Types of truss
A truss is a structure that consists of members organised into connected geometrically stable triangles so that the overall assembly behaves as a single object. Trusses are most commonly used in bridges, roofs and towers. In their simplest form they are a triangle made up of three straight members, or with a web of triangles joined together to enable the even distribution of weight, handling tension and compression without bending or shearing. They can often carry significant loads, transferring them to supporting structures such as load-bearingbeams, walls or the ground.
The term truss can be used to decribe a structure, often forming the roof that is made from timber, metal, concrete, composite materials, bamboo or even cardboard, the term refers to the structiral composition. The name of trusses may also be shared by the name of the roof, for example a gable roof uses a gable trusss (or simple truss) and so on and the names for different types of truss can describe their form, their use, the material, their structure, who invented them or where they originated. Here are some different types of truss, though the list is not exhaustive, so feel free to add any that are missing.
- Simple truss
- Planar truss
- Space frame truss
- Pratt truss
- Warren truss
- North light truss
- King post truss
- Queen post truss
- Flat truss
- Howe truss.
- Scissor roof truss.
- Hip truss.
- Bowstring truss.
- Fan truss.
- Fink Truss.
For more information see: Truss.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
Featured articles and news
Electrical contractors welcome crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.
Setting Expectations on Competence Management
Industry Competence Committee.
New Scottish and Welsh governments
CIOB stresses importance of construction after new parliament elections.
The sad story of Derby Hippodrome
An historic building left to decay.
ECA, JIB and JTL back Fabian Society call to invest in skills for a stronger built environment workforce.
Women's Contributions to the Built Environment.
Calls for the delayed Circular Economy Strategy
Over 50 leading businesses, trade associations and professional bodies, including CIAT, and UKGBC sign open letter.
The future workforce: culture change and skill
Under the spotlight at UK Construction Week London.
A landmark moment for postmodern heritage.
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.