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
CLC and BSR process map for HRB approvals
One of the initial outputs of their weekly BSR meetings.
Building Safety Levy technical consultation response
Details of the planned levy now due in 2026.
Great British Energy install solar on school and NHS sites
200 schools and 200 NHS sites to get solar systems, as first project of the newly formed government initiative.
600 million for 60,000 more skilled construction workers
Announced by Treasury ahead of the Spring Statement.
The restoration of the novelist’s birthplace in Eastwood.
Life Critical Fire Safety External Wall System LCFS EWS
Breaking down what is meant by this now often used term.
PAC report on the Remediation of Dangerous Cladding
Recommendations on workforce, transparency, support, insurance, funding, fraud and mismanagement.
New towns, expanded settlements and housing delivery
Modular inquiry asks if new towns and expanded settlements are an effective means of delivering housing.
Building Engineering Business Survey Q1 2025
Survey shows growth remains flat as skill shortages and volatile pricing persist.
Construction contract awards remain buoyant
Infrastructure up but residential struggles.
Home builders call for suspension of Building Safety Levy
HBF with over 100 home builders write to the Chancellor.
CIOB Apprentice of the Year 2024/2025
CIOB names James Monk a quantity surveyor from Cambridge as the winner.
Warm Homes Plan and existing energy bill support policies
Breaking down what existing policies are and what they do.
Treasury responds to sector submission on Warm Homes
Trade associations call on Government to make good on manifesto pledge for the upgrading of 5 million homes.
A tour through Robotic Installation Systems for Elevators, Innovation Labs, MetaCore and PORT tech.
A dynamic brand built for impact stitched into BSRIA’s building fabric.
BS 9991:2024 and the recently published CLC advisory note
Fire safety in the design, management and use of residential buildings. Code of practice.