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
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.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.