In most cases, this solution enables the cross-members to be welded straight into the web without any additional reinforcements. For heavy-duty vehicles, a web stiffener can be integrated in the cross-member attachment to increase stiffness and reduce stress levels in this area, as in the illustration below.

Profiles with open cross-sections can be used in trailers whose cross-members are mainly sub-jected to bending, e.g. curtain-siders, container carriers and vans. Openings for every profile can be cut into the web, and the profiles can be welded to the web plate of the longitudinal beam. However, it should be noted, that profiles with open cross-sections are not recommended for chassis subjected to twisting loads.

Yet another solution is to use an attachment bracket to distribute the stresses over a larger area. The attachment bracket can be welded, riveted or bolted to the web of the longitudinal beam.

Different types of cross-member attachments. The type of cross-member to be used and the design of the attachment to the main beams depend on the type of trailer. For trailers subjected to substantial twisting loads, closed cross-member profiles are recommended. For heavy-duty vehicles, it is beneficial to combine such a profile with a U-shaped web stiffener welded to both the flanges and the web (1). Welding of protruding C-profile cross-members can be limited to the web of the profile (2). Cross-members can also be bolted or riveted to the main beams (3).