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Looking To Reduce Your Steel Truss Costs? Here’s How.​

Five ways to check whether your steel truss system is costing you too much

Light gauge steel trusses can be created using a wide variety of proprietary systems and a common assumption is that all the trusses created using these systems cost the same. This is rarely the case. In fact, trusses designed with less-efficient systems can cost up to twice the amount of trusses designed with more efficient systems.

The cost of a truss is determined by the following variables:

  1. steel cost (including the amount of steel and the unit cost of the steel)

  2. cost of the connections used in the truss

  3. labour costs to design, manufacture, assemble and install the trusses.

However, since truss systems use different truss profiles and connections (which may be screws, bolts, rivets, or sometimes even proprietary methods), it can be difficult to determine whether the trusses designed using your system are costing too much. Here are five things to check for to see if your truss system is costing you too much.

Number 1: Do the steel trusses have a high web density?

Web density is the number of webs that need to be put into a truss to make it structurally sound. Weaker truss systems require more webs to strengthen the truss, and more webs means more steel, more connections and more labour to assemble the trusses. The web density can be affected by the strength of the sections used in the truss webs and chords, whether the chords are used in their strong or weak axis and the strength of the connections used in the truss. Depending on the truss span, a truss that has twice the web density as another truss in a 22.5 degree roof will require approximately 30% more steel.

Truss with low web density
Truss with high web density

Number 2: Do the steel trusses use a thick gauge of steel?

Standard gauges of steel used in trusses are 0.55 mm, 0.75 mm, 1.0 mm or even thicker. There are many factors that can drive the gauge of steel used in trusses. A thicker gauge of steel may be required either because a section of the truss or even a single connection fails.

As intermediate gauges of steel are not readily available, an increase from 0.75mm to 1.0mm means 33% more steel is required when keeping the same web patterns.

The factors mentioned above that drive web density can also determine the gauge of steel required. Even using one gauge of steel in the chords and another in the webs can make a large difference.

Number 3: Do the steel trusses support multiple connection options?

Different light gauge steel truss systems use different types of connections. Connections can be screws, bolts or even specialist rivets, and may also include stiffening gusset plates. It is important to easily and cost-effectively scale connections with loads. The truss system should have cheap connection methods for connections with small loads, but also options for much stronger connections where the the load is higher.

You can find out more about how testing reduces truss costs here.

Having only one type of connection (e.g. two screws or a bolt per connection) can be problematic. If the load is very light, an over-designed connection can increase the cost of the truss. Conversely, not having higher capacity connection options can mean trusses fail due to single connections that are just not strong enough. This scenario may mean that thicker gauge chords and/or webs are required to get the truss to pass.

In this example, you can see multiple engineered connections being used on this truss.

Truss with multiple

Number 4: Can saddle trusses on girders be easily replaced with trusses following the roof shape?

Where roofs are not rectangular and valleys are required, there are two main ways to construct the roof: 

  • a girder truss with a second layer of saddle trusses sitting on top of the girder truss (it may also include a layer or rafters to support the saddle)
  • roof trusses that follow the shape of the roof.

Using saddle trusses on girder trusses doubles-up the amount of material (in the main trusses and the saddle trusses and any additional rafters). This also increases installation time because installers need to lay out both the main trusses and the saddle trusses.

Trusses that follow the roof shape have a more complex shape, but they use much less material. Additionally, installation time is lower because only the main roof trusses need to be laid out. Unlike timber trusses, which may require extensive jig setups to achieve complex truss shapes, light gauge steel trusses are self-jigging through the alignment of chords and webs with pre-punched locating holes.

Example of roof with saddle trusses

Example of roof with trusses that follow the roof line

Number 5: Is truss pre-cambering supported?

Roof trusses need to withstand a variety of loads. One of the largest loads that a roof truss needs to withstand are loads from the roofing (in particular, tile roofing) and other equipment that may be incorporated in the roof. These loads do not vary over time and are referred to as ‘dead’ loads. When dead loads are applied to trusses they cause the truss to deflect. This means the truss must be designed to be stiff enough to not only deflect within allowable limits for dead loads, but also other loads as well. 

