application:

  • Widely used in railway bridges, roof structures, and temporary scaffolding.

Advantages:

  • Simple geometry and fewer members reduce fabrication costs.
  • Good load distribution; ideal for evenly distributed loads.
  • Lighter than other trusses for the same span.

North Light Truss

Design:

  • Features a sloped roof on one side and a near-vertical face on the other, often paired with glazing for natural light.
  • Typically a combination of trusses, beams, and purlins.

Application:

  • Frequently used in industrial buildings, factories, and workshops where natural lighting is essential.

Advantages:

  • Provides excellent daylighting, reducing electricity usage.
  • Ideal for large areas requiring ventilation and light.
  • Allows integration of roof-mounted systems like HVAC or solar panels.

Saw-tooth Truss

Design:

  • Similar to the North Light truss but features repetitive, triangular ridges with one side steeper than the other.
  • Often includes glass or transparent sections for light.

Application:

  • Used in factories, industrial sheds, and greenhouses.

Advantages:

  • Maximizes natural light and ventilation.
  • Effective for energy-efficient designs.
  • Ideal for locations with high ceilings or large spans.
Truss Type Load Handling Material Usage Best Use Complexity
Pratt Truss Heavy Loads Moderate Bridges, industrial Moderate
Warren Truss Distributed loads Minimal Bridges, scaffolding Simple
North Light Truss Large spans, natural light Heavy Factories, workshops Complex
Saw Tooth Truss Large spans, natural light Heavy Factories, sheds Moderate
Steel Pipe Truss

Truss Types by Geometry

Box Truss

Box trusses consist of four interconnected trusses forming a box or rectangular shape in cross-section. The closed geometry provides high rigidity and torsional resistance.

Features:

  • Formed by combining two or more planar trusses to create a 3D structure.
  • Excellent at resisting bending, twisting, and shearing forces.

Uses:

  • Foot Bridges: Widely used for long-span foot bridges due to torsional strength.
  • High-rise building frames: Provides stability against lateral loads like wind or seismic forces.

Examples:

  • Warren Box Truss: A combination of triangular forms in a box-like configuration.
  • Double Warren Truss: Multiple Warren trusses connected to form a box.

Ladder Truss

Ladder trusses consist of parallel upper and lower chords connected by vertical or diagonal members, resembling the structure of a ladder.

Features:

  • Simpler design compared to triangular or box trusses.
  • Efficient for carrying loads primarily in one direction.

Uses:

  • Floor supports: Often used in open-web steel joists for mezzanine floors or ceilings.
  • Secondary roof framing: Common in lightweight structures where bending resistance is prioritized.

Example:

  • Parallel Chord Trusses: A type of ladder truss with straight top and bottom chords and webbing between.

Triangle Truss

These trusses use triangular geometry as the core structural form which makes them significantly more efficient for distributing loads.

Features:

  • Triangular trusses are inherently stable due to their geometric shape, which efficiently distributes loads and resists deformation.

Uses:

  • Common in roof structures, bridges, and small-span applications where stability and strength are critical.

Examples:

  • Pratt Truss: A triangular design where diagonal members slope towards the center.
  • Fink Truss: Multiple triangular patterns ideal for steep roof slopes.
  • King Post Truss: A single triangular truss with a central post, often used for short spans
Truss Geometry Advantages Disadvantages Applications
Triangular High strength-to-weight ratio; ideal for roofs. Limited torsional resistance. Roofs, bridges, small-span structures.
Box Excellent rigidity and torsional strength. More material and complexity in fabrication. Long-span bridges, towers, high-rise buildings.
Ladder Simple and lightweight; easy to fabricate. Less efficient for long spans or heavy loads. Floors, ceilings, lightweight roof frames .
Truss Type Footbridge

Pros and Cons of Steel Trusses

Pros

  • Ideal Load Distribution:The flexible geometry allows designers to provide ideal load distribution along the truss.

  • Long Span Coverage: Trusses are ideal solution for long span applications and offer better weight ratio compared to traditional beams.

  • Strong load-bearing capacity: Trusses offer higher load bearing capacity with a better strength-to-weight ratio which makes them ideal solution for long span applications

  • Effective use of materials: Trusses offer lighter structures which allows an easier, faster and more securely fabrication and installation.

Cons

  • Complex Design and Fabrication: Trusses are harder to design and build because they have many members and joints. Beams are simpler.
  • Not Ideal for Short Spans: Trusses are better for long spans, but for short spans, beams are cheaper and simpler.
  • Transportation Challenges: Large trusses occupy more space and length which makes transport challenging and often costly

Steel Truss vs Steel Beam

Steel trusses excel in handling large spans and distributed loads, but steel beams offer simplicity, faster installation, and cost-effectiveness for short spans or simpler applications. The choice depends on the specific needs of the project.

Steel Truss Steel Beam
Design Complexity High, due to multiple members and joints Simple linear design
Installation Time Longer due to assembly Quicker to install
Connections Heavier and more material-intensive Lighter and simpler
Aesthetics Industrial, cluttered appearance Clean and streamlined
Maintenance More joints require frequent inspection Less maintenance required
Suitability for Spans Best for long spans Ideal for short spans
Load Type Better for distributed loads Better for point loads
Transport Challenging for large trusses Easier to transport
Cost Higher for smaller projects More economical for small projects
Steel Trusses
Steel frame building construction

How to select the right Truss ?

