Longest free-span truss?

[38Chevy454]

I am designing my detached workshop. I need to match my house style, which is stucco and metal roof, so that is leading towards a stick built vs metal bldg. Looking at a shop 28+ ft deep by approx 42 ft wide inside dimensions.

I know that the engineered trusses can be made 26-28 ft long. If I want 28-30 ft *inside*, and use 2x6 walls, how long are trusses available so I don't have to use a beam? Does the overhang count in the truss length? In other words, if the truss is 30 ft, is that the total length including overhang? Or is that the dimensions at the wall (inside or outside?) and not including overhang?

I want the inside without any support posts if I can avoid it. Thanks for any advice, been trying to learn as much as I can before getting real serious. Terry

 

[east_tn_emc]

My garage is 30' outside-to-outside....~29' inside. I also have a 1' overhang on the front and back. No problem.
Find a local building supply that makes trusses. I had one less than 5 miles from my house. I told the onsite engineer what my dimensions were and where my garage door was and he came back with the truss design and the size of the LVL beam for the garage door header.

 

[redsky49]

The sky is the limit (almost) as long as you can accommodate the additional depth of the beam/truss. The additional extension beyond the bearing point (the exterior wall) can be adjusted to any length you want.

You may have to heavy up the wall to carry the load, as well as the footers. The best bet is to get an engineered package so that all components are compatible.

 

[Rosco]

I did away with my truss design in order to maximize bonus room space. The bottom of the beam is still over 9' from the floor. 2 beams directly under the dormer walls was still cheaper than truss's, but I do still like the structural integrity of truss construction. Actually 3 beams if you count the one spanning the entire width over the garage and entry door.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have several neighbors with wood framed aircraft hangars, one or two are pole structures, others are stick built with manufactured trusses. I went with a metal building, but I priced wood components before making a decision, and that included visiting a local truss manufacturer who made several of the truss sets here in the neighborhood.

We have a couple of buildings here with manufactured trusses that are 60 ft across, clear span, its not really a big issue if you have the money (the pricing is really not that bad).

Charles

 

[rburke65]

I know 80' clear span trusses are not a problem. Google and the Yellow Pages are your friend.

 

[Ezzie]

I used 60' clear span trusses for my shop. The manufacturer I got them from typically supply 80'ers for horse riding arenas.

 

[GarageEnvy]

I agree with others in theory that longer spans are no problem but you have to consider other factors as well such as roof pitch and load requirements and whether you are trying to do a scissor truss. These all may limit your span. In my case I tried to tie a hip roof into a 34' span with scissor trusses on a 4/12 roof pitch and it was not possible (per truss company). Give all the criteria to your truss company and they can tell you what is possible.

 

[38Chevy454]

Well, sounds like I just need to talk to a truss mfr and get detailed info and talk plans and dimensions. My concerns about length limit appear to be unfounded. Thanks for the info.

 

[KMR Construction]

its not how big they can make them its if you can get them to your site. I have slung 4 pitch 60' span before. Then were 2 piece and big sob's

 

[sharage71]

my neighbor down the street has a 40x60 with trusses. 40' wide

 

[JDMopar]

I have 40' trusses on my garage. The company that made them delivered them on a straight truck with no problem. I had a guy that has an Altec bucket truck with a jib on it come and lift them into place. 3 of us set 21 trusses in an hour and 10 minutes.

 

[Teikas Dad]

I just put up 32' trusses on my build.

 

[Half Baked]

Here's my 40' trusses 2' OC
1/2" osb, shingle roof, solid as a rock

 

[GSSFC]

I used 60' clear span trusses for my shop. The manufacturer I got them from typically supply 80'ers for horse riding arenas.

This may be a dumb ?, but how do they get 80' trusses shipped to a job site?

Tim

 

[Mattlt]

This may be a dumb ?, but how do they get 80' trusses shipped to a job site?

Tim

In pieces... the top (middle) portion of the truss is attached on site. I think I even recall seeing them shipped in half widthwise. Everything is then assembled on site.

Also, I want to say I heard that a local building company (Lester Buildings) was producing a 100' wide truss. This is going to have to be an extremely heavy, beefy truss to span 100'.

 

[rburke65]

This may be a dumb ?, but how do they get 80' trusses shipped to a job site?

Tim

On a 81' truck!

 

[ctbuilder]

Here's what i did on mine, 30'x54' 12'-3" ceiling 1-1/2 story- I used 12"x30' tji 16"o.c. with 2x6 exterior wall framing. The 2 columns are spaced 15' on center, The beam is 4 -glued and nailed 2x12 x 46' lvl's with 3/4 t&g plywood above. I added 4' channel iron over the 2 columns to give the beam a little extra bearing. The second floor is nice and solid. I installed the 30' tji's myself in about 3hrs (nice and light easy to work with) my shop is a mess because i have a new lift coming in a week, so i decided to epoxy the floor before I installed it. I have a few more photos in my album.

 

[38Chevy454]

Thanks again for the extra pictures and information. I certainly don't need 60 to 80 ft range, but knowing I can go up to 40 ft is great. I don't plan for a second story, but was considering 12 ft wall height. I do like the second story that ctbuilder has, and only a couple support poles required - someting to consider if I want a second story storage room or area.

 

[mpraddict]

In pieces... the top (middle) portion of the truss is attached on site. I think I even recall seeing them shipped in half widthwise. Everything is then assembled on site.

Also, I want to say I heard that a local building company (Lester Buildings) was producing a 100' wide truss. This is going to have to be an extremely heavy, beefy truss to span 100'.

I designed a sanctuary for a Lutheran church several years ago that had 60' clear span wood scissor trusses. They were shipped to the job site in 5 pieces each truss and assembled on site.

 

[willymakeit]

On long , single span truss's, get a bracing diagram [ X and rat run] from the supplier. They should furnish one with the engineered drawings. Most long span trusses are one lenght and have piggy back trusses on top.