Tubular truss assembly

Abstract

A truss assembly for supporting a roof, floor, bridge or other structure, the truss having a plurality of work points spaced apart along a length of the truss, wherein at least one work point comprises a gusset plate secured directly between two parallel and adjacent members of a chord of the truss to join the two parallel and adjacent members of the chord, and the gusset plate also secured between first ends of two parallel and adjacent strut members of the truss to join the parallel and adjacent strut members to the chord at the gusset plate.

Description

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to truss structures, and in particular, truss structures used mostly in commercial buildings that extend from wall to wall, wall to beam line, or beam line to beam line to support a roof.

A truss is a framework, typically consisting of chords, ties, and struts and which supports a roof, floor, bridge, or other structure.

A hollow tubular truss structure having a tubular top chord, a tubular bottom chord, and a plurality of diagonals extending between the tubular top chord and the tubular bottom chord is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 9,765,520. This disclosure aimed to address the well-known problems associated with conventional steel joist constructions which include but are not limited to the need for bridging and bracing per OSHA standards, bending of the top and/or bottom cords and the inability to properly support/distribute and/or aesthetically conceal electrical and plumbing lines and HVAC ductwork. However, the structure described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,765,520 is difficult, if not impossible, to construct due to welding difficulties and such trusses if constructed are prone to twisting and insufficient support on their own for roof structures.

SUMMARY

An aspect of the present disclosure relates to a truss assembly wherein a section of the truss comprises an upper chord assembly comprising first and second upper chords parallel and adjacent to each other; a lower chord assembly comprising first and second lower chords parallel and adjacent to each other; a plurality of upper and lower gusset plates spaced apart from each other and each gusset plate disposed along a length of either the upper chord assembly or lower chord assembly; and a plurality of strut assemblies comprising first and second struts parallel and adjacent to each other and extending between one of the upper gusset plates and one of the lower gusset plates. At least at one of the plurality of upper gusset plates is a first upper gusset plate and comprises the first and second upper chords secured to the first upper gusset plate and at least one of the plurality of strut assemblies being secured to the first upper gusset plate and extending in a downward diagonal direction to a first lower gusset plate of the plurality of lower gusset plates and at least one more of the plurality of strut assemblies being secured to the first lower gusset plate and extending in a upward diagonal direction away from the first lower gusset plate of to a second upper gusset plate of the plurality of upper gusset plates.

In one or more embodiments, the truss assembly further comprises at least one upper tie gusset plate; at least one lower tie gusset plate; and at least one tie assembly comprising first and second ties parallel and adjacent to each other and extending between one of the upper gusset plates and one lower tie gusset plate or one of the lower gusset plates and one upper tie gusset plate.

Each of the plurality of upper gusset plates are offset vertically from each of the plurality of lower gusset plates as the gusset plates are spaced apart along the length of truss assembly.

Two of the plurality of upper gusset plates are spaced apart along a length of the upper chord assembly with one of the plurality of upper tie gusset plates therebetween.

Two of the plurality of lower gusset plates are spaced apart along a length of the lower chord assembly with one of the plurality of lower tie gusset plates therebetween.

At least three or more of the plurality of upper and lower gusset plates are spaced apart a substantially same distance along the length of the truss.

The plurality of strut assemblies comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes.

The upper chord assembly comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes and the lower chord assembly comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes.

The metal tubes are steel tubes having a wall thickness of at least ⅛ inch and at least one cross-sectional dimension of at least ½ inch.

In one or more embodiments there is at least one splice between two adjacent upper and lower gusset plates along the length of the truss to encapsulate a length of one or both of the upper or lower chord of the truss to connect two lengths of the truss in series or to reinforce one or both chords of the truss.

Each splice comprises at least one plate having one or more bends along a length of the plate.

The splice further comprises a flat plate for securing directly between the two adjacent and parallel upper or lower chord members at the location of the splice.

In one or more embodiments, there is an end saddle for securing across terminal ends of the upper chord assembly of the truss assembly wherein the end saddle comprises an upper plate and a lower plate for encapsulating a perimeter of the terminal ends of the upper chord assembly.

The end saddle further comprises a fastener for securing the upper plate and lower plate together and having fastener ends with a length sufficient for embedding the fastener ends into a building for installation of the truss assembly.

The first and second upper chords are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first upper gusset plate.

The first and second struts are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first upper gusset plate.

The first and second lower chords are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first lower gusset plate.

