24 September 2026

What is a Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System)? A new alternative for wide span roof structures

When designing and constructing large scale buildings such as warehouses, distribution centers, industrial plants, convention centers, or sports arenas a major challenge for engineers and architects is creating wide, open spaces (clear spans) without central columns obstructing the usable area. Historically, conventional structural steel trusses were commonly used, these required components to be lifted, cut, welded, and assembled on site, resulting in excessive time and labor costs, as well as difficulties in maintaining safety standards.

The Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System) from Smart Building was developed to directly address these challenges. By combining the strengths of prefabricated steel structures with advanced engineering design, it offers a new solution for wide span roof structures that effectively reduces construction time, enhances safety, and saves costs.

What is a Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System)?

The Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System) is a prefabricated, long span steel truss roofing system that seamlessly integrates two innovative approaches:

Knock down System (Prefabricated/Demountable): All truss components are fully designed, fabricated, drilled, and painted at the factory. Upon delivery to the site, assembly and installation are carried out using high strength bolted connections, requiring virtually no on site welding.
Hybrid System (High Efficiency Hybrid Structure): This system integrates various steel cross sections such as combining high strength structural steel with specially designed components to balance the distribution of tensile and compressive forces. This results in a structure that is lighter in weight yet capable of withstanding greater loads and storm force winds compared to conventional truss structures.

Key advantages that make the Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System) superior to traditional roof trusses

Supports Extra Wide Clear Spans: Designed to span widths ranging from 30 to over 60 meters without intermediate columns obstructing layouts, racking systems, or forklift routes.
Reducing Risks Associated with Working at Height: The structure can be assembled into sub units on the ground and then lifted into place by crane for a single installation, significantly reducing the time workers must spend welding at heights.
Installs up to twice as fast: Bolt and nut assembly ensures a smooth installation process, eliminating weather related delays and enabling faster roofing project completion compared to on site welded structures.
Reducing Weight at the Foundation: The hybrid structure is engineered for cost effective steel usage, resulting in a lighter roof and savings on piling and pier foundation costs.
Factory Controlled Quality: Cutting, drilling, and anti-rust coating processes are carried out under controlled conditions, ensuring precise joint fit and durable anti rust protection that prevents long term corrosion.

Comparison Table: Knock-down Truss (Hybrid System) vs. On site Welded Roof Truss

Comparison topics	Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System)	On site welded roof truss (Conventional Truss)
Assembly system	High tensile bolts and nuts (factory direct).	Manual on site cutting and welding.
Installation speed	Very fast, quick to assemble, and doesn't interfere with other work.	Slow and requires a significant amount of time and skilled labor.
On site safety	Very tall, assemble on level ground before lifting into place for installation.	High risk, technicians are required to work at heights for extended periods.
Structural weight	Lightweight, strong, and balanced in force distribution.	Heavy, often uses steel that is thicker than necessary.
Workpiece accuracy	Millimeter level precision using a CNC computer system.	Depends on the skills of the welder on site.

Building types suitable for the Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System)

With its wide span, column free capabilities, this system is ideally suited for the following types of buildings:

Distribution Centers and Logistics Warehouses: Requiring vertical storage space and pathways for automated systems (AS/RS or AGV).
Large scale industrial plants: Facilities with continuous production lines requiring the installation of overhead crane systems.
Indoor Stadiums and Gymnasiums: Spaces requiring an open, airy feel with unobstructed views for spectators.
Exhibition halls, auditoriums, and aircraft hangars: Facilities requiring exceptionally wide, unobstructed spans.

Summary

The Knock Down Truss (Hybrid System) represents a significant advancement in roof structure engineering, addressing architectural, safety, and cost efficiency needs. It enables business operators to put their buildings into service quickly while ensuring internationally recognized safety standards.

If you are planning to construct a warehouse, factory, or wide span building, Smart Building (Thailand) Co., Ltd. is ready to provide consultation, design, and installation services for prefabricated roof structures, backed by a team of expert engineers.

Elevate your building's roof structure with the Knock Down Truss system (Hybrid System) from Smart Building. Contact us today for a free consultation!

Sales Department: 084-987-8744 / Contact Us