When constructing a large space, great care must be taken to ensure the roof's strength. Trusses are used for this purpose during the roofing process.
Proper calculation and fabrication of trusses from profile pipes is the key to a high-quality roof installation. This article provides step-by-step instructions with videos on how to build the structure yourself.
What is this metal structure?
Read also How to build a canopy from corrugated pipes yourselfThe article contains drawings and video tutorials.
The process of manufacturing the structure is quite labor-intensive, but more economical compared to using solid beams.
In construction, paired components are used, joined together using gussets. All components of a given metal structure are connected either by welding or special rivets.
Thus, we can conclude that this structure is a kind of frame (or skeleton) of the future building, covered on the outside with facing material.
A metal truss made from rolled steel tubing is also an ideal covering for a span of any length, but installing it correctly requires careful calculations.
High-quality fabrication of the structure using welding is carried out on the ground and only then is it transferred to the surface and installed in an assembled form along the upper trim according to previously established markings.
Only in this case can we speak of the structure's reliability and long service life. Spatial trusses require anchoring because the structure is rigid and can bear heavy loads.
Important points when making calculations
Before starting calculations, you need to decide which roof type is optimal for your specific situation. The choice depends directly on the roof's size and slope.
The choice may also depend on the contour of the chords. All of the above components depend on the building's functionality, the roofing material, and the roof pitch. You can calculate the total weight of the frame using our online calculator..
Next, you need to determine the dimensions. The length is determined by the roof slope, and its height depends on the type of material used for the roof, the transportation method, and the overall weight of the metal structure.
If the calculation of a truss made from a profile pipe shows that its total length should be more than 36 meters, then the construction camber is additionally calculated.
Next, the panel dimensions are determined. The calculations depend on the load they are expected to bear. If the roof is planned to be triangular, the slope will be 45 degrees.
The final stage of calculations is the determination of the optimal distance between the nodes of the metal structure.
If you're unsure of your abilities, it's best to entrust the calculations to specialists who are proficient in specialized computer programs and can guarantee the quality of the services provided.
Before starting construction, it's worth double-checking all results several times, taking into account the maximum load the structure can bear. Also remember that, in addition to calculations, the availability of plan drawings also impacts the quality of installation.
Now we will present you with several free programs that you can use for calculations.
On this website, you'll find a free online program for calculating beams and trusses using the finite element method. This calculator is ideal for both students and engineers. Its intuitive interface makes it easy to perform all necessary calculations.
You can also use the following program.
You can use it to perform all the necessary actions. Please note that this program is partially free.
You can also download a free desktop program from our website to perform the entire calculation yourself. This program requires no installation and has an intuitive interface. Download ferm06.rar
The process of connecting individual elements with your own hands
Making a truss from a profile pipe with your own hands involves using connecting elements such as a double corner or a tack weld when joining all the components.
When assembling the top chord, the optimal connecting element is a pair of T-shaped corners, joined together with their shorter sides. The bottom chord is connected with corners with straight sides.
When connecting large trusses, cover plates are required, and double channels are used to evenly distribute the pressure throughout the entire structure.
The diagonals are installed at a 45-degree angle, while the posts are mounted perpendicular to the foundation. To install the truss, cross or T-shaped corners are used as connectors. These corners, although straight-sided, are additionally supported by plates.
Once the structure is assembled, you can move on to welding. How to weld a truss from a profile pipe? Both manual and automatic welding are recommended. Here you can watch video tutorials on how to weld profile pipes..
Once the welding is complete, all the resulting seams are carefully cleaned, after which the entire structure is treated with an anti-corrosion solution and covered with several layers of paint.
Recommendations for the installation process
To reduce structural stress with minimal roof pitch, it's best to use additional gratings. If the pitch is less than 25 degrees, a broken bottom chord is recommended to reduce weight.
When constructing long trusses, use only even numbers of panels. If the length exceeds twenty meters, it is advisable to use Polonzo trusses.
The choice of profile diameter is determined by the size of the future canopy and the degree of its slope, but in any case, the distance from one truss to another should not exceed 1.7 m.
Construction of an arched truss
When planning the construction of an arched frame, the use of trusses is essential. Manufacturing them from profiled tubing is somewhat more complex than creating a conventional frame.
These structures serve as a connecting link for the joists, posts, and supports. If assembled correctly, they will enhance their strength and prevent premature failure and deformation.
The production of arched trusses from profile pipes is the best solution, as this material is durable and bonds well with the polycarbonate sheets used for the ceiling.
When choosing a design, it is important to consider the fact that it is important to use a canopy shape that will not retain precipitation.
Otherwise, a large accumulation of water or snow can cause deformation or even failure. The arch's radius determines whether it will retain precipitation.
Single-pitched views from profile pipe They are often used to create canopies. Their distinctive feature is that the higher side of such a canopy is attached to the main building. Its covering is selected based on the external characteristics and structural features.
Installation of a single-pitched canopy (calculations and recommendations)
Let's take a closer look at the design of a single-pitched canopy, which will use a 12-meter single-pitched truss made of profile pipe. Construction drawings should also be included with calculations and other construction documentation.
For a single-pitched roof, it's best to use two-meter-wide polycarbonate sheets. The structure should be assembled so that the edge of the roofing material meets the truss.
Today, there are numerous programs that allow you not only to perform all the necessary calculations but also to visually visualize every element of the future building. After all, it would be a great solution for creating a summer veranda or a summer garage for your personal vehicle.
During construction, it is recommended to use a 3x3 cm diameter section, while smaller 2x2 cm diameter sections can be used for inclined braces, which are welded at a 25-degree angle. These are welded in a zigzag pattern between the upper and lower foundations of the structure.
The metal frame is based on a pair of 3x3 cm profiles. Half-meter longitudinal crossbars are required between the trusses to reduce snow load.
A larger cross-section profile is used for the vertical posts. The posts are installed on both sides of each truss. They are buried at least half a meter into the ground and then filled with concrete. This strengthens the frame and makes it capable of withstanding greater pressure.
Please note that only a person with the appropriate training and experience as a welder should be allowed to perform welding work, as the operational characteristics of the canopy depend on their professionalism.
In any case, the manufacture and use of trusses from any type of profile pipe is crucial in the construction of any type of canopy, so it's a good idea to study several manufacturing diagrams from photographs and look at sample calculations for any shape. After that, you can begin your own calculations.