Truss A below shows what a standard A truss looks like deflecting under dead load.

Pre-cambering roof trusses is done by calculating the amount the truss deflects under dead loads and then shortening the truss webs so the bottom chord is cambered upwards – ‘pre-cambered’ – when it is manufactured. Truss B shows what a pre-cambered standard A truss looks like before any loads are applied. Truss C shows what a pre-cambered truss looks like after dead loads have been applied.

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While it can be complicated to calculate, pre-cambering trusses is a relatively simple and cost-effective feature to incorporate into light gauge steel trusses which self-jig the truss shape.

ENDURO® Rollformer operation software update: HMIMk5 Version 6.0.7.0

ENDURO® Rollformer operation software update: HMIMk5 Version 6.0.7.0

We are pleased to announce the release of the eagerly awaited update for HMIMk5, the software used to operate ENDURO® Rollformers which occurred on Monday, September 4th, 2023.

Logging of Coil Information is now possible!

There are several new features included in this release which will improve the operation of your factory. Coil information can now be recorded directly into the HMI including the coil number and the coil weight or length. In turn, this enables the following to be done:

  • Reduce the amount of scrap at the end of coils by loading the exact length of parts to be made
  • By connecting the HMI with ENDUROHUB®, measure the amount and type of scrap that is generated on each coil
  • Get a warning when the coil is down to a user-defined length so that the next coil can be prepared
  • Ensure that the machine setting is compatible with the thickness of coil that is being loaded
  • Provides a check that parts that are thinner than have been detailed are not accidentally rollformed (contact the Enduroframe team if you want this check turned off)

Information from the HMI is now able to be automatically read by ENDUROHUB®!

Tick the 3 boxes below in the Setup menu to have information from the HMI automatically and seamlessly uploaded to ENDUROHUB®.

This uploads a wide range of data which can be used by ENDUROHUB® including dashboard on productivity, rollformer uptime and downtime, the status of manufacturing orders, as well as scrap records. This is our first step towards making ENDUROHUB® your factory management tool so you can track productivity and costs.

Click on the link below to watch a 2 minute overview of these features.

Click on the link below to find out more details on what is included in this release and detailed instructions on how to use these new features.

What do you need to do?

Before the update, follow these steps:

Highlight on Light Gauge Steel in Cyclonic areas with Steeline GRP Darwin

Steeline Darwin

Highlight on Light Gauge Steel in Cyclonic areas with Steeline GRP Darwin

Darwin is well known for its tough cyclonic conditions with all construction needing to meet exacting levels of engineering.

The Engineering behind the ENDUROCADD® Software complies to the ABCB protocol meaning a trained software user can sign off on projects that meet these requirements, right up to C4. The toughest in Australia.

Steeline GRP proudly manufactures the ENDUROFRAME® Building System and has been supplying steel frames all over the Northern Territory for the past 7 years.

Their friendly and knowledgeable team will work with you to provide a cost-effective solution for your next commercial or residential project.

Please contact the team at STEELINE GRP for more information

Steeline GRP
84 Pruen Road, Berrimah Northern Territory 0828
Phone (08) 8935 3900

www.steeline.com.au

Steeline Darwin

Case Study: Bonnie Doon project by Border Steel Framing

Case Study:
Bonnie Doon project by Border Steel Framing

Border Steel Framing, Bonnie Doon project

When building in a visually pleasing setting, the design should complement the location. The client excelled here, incorporating cathedral ceilings running in two directions, with large window and door openings to capitalise on the views.

Accurate detailing was the key here to ensure a perfect and fast fit on site. The team at Border Steel Framing in Cobram, Victoria, took this in their stride using the efficient ENDUROCADD® software to make the model then fabricating the frames and delivering on time. Erection was straight forward, assisted by the accompanying comprehensive site installation documentation.

Pricing needed to be competitive with other framing systems and materials, which is a given as the ENDUROFRAME® Building System uses a lot of tested engineering values which are more accurate than systems relying on calculation, reducing the amount of steel that goes into the job.

The project is now finished providing peace of mind that the steel frame is highly durable with the added bonus that termites cannot eat the frame and the frames will not burn.