  • Load Requirements:
    Understand the specific loads (dead, live, wind, and snow) your truss system must bear. Collaborate with structural engineers to determine the appropriate design and material grade

  • Span Length: Longer spans require careful design to prevent deflection or failure. Steel trusses are well-suited for long spans but may require additional bracing or supports for extreme lengths.

  • Material Specifications: Ensure the steel meets necessary standards (e.g., ASTM or ISO). Factors like tensile strength, yield strength, and corrosion resistance are critical.

  • Fabrication and Coating:

  • Cost and Availability

    • Compare suppliers for pricing, lead times, and transportation options.
    • Pre-fabrication can reduce costs but may limit on-site adjustments.
  • Environmental Conditions: Corrosive environments (e.g., coastal or industrial areas) may require specialized steel grades or coatings for longevity

How can we help you ?

Steel Trusses are indispensable to industrial projects, and their success depends on the careful selection of contractors, stringent quality control, and compliance with global standards.

Novelty Structures stands out as a reliable partner in providing High Quality Steel Truss Fabrications tailored to demanding industrial needs.

Contact our team to further discuss your needs.

FAQ

What is steel truss fabrication?2024-12-23T19:33:21+00:00

Steel truss fabrication is the process of designing, manufacturing, and assembling steel structural frameworks. These frameworks, called trusses, are used to support roofs, bridges, towers, and other structures. The trusses consist of triangular units to provide stability and distribute loads effectively.

What industries require steel trusses?2024-12-23T19:34:10+00:00

Steel trusses are widely used in various industries, including:

  • Construction: Commercial and residential buildings, warehouses, and sports complexes.
  • Infrastructure: Bridges, railway stations, and airports.
  • Industrial: Factories, power plants, and storage facilities.
  • Agricultural: Barns, greenhouses, and grain storage buildings.
Do you offer custom designs for steel trusses?2024-12-23T19:34:56+00:00

Yes, we specialize in custom steel truss fabrication. Our team works closely with engineers, architects, and clients to design trusses tailored to your project’s specifications, load requirements, and aesthetic preferences.

What is the fabrication process?2024-12-23T19:35:34+00:00

The process includes:

  1. Material Selection: Choosing the appropriate type of steel.
  2. Cutting and Welding: Shaping steel components and welding them together.
  3. Finishing: Applying protective coatings like paint or galvanization.
  4. Inspection and Delivery: Ensuring quality control and transporting the trusses to the site.
How long does it take to fabricate steel trusses?2024-12-23T19:36:08+00:00

The timeline depends on the project’s complexity, design requirements, and quantity. On average, small to medium-scale projects take 2–6 weeks, while large or custom projects may take longer. We provide detailed timelines during the consultation phase.

What factors affect the cost of steel trusses?2024-12-23T19:36:41+00:00

The cost depends on:

  • The type and quantity of steel used.
  • Complexity and customization of the design.
  • Additional finishes (e.g., galvanization, painting).
  • Transportation and installation requirements.

We provide detailed quotes after reviewing your project needs.

Are steel trusses fire-resistant?2024-12-23T19:37:12+00:00

Yes, steel trusses are naturally fire-resistant. However, to enhance their performance in extreme heat, we offer fireproof coatings or can recommend additional fire protection measures.

What coatings or finishes do you offer for steel trusses?2024-12-23T19:37:46+00:00

We offer various coatings and finishes to suit different environments, including:

  • Galvanization: For corrosion resistance.
  • Powder Coating: For aesthetic and durable finishes.
  • Epoxy Coatings: For industrial or marine environments.
  • Priming and Painting: To match architectural preferences.
What quality control measures do you use?2024-12-23T19:38:21+00:00

Our quality control process includes:
• Material Testing: Ensuring the steel meets required strength and grade specifications.
• Dimensional Accuracy: Verifying precision in cuts and welds.
• Load Testing: Simulating structural loads to confirm truss integrity.
• Final Inspection: Comprehensive checks before delivery.

Do you fabricate steel trusses for temporary structures?2024-12-23T19:38:54+00:00

Yes, we can fabricate trusses for temporary structures, such as:

  • Event venues and stages.
  • Exhibition halls.
  • Temporary warehouses or storage units.
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Competed Projects

Laser Cutting Fabrications
Steel Trusses
Conveyor Frames
Steel Silos
Steel Warehouse and Halls

Products

Steel Structures

Plant Engineering Fabrications

Bulk Material Handling Structures 

Steel Buildings

Steel Silos

Hoppers & Chutes

Steel Trusses

Mezzanines & Stairs

Steel Tanks

Services

Laser Cutting 

Metal Bending

Plate Rolling

Machining

Welding

Painting

Novelty Steel offers Turkish steel fabrication solutions to various industries with broad scope of applications.

For all inquiries please contact : info@noveltystructures.com

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