The first and second struts are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first lower gusset plate.

The truss is installed in a building to support a roof or floor.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of a truss according to one or more embodiments described herein.

FIG. 2 is an expanded view of a chord and strut arrangement as described herein.

FIG. 3A is a side view of a truss installed.

FIG. 3B is a side detail view of a truss bearing.

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional end view of a truss.

FIG. 5 is a side detail view of a top chord splice at a ridge of a truss.

FIG. 6 is a side detail view of a bottom chord splice.

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional end view of a bottom chord splice.

FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of a truss length with a splice.

FIG. 9 is a side view of the truss with the splice.

FIG. 10 is a top perspective view of the truss with the splice.

FIG. 11 a front view of an end saddle for an installation of the truss.

FIG. 12 is a front perspective view of the end saddle assembly and truss.

FIG. 13 is an end view of an installation utilizing a plurality of parallel trusses.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Described herein is a tubular truss structure. The truss structure includes a top or upper chord and a bottom or lower chord which extends along a length of the overall truss span. The truss span further comprises a plurality of struts and connection plates for securing the struts to each of the upper and lower chords. The truss described herein has a redundant structure of sorts in that each tubular chord and strut is paired with an adjacent and parallel chord or strut, wherein ends or other locations on each parallel chord and/or strut are secured to opposing sides of a same connection plate. The connection plates described herein may be gusset plates and are positioned between respective adjacent and parallel chords and struts.

The plurality of connection plates are spaced apart along the overall length of the truss and are secured in position directly between the adjacent and parallel upper and lower chords respectively. The connection plates may then extend downwardly from the upper chord or upwardly from the lower chord, for connection to one or more struts which are positioned along the length of the truss.

The struts generally extend at an angle from one chord to the opposing chord of the truss. In the embodiments described herein, the connection plates or gusset plates are positioned along the truss span at one or more work points and connect to terminal ends of each strut on the upper and lower chord respectively.

In one or more embodiments, the truss structure may further include one or more ties. The ties generally extend vertically from one chord to the opposing chord of the truss. In the embodiments described herein, the connection plates or tie gusset plates are positioned along the truss span at one or more work points and connect to terminal ends of each tie on the upper and lower chord respectively. The ties add stability to the chords and may be beneficial when a truss length is increased.

A work point is a location on either the upper or lower chord where the centerline of a strut or tie intersects the centerline of an upper or lower chord respectively. At the work point is generally a gusset plate secured to and between the adjacent and parallel chord tubes and extending into the open space of the truss framework such that ends of the strut or tie and adjacent and parallel strut or tie are also secured to the same gusset plate. The distance between work points measured from the intersection of centerlines is substantially the same for at least some work points along a length of the truss. In one embodiment, the distance between work points is the same across the span of the truss excluding the distance between a first and a last work point and the respective end of the truss or the first two and last two work points on the span to account for installation and/or the difference in length of the upper and lower chords.

In one embodiment, the truss structure described herein comprises a tubular framework. The tubes are substantially hollow metal tubes. Each of the upper and lower chords of the truss comprise a length of adjacently and parallel positioned metal tubes. The upper and lower chords may each comprise two tubes, or a plurality of tubes. For example, the upper and/or lower chords may each comprise two tubes which include one tube which extends the entire length or substantially the entire length of the truss span and its adjacent and parallel tube which also extends the entire length or substantially the entire length of the truss span. The lower chord may be shorter in length than the upper chord in some embodiments and may not extend to a connection with a wall or other support structure for installation of the truss.

In other embodiments, the truss may comprise an upper and/or lower chord comprised of a plurality of tubes, which are connected “end to end”, to form the overall length of the truss. The plurality of tubes connected “end to end” may allow for a curved upper chord shape, apex shape, or shape wherein the upper and lower chords are not parallel. Such arrangement may also be used in a truss where the upper chord and lower chords are parallel along the length. A plurality of tubes may be on one or both of the upper chord and lower chord to otherwise allow for longer truss span lengths. The plurality of tubes in such an embodiment may also be connected “end to end” via connection plates that may also be connected to one or more struts, and/or may be connected by larger support connection plates also referred to as “splices,” at locations along the truss span with or without struts.

