Custom Steel Truss Connection

[designsimple]

I am working on connection detailing of very long custom steel trusses. They are about 168 ft long, 28 ft deep, 8 bays. I use W14-shapes as top and bottom chords, and steel tubes as vertical and diagonal webs. What is the best way to connect them? I am thinking use gussets to connect them, weld gussets to chords, notch ends of steel tubes, use long bolts to fasten them together. The sizes of square tubes about 12". However, I don't think it is good anyway. Anyone has better suggestion on the connection or even selection of truss members?

Thanks a lot fo any suggestion or idea.

 

[kslee1000]

Box up the wide flange with plates (may need stiffener from web to plates), and place gusset plate on top. Add filler plates as required.

 

[jike]

Unless you got a good reason to go with tubes, I would use WF's for chords, diagonals and verticals. Use double gussets for connections.

 

[designsimple]

Thank you guys for all inputs. They are really helpful to me. I agree with civilperson and will use this method to design my trusses. Thanks,