russ connections

huangyhg

truss connections
i have a custom steel truss that i am designing. (hss web members, and w section chords).  what is typically done for the connections?  do most people just list the axial loads of the web members on the plans, and delegate the design to the fabricator, or do most just design and detail the connections themselves?
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i vote for designing the connections.  while some fabricators may be capable of connection design, they may not use a type connection you are comfortable with.  do you know what type connections you want?  if so, why not show them on your drawings?
definitely design the connections yourself.   
mike mccann
mccann engineering
design the connections yourself
i don't have a problem with allowing the fabricator to design the connections, but i would specify that the shop drawings and calculations must be prepared, signed and sealed by an engineer licensed in your jurisdiction--and that you must review them.
daveatkins
definitely design them yourself. with hss sections, you will want to offset them (eccentric) at connections to avoid coping the tubes (quite common and efficient). this eccentricity should be taken into account in the design of the truss.
design and detail the connections.
did you include the time required for connection design in your original quote for the project?  and are you experienced in the design of these types of connections?  if the answer to either is "no," then i would suggest you show the type of connection you want and have the fabricator design the connections.  have them submit sealed calculations for review with the shop drawings.
not to question your abilities, i have found that many engineers of record have little to no experience with connection design.
an eccentric connection may require a different member size. personally i would design it or specify that all   
eccentric connections can substantially lower the fabrication cost by eliminating special cuts. it also makes the welds quite simple. often the same size   
after looking at these connections, i dont think i will have to offset the tubes.  based on the depth of my chord, and the angles of the members, it looks to me that when using a gusset and slotting the hss