Single Component Design and Analysis

Video Transcript:

Hello and welcome to this video.

In this tutorial, we’ll walk through the process of creating a truss from scratch. Whether you want to manually define a truss profile without following roof and ceiling planes or create one for another purpose, this guide will show you how.

First, you need to create a project. To create one, refer to our YouTube channel or documentation page for reference. For now, let’s jump straight into designing a single-component truss.

There are several ways to add a component1 in the Layout. You can click the 'Create' button, select 'Bearing,' and then choose 'Component Design.' You can also use the shortcut Ctrl + Q, then select 'Component Design,' or simply right-click anywhere in the Layout to add one. Another option is to use the 'Create New Component Design' button.

Once the component insertion window appears, we can start defining the truss profile.

In this window, you can set any profile you need. The first step in the process is Basic Shape Definition.

You can either choose a predefined shape or manually define the top and bottom chord profiles.

For this tutorial, we’ll define it manually.

We’ll create a simple truss with a 7 over 12 slope and a sloped ceiling. First, go to the 'Length' field and set it to 28 feet 6 inches. If you need help with input formats, check this table or save it for reference. This format applies throughout the software wherever length input is required.

Next, define the top chord profile. In the 'Distance' field, enter half the overall length of the component — 14 feet 3 inches in this case. Set the slope to 7, making sure the correct unit format is selected, as there is an option to use degrees.

Now, set the left and right heel to 1 foot each.

Click 'Add Line,' and you’ll see the first line of the top chord appear in the scene. To add the second line, change the slope to a negative value so it slopes downward, then click 'Add Line' again. You’ll notice the left heel connects automatically.

If you want a flat bottom chord, you can use the 'Close Profile' option. However, since we’re creating a sloped ceiling, we need to define it first before closing the profile.

To define the bottom chord, go again to the 'Distance' field and enter 13 feet 11 inches and 8 sixteenths to reach the middle of the truss. Set the slope to 3 point five and click 'Add Line.' Notice how the profile updates. If you made a mistake inputting a profile, just click on the 'Back Up' button like so, to undo it.

Let's add the first line again, and close the profile by changing the slope to negative 3 point 5. Once done, the software will move to the shape details step.

Now, we can modify the number of panels in any segment. Just right-click any segment in the scene to add or remove panels. In this example, we’ll set three top chord panels per side and two bottom chord panels per side. Once everything looks right, we can proceed with modifying other shape details.

Since we already set the heels earlier, we’ll leave them as they are. We will, however, change the left and right overhangs to 'Square Cut' with a length of 1 foot 6 inches on both sides. We’ll leave other settings like gable, jack, and piggyback unchecked since we’re creating a standard truss.

Now we will define the structural details. Spacing is important for load calculations, so be sure to set it according to your plans. For this tutorial, we’ll leave these settings as they are. You’ll also find settings for load, analysis, and material. These settings are explained in detail on our YouTube channel and documentation, so be sure to check them out as well. For now, we’ll leave everything at default and click 'Insert' to finalize the component.

To verify that the truss was successfully added, check the 'Truss Explorer' subpanel. The component has been added successfully, but note that it is still in an unanalyzed status. If you need to make specific adjustments—such as adding webs that are parallel, perpendicular, or point to point to a specific location, or changing lumber sizes and grades—be sure to check out the next video. Otherwise, let’s move on to analyzing the truss. Click Analyze to proceed.

If the truss passes analysis, its name will turn green with a note saying 'Checks Passed'. Now, let’s review the truss design drawing. To generate it, click the download button and select 'Truss Design Drawing PDF.'

Opening the PDF gives you a full view of the truss profile, along with all relevant settings and information. You’ll find details on loadings, wind and snow loads, max CSI values, member forces, and deflections. Load cases are also included. The software automatically generates essential notes as well.

This document contains clickable links to help visualize different elements. If you want to view the full truss in Paragon, simply click or scan the QR code, and you will be directed back to the software.

In this mode, design values cannot be modified as it is for viewing only. So feel free to explore. Another useful feature of this document is that if you need to inspect a specific member of the component, simply click on it, and you’ll be taken directly to that section.

That wraps up this tutorial. Thanks for watching, and see you in the next video!