Do this activity with a partner. 1. What is the function of a roof truss? 2. If the height of the king post of a roof truss is increased, but the span is not increased, which is the only part of the truss that wil not increase in length?

Sure, let's work through the activity together! --- ### 1. **What is the function of a roof truss?** A **roof truss** is a structural framework designed to support the roof of a building. Its primary functions include: - **Load Distribution:** Roof trusses evenly distribute the weight of the roof (including the roofing materials, snow, and other loads) to the building’s walls or other supporting structures. This ensures that no single part of the structure bears excessive weight. - **Structural Stability:** Trusses provide stability to the roof, preventing sagging or collapse by maintaining the shape and integrity of the roof structure. - **Span Support:** They allow for wide roof spans without the need for interior load-bearing walls, enabling more open and flexible interior spaces. - **Material Efficiency:** Trusses are often made from standardized components, which can be more cost-effective and material-efficient compared to traditional rafter construction. - **Ease of Installation:** Prefabricated trusses can be quickly assembled and installed on-site, speeding up the construction process. --- ### 2. **If the height of the king post of a roof truss is increased, but the span is not increased, which is the only part of the truss that will not increase in length?** In a **king post truss**, the king post is the central vertical member that connects the apex of the truss to the base. Here's how increasing the height of the king post affects the truss: - **Increased Height of King Post:** Raising the king post increases the vertical component of the truss, which typically requires the top chords (the sloping sides of the truss) to lengthen to maintain structural integrity and accommodate the greater height. - **Span Remains Unchanged:** Since the horizontal span (the distance between the two supporting walls or points) isn't increased, the bottom chord (the horizontal member of the truss) doesn't need to change in length. **Therefore, the only part of the truss that will not increase in length is the **_bottom chord_**.** The bottom chord remains the same length because the overall horizontal span of the roof truss hasn't changed, even though the height of the king post (and consequently the top chords) has been increased. --- Feel free to discuss these points with your partner or ask if you have any further questions!