3D Truss Models

medeek

Version 1.3.3 - 02.28.2016

Added Bowstring truss type, configurations: (6/6).
Metric input enabled for bowstring truss type.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=udee2767c-3da1-40b9-8d07-9e1e36989d4a

I'm not sure how common place this truss type is anymore so I will add the advanced options at a later date if requested by a user. I can also add in other configurations with more panels if needed (ie. 8/8, 10/10).

medeek

Added Bowstring truss type, configurations: (8/8).

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=uad891cf8-30ad-4d6f-ae10-a8b7f10a2114

Initially I wasn't really sure how to lay out this type of truss, especially the webs and panel distances. Then after some thought it occurred to me that the length of each top chord segment should be roughly equal to best approximate the circular shape of the truss. After some checking of existing shop drawings my theory tested correct. The length of each top chord segment is equal in length.

The necessary math and algorithm was much simpler than I initially thought. Another sidenote, as the radius of the truss decreases the pitch breaks of the truss become more apparent and the circular shape of the roof becomes more angular.

medeek

28' Bow Barrel Truss (8/8) study.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=ub4c69c4f-ae02-4ad8-b17b-5eecb8d31823

Gable end trusses for this type are a bit of a question right now. I can add this one into the plugin if there is some call for it, but I may hold off until a request is made since the code will be somewhat tedious with all the separate members that make up the top and bottom chords.

medeek

Version 1.3.4 - 03.02.2016

Corrected a bug in the metric unit template module.

medeek

Version 1.3.5 - 03.04.2016

Added Bow Barrel truss type, configurations: (8/8).
Metric input enabled for bow barrel truss type.
Corrected a bug with the webs of the bowstring truss type.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u754b5fc3-c3ea-48cb-9f13-24c92ae39d97

Gable end option is also available (not shown in image above for clarity) for this truss type.

medeek

I find the bow barrel truss very interesting. Its very similar to a flat truss in a lot of respects but then you essentially create pitch breaks at all the panel points and add some camber to it.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=uf39ab29a-4d1b-458f-b9cb-b1bf882b9774

medeek

I'm thinking the next thing I might tackle is an octagonal rafter roof. Something along these lines:

My time allotted to work on the plugin is very limited right now so I'm trying to decide if this would be something of interest for current and potential users of the plugin.

facer

@medeek said:

I'm thinking the next thing I might tackle is an octagonal rafter roof. Something along these lines:

My time allotted to work on the plugin is very limited right now so I'm trying to decide if this would be something of interest for current and potential users of the plugin.

Medeek Truss - Nathaniel

A half octagon roof would be useful for greenhouses, tea rooms, and extensions to existing
houses, cafes and small offices. (refer to screencapture with red section marks)

I have been following your plugin using the "trial version" and a few thoughts come to mind:

**1. Keep it Simple (stupid). (KISS)**   No offence intended, it is a common "Check - design" mnemonic or mental stamp used with every new idea or concept.

Offering too many options although good can work against you until your market is tested.
Feedback is required as you may be going off into areas that users have little interest in.

If your market is architects, builders and designers; remember they chose their profession because
they have an interest in that area, not structural engineering. Of course there is a crossover but I bet most in the above list are mainly interested in how the truss affects their area of focus.

**2. Graphics help and assists in data input**.  A good example to view is the "1001 bits" plugin.

Graphics are important to aid the "non-engineer".

Colour, blocking of information that are linked or share associated areas would help.
Lists of data input are difficult to follow as there is no "road map" to where
it is leading.

**3. Preset options**with data toned in colour or grey with limited options for changes to key variables in white or a colour. ( e.g. roof slope angle) This would allow the user at a glance to focus in on set options.


**4. Truss design and engineering computations** are generally handled by "truss fabricators" here in Australia.  Their CAD drawings, computations and fabrication are part of their "full package software".


**5. The strength in your truss plugin is** allowing the architect, builder, client or designer, to understand better the likely design and construction issues for different truss options.

I congratulate you on your enthusiasm and I enjoy checking every few days
on what new truss you have considered.

All the best with your plugin.

Half octagone roof for Green houses, tea rooms and extensions.

viewtopic_octagon roof.jpg

medeek

Version 1.3.6 - 03.06.2016

Added Double Howe and Triple Howe common truss types.
Structural outlookers (vert. & horz.) enabled under advanced roof options for Common (Double & Triple Howe) truss types.

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u456fbc36-6d2e-43ed-af05-5f9ad26f89b4

medeek

@facer

Thanks for the in depth feedback.

I think I might start with a full octagon roof (gazebos, greeenhouses) and then look at doing a half octagon. I need to give this a bit more thought.

