DWB Hull has recently completed the delivery of 38 no. long span trusses for the construction of the mono-pitched roof at a new Lidl store in Thirsk. Designed by Gang-Nail Systems and manufactured by DWB Hull, this project is one of the first to be produced in the UK.
Already widely used across Germany in the retail and commercial sectors, long span trussed rafters are becoming more common in the UK. Their increased use in retail and light industrial applications is being driven by environmental considerations making timber components the obvious choice.
Transporting trusses on this scale was a challenge, as John Binns, Technical Director of DWB Hull, explains: “The trusses were so long and at their highest up to 3.8m, so transporting them fully constructed was not an option. Instead, we did as much as possible in the factory, to ease the time and effort required on site, manufacturing the components in two parts with timber scabs bolted to the top and bottom chords on one half so that they could be transported efficiently and assembled onsite.”
The two parts of the trusses were connected on site using field splice plates. Particular attention has to be paid to the bracing of trussed rafters of this span and Gang-Nail’s design team worked closely with Lidl’s structural engineer in order to provide sufficient overall stability to the roof structure.
Used in commercial and retail applications, this innovation in long span truss design can provide added value, enabling market diversity by delivering solutions for applications outside of the housebuilding sector.
John Binns has recognised the value of this too: “We were approached and asked if we could achieve timber trusses of this length,” he explains, “Working with Gang-Nail Systems and using the GN Roof & Truss design and manufacturing software with Gang-Nail’s nail plates and technical know-how has helped us achieve the desired result. Since working on the Lidl project we have received a further six enquiries for similar retail projects in the UK.”
For more information on manufacturing long spanning trusses using Gang-Nail Systems’ design and manufacturing software and consultation, visit www.gangnail.co.uk
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