Praxis Construction Company

For players in the built environment TITLE: LIGHT GAUGE STEEL (LGS) Light gauge steel construction is very similar to  wood framed construction  in principle - the wooden framing members are replaced with thin steel sections. The steel sections used here are called cold formed sections, meaning that the sections are formed, or given shape at room temperature. This is in contrast to thicker hot rolled sections that are shaped while the steel is molten hot. Cold formed steel is shaped by guiding thin sheets of steel through a series of rollers, each roller changing the shape very slightly, with the net result of converting a flat sheet of steel into a C or S-shaped section. The steel used here is coated with zinc (called galvanized) or a mixture of zinc and aluminum (called zincalume or galvalume by some) to protect it from corrosion . The thickness of this coating can be varied to suit a range of environments. Typically, marine environments require the most protection, and d

Introduction A truss, or lattice structure, is a structural assembly of small interconnected elements . Analysis Structural analysis uses the concept of resolving forces, which can be analytically or graphically. Bracing Roof bracing is often necessary to provide stability. Estimating sizes There is considerable design flexibility for roof trusses, but simple rules can be used as initial guidelines. Graphical method The same analysis can be performed graphically, with forces represented by lines drawn to scale in the same direction as the corresponding forces. Joints The traditional bolted joint has generally been replaced by welding. Member configuration and shape Trusses can be designed to suit a wide range of requirements. Practical considerations Real circumstances are generally different from the idealised conditions assumed in the analysis of trusses. Services Trusses offer effective routes for distributing services. Viere