Truss Brace Removal?

[dcpier]

Hello everyone! I have a 40x60 outbuilding with a 16x40 loft. I am hoping to enclose and finish the loft area like a basement. My question day is in regards to these bottom braces secure to the truss in the picture below. I will likely get a structural engineer to confirm but can these bottom braces be removed? The ceiling height might get a little cozy it I need to leave them in place. If not, do you think alternate bracing could be put in place that might create more height. Any and all feedback would be greatly appreciated!

 

[micromind]

If they are the horizontal 2X4s that go from the outside wall to the bottom chord of the truss, they cannot be removed.

The bottom chord of a truss needs to be solidly held in place. If it's allowed to wobble in either direction, there's a good chance of a collapse.

 

[The Cobbler]

I agree with above poster. it looks like an engineered system .

 

[mike93lx]

If the bracing runs all the way to the other wall, I would think they could come out of one bay. Maybe the engineer can advise a way to make it happen

 

[ToolsRCool]

Looks like the 2x4's are just lateral bracing for the second truss in, and do not provide any vertical load support. If their only task is hold the truss from swaying, there may be another way to do so, such as raising their position, using tension cables in place of them at a 45 degree in each direction, an I beam next to it, or even one or several mini raised scissor truss(es) in place of where one or several of the 2x4's are.

Typically for truss sway control, I've usually just seen 2x4's nailed atop hap-hazardly from one to another.

 

[Hank11]

You can move those. I’d probably turn them into diagonals that go from one trust to the next forming an X and fastened in the middle That’ll get you a lot of headroom and still support the end wall. Ask your engineer for a plan don’t take my word for it.

 

[dcpier]

Lots of great feedback thank yall!

 

[TurnipTruck]

Let’s see the rest of the trusses. I agree that top-to-bottom X bracing would be better than- and could replace -those horizontal braces.

 

[dcpier]

Let’s see the rest of the trusses. I agree that top-to-bottom X bracing would be better than- and could replace -those horizontal braces.

Maybe these can help

 

[TurnipTruck]

I would say those are primarily ceiling supports for transverse corrugated steel, but you will still need some sort of lateral bracing if you remove them. Just raising those “joists?” would be fine.

 

[dcpier]

I would say those are primarily ceiling supports for transverse corrugated steel, but you will still need some sort of lateral bracing if you remove them. Just raising those “joists?” would be fine.

Thanks for the insight, I really appreciate it.

 

[Hank11]

Keeping the bracing path in line with whats there will likely be best for the overall structure. It looks like it was put up by competent people, so don’t mess up their work. The parts are there for a reason. There is lots of wind load on a big building like yours.

 

[CraigStu]

It looks like there are similar braces on every truss so I'd say they are needed. there may well be alternatives as some posters have mentioned but I'd not just remove them.

 

[GarageHommie]

Is this a pole structure? If so,

1.What size are the perimeter poles (vertical) members?

2. How are they fastened as the base?

My recommendation would be to

1. Reinforce the exterior walls under your loft area by adding shear walls on the interior side that fasten well to the rails and vertical members.

2. Add shear wing walls on the ground level at each end of the loft.