Company: SIA “K FORMA”

Project Title: LOĢISTIKAS CENTRA JAUNBŪVE

Subtitle: STRUCTURAL ROOF DESIGN OF LOGISTIC CENTRE

Internship period: 6 weeks

Student Name, Surname: James Chittattukara Devassy

Student Number- 171ABG012
Internship Supervisor: Kaspars Kurtišs
Internship guide: Asoc. Prof. Mārtiņš Vilnītis
 Riga Technical University
Department of Civil Engineering

Company: SIA “K FORMA”

Internship supervisor: Kaspars Kurtišs

Student: James Chittattukara Devassy

MSc Civil Engineering
Student ID #. 171ABG012

Riga 2018
Practical Placement Time Sheet
November 28, 2017 to January 11, 2018
3 Days in a Week, 8 Hours per Day

Confirm the presence at internship office

Internship supervisor (surname, signature) __________________________
 Reference about Internship

James Chittattukara Devassy, person ID 321664-81446, from 27th November 2017 until
11th January 2018 performed Practical Placement in company SIA “K FORMA”

Total duration of practical placement: 6 weeks

Evaluation:

Intern’s attitude to assigned tasks, discipline

(grade 1 to 10)

Theoretical and practical skills______ (grade 1 to 10)

Performed task quality______ (grade 1 to 10)

Communication skills ______ (grade 1 to 10)

Interaction with other employees ______ (grade 1 to 10)

Or evaluation can be written in sentences, but it is up to internship supervisor and company.

Internship supervisor
(Surname, signature)
Acknowledgements
I would like to express my gratitude to Prof. Mārtiņš Vilnītis for guiding me throughout the
practical placement programme and also for helping me to find a company to do the internship.
Let me take this opportunity to thank Mr. Kaspars Kurtišs for allowing me to do the internship
at K FORMA engineering office. I sincerely thankful to you for giving me such a great chance
to be a part of a real time project. Special thanks to Mr. Vladislavs Pozņaks for all the support
and advice you have given me throughout my internship period. And your guidance to learn
Axis VM software was really amazing. My special thanks to all my colleagues at K FORMA.
Last, but not least, I’d like to thank my family and friends for supporting my stay in Riga.
Contents

1.0 INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

1.1. ABOUT THE COMPANY “K FORMA” .................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. AN OVERVIEW OF INTERNSHIP TASK................................................................................................................. 3
2.0 DESCRIPTION OF WORK IN DETAIL ............................................................................................ 3
2.1. PRINCIPAL IDEA OF STRUCTURAL MECHANICS USED IN TRUSS SYSTEM .............................................................. 3
2.2. MODELGENERATION USING AXIS VM SOFTWARE............................................................................................... 4
2.2.1 FEW WORDS ABOUT THE SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................ 4
2.3. ROOF TRUSS MODEL GENERATION................................................................................................................ 5
3.0 LOAD CALCULATIONS .................................................................................................................................. 6
3.1. DEAD LOAD (DL) .......................................................................................................................................... 6
3.2. WIND LOAD (WL) .......................................................................................................................................... 7
3.3. SNOW LOAD (SL) ....................................................................................................................................... 11
3.4. LOAD FROM COOLERS ................................................................................................................................ 11
4.0 LOAD APPLICATION ON MODEL ................................................................................................ 11
4.1. DEAD LOAD(DL) ........................................................................................................................................ 11
4.2. COOLER LOAD ........................................................................................................................................... 12
4.3. MAINTANANCE BRIDGE LOAD ...................................................................................................................... 12
4.4. SNOW LOAD (SL) ....................................................................................................................................... 13
4.5. WIND LOAD(+) ........................................................................................................................................... 13
4.6. WIND LOAD(-) ............................................................................................................................................ 14
5.0 LOAD COMBINATIONS ................................................................................................................. 14
6.0 ANALYSIS OF TRUSS ASSEMBLY.............................................................................................. 16
6.1. AXIAL FORCE IN THE TOP CHORD OF THE TRUSS (ULS) ................................................................................... 16
6.2. MOMENT MY IN TOP CHORD ........................................................................................................................... 17
6.3. AXIAL FORCE IN THE BOTTOM CHORD OF TRUSS (ULS) .................................................................................... 17
6.4. MINIMUM AXIAL FORCE DEVELOPED IN DIAGONAL ELEMENTS (ULS) .................................................................. 18
6.5. MAXIMUM AXIAL FORCE DEVELOPED IN DIAGONAL ELEMENTS (ULS) ................................................................. 18
6.6. AXIAL FORCE DEVELOPED IN STRUT ELEMENTS (ULS) ..................................................................................... 19
6.7. DEFLECTION CHECK (SLS) ............................................................................................................................. 19
7.0 DESIGN OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS ...................................................................................... 20
8.0. JOINT DESIGN CALCULATION.................................................................................................... 27
8.1. TRUSS BOTTOM CHORD JOINT DESIGN CALCULATION ..................................................................................... 27
8.2. TRUSS TOP CHORD JOINT DESIGN CALCULATION ........................................................................................... 31
9.0. SUMMERY ..................................................................................................................................... 34
10.0. REFERENCE................................................................................................................................ 35
1.0 Introduction
The intended purpose of this document is to provide a detailed report of my practical placement
in partial fulfillment of my MSc Civil Engineering studies at Department of Civil Engineering at
Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia. The nature and type of work done at K FORMA
Engineering office during the period of practical placement is explained with detailed results and
report.

