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  • Writer's pictureMiradex Team

THE ADVANTAGES OF ROOF TRUSSES FOR THE DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION OF ROOFS

Updated: Sep 1, 2022

Why should you choose the prefabricated trusses construction system with MiTek connectors in your project?


About roof trusses

Roof trusses are compact structural elements, prefabricated through special mechanical processes, that together form the roof of a building. In our factory, under optimized conditions, the wood is first cut into the desired elements and then pressed together with MiTek galvanized steel connectors, also known as ‘wood welding’. The resulting prefabricated elements are transported to the construction site for assembly.


Cum se fabrică fermele din lemn cu conectori MiTek - Miradex Wooden Buildings
The simple equation of a wooden roof truss

The production process can be executed with different pressures and for multiple configurations. See this page for all possible configurations.


Din ce este alcătuită o fermă din lemn prefabricată cu conectori MiTek by Miradex Wooden Buildings
The components of a roof truss

Optimized design

The roof trusses are designed with a specialized modeling and structural calculation software called RoofCon TrussCon. The software establishes the quantity and type of metallic and wooden connectors to guarantee the structural integrity of the roof given the type of wood.


Modelarea unui acoperiș din ferme în softul Roofcon Trusscon by Miradex Wooden Buildings
The modeling of roof trusses in RoofCon TrussCon

The roof trusses are designed with a specialized modeling and structural calculation software called RoofCon TrussCon. The software establishes the quantity and type of metallic and wooden connectors to guarantee the structural integrity of the roof given the type of wood. The wood used in the construction of trusses is subject to certain criteria: a maximum humidity of 18%, a minimum strength class of C24, and treatment with insect-fungicide and fire retardant. The structural criteria of the software are based on (and therefore comply with) the Eurocode 5 and Romanian NP 005 2003 timber structure standards.


Efficient production

The use of construction software leads to optimal wood cutting practices (both for CNC and manual cutting) and thus minimal waste, saving about 40% of wood compared to classical carpentry (according to our own estimates).


Controlled production

The entire production process is carried out in a controlled environment, which represents an advantage compared to classical carpentry. Factory production requires detailed technical datasheets for every truss or structural element: dimensions (millimetric precision), angles, and positioning of MiTek connectors at joints. The minimal pressure at which a connector is fixed on wood is 30 tonnes. The application of connectors through any other means is forbidden. Quality control is ensured throughout the entire production process, resulting in a certified construction system that complies with European requirements, according to EN 14081-1+A1:2011 and EN 14250:2010.


Aplicarea conectorilor multicui prin presare
Aplicarea conectorilor multicui prin presare mecanică

Fast and secure assembly

Once the production is finished, the trusses are loaded onto a truck and transported to the construction site. A 13 m long truck fits between 400 and 600 sqm of roof, consisting of beam trusses with lattices (example below), assembly elements, and spacers.

Montajul unei șarpante din ferme prefabricate cu deschidere >15m by Miradex Wooden Buildings
The assembly of a prefabricated roof with an opening of more than 15m

The assembly time of a prefabricated roof is half of the assembly time of a roof made by traditional carpenters. The assembly can be done either manually or by crane, depending on the conditions. The process consists of placing the roof trusses on the structure following a scheme, and fixing them using corners, chemical or mechanical anchors, and buttresses. It is possible to add cladding as well.


Extended useful surface for attics

The prefabricated truss structure allows for the maximization of interior space, both vertically and horizontally, without the need for intermediate pillars. They can reach high openings of up to 30 m, an eco-friendly solution for big halls or industrial spaces. The open-space configuration can be carried out in many ways so that the shape of the roof from the design is preserved.


Acoperiș tip mansardă în 2 ape din ferme prefabricate by Miradex Wooden Buildings
Attic-like double sloped roof from prefabricated roof trusses

Conclusion

The technologies of wood construction software and MiTek connectors allow us to optimize constructions and offer viable solutions to the many engineering challenges that involve building with wood. Thereby, this modern way of construction presents an undeniable advantage over classical carpentry. Consult our project portfolio to see examples of prefabricated structures made with these technologies.


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