Double Chords as an Alternative in Tubular Trusses

In many applications for which planar tubular steel trusses are considered appropriate, chords consisting of double rectangular hollow sections RHS have several advantages over their singlechord counterparts. For unequalwidth K and Ttype connections gapped between branch members, it is shown that the doublechord. configuration has frequently twice the strength, or more, of equivalent singlechord joints. From the standpoint of localized deformation, much stiffer joints are possible with doublechord RHS truss systems. Typical design examples of Vierendeel and Warren trusses demonstrate the structural superiority of double chords compared with their singlechord analogues for the spans examined. Economic benefits are also likely to be realized with the design concept proposed.