The project is about the structural analysis and design of roof structure of “LOĢISTIKAS
CENTRA JAUNBŪVE” at Riga for “MMS Property Solutions”. “K FORMA” is the prime
engineering consultant of this project. The scope of this project involves the development of
suitable structural solutions to meet the architectural and principal requirements of the structure.
Architectural drawings and other necessary MEP layout drawings are supplied by the developer
along with project specifications.

1.1 About the Company “K FORMA”

Engineers Office “K Forma” was founded in 2007. Basis services offered by the company is
structural design solutions for buildings. As the time moves, the company has widened the areas
of specialization just from structural design to a wide variety of engineering services.

International experience in the field of engineering services is definitely a great plus point of the
company. K FORMA was in lead of many key projects executed in Latvia and neighboring
countries as well. Optimized use of materials is an area where company always have focus on
which in turn help a client to have economic design structural solutions for the proposal.

Following are the main areas of services ‘K FORMA’ is offering

• building structural design

• technical survey
• precast concrete construction shop drawings
• cast-in-situ concrete construction shop drawings
• building calculations
• optimizing building project design solutions
• building construction expertise section

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Following are few of the key Projects executed by “K FORMA”

From left to right from top

1. BRF. DOCKLAND FINNABODA HAMN – STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN

2. ZVAIGZNE ABC BOOK SHOP – KULDIGA, LATVIA
3. LINDOPORTEN DWELING HOUSES – NORRKOPING, SWEDEN
4. MULTISTORY DWELING HOUSE – RIGA, LATVIA
1.2 An overview of internship task
The structural roof system for the Logistic center is designed as a series of truss assembly. The
material used for construction is, steel. And all the structural elements used in truss assembly
belongs to rectangular or square hollow section family. The analysis of the truss was performed
using AXIS VM software. The individual loads cases such as dead load, snow load, wind load,
cooler loads etc were calculated using the project specifications and design codes.

The work performed during the internship can be summarized in the following steps.

1. Understanding the geometric requirements of the structure from the architectural layouts
and drawings.
2. Generating the analysis model using AXIS VM software.
3. Calculation of loads (such as Dead load, Wind Load etc.)

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 4. Application of loads on the model
5. Analysis of the structural elements
6. Design of structural elements
7. Design of Structural Joints

2.0 Description of Work in Detail

2.1 Principal idea of structural mechanics used in the truss system

Geometric layout of the roof assembly is adopted from the architectural drawings provided by
the client. The length of the building in the axes is 184.00 m; width 208.05 m; reference height
19 m; roof type - slippery double (~ 1.00 - 1.50 °).

It was required to model the entire truss system to understand the nature of load distribution on
structural elements under different loading conditions, it is solely due to the unequal spacing
between the truss supports.

The roof sheeting assembly is directly supported on the truss system without the use of any
secondary load bearing elements such as Purlins. It is assumed that the loads from the sheeting is
taken by the secondary truss members and which in turn transferred to the primary truss members.
Primary truss members are supported on the columns and the loads generated on the primary truss
will be dissipated into the supports. The span of the secondary trusses are comparatively larger
(20.480m to 28.360m) than the primary trusses (9.550m to 13.800m). It was observed that the top
chord elements of secondary trusses are subjected to heavy moments. So by introducing a strut
element, we can reduce the effective span of the top chord member. It will help to keep the chord
profile size as minimum as possible.

