Wood Truss Failure, Murphy's Law in Action

Journal Article Title: Wood Truss Failure, Murphy's Law in Action
Article Author(s): GILMORE, CARL E., P.E., YAXLEY, WILBUR T., P.E., C.S.P.
Volume: 6
Volume #: 2
Month: December
Year: 1989

Abstract:

In Florida, wood truss failures are reported to be the leading cause of construction site injury and damage claims. Most of these construction failures are blamed on improper erection techniques. However, our investigations have often found truss material or fabrication defects to be the initial trigger mechanism of most failures. True, failure to follow bracing guidelines may contribute to the extent of damage, but the proximate cause in a high proportion of cases was fabrication errors. Our investigations have found "material selection" to be the most often ignored starting mechanism for wood truss failures. We find a reasonable classification of wood truss failures to include the following four areas: 1. Design 2. Material Selection 3. Assembly 4. Handling