Length effect on the tensile strength of truss chord members

Abstract

Length effects on the tensile strength of multiple member truss chords have been studied. Simulation and reliability studies have been presented to evaluate the impact of length and multiple member effects on the target safety index for tensile failure. Results indicate significant length effect can be expected for long multiple tension chord members. Based on the Weibull weakest link theory, length effect adjustment parameters have been established. Further simulation and reliability studies have demonstrated the robustness of the proposed length effect adjustment procedures. A procedure has been developed for the design of truss chord members considering Weibull weakest link based size effect and non-uniform loading along the length of bottom chord truss members such that the target reliability index can be maintained.