Truss Calculators

Started by Medeek, March 12, 2013, 06:33:08 AM

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Medeek

Version 1.5.4 - 04.21.2016
- Added a graphical user interface (GUI) for the selection of the truss type in the "Draw Roof Truss" sub-menu.
- GUI can be toggled with previous drop down menu within global settings.





As you can see there is only one global setting at the moment but now that I have the interface and back end properly setup it won't take much to add in a number of other global values.  At some point I will probably have enough parameters that I will need to enable some sort of tabbed html front end for the global setting menu.

With html web dialog boxes I am not sure how well they work on a Mac, the whole sync vs. async issue is a real problem for web dialogs and Macs.  I only test on a PC so I can't guarantee 100% compatibility on a Mac.  So far I haven't had too many complaints.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

ChugiakTinkerer

Quote from: Medeek on April 21, 2016, 11:26:56 PM
...

With html web dialog boxes I am not sure how well they work on a Mac, the whole sync vs. async issue is a real problem for web dialogs and Macs.  I only test on a PC so I can't guarantee 100% compatibility on a Mac.  So far I haven't had too many complaints.

I run Sketchup on a Linux box using the Windows version and WINE.  The only UI problem I have seen in prior versions is that the mouse-over text for the toolbar icons doesn't display properly.  That's likely a WINE or Sketchup issue, but I thought I'd throw it out there.  Haven't updated since a few versions back so can't comment on the GUI.
My cabin build thread: Alaskan remote 16x28 1.5 story


Medeek

Quote from: Medeek on April 21, 2016, 11:26:56 PM
Version 1.5.4 - 04.21.2016
- Added a graphical user interface (GUI) for the selection of the truss type in the "Draw Roof Truss" sub-menu.
- GUI can be toggled with previous drop down menu within global settings.





As you can see there is only one global setting at the moment but now that I have the interface and back end properly setup it won't take much to add in a number of other global values.  At some point I will probably have enough parameters that I will need to enable some sort of tabbed html front end for the global setting menu.

With html web dialog boxes I am not sure how well they work on a Mac, the whole sync vs. async issue is a real problem for web dialogs and Macs.  I only test on a PC so I can't guarantee 100% compatibility on a Mac.  So far I haven't had too many complaints.

Let me know if you encounter any problems with the new GUI, I wouldn't be surprised if it has problems on a Mac.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

#403
Here is a preview of the Geometry Input (GUI) menu for the upcoming gambrel attic truss.



Notice the preview pane which gives a basic profile of the truss and attic space.  I still need to add some dimensions and some other symbols (pitch, bearing walls, etc...) to the preview graphics but it is mostly there and functioning quite admirably. 

The GUI is html with javascript and SVG (scalable vector graphics) for the image.  The nice thing is that changing any of the inputs will instantly update the dimensions and preview image allowing one to fine tune the truss geometry before proceeding further.  For gambrel roofs this ability to adjust the proportions of the roof relative to each other is very important in my opinion.  See my previous gambrel study here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/truss/gambrelroofstudy.html

Since the menu is primarily composed of html, javascript and SVG you can actually beta test it external to SketchUp here:

http://design.medeek.com/resources/gambrel/web_dialog_gambrel_attic.html
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Updated screenshot of the gambrel attic menu:



This is getting pretty close to the final form that this menu will take. 

It's actually really amazing what can be done with SVG and javascript, definitely not my forte but after this exercise I feel like I can probably construct anything with this combo if required.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer


Medeek

Version 1.5.5 - 04.29.2016
- Added Gambrel Attic truss type, configurations: (AUTO w/ piggyback trusses).
- Added a graphical user interface (GUI) for gambrel attic geometry input.



A reset button would be useful to return the GUI to the default values.  There is still a lot of work to be done with the gambrel attic truss type:

- Advanced Options
- Gable Trusses
- Default or Reset Button
- Metric Input

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=fc8be11c-8bb1-4e60-a73e-5ba62628ae95
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

#406
With the graphical menus you will notice a slight delay once the "submit" button is clicked.  This is to allow for a quick display of a status message, however I'm finding this delay to be annoying and may eliminate it altogether to speed the use of the new GUI.

Also note that with gambrel attic trusses the non-graphical geometry menu is still an option if you turn off the GUI flag in the global settings.  For some people this may be easier but I think the new preview pane is a major design asset when it comes to this type of roof.

I'm thinking it might be useful to implement this same type of preview/GUI for regular attic trusses so that one can preview the configuration before committing.  Now that I've been down this road once it won't be such a struggle.  Most of the other truss types are fairly simple and a preview image is probably not warranted unless the users say otherwise. 

I feel that the preview window goes a long way in helping explain what each term is in the input geometry menu but I may also add in some pop up windows (?) that display diagrams or other explanatory notes to help the less educated users.

Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

This is the level of detail I am aiming for with the advanced options for gambrel attic roofs (minus the truss plates):



Notice the structural outlookers with gable end trusses and the prow roof (option).  I've got my work cut out for me.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

I am wondering how many of your designers/architects/contractors/builders out there have used Open Joist products?

http://www.openjoisttriforce.com/

I was thinking I might add their product line to the Floor Joist/Truss module.

Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer


fyoung

How can I download the truss calculator? thank you very much for sharing,Farris

azgreg

Quote from: fyoung on May 04, 2016, 04:56:47 AM
How can I download the truss calculator? thank you very much for sharing,Farris

http://design.medeek.com/

Medeek

Version 1.5.6 - 05.11.2016
- The plugin now automatically checks for updates.
- Option added in Global Settings to adjust frequency of "check for updates" or to disable this feature entirely.

I've also added in the Open Joist (TriForce) floor truss but it is not quite ready for release so I have disabled it until the next version release. 
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Don_P

Sweet, I was a number of updates behind. Bumped up the "check for updates" from the default of monthly to weekly.


Medeek

At this point it only checks to see if the plugin is up-to-date and then gives the option to open up the plugin page so the most recent version can be downloaded.  At some point I would like for it to auto-install the newer version but that will take some more advanced code.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer


Medeek

For large agricultural buildings a double inverted truss can be employed to provide a large vaulted span for machinery:



I am wondering if this truss type is still commonly used by anyone for this type of application and whether it would be of interest, enough for me to add it into the growing list of trusses within the plugin.

Also if anyone has any shop drawings they could send me that would be very helpful. 
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

A quick study of a double inverted truss by taking two 24' howe trusses and joining them to form a double truss.  Note that the 4:12 pitch of the original trusses is maintained and the interior vault is exactly 8:12 pitch. 



View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=d1f62979-cea5-42f0-97e4-16309098928a

My question with this configuration is how the top and bottom chords at the peak should butt up?  For example should the bottom chords at the peak have a double scarf cut or a single scarf cut?  Some shop drawings would help in determining what is common practice.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Version 1.5.7 - 05.15.2016
- Added Scissor truss type, configurations: (4/2, 6/4).
- Structural outlookers (vert. & horz.) enabled under advanced roof options for Scissor (4/2, 6/4) truss types.



View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=620e816e-d809-4732-a19f-e425b4cc17fc

I also updated the pause in the truss selector GUI from 700 ms to 400 ms.  Still more work to be done with raised heels and structural outlookers for some of these configurations but its getting close.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Coffer Truss Algorithm:



This is assuming that the coffer span is centered on the truss.  A non-centered coffer algorithm could get significantly more interesting and difficult.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

This map shows where the Truss Plugin is being utilized:

http://design.medeek.com/calculator/sketchup/data/medeektrusspluginusermap.pl

Note, this is only registered users and not all installations of the trial version.  Also note that addresses have been dumbed down to City, State, Country so that the privacy of registered users is upheld.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Version 1.5.8 - 05.22.2016
- Added metric input for Gambrel Attic truss type.
- Added a graphical user interface (GUI) for metric gambrel attic geometry input.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer


Don_P

Cool, the map didn't load for me the other day, it did this morning. Very impressive. It also looks like you need to move east  ;D. I notice 3 that are probably not in your best interest.

Medeek

Gambrel Attic (metric) GUI



I also show the industry standard feet-inches-sixteenths.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Version 1.5.9 - 05.29.2016
- Increased top chord pitch limit from 12/12 to 18/12 for the following Scissor truss types, configurations: (2/2, 4/4).
- Heel web logic revised to accommodate steeper pitches for bottom and top chords of scissor trusses.
- Increased top chord pitch limit from 12/12 to 18/12 for valley truss sets.

16/12:12/12 Scissor Truss with an 18" raised heel:



Notice that the steep pitch of the bottom chord changes the way the heel web and bottom chord meet at the bearing point.  The additional logic listed in the changelog notes deals specifically with this issue.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=6c14d6c0-14c3-44cc-ba76-e4771fbfa936
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

I will probably add the symmetric cathedral truss type next:



View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=1fb7807d-2d62-447e-86db-52cd98432a29

The web configurations will use an "auto" triangulation algorithm similar to the tray truss type.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer

Medeek

Version 1.6.0 - 06.08.2016
- Corrected a bug with raised heel fink trusses and structural outlookers.

This update may seem minor but underneath the hood it is a big change.  I've rewritten a significant portion of the common truss module so that I can now offer raised heel trusses for all the other common truss types.  Be on the lookout for this update in the near future.

Raised heel trusses (wedge, slider, vert) complicate things when combined with structural outlookers.  I've had to add some significant logic to deal with all the permutations.
Nathaniel P. Wilkerson, P.E.
Designer, Programmer and Engineer