Keen attention has been paid to make sure that meeting point of secondary truss with the primary
truss is at the diagonal joints of later. A good load distribution can be achieved by keeping the
geometry of joint as said above.

To validate the truss elements, classical mechanics equations are used. Any individual load case
(eg. Snow load) to calculate the maximum bending moment developed in the chord. Treating top
chord as simply supported beam, maximum BM can be obtained by using eqn Wl2/8. By dividing
the BM with the lever arm (height of truss), we can get the axial forces developed at the truss
chord. By using this simple methodology, we can validate the analysis of Software

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Plan view of the truss layout

2.2 Model Generation Using Axis VM software

2.2.1 Few words about the software

InterCAD Kft develops AxisVM software for Civil and Structural engineers to simplify the
structural design process. This structural design software facilitates the users to develop the 3D
model through incorporated visual modeling.

An easy-to-use graphical user interface supports all phases of the process covering definition,
analysis and result query.

AxisVM offers the following outstanding features: -

• Study of 2D or 3D frames, trusses, beam, ribs with elastic embedding.

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 • Study of 2D or 3D membrane walls, plates, ribbed and elastically embedded plates and
shells.
• Study of 2D or 3D structures made of trusses, beams, ribs, membranes, plates and shells
in any combination.
• Linear and nonlinear analysis, buckling, vibration, seismic calculation, dynamic (time-
history) analysis of 2D or 3D structures constructed with trusses, beams, ribs,
membranes, plates and shells in any combination.
• Examining reinforced concrete columns with computation of the load-moment strength
interaction diagram.
• Estimation of the essential amount of beam reinforcement (on the basis of bending, shear
and torsion).
• Estimation of the necessary amount of reinforcement toward reinforced concrete plates,
membrane and shells.
• Estimate for cracking to find out opening and directions toward reinforced concrete
plates, membrane walls and shell structures.
• Spot footing design with iterative size calculation, check of efficiency.
• Steel design, check of efficiency.
• Solid, LVL and GLULAM timber design, check of efficiency.

2.3 Roof Truss Model Generation

Initially geometric layout of the structure is imported into AXIS VM structure from a CAD dwg
file. By importing the geometric layout into axis, the position of columns and spacing between the
individual trusses can be maintained in the model.

Using the GUI interphase of the software, individual trusses of the structural system was modelled.
Initially, all the secondary trusses are modelled and made sure that all the trusses are aligned as
per the geometrical requirements. The levels of apex, eve positions of trusses are checked during
this stage. Any corrections required to position the nodes were done by necessary modifications.

Upon the completion of the modelling of primary trusses, secondary trusses were modelled.
Support conditions and joint release parameters were introduced. Appropriate structural sections
were assigned to the entire model. All the structural sections used in the truss system were belong
to square or rectangular hollow sections. Grade of the materials used is S355.

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3.0 Load Calculations

The workload is based on the technical task of the customer and the building codes in used in
Latvia. In places where different loads were given, the highest values were used for calculations.

● Dead load for roof maintenance (category H): 0.40 kN / m2;

● Effective load on sandwich panels under the ceiling: 0.40 kN / m2 or 1.00 kN per panel;
(Simultaneous full realization with snow load possible)
● Useful load in the administrative and adjacent premises: 5.00 kN / m2 (according to the function
according to LVS EN 1991-1-1, the payload is 2.50 kN / m2 with an additional value for partition
assessment 0.80 kN / m2, which is less than according to the specifications submitted by the
customer, therefore the values given in the contract work order are used);
● The live load on warehouse premises located on the 2nd floor: 20.00 kN / m2.
● Useful load in stairs according to LVS EN 1991-1-1: 3.00 kN / m2.
● Effective load on the floor of the warehouse:
● uniformly dispersed surface load of 50 kN / m2;
● Concentrated load from the loader wheel: 60 kN;
● Concentrated loads from the store shelf feet: the worst option from suppliers' values
3.1 Dead Load (DL)

Dead load acting on the roof truss assembly is calculated by considering all the possible loads
that could act on the roof.

