TECHNICAL NOTE: LIGHT FRAME WOOD TRUSS ROOF COLLAPSE IN MISSISSIPPI, A CASE STUDY

Authors

  • Rubin Shmulsky Mississippi State University
  • Lon A. Yeary Mississippi State University
  • Joseph Marion Allen

Keywords:

Building failure, Roof collapse, Wood trusses, Southern Yellow Pine

Abstract

In or around 1972, an experimental building was constructed. One of the intents of the construction project was to demonstrate advancements in wood building construction design. In was value-engineered throughout. That is, its materials and systems were intended to function at or near design capacity. In 2019, part of the roof of the structure collapsed. This case study investigates two potential factors that led to the failure: stress concentration in excess of the allowable stress for 2 x 4 web members and insufficient plywood sheathing to support live loads caused by large rain events. 

Author Biography

Rubin Shmulsky, Mississippi State University

Department Head, Department of Sustainable Bioproducts

References

Clearspan Components, Inc. (1972) Construction detail. Truss T-1:8 (Property of Mississippi State University). Douglas Fir Use Book (1958) Douglas fir use book. West Coast Lumberman’s Association, Portland, OR. 40 pp.

Hansen HJ (1948) Timber engineer’s handbook. John Wiley & Sons, Inc., New York, NY. 59 pp.

Hoyle RJ (1978) Wood technology in the design of structures, 4th edition. Mountain Press Publishing Co., Missoula, MT. First published 1972.

Midwest Plan Service (1978) Designs for glued Trusses. Iowa State University, Ames, IA. 4 pp. 30-ft spans, 4-ft on center.

Southern Pine Manual of Standard Wood Construction (1975) Southern pine manual of standard wood construction. Southern Forest Products Association, New Orleans, LA.

Thompson W (1971) Warren Thompson to Dr. William L. Giles. December 14, 1971. Letter.

Thompson, W (1972) Warren Thompson to Clear-Span Components. February 4, 1972. Letter.

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Published

2021-08-11

Issue

Vol. 53 No. 3 (2021)

Section

Technical Notes

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