Capacity Prediction and Design Model for Truss Gusset Plates Using a Truss Analogy Method

This paper presents an analytical model to predict the capacity of multimember Warren truss gusset connections, taking into consideration sequential yielding, elastic/inelastic buckling, partial plane shear yielding (PPSY), and tensile rupture of the gusset plates. The model is based on a component-based truss analogy method calibrated through a series of parametric finite element analyses, which have been validated against experimental data. When the proposed model is applied to Warren truss connections without a vertical member, the prediction results show a maximum absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 9.28% with a standard deviation of error of 0.111 for buckling, and give a MAPE of 6.6% with a standard deviation of error of 0.0057 for PPSY. When the model is applied to Warren truss connections with a vertical member, the prediction results show a MAPE of 8.4% with a standard deviation of error of 0.101 for buckling, and give a MAPE of 10.35% with a standard deviation of error of 0.11 for PPSY. A practical design procedure is also proposed to facilitate engineering applications. An example is provided to illustrate how the proposed method can be used to design this type of truss gusset plate.