Applicable to the roof structure of metal structures, where there are no thermal insulation panels
No. Title Thickness Density Characteristic Load
mm kN/m3 kN/m2
1 Waterproofing membrane 1.2 - 0.02
2 Thermal insulation 20 1.20 0.03
3 Thermal insulation of the hole drills 120 0.75 0.09
4 Load from vapour membrane 0.2 - -
5 Bearing roof Insulation 30 1.20 0.04
6 Roofing Profile RUUKKI 153 mm (Max. Thickness) 1.5 - 0.21
7 Hanging installations (Ventilation ) - 0.20
8 Loading from solar panels - 0.30
Total 0.89
Load Considered for calculation 1.50

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Roof covering in zones with suspended ceiling panels

N Characteristic
o. Title Thickness Density Load
mm kN/m3 kN/m2
1 Waterproofing membrane 1.2 - 0.02
2 Thermal insulation 20 1.20 0.03
3 Thermal insulation of the hole drills 120 0.75 0.09
4 Load from vapour membrane 0.2 - -
5 Bearing roof Insulation 30 1.20 0.04
6 Roofing Profile RUUKKI 153 mm (Max. Thickness) 1.5 - 0.21
7 Insulated drain panels and their additional constructions Varying - 0.30
8 Hanging installations (Ventilation ) - 0.20
9 Loading from solar panels - 0.30
Total 1.19
Load Considered for calculation 1.50

3.2 Wind Load (WL)

● Basic wind speed: 24 m / s (LVS EN 1991-1-4: 2005 / NA: 2011).

Terrain category according to the situation: II (territory with low vegetation, distances between
buildings at least 20 heights). Orthographic factor for wind load calculation Co (z) = 1.0 (flat
terrain); air density ρ = 1.25 kG / m3. The length of the building in the axes is 184.00 m; width
208.05 m; reference height 19 m; roof type - slippery double (~ 1.00 - 1.50 °).
The wind acting on the structure is calculated using the spreadsheet.

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8
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3.3 Snow Load Calculation

Normal value of snow load on the earth: 1.25 kN / m2 (LVS EN 1991-1-3: 2003 / NA: 2015);

● Value of extreme snow loads on the ground surface: 2.50 kN / m2.

Exposure coefficient for calculation of snow load on the roof plane: Ce = 1.00 (normal
topography). Thermal coefficient: Ct = 1.00 (no significant snow melting on the roof is
expected).

The pitch of the roof is less than 150

3.4 Load from Coolers

The weight of individual cooler equipment is provided by the specialist supplier.

4.0 Load Application on Model

4.1 Dead Load [DL]
A uniformly distributed load value gk = 1.50 kN / m2 is applied to the entire roof plane.

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4.2 Loads from suspended cooler equipment’s
The load is applied as a point load in the corners of the dispensing unit.

4.3 Maintenance Bridge Load

The uniformly distributed load value gk = 2.00 kN / m2 is applied to the entire roof plane.

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4.4 Snow Loads [SL]
A uniformly distributed load value qk = 1.00 kN / m2 is applied to the entire roof plane.

4.5 Wind Loads [WL +]

A uniformly distributed load value qk = 0.40 kN / m2 is applied to the entire roof plane.

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4.6 Wind Loads [WL -]
The uniformly distributed load value qk = 0.50 kN / m2 is applied to the entire roof plane.

5.0 Load Combinations

Load Combinations are generated automatically by the software as per the Eurocode provisions.
Both Ultimate Limit State (ULS) And Serviceability Limit State Load cases are generated.

All the load combinations are showed in the table below.

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 Name Type DL COOLERS MAINT. SL WL- WL+
BRIDGE
1 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0 0
2 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.50 0 0
+ 1.50*SL
3 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.50 0.90 0
+ 1.50*SL + 0.90*WL-
4 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.50 0 0.90
+ 1.50*SL + 0.90*WL+
5 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 1.50 0
+ 1.50*WL-
6 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.05 1.50 0
+ 1.05*SL + 1.50*WL-
7 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0 1.50
+ 1.50*WL+
8 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.05 0 1.50
+ 1.05*SL + 1.50*WL+
9 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 0 0 0
10 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.50 0 0
+ 1.50*SL
11 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.50 0.90 0
+ 1.50*SL + 0.90*WL-
12 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.50 0 0.90
+ 1.50*SL + 0.90*WL+
13 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 0 1.50 0
+ 1.50*WL-
14 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.05 1.50 0
+ 1.05*SL + 1.50*WL-
15 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 0 0 1.50
+ 1.50*WL+
16 1.35*DL + 1.35*COOLERS + 1.35*MAINT. BRIDGE ULS 1.35 1.35 1.35 1.05 0 1.50
+ 1.05*SL + 1.50*WL+
17 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0 0
Characteristic
18 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0
+ 1.00*SL Characteristic
19 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.60 0
+ 1.00*SL + 0.60*WL- Characteristic
20 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0.60
+ 1.00*SL + 0.60*WL+ Characteristic
21 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 1.00 0
+ 1.00*WL- Characteristic
22 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.70 1.00 0
+ 0.70*SL + 1.00*WL- Characteristic
23 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0 0 1.00
+ 1.00*WL+ Characteristic
24 1.00*DL + 1.00*COOLERS + 1.00*MAINT. BRIDGE SLS 1.00 1.00 1.00 0.70 0 1.00
+ 0.70*SL + 1.00*WL+ Characteristic

