My Internship Experience: A different approach

I was taught by Mr. Lim to calculate the loads that act on UTAR Grand Hall. Based on architect's drawings. Top chord made up of roof tiles, asbestos, purlins and more. Therefore, the dead load assigned was 1.0kN/m^2 and the live load assigned was 0.25kN/m^2. On the other hand, the dead load assigned for bottom chord was 1.95kN/m^2 and live load assigned was 4.00kN/m^2. As a reason, catwalk hangs directly under the main truss. However, dead load assigned at Box Truss 1 was 3.5kN/m^2 and live load assigned was 3.5kN/m^2. Such a huge different was mainly due to fly galleries.

Loads were calculated based on Microsoft Excel. An example of calculation of loads that acts on top chord:

Nodal load = 1.0 * ((2.114/2)+(2.360/2))*8.0
= 17.896kN

Loads were assigned to Main Truss A.

The first analysis was conducted and it yields a deflection of 76.59mm. Moreover, numerous members failed for lateral torsional buckling and plane flexural buckling. Problem was rectified, it was found that top chord was too thick, hence the next analysis was conducted it is fine.

Today, loads were assigned to the 2 dimension model of Main Truss A, Main Truss B and Main Truss C. Loads were calculated with the help of Microsoft Excel. Then checks for axial stress, lateral torsional buckling and plane flexural buckling was conducted and section assigned was adequate. After that, loads for Main Truss A, Main Truss B and Main Truss C was assigned to the 3 dimension model. Lastly loads were assigned to rafter.

Loads were assigned to the 2 dimension model of Box Truss 1, Box Truss 2, Box Truss 3, Box Truss 4 and Box Truss 5. Loads were calculated with the help of Microsoft Excel. After that, loads for Box Truss 1, Box Truss 2, Box Truss 3, Box Truss 4 and Box Truss 5 was assigned to the 3 dimension model. Supports were assigned to the 3 dimension model. Checks for axial stress, lateral torsional buckling and plane flexural buckling was conducted and section assigned was adequate.