Howe Truss Behavior Interpreted by Deflections

Abstract

The precollapse state of certain Howe trusses, composing the supporting structure of a timber roof construction over a harbor store building in Poland, has been investigated in the form of a case study. The usual performance and characteristic attributes of Howe trusses are described generally. The appropriate background and history of the analyzed structure is given. Potential deterioration factors are reviewed. Visible excessive deflections of the trusses suggested computer examination of the Howe truss, considering its two possible statical extremes: simply supported and three‐hinged systems. The effects of several deflection sources (i.e., dead and live load, uniform and linear changes of moisture, and slips at the lower chord splices or supports) were analyzed. While the latter showed major influence on the truss deflections, the moisture changes appeared to be of secondary importance.