Flexibility and strength of trussed rafters

Harlow Timber Systems supplied more than 200 hybrid attic trusses and other specials to luxury housebuilder Chase Homes for the development.

The construction of unusually complex mansard roof structures over three blocks of luxury apartments in Radcliffe-upon-Trent has offered a member of the Trussed Rafter Association the opportunity to demonstrate the flexibility of its design service as well as the structural capabilities of timber trussed rafters.

Harlow Timber Systems supplied more than 200 hybrid attic trusses and other specials to luxury housebuilder Chase Homes for the development of 23 apartments on the site of a former garage business in the town.

While the spans themselves were not abnormally long at eight to nine metres, the complexity of the layout, the loadings, and the developer's desire to have the rafters over-sailing and concealing central flat roofed areas, complicated both the form and the configuration of the trusses.

However, opting to involve the TRA member in producing a pre-engineered structure, rather than tying up tradesmen for months on constructing a cut timber roof, actually delivered significant savings on both time and money for Chase.

Amongst the features that Harlow's technical director Stuart Dinsdale had to accommodate within the designs were a series of dormer and Velux rooflights, as well as the use of deep section cranked steel beams to reduce the spanning distance in certain locations.

While, in common with many other members of the Trussed Rafter Association, Harlow Timber Systems is able to offer its clients a supply and fix service, in this instance Chase Homes chose to employ its own erection team.

The TRA member supplied all of the loose timber and other necessary ancillary items, with all of the timber components being factory treated against the possibility of rot or insect attack.

The construction of the roof was completed in the spring of this year.

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