wood truss with metal plate connectors

[versaengine]

I am trying to find a way to analyze metal plate connected wood trusses. Specifically I want to be able to estimate the load in a given member to check a repair design, to estimate forces and moment at a joint to check a gusset repair, or to be able to analyze a "home-made" truss to see if it is structurally sound. Are there any spreadsheet methods for matrix stiffness? (Assuming zero moment at the joints and using the method of joints or sections I believe would be inaccurate!)

 

[ajose]

Hi there,

Just use a comercial or thrustfull (forgive my spelling)program.
For the connections, well just design the type specifed for you to the program i mean:
Rigid end, rigid connections.
Truss elements, zero moment connection.
If repairing or mantenance study the actual connections and make a suitable input.

Residual moments due excentricity could be void working hard on detailing.

Use a code that help you to analyze the connections (AITC American Institute of Timber Construction has give me a lot of ideas to customize). They have a lot of time working (experience) with wood and metal-bolts connections.