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Check out this roof truss bottom chord. It has a strong tie splice in the middle connecting two beams. I'm not entirely sure how the forces worse here - how strong is this tie weight placed on it from above?

Given that this chord is spliced, should I expect this beam to be able to hold significant weight? Should I be able to float a board on top of it and use the area above as storage? Or should I expect this is just to provide strength to prevent the walls bowing outwards with the weight of the roof? (Strong in tension along the beam? Not strong in compression from above?)

Thanks in advance.

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user48956
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    Probably not made for weight bearing. Can step on them but jumping not recommended(hold my beer, darwin award type). Weight holding will depend, some Christmas lights/trees and some clothes okay, empty bathtubs not so much. – crip659 Jun 02 '23 at 22:03

2 Answers2

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The lower chord splice in the truss structure is designed primarily to provide strength in the horizontal tension direction in line with the axis of the lower chord. You should consult with the truss manufacturer to get specific data as to how much vertical loading the truss design in your building is rated for.

Some loading is possible but obviously not unlimited.

Michael Karas
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That splice is typical of an engineered truss splice. It will meet the specs for the bottom chord.

Personally I have seen that type of splice applied. They are incredibly hard to remove and very effective. As well as being guarantied by the truss manufacturer.

You may apply the same weight as the truss design allows for the bottom chord.

RMDman
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