Exp No: Date:

Analysis of a Truss in STAAD.Pro

Aim: To model, analyze, and design a roof truss using STAAD.Pro software to determine the
member forces and design the structural elements in accordance with relevant Indian
Standards.

Theory: A truss is a structural system composed of straight, slender members connected at

their ends by pin joints to form a series of triangles. This arrangement ensures that the
members are primarily subjected to axial forces, either tension or compression, and are not
expected to resist bending moments. Trusses are highly efficient structural forms,
commonly used for large-span roofs, bridges, and towers.

The analysis of a truss involves calculating the internal axial forces in each member under
various applied loads. In STAAD.Pro, this is accomplished by creating a model of the truss
geometry, assigning member properties, applying loads as per IS 875, and then performing a
structural analysis. The design phase involves checking the adequacy of the selected
member sections to safely resist these calculated forces according to the guidelines of IS
800:2007.

Procedure:

Step 1: Create a New Project

1. Open the STAAD.Pro software.

2. Select "New Project."

3. Choose "Truss" as the structure type.

4. Set the file name (e.g., "Roof Truss Analysis"), choose a location to save the file, and
ensure the units are set to "Metric."

5. Click "Create."

Step 2: Model the Truss Geometry

1. Use the "Snap Node/Beam" grid or input coordinates to create the nodes for the
truss at the desired locations.
 2. Draw the beam elements between the nodes to form the top and bottom chords, as
well as the vertical and diagonal web members, creating a pattern of triangles.

Step 3: Define and Assign Properties

1. Navigate to the "Properties" tab.

2. Click "Define" and select an appropriate steel section from the Indian section
database (e.g., single angles, double angles, or channel sections) for the truss
members.

3. Assign the defined sections to the respective truss members. It is common to use
different sections for top chords, bottom chords, and web members depending on
the expected forces.

4. Specify the members as "Truss" members in the Member Specification tab. This
ensures they will only carry axial loads.

Step 4: Define Supports

1. Go to the "Supports" tab.

2. Click "Create" and define "Pinned" and "Roller" supports. A statically determinate
truss typically has one pinned support and one roller support.

3. Assign the pinned support to one end node of the truss and the roller support to the
other end node.

Step 5: Define Load Cases

1. Go to the "Loading" tab.

2. Create Primary Load Cases:

o Dead Load (DL): Includes the self-weight of the truss and the weight of
roofing materials (e.g., purlins, sheeting).

o Live Load (LL): Accounts for loads during maintenance or construction, as

specified in IS 875 (Part 2).

o Wind Load (WL): Define wind loads acting on the roof as per IS 875 (Part 3).
This will typically result in upward (suction) or downward (pressure) forces on
the nodes of the top chord.

Step 6: Apply Loads

1. Dead Load:
 o In the "Dead Load" case, add the self-weight of the structure using a factor of
-1 in the Y-direction.

o Apply the weight of roofing materials as nodal loads on the top chord nodes.

2. Live Load:

o Apply the live load as nodal loads on the top chord nodes.

3. Wind Loads:

o Calculate the wind pressure according to IS 875 (Part 3) and apply the
resulting forces as nodal loads on the top chord nodes. Separate load cases
should be created for different wind directions.

Step 7: Define Load Combinations

1. Create load combinations as per the specifications of IS 800:2007. Common

combinations for limit state design include:

o 1.5×(DL+LL)

o 1.2×(DL+LL+WL)

o 1.5×(DL+WL)

o 0.9×DL+1.5×WL

Step 8: Design Parameters and Analysis

1. Go to the "Design" tab and select "Steel."

2. Choose "IS 800:2007" as the design code.

3. Define design parameters such as the yield strength of steel (fy), and specify any
necessary parameters for compression and tension members.

4. Assign the design parameters to all the truss members.

5. Add the "CHECK CODE" and "MEMBER TAKEOFF" commands to the analysis.

6. Run the analysis by navigating to "Analysis" > "Run Analysis."

Results:
Conclusion: The analysis of Truss is done by using STAAD Pro software. The member
forces were determined, and the structural elements were designed according to the
provisions of Indian Standards.