Comparison of the Structural Strength of Steel and Timber Trusses in Shophouse Structures Using the Structural Analysis Program Method
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64321/jcr.v3i4.07Keywords:
Steel Truss; Timber Truss; Structural Analysis Program; Bending Moment; DeflectionAbstract
Timber and steel are the two materials most frequently adopted for roof-truss construction, and each carries a distinct profile of strengths and drawbacks with respect to load capacity, durability, cost, and appearance. This paper evaluates the structural performance of steel and timber trusses by designing both configurations and assessing their material quality through computer-based structural analysis. The truss spans 18 m at a 30° roof pitch, with trusses spaced 2 m apart. The shophouse footprint totals 216 m² (12 m × 18 m) at a height of 4 m. Grade BJ 37 steel and Grade A timber were selected as the two truss materials, while the shophouse structure itself is built from 25 MPa concrete. A uniform dead load of 50 kg/m² was applied to the trusses and 150 kg/m² to the shophouse; the live roof load was set at 50 kg/m², and the shophouse floor live load at a uniform 100 kg/m². Load combinations followed 1.2D + 1.6L + 0.5Lr. The results show that bending moment, shear, and axial force are all higher in the steel truss than in the timber truss, a consequence of steel's greater self-weight. Deflections for both truss types stayed within the 0.03 m code limit, confirming that both designs are structurally sound. The design checks therefore indicate that steel and timber trusses alike are suitable for use in this application.
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