Heavy Timber Truss Design References

[dhoward26]

I have a project that just came in and it involves a very basic timber truss design for a custom home. I haven't ever done one of these timber trusses before and am wondering what people are using for reference books? Thank you.

 

[shobroco]

There are quite a few timber framing books around by guys who are framers but don't have any structural training, if you're looking for aesthetic details & you want to analyze their joints yourself. If your architect has designed the truss & you have to size the members and detail the joints, it's pretty straightforward. Too many guys rely on too much steel in the connections; they look far better and can be done completely in wood if you have competent framers. If you want to reduce costs, you can do concealed steel connections. there are proprietary systems, or you can look at connections in the Canadian Wood Council's Wood Design Manual.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

There are a number of companies that do/will provide these frames and engineer them for you. Google it.

And there is a very good "wood" book - think his name is Byers or Becker or something like that - book is at home.

Help me out you other guys out there. It goes into great detail. Everyone who ever does "wood" - should have a copy - kind of the bible!!!

 

[dhoward26]

I have "Design of Wood Structures" by Breyer. Is that the one you are talking about?

 

[focuseng]

"Notches of all kinds" by B. Allan Mackie 1998
"Build a Classic Timber-Framed House" by Jack A. Sobon 1994
"A Timber Framer's Workshop" by Steve Chappell 1998
"Timber Frame Joinery & Design Workbook" published by Timber Framers Guild, 1997. *I have found the TFG to be a good source of info.
"Timber Construction Manual" by AITC due for a new publication this year.


Other than that any number of wood design texts for more conventional construction.

 

[bones206]

Steve Chappell's book was recently revised with expanded material on the structural engineering of timber framing. Highly recommend it.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

dhoward -

YEP!!