What makes a Successful and Efficient Truss Designer?

 

There is no single, predominate profile that conveniently defines every good truss designer.  The formula for success is as varied as today’s truss configurations.  However, once they have established a certain level of expertise, good truss designers seem to share several common characteristics.  Some of the most important skills are identified below.

 

Thorough understanding of the software.

Good designers are experts in using the software.  They are curious about every feature and nuance of the program that allows them to perform more efficiently.  Some people can learn it on their own, but most need formalized training.

 

Working knowledge of building codes.

 Effective designers are familiar with the model building codes and with local variations of the code.  They are also familiar with the Truss Plate Institute ANSI/TPI 1-2002 code, the National Design Specifications for Wood Construction and other related documents.  This enables better communication with building officials and project architects and engineers.  For instance, say the trusses are built with the wrong top chord for some reason and the building official rejects them.  An understanding of the code may allow you to reduce the design load based on roof pitch as per code and justify the design to the building official.

 

Understanding of engineering concepts.

Along with a thorough understanding of the software, they have a basic understanding of truss engineering principles.  A working knowledge of wood properties, combined stress analysis, plating concepts, proper loading methods, building design, design responsibility, etc.  If there is a problem with the interaction of truss components or different elements of the building design, they are proactive in addressing these.  As an example, a knowledgeable designer might notice an inconsistency between L/360 floor deflection criteria in the specifications and the use of an expensive decorative tile floor.  The designer would ask the right questions before the design stage instead of addressing complaints after the owner complains of cracks in the expensive tile because of the floor trusses.

 

Understanding of customer requirements. 

Learning what makes for a satisfactory end result for your customer and for his customer is a key element of an effective truss designer.  Getting feedback on what works well or doesn’t work so well is critical.  Communications before and during the design process is necessary for the proper feedback to occur.  Meeting the minimum requirements of the building code means nothing in terms of satisfying customers.  It may suggest a level of safety, but that’s about all.  For example, you design a 40’ flat bottom chord truss with a corridor wall as a center bearing.  It has minimal deflection.  The next truss is a clear span scissors truss and it deflects a code complying 1.5 inches.  The differential in ridge height in a 24-inch distance may be 1.5 inches under full load and a noticeable amount under dead load.  Both trusses met the building code.  The software allowed them both to run, but the customer may not appreciate the result.  By asking the right questions you prevent the cost, not to mention the headaches, of a complaint later.

 

Good visualization of three-dimensional space.

I am not sure this one can be totally learned.  Some people can naturally see how building elements fit together and understand how to translate what is on the plans to the truss designs, others can’t.  The sophisticated three-dimensional layout programs have helped prevent mistakes by giving the designer feedback as to the interaction and fit of the truss components.  Form and fit errors in three-dimensional views tend to stand out and allow the user to fix right away before anything is cut.

 

Well organized and efficient in time management.

This is true for almost any job in our industry, or any industry for that matter.  We are all doing more with less and it is an absolute necessity to utilize and manage your time efficiently.  Being able to multi-task and juggle priorities is a must in the always-changing nature of the construction industry.

 

Understands the manufacturing process. 

We all know that some of the best truss designers come out of the plant.  They understand the product and tend to avoid designing trusses that cannot be built or built efficiently.  A good truss designer, whether or not he comes out of the plant, has developed a feel for the manufacturing end of the business.

 

Good Communications skills. 

This is another trait that is imperative for any job.  In fact, I cannot think of anything more important.  Understanding the obvious and the subtleties involved in the conveyance of information is absolutely critical to the success of a truss designer.  Clear communication of expectations is a must.  If you promise something ASAP to your customer, have you really established an agreement as to delivery? ASAP to him may be tomorrow; to you it may be next week.  Good communications avoid this ambiguity.

 

It is very satisfying for a manger to match an individual with a job that best utilizes his skills and that maximizes his value to the business.  It is hard to accurately quantify the importance of a good truss designer.  It goes way beyond producing the cutting lists necessary to keep the shop going.  The impact is felt throughout the process right down to the end user.