High School Gymnasium Roof Truss Support Collapse

Roof truss supports from a high school gymnasium were evaluated after the roof collapsed under a heavy load of snow. The roof collapsed when the truss supports buckled. Three significant structural deficiencies were identified during the evaluation: (1) Truss supports were not gusseted, allowing for side-to-side movement. (2) Yield strength of the support was 9% below the minimum specified yield strength specified for the base material, ASTM A36. (3) Full penetration was not achieved on the butt weld between the truss and support.