What is the use of Plate Girder in the Roof Trusses?

Assembled Girder Trusses

Hi Sachin, thank you for your question.

Plate girders are actually built-up steel I-beams, usually used where typical I-beam shapes are inadequate (i.e. railroad bridges). In timber framing we call girders “girts,” or we use “girder trusses.” I assume this is what your question pertains to, and simply put, they are used where a traditional heavy timber beam/girt would be inadequate. We usually use them where the client doesn’t want interior posts and we need to span a long length, or in high snow regions with long spans, etc.

Hope this answered your question!

Thank you,

Matthew McGinnis, EIT

Junior Timber Frame Engineer

Vermont Timber Works