For further enquiries on this project or to find out how Border Steel Framing can help you with yours, please contact Wendy on (03) 5871 2122, Option 3 for the steel department, or visit the website at https://oasishomes.com.au/border-steel-framing/ 

 

Border Steel Framing
Phone: (03) 5871 2122, Option 3
Email: [email protected]

Border Steel Framing, Bonnie Doon

Evident Constructions: New ENDUROFRAME® Building System licensee on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland

Evident Constructions: New ENDUROFRAME® Building System licensee on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland

Evident Constructions team photo
Evident Constructions logo

Evident Constructions are proud manufacturers of the ENDUROFRAME® building system, supplying quality, competitively priced lightweight steel frames on the Sunshine Coast.

With over 25 years in the construction industry, the family owned and operated company has cemented themselves as experts in the installation of steel frames in both residential and commercial projects.

To further control the whole process and ensure the highest quality frames and reliable delivery times, Evident have now taken the next logical step to manufacture their own frames from their new facility.

Throughout the years, Evident constructions have gained a reputation for quality installs, going above and beyond in their attention to detail, professional yet approachable attitude, and a genuine willingness to work hard to exceed expectations.

Directors Jamie and Jennifer are very hands on with each project, and will listen and understand your requirements, provide practical advice, deliver regular communication, and personally oversee the build from first contact through to the completed installation.

Their crew is comprised of experienced fabricators and talented carpenters that are ready to make and erect your project on time and on budget. No job too big or small, Evident constructions supply and install servicing Sunshine Coast, Gympie, and North Brisbane.

Don’t hesitate to make contact to understand how Evident Constructions can help you with your next project.

Evident Constructions
Phone: 0411 921 760
Email: [email protected]

Next Generation of ENDUROCADD® Steel Frame Software Released

Next Generation of ENDUROCADD® Steel Frame Software Released

Efficient Light Gauge Steel Frame Design Software

A core component of the ENDUROFRAME® Building System is the ENDUROCADD® steel frame software package to design light gauge steel frames. The ENDUROCADD® software package works seamlessly with ENDURO® rollformers to make roof trusses, wall frames, and floor joists. It complies with the applicable Australian standards for the design of light gauge steel frames. Also, it even self-certifies frames in accordance with the ABCB Protocol for Structural Software.

The ENDUROCADD® software designs light gauge steel frames for use in residential, light commercial, modular, and even industrial buildings. It provides structural calculations on roof trusses, floor trusses, connections and wall bracing. The ENDUROCADD® software prepares drawings for the fabrication and installation of frames, and even provides detailed costings.

From November 2021, the ENDUROCADD® software incorporates a powerful CAD engine developed by the Intellicad Technology Consortium. This provides full 3D visualisation of the light gauge steel model, and produces detailed site drawings to show how to install the ENDUROFRAME® system. This new CAD engine will be progressively expanded to provide even more functionality over the next few months.

Find out more about the ENDUROCADD® software package at https://enduroframe.com/endurocadd_software/.

Endurocadd screen shot
ENDUROCADD NX Layouts screen

An ENDUROCADD software license provides you with a one year annual subscription which includes access to the software application, extensive online design manuals, a comprehenisve library of construction details, and our online training system, Endurocademy.

Click here to purchase an ENDUROCADD® software license.

Curved Walls using the ENDUROFRAME System

ENDUROFRAME®️ System Curved Walls

Innovation Steel Frames and Trusses is a Wodonga-based company that has successfully provided high-quality wall frames for a recent job in Northern Victoria. The company has utilized its state-of-the-art ENDUROFRAME® system that is built to deliver immense flexibility while also meeting the ever-evolving needs of the construction industry.
One of the system’s most significant advantages is the increased number of punches in the ENDURO®️ rollformers which enables innovation in the design of walls. The system can produce short sections in the top and bottom plates and noggings to form curved walls, meeting complex customer requirements with ease.
Innovative Steel Frames and Trusses is a company that prides itself on providing a range of steel frame solutions for diverse construction projects. For more information on the company and their range of services, please visit their website at https://innosteelframe.com.au.

Speak to an expert about how to get started making the ENDUROFRAME® system. Insert your details below and we will call you back.