Media Centre
August 2006
Lattice Division
METSEC GOES MEDICAL
Metsec’s lattice joists division has supplied long span, curved lightweight steel lattice trusses to support the roof covering of a new medical centre in Kent.
Metsec engineers provided free design and detailing, using StruCad 3D modelling software, for the project at Staplehurst. Planning restrictions meant the ridge height of the two storey, 580m2, L-shaped building was critical but the high strength to weight ratio of Metsec’s trusses allowed the engineers to design a solution which was sufficiently shallow at the eaves to comply with the height restrictions but could still achieve the long spans required.
The trusses form a curved valley where the building turns through 90o to form the ‘L’ shape. The general trusses were 200mm deep at the shallow end, spanned 12.5m and had a 29m radius to the top chord. A hip / valley truss, spanning 18m, was supplied in two sections for bolting together on site.
The trusses sit on top of a steel ringbeam set on top of the masonry walls. 600m of 202mm deep, single span Metsec zed purlins were set flush in the curved trusses to carry the roof covering of metal deck insulated panels.
Metsec lattice joists were specified for this project because of their light weight, their long span capability and shallowness at the eaves. The ever popular curved design of the joists allowed the architect to add interest to the low-rise, brick building. In addition, the open nature of the trusses’ design also enables the simple passage of services, an important factor for buildings such as a medical centre.
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