1.) I agree too many options just slow the user down to the point that the software becomes clunky and hard to use. I've tried to minimize this by using an "advanced options" selection so that one can quickly generate geometry without being overly concerned with too many options and settings all at once.

2.) Part of the problem I think is that I am using the simple UI for my input prompts and I need to go to an html user input that I can better customize to my plugin. With html inputs I can provide better prompt and graphics.

3.) I have started working on the global settings (icon is in place). This will allow the user to setup certain variables to commonly used values. Along with this I am also considering other preferences like layer assignment.

4.) The truss engineering portion is very limited at this point and generally is only of value to a very specific crowd of users. Once I add in plywood gusset plates it will be much more useful to builders and DIYers who want to site build their own trusses. However, that will probably not be complete for another few months.

5.) The plugin has expanded to not only include roof trusses but also floor framing, floor trusses, and rafter framing. The hip roof framing needs considerable attention to make it more flexible and allow for complex roof construction.

My biggest problem is finding the time right now to really make some serious improvements to the plugin. The UI makeover is one such item. I will take a look at the 1001 bits plugin for ideas on the UI, and how to make it better.

pilou

Always cool!

medeek

Nine different truss profiles currently available within the Medeek Truss Plugin:

Common
Attic
Monopitch
Scissor
Tail Bearing
Dual Pitch
Bowstring
Bow Barrel
Floor (System 42)

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=ue9b30427-93a7-45c9-abdd-e35b18cac1de

Within the common truss family there are currently 11 configurations. The only significant configuration that I am missing is the Mod Fan (Triple Fan).

Are there any truss types I am missing that you would like to see added to the plugin?

medeek

Are you using a plugin to produce the multi-coloration?

I have a number of items that need addressing as far as the UI goes, it just seems like the list keeps getting longer.

One thing I've decided to add into the advanced options is a soffit cut for the tail of trusses and rafters, this seems to be a common enough request that I should give it some attention.

pilou

@unknownuser said:

Are you using a plugin to produce the multi-coloration?

Yes of course! As the previous by my hero Chris Fullmer (Random Painter) don't work anymore easilly for me for the last versions of SU i use a marvelous free one by Sdmitch!
(3 choices: Colors Sketchup, Gradiant (2 colors), Palettes-Random yes/not)
In your case all (groups/components) must be exploded to the level 0
Ask it to Sdmitch (it's not published) if you want something specific: Colors inside groups or components maybe!

Here with his tricky DeckBuilder!
(Select any horizontal tortured close surface! )
Et voilà!

medeek

Version 1.3.7 - 03.06.2016

Added Soffit Cut within Advanced Options for common fink truss type.

After I'm certain that this feature is robust I will add it to all other truss types and rafter roofs. For now it only applies to roofs that use a common fink truss (non-raised heel).

medeek

Here is one way to frame an octagonal roof. The basic hip elements were first created with the plugin. This is a study of this type of roof to see what is required to add it into the plugin:

View model here:

https://3dwarehouse.sketchup.com/model.html?id=u27fa9eb4-683a-4d0e-b77c-17427a401b6b

Another method would be to use an 8 faceted center block. Dewalt's framing book goes into some alternative methods in some detail. I prefer the method I have shown above because it is much easier to extrapolate the framing method to include elongated octagonal roofs. 8 common rafters and 8 hip rafters come together at the peak, seems like it would be a real pain to try and fasten these at the peak, perhaps someone could enlighten me on how a carpenter would actually put this together.

medeek

medeek

Looking at a number of house designs in SketchUp's 3D warehouse its becoming clear to me that most design work is devoid of any of the structural elements (wall framing, roof framing, foundation details etc...) and the primary concern is the layout of the space showing windows and doors. Typically the details are left to the builder or engineer.

I thoroughly enjoy working on this plugin but I'm beginning to doubt that it has any sort of widespread utility. In what circumstances would a house designer feel the need to use this plugin?

pbacot

For presentation purposes no, but many (a smaller number) are using SU for construction drawings.Some builders model the framing beforehand. Many people like the house builder plugin. Some people will like this.

medeek

I agree that the plugin does have some following but at the same time I should probably try and address things that are more "useful" to the builder, designer or engineer. I am trying to regauge the utility and appeal of the plugin. If I can add features that would attract more users and make it more useful to everyone that would be my ultimate goal.

I'm also considering working on a plugin for residential structural engineering, that would be used for vertical and lateral load analysis of conventional light wood frame structures. I would like to create a product that is comparable to the Woodworks Shearwall program but uses SketchUp as the principle user interface. I think this would prove quite useful to a number of engineers.

I will continue the development of the Truss Plugin but I will limit my time spent on it and only add new features or improvements as direct requests are made by users.