Stability of trusses with linear elastic side-supports

The present research is devoted to study of a lateral buckling of truss with linear elastic side-supports. The elastic support reaction in relation to force in compressed chord and coefficient of buckling length related to side-support distance are also calculated. The effect of slope of side-support on limit force is also considered. The non-linear analysis of two roof trusses are carried out. The results are compared to design code requirements [PN-90/B-03200 Steel structures. Design rules (Polish standard)]. The design sensitivity analysis of limit load due to side-support stiffness is carried out. A sensitivity of limit load due to side-support localization is calculated. The influence line of the variation of the limit load of the truss due to introducing side-supports of unit stiffness in chord joints is found. It has been found that for some side-support localization adding new side-support may cause decrease of limit load.