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6.0 Analysis of the truss assembly
There are 5 types of secondary trusses. Classification is based on the span of individual truss. The
lengths of secondary trusses are 28.360m, 27.200m, 26.600m, and 26.500m & 20.480m.

Similarly, primary trusses are classified into 7 different trusses based on the span of the trusses.
They are 13.800m, 13.600m, 13.550m, 13.500m, 12.100m, 12.100m Double truss, 11.000m &
9.550m.

In this report analysis results of 28.360m secondary truss is provided by considering that it is the
truss with maximum span and most critical.

Analysis results of 28.360m span truss is given below

6.1 Axial force in top chord of truss (ULS)

From the below figure, it is clear that the top chord is symmetrically loaded. And the variation of
load is from min to max as the chord length under consideration changes from support to mid
span. Also it’s shown that the top chord is under compression. By using this simple theories of
mechanics, we can validate the analysis performed by the software

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6.2 Moment, My in Top chord (ULS)
To make sure that the model generation or load application is correct, we can simply analyse the
moment developed at the supports. Since all the members are having hinged support, its absolutely
vivid that the support must have zero moments. In the below BM diagram, no moments are
developed at the support there by we can ensure that the supports are properly applied at the model
as intended.

6.3Axial Force in Bottom Chord of Truss (ULS)

Bottom chord is subjected to the tensile forces and due to the symmetry in loading the variation
of tensile stresses is uniform.

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6.4 Minimum axial force developed in Diagonal elements (ULS)
Diagonals are modelled as truss elements. Maximum tension is developed at the diagonals placed
next to the supports.

6.5 Maximum axial force developed in Diagonal elements (ULS)

As we know the first diagonal placed near to supports will be subjected to maximum compression.
It is very clear from the below axial force diagram that max compressed elements are those which
connected to the supports. The change in nature of force (tension & compression) is observed
when it examined from one support to the other.

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6.6 Axial forces developed in Strut elements (ULS)

6.7 Defection Check (SLS)

The maximum allowable deflection of the truss is limited to span/400 by considering the loads
effects from hanging cooling machinaries and false ceiling supports on the bottom of truss bottom
chord.
Here we have a maximum deflection of 71.906 mm (avg. deflection). Allowable deflecton =
28360/400=70.9 mm. Actual deflection is slightly higher than allowable deflection. But the
margin is negligibly small.

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7.0 Design of Structural Elements
Utilization Ratio of individual truss elements in ULS
Maximum utilization ratio of truss elements is 0.85.
We are restricting the utilization ratio to 0.85 to accommodate the additional loads which may
come in the future.

Typical design example of one structural element of 28.360m truss (Top chord member) is
shown below.

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24
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8.0 Joint Design Calculation
Joint calculation is done by handcalculations and using Autodesk ROBOT software
8.1 Truss Bottom Chord Joint Design

27
28
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8.2 Truss Top Chord Joint Design

31
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9.0 Summary
Structural Solution required for the roof assembly is formulated by studying the
architectural layout.
Loads on the Roof Structure is calculated by following appropriate design codes and
product manuals.
Analysis and Design of roof truss assembly was done using Axis VM software
Joint design of truss system was prepared by Manuel calculations and using ROBOT
software.

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10.0 REFERENCES

1. for Load Combinations

• EN-1990

2. for calculating individual Load Cases

• EN-1991-1 (Imposed Loads)

• EN-1991-3 (Wind Loads)
• EN-1991-4 (Snow Loads)

3. for Structural Design

• EN-1993-1 (Member Design)

• EN-1993-8 (Joint Design )

4. Software Manuals

• User’s manual for AXIS VM

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