Guide to Selecting Materials for Tubular Trusses

Material selection for tubular trusses requires a comprehensive consideration of mechanical properties and cost-effectiveness. Q355B low-alloy steel is the preferred choice for steel, with a yield strength of 355MPa, combining good weldability and economy, making it suitable for conventional span structures. For large spans or special load scenarios, Q420 high-strength steel can be selected to reduce self-weight, or 16Mn low-alloy steel pipes can be used to improve bending resistance. Corrosive environments require galvanized coatings or weathering steel, while heat-resistant alloy steel should be prioritized for high-temperature conditions, supplemented by insulation measures. Steel ball node design is recommended for node connections to ensure uniform stress distribution and convenient construction.

For special needs, combined solutions can be considered: such as aluminum alloy trusses for scenarios with high lightweight requirements, or the mixed use of prestressed cables and steel to optimize stress distribution. When recycling waste materials, the feasibility of FRP molding processes needs to be evaluated to ensure that deformation is controlled within the error range. Material selection should be combined with specific spans, loads, and environmental conditions, and material characteristics should be compared using visualization tools to achieve the optimal balance between performance and cost.