The majority of Action Steel sheds have an open web truss design, with each shed truss fully hot dip galvanised after manufacture.
There are a number of reasons why the open web truss design is so popular, including their strength and versatility. This article discusses three key reasons why open web truss design sheds are so popular for farm sheds like hay sheds and machinery sheds.
An open-webbed truss is stronger than a universal beam rafter.
The first reason is the strength of an open-web truss. An open-web truss is stronger that a universal beam rafter shed design.This is because with a truss the entire weight of the roof is equally shared by a series of triangles inside the main frame and evenly distributed to the load bearing walls.
Open-web trusses can be used for large clear spans
Secondly, if you require a wide, clear span design for your shed then open-web trusses are the best option.
With the weight of the frame distributed to the walls, open web trusses can span greater distances without needing any interior supports.
For example, a 60 metre (or wider) clear span can be achieved with a web truss, whereas a UB rafter design is limited to around 30 metre clear span.
An open-webbed truss is cost-effective
One of the most common advantages of an open-web truss is that they are cost-effective. An open-web truss design generally works out to be more cost-effective than a UB rafter design simply because both steel and hot-dip galvanising are purchased at a per tonne rate.
A UB rafter being heavier than a web truss means you will spend money more on the steel and the galvanising process for your shed if you opt for a UB rafter.
Strength, size & cost-effectiveness
So, there are the three reasons open web trusses are commonly used for farm sheds; strength, size and cost-effectiveness. If you found this article interesting, you may have also wondered about including a girder beam of girder truss in your shed design. These are commonly used in shed projects such as hay sheds and machinery sheds to achieve an extra wide bay spacing.
Keep reading to learn more about girder trusses, girder beams and when to use them.
Girder Trusses & Girder Beams
A girder truss or girder beam allows a wider bay spacing to be built by removing a column in the shed design.
Girder trusses are usually a better option than girder beams as the truss structure tends to be more rigid than a girder beam. However, a girder beam is usually shallower than a girder truss which will allow a better clearance height for your machinery.
You can learn more about girder beams, girder trusses and project ideas in our article: A Guide To Girder Trusses.
We hope you found this article helpful in explaining some of the advantages and benefits of an open-web truss shed design.
For more shed design ideas, call us on 1800 68 78 88 to talk to one of our building consultants. You might also like to browse our Latest Projects gallery and Learning Hub for more ideas and inspiration.
