Design Of The Tension Rod In Gabled Frames

Light-weight buildings with gabled frames are widely used in practical steel projects, whose design process is relatively mature. In those buildings, the main resistance system is the plain gabled frame, which is composed of sloped beams and columns. For dual-sloped frames, a tension rod on the beam could be used to improve the carrying capacity of the frame, especially in structural strengthening projects. Nevertheless, whether all the tension rods arranged in gabled frames could function well and how to arrange the tension rod in frames to achieve maximum stiffness (vertical or lateral) are still questionable. Furthermore, documents and research data about the design of tension rods could be hardly found. Accordingly, it is quite necessary to develop the research on both the applicability and arrangement rule of tension rods in gabled frames.The research work of this paper is classified as two separated chapters, which is according to the form of frame-column bases (pined base or fixed ones). Meanwhile, the research in each chapter is classified as vertical uniform load cases and later wind load cases. Based upon dozens of analysis cases on gabled frames with different beam span, column height and roof grade, the behavior or influence of tension rod to frame stress and frame stability is determined. The results could be used as a practical reference to the design of gabled frames.