Numerical investing of truss flange joints with trimmed flanges

In modern construction, steel trusses remain one of the most common types of load-bearing structures used in the construction of industrial, civil, and public buildings. Their use is driven by high load-carrying capacity, relatively easy installation, and economic feasibility in long-span structures. One of the most critical elements of such structures is the flange joint, through which the main internal forces are transferred from one part of the truss to another. The reliability and durability of the entire system largely depend on the accuracy of its calculation and design. Special attention must be paid to situations where the joint is subjected not only to axial loads but also to bending moments and torsion, which create a complex stress–strain state. In such cases, traditional calculation methods, based on simplified models and assumptions of uniform stress distribution, do not always allow for the identification of local concentrations that may lead to premature structural failure. In this context, improving numerical analysis methods that consider the real spatial geometry of the elements, the specifics of the connections, and the nature of the loading becomes especially relevant. The proposed approach is based on constructing an analytical model of the joint, enabling the calculation of internal forces in critical zones without the need to model the entire truss. This not only reduces the time required for calculations but also improves their accuracy. Such an approach contributes to the early detection of potentially hazardous zones where stress levels may exceed permissible limits, thereby reducing the risk of loss of serviceability.