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BRACING - See Lateral Bracing, Temporary Bracing, Permanent Bracing
BUILT-UP BEAM - A single unit composed of two or more wood members having the same thickness but not
necessarily the same depth, which provides a greater load carrying capacity as well as greater resistance to
deflection.
BUTT CUT - Slight vertical cut at outside end of truss bottom chord made to ensure uniform nominal span
and tight joints. Usually 1/4-inch.
CAMBER - An upward vertical displacement built into a truss, usually to offset deflection due to dead load.
CANTILEVER - The part of a truss that extends beyond its support. The truss below has a cantilever on
the right.
CLEAR SPAN - Horizontal distance between interior edges of supports (see image above).
COMBINED STRESS - The combination of axial and bending stresses acting on a member simultaneously,
such as occurs in the top chord (compression + bending) or bottom chord (tension + bending) of a truss.
CONCENTRATED LOAD - An additional load centered at a given point. An example is a crane or hoist
hanging from the bottom chord at a panel point or mechanical equipment supported by the top chord.
DEAD LOAD - Permanent loads that are constantly on the truss, i.e.: the weight of the truss itself, purlins,
sheathing, roofing, ceiling, etc.