In one or more embodiments, the truss span may further include one or more splices. A splice comprises one or more plates which are configured to encapsulate the upper and lower chords at the location of the splice and can be used to connect two lengths of the upper and/or bottom chord to extend the length of the truss. The plates are secured directly to outer and inner surfaces of the adjacent and parallel tubes and may also cross ends of two adjacent end to end tubes of one or both chords for complete connection and/or reinforcement of the chord(s). For example, three plates form a splice and are provided on each outside face of the truss and directly between the two adjacent and parallel chord tubes. A splice can be provided along the length of the truss at any point.

An end saddle may also be provided for the truss installation. The end saddle is configured to support and secure terminal ends of the upper chord of the truss. The end saddle may also be used to support and secure terminal ends of the lower chord of the truss. The end saddle ties the truss structure together and is mountable in a wall or support surface where the truss is to be installed. For example, the end saddle is embedded in a wall such as a concrete wall, and the end saddle then connects and secures to the terminal end of the upper chord. The terminal end of the upper chord is received within the end saddle and retained therein. Thus, to inadvertently dislodge the truss from the wall, the entire wall would need to be substantially damaged or otherwise deconstructed at one or more locations. This adds stability to buildings exposed to high force winds such as from tornadoes or hurricanes.

The end saddle may generally be “U” shaped with a lower mounting plate having vertical side panels and a top plate. The upper chord fits into the lower mounting plate, and a top plate is then secured on top of and spanning the upper chord. Apertures in the lower mounting plate and top plate are provided and aligned for insertion of fasteners which secure the plates together via connection into receivers on the opposing side of the plates. The lower mounting plate may be imbedded in a wall and the end of the truss inserted therein, with the top plate secured thereto for securing the truss in place.

In further detail, a tubular truss assembly 10 according to one or more embodiments described herein is illustrated in FIGS. 1-13. The truss assembly 10 comprises an upper chord span 12 and a lower chord span 14 with a plurality of struts 16 installed along the span of the truss 10. The angled struts 16 extend between chords 12 and 14 for structural support of the truss 10. As illustrated in further detail in FIG. 2 for example, each of the upper chord 12 and lower chord 14 are comprised of adjacent and parallel upper chord lengths 12A and 12B and adjacent and parallel lower chord lengths 14A and 14B. The adjacent and parallel chord lengths 12A, 12B and 14A, 14B are secured “side by side” to form the truss 10 by way of a plurality of gusset plates 18 positioned directly between to the lengths 12 and 14 at each work point 28 spaced apart along the length or span of the truss 10.

A work point 28 is a location on either the upper chord 12 or lower chord 14 where an end of a strut 16 meets the upper chord 12 or lower chord 14, respectively. Generally, at the work point 28 a gusset plate 18 is secured to and between the adjacent and parallel chord tubes 12A, 12B or 14A, 14B and extending into the open space of the truss 10 framework such that ends of the strut 16A and adjacent and parallel strut 16B are also secured to the same gusset plate 18. The distance between work points 28 measured by the center of the plate on a vertical axis extending between the upper chord 12 and lower chord 14 is substantially the same for at least some work points 28 along a length or span of the truss 10. In one embodiment, the distance between work points 28 is substantially the same across the span of the truss 10 excluding the distance between a first and a last work point 28 and the respective end of the truss 10 or the first two and last two work points 28 on the span to account for installation and/or the difference in length of the upper chord 12 and lower chords 14.

The adjacent and parallel chord lengths 12A, 12B and 14A, 14B and struts 16A, 16B refer to truss members 10 that are adjacent in a parallel plane. These adjacent and parallel tubes are essentially “side by side”. The “side by side” adjacent and parallel tubes 12A, 12B of the upper chord 12 are secured together at one or more locations spaced apart along the length or span of the chord 12 at one or more upper gusset plates 18 and/or at respective ends of span expanding chord lengths 12 via one or more splices 30. Similarly, side by side adjacent and parallel tubes 14A, 14B of the lower chord 14 are secured together at one or more locations spaced apart along the length or span of the chord 14 at one or more lower gusset plates 18 and/or at respective ends of span extending chord lengths 14 via one or more splices 30 as described in further detail below.

One or more struts 16A of the truss 10 may then be secured at a first end thereof to a first or subsequent upper gusset plate 18 and the adjacent and parallel strut 16B is also secured at a first end thereof to an opposing side of the same first or subsequent upper gusset plate 18. Second opposing ends of the struts 16A and 16B are then secured to opposing sides of a first or subsequent lower gusset plate 18 in substantially the same manner.

