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What is the use of Plate Girder in the Roof Trusses?

Asked by Sachin on April 16, 2019

What is the use of plate girder in the roof trusses?

Answered by Caitlin
Assembled Girder Trusses

Assembled Girder Trusses

Hi Sachin, thank you for your question.

Plate girders are actually built-up steel I-beams, usually used where typical I-beam shapes are inadequate (i.e. railroad bridges). In timber framing we call girders “girts,” or we use “girder trusses.” I assume this is what your question pertains to, and simply put, they are used where a traditional heavy timber beam/girt would be inadequate. We usually use them where the client doesn’t want interior posts and we need to span a long length, or in high snow regions with long spans, etc.

Hope this answered your question!

Thank you,

Matthew McGinnis, EIT

Junior Timber Frame Engineer

Vermont Timber Works

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