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.

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• Long span roof.
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• Portal frame.
• Purlins.
• Sheathing.
• Space frame.
• Structural steelwork.
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• Truss.
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• Types of structural load.