The gusset plates 18 support and connect the adjacent and parallel metal tubes of a chord 12 or 14 and one or more struts 16 along the span of the truss. In some locations across the span of the truss 10, a subsequent gusset plate 18 supports the two adjacent and parallel metal tubes of the upper 12 or lower 14 chord as well as two adjacent struts 16 along the span of the truss 10 and the adjacent and parallel metal tubes therefor. Optionally, in some locations across the span of the truss 10, a subsequent gusset plate also supports a first end of a vertical tie 20A and its optional adjacent and parallel tie 20B. As a tie 20 is generally positioned to extending vertically between the upper chord 12 and lower chord 14, a second end of a tie 20 is secured to the opposing chord length at a smaller connection or gusset plate 22. The smaller connection or gusset plate 22 may be used as the gusset plate 22 is positioned on a chord 12 or 14 between work points for the respective chord 12 or 14 and thus the gusset plate 22 is used for connection of the second ends of the adjacent and parallel tie 20A, 20B components while also being secured between the adjacent and parallel chord lengths at said location.

As illustrated in FIGS. 8-10, a splice 30 connects two truss 10 spans or two portions of a truss 10 span, referred to herein as truss length 10 and truss length 10′. In the embodiment illustrated the splice 30 is positioned between work points 28 and thus there may be no strut 16 positioned at the splice 30. The splice 30 connects two lengths of truss 10, 10′ via a plate or plates having a thickness that may be the same, greater or less than the gusset plates 18, 22 of the trusses 10, 10′ and/or having a thickness the same, greater or less than the sidewalls of the tubular components of the trusses 10, 10′. The splice 30 may completely and/or substantially encapsulate respective end portions or end lengths of each of the top chords 12, 12′ and/or bottom chords 14, 14′ that are coupled together via the splice 30. It is also contemplated and within the scope of this disclosure that a splice 30 may be installed in substantially the same manner to reinforce a length of continuous truss 10 rather than connecting two lengths 10, 10′ to form a span.

Referring to FIGS. 8-10, each splice 30 comprises one or more outer plates 32, 34 and an inner plate 36. The outer plates 32 and 34 may each have a bend or elbow such that the outer plates are substantially “L” shaped. The outer plates 32 and 34 may have a second bend or elbow such that the end plates are substantially “U” shaped. The outer plates 32, 34 are secured to opposing outside faces of the end lengths of chords 12 and 12′ or 14 and 14′ that are being connected or coupled at the splice 30. The inner plate 36 may then be secured directly between the adjacent and parallel chords 12A, 12B and extending to chords 12A′ and 12B′ or 14A, 14B and 14A′ and 14B′. The plates 32, 34, 36 may be welded directly to the respective trusses 10, length or lengths or otherwise fixedly secured thereto. In one or more embodiments, the splice 30 comprises plates 32, 34, 36 constructed and arranged in a manner such that the splice substantially or completely encases the respective length or end lengths of the trusses 10, 10′.

There may be ties 20A, 20B secured to gusset plates 22 on opposing sides and adjacent or immediately adjacent to ends of the splice 30 where the ties are secured to the truss and/or 10′ in substantially the same manner as described previously above.

One or more of the truss 10 components including the chords 12, 14, struts 16 and ties 20 may be comprised of metal tubes or extrusion that are generally hollow along the length thereof. The tubes components may be welded directly to the respective gusset plates 18, 22 or otherwise fixedly connected to the gusset plates 18, 22. The gusset plates 18, 22 are secured directly between each pair of adjacent and parallel metal tubes, also referred to as a “counterpart” tube. Each tube and its counterpart tube are secured to a location on the respective side or face of gusset plates 18, 22 that may be substantially the same.

The truss assembly 10 may then be secured at one or both terminal ends with an end saddle 50. The end saddle 50 may be installed on ends of the upper chord 12 and also be utilized to secure and install the truss in a building for supporting a roof or floor for example. The end saddle 50 thus also serves as construction hardware for placing the truss. An end saddle is illustrated in further detail in FIGS. 11-12. The end saddle 50 comprises an upper mounting plate 52 and a lower mounting plate 54. The upper mounting plate 52 and lower mounting plate 52 are configured to secure to a top and bottom face of the end length of the chord 14 and span across the truss 10 end length such that both chord lengths 12A, 12B are secured together with the saddle 50. The plates 52, 54 are then secured together with the end length of the chord 14 therebetween. The plates 52 and 54 may be clamped together via the fasteners to secure the end of the chord 12 in position and to securely hold the end 12 of the truss 10 in place when installed in a building for example.

In the embodiment illustrated, the upper mounting plate 52 is a substantially flat plate having a plurality of apertures spaced there along, each for receiving a fastener 58 therethrough. The lower mounting plate 54 similarly has a plurality of apertures for pass through of the fasteners 58 wherein the position of the apertures is aligned vertically with respect to the plates 52, 54 when installed across the end of the chord 12. The lower mounting plate 54 is a length with a plurality of bends 60 or elbows to provide a middle length having a substantially “U” shaped length 62 and with horizontal terminal end lengths 64. The shape of the lower mounting plate 54 allows the end saddle 50 to surround the outer surface of the end length of the chord 12.

The fasteners 58 are inserted through the upper mounting plate 52 and into and through lower mounting plate 54 to connect with fastener tubes 66 which receive the end lengths of the fasteners 58. In the embodiment illustrated, the fasteners 58 are bolts and upper ends of the fastener tubes 66 are threaded to receive the ends of the bolts 58. The fastener tubes 66 have a length that extends away from connection with the lower mounting plate 54 and this length can be installed or embedded into concrete or another substrate for mounting the truss span 10. The end saddle 50 may be comprised of metal plates and components of varying thickness.

As shown in FIG. 13, one or more trusses 10 may be installed in a building for example. The trusses 10 may be installed with and secured in the installation by way of one or more support struts 68 and/or other support and/or alignment or spacing structures 70.

As described throughout this disclosure, the truss chords may be comprised of metal tubes of any cross-sectional shape, not limited to square or rectangular as shown in the illustrated embodiments. The tubes may be steel tubes or other metals demonstrating high strength or otherwise a material appropriate for the end use of the truss, which may vary amongst end uses such as bridges and buildings of different sizes. The wall thickness of the tubes and/or cross-sectional dimensions may vary depending on the end use of the truss. The length of the truss according to one or more embodiments herein may also be shortened or extended based on the end use of the truss by way of selecting a number of work points on the truss.

The struts and ties may also be tubular, and of substantially the same, or different construction and/or dimensions of the tubes of the chords. The gusset plates may also be comprised of the same material as the chords and/or struts and/or ties. The plates may have a thickness ranging from approximately ⅛ inch to 1 inch or greater.

By way of non-limiting example, the upper and lower chords of a truss according to one or more embodiments described herein are comprised of tubular metal extrusions with varying dimensions based on expected load. For example, the metal tubes of the chords and/or struts may have a wall thickness of approximately ⅛ inch or greater, 3/16 inch or greater and have a square cross-sectional dimension of approximately 1 inch by 1 inch or greater, 2 inch by 2 in, or 4 inches by 4 inches or greater. In another embodiment, a load bearing truss according to one or more embodiments described herein may have approximately one-inch-thick plate metal tubes which are approximately 6 inches by 6 inches in cross-section.

In constructing a building for example and using a truss assembly according to one or more embodiments described herein as a truss structure for a roof, no columns are required within the interior of the building to support the truss structure, and in particular the roof supported thereon.

When the tubular framework of the truss, including the chord tubes, struts, and ties are secured to the gusset plates via welding or otherwise secured together according to one or more embodiments described herein, the truss structure formed is very rigid and consequently has a strong resistance to twisting when loads or cross force is applied thereto. Moreover, the construction of the truss allows for the carrying of heavier loads without twisting for truss spans ranging from about six feet in length to about 400 feet in length. The use of one or more trusses according to one or more embodiments herein can support a roof structure without any interior support columns.

The ties add rigidity to the truss and increase the load which the truss can carry.

In one or more embodiments described herein, the bottom or lower chord may not extend at one or both ends as far as the top or upper chord. In installation, the bottom chord need not extend to contact a side wall for the roof or other structure the truss is supporting. It is not necessary that the bottom chord extend as far and connect to a side wall as long as the top chord is connected to a side wall. Connecting the bottom chord to the sidewall may add further rigidity but is not required with this truss construction.

The embodiments described and/or illustrated herein account for various length, shape, and load capacity trusses. In further detail, depending on the length of the truss and shape of the truss, each chord may include one lone tubular section or a plurality of tubular sections that are adjacently secured in an “end to end” manner to form the overall length, or span, of the truss. Wherein the truss span comprises a plurality of tubular lengths, each two adjacent metal tubes of each of the upper and lower chords are secured together at respective ends to complete the span of the upper or lower chord respectively. For example, the upper chord may comprise a plurality of metal tubes which form the length of the upper chord. Two adjacent tubes in the chord may include a forward end of a first metal tube and a rear of a second metal tube which are connected using a gusset plate and/or optionally a splice.

Although the present disclosure has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, workers skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

Claims

1. A truss assembly wherein a section of the truss comprises: an upper chord assembly comprising first and second upper chords parallel and adjacent to each other;a lower chord assembly comprising first and second lower chords parallel and adjacent to each other;a plurality of upper and lower gusset plates spaced apart from each other and each gusset plate disposed along a length of either the upper chord assembly or lower chord assembly;a plurality of strut assemblies comprising first and second struts parallel and adjacent to each other and extending between one of the upper gusset plates and one of the lower gusset plates;wherein at least at one of the plurality of upper gusset plates is a first upper gusset plate and comprises the first and second upper chords secured to the first upper gusset plate and at least one of the plurality of strut assemblies being secured to the first upper gusset plate and extending in a downward diagonal direction to a first lower gusset plate of the plurality of lower gusset plates and at least one more of the plurality of strut assemblies being secured to the first lower gusset plate and extending in a upward diagonal direction away from the first lower gusset plate of to a second upper gusset plate of the plurality of upper gusset plates.

2. The truss assembly of claim 1 and further comprising: at least one upper tie gusset plate;at least one lower tie gusset plate; andat least one tie assembly comprising first and second ties parallel and adjacent to each other and extending between one of the upper gusset plates and one lower tie gusset plate or one of the lower gusset plates and one upper tie gusset plate.

3. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein each of the plurality of upper gusset plates are offset vertically from each of the plurality of lower gusset plates as the gusset plates are spaced apart along the length of truss assembly.

4. The truss assembly of claim 2 wherein two of the plurality of upper gusset plates are spaced apart along a length of the upper chord assembly with one of the plurality of upper tie gusset plates therebetween.

5. The truss assembly of claim 2 wherein two of the plurality of lower gusset plates are spaced apart along a length of the lower chord assembly with one of the plurality of lower tie gusset plates therebetween.

6. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein at least three or more of the plurality of upper and lower gusset plates are spaced apart a substantially same distance along the length of the truss.

7. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein the plurality of strut assemblies comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes.

8. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein the upper chord assembly comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes and the lower chord assembly comprises parallel and adjacent metal tubes.

9. The truss assembly of claim 8 wherein the metal tubes are steel tubes having a wall thickness of at least ⅛ inch and at least one cross-sectional dimension of at least ½ inch.

10. The truss assembly of claim 1 and further comprising at least one splice between two adjacent upper and lower gusset plates along the length of the truss to encapsulate a length of one or both of the upper or lower chord of the truss to connect two lengths of the truss in series or to reinforce one or both chords of the truss.

11. The truss assembly of claim 10 wherein each splice comprises at least one plate having one or more bends along a length of the plate.

12. The truss assembly of claim 11 wherein the splice further comprises a flat plate for securing directly between the two adjacent and parallel upper or lower chord members at the location of the splice.

13. The truss assembly of claim 1 and further comprising an end saddle for securing across terminal ends of the upper chord assembly of the truss assembly wherein the end saddle comprises an upper plate and a lower plate for encapsulating a perimeter of the terminal ends of the upper chord assembly.

14. The truss assembly of claim 13 wherein the end saddle further comprises a fastener for securing the upper plate and lower plate together and having fastener ends with a length sufficient for embedding the fastener ends into a building for installation of the truss assembly.

15. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second upper chords are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first upper gusset plate.

16. The truss assembly of claim 15 wherein the first and second struts are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first upper gusset plate.

17. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein the first and second lower chords are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first lower gusset plate.

18. The truss assembly of claim 17 wherein the first and second struts are welded directly to first and second opposing sides of the first lower gusset plate.

19. The truss assembly of claim 1 wherein the truss is installed in a building to support a roof or floor.

20. The truss assembly of claim 1 and further comprising an end saddle for securing across terminal ends of the lower chord assembly of the truss assembly wherein the end saddle comprises an upper plate and a lower plate for encapsulating a perimeter of the terminal ends of the lower chord assembly.

21. The truss assembly of claim 20 wherein the end saddle further comprises a fastener for securing the upper plate and the lower plate together and having fastener ends with a length sufficient for embedding the fastener ends into a building for installation of the truss assembly.