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What Is Truss Structure?
Any structure that uses trusses in its design can be called a truss structure. Trusses are triangular or pyramidal shapes that are used in the structure of buildings in order to make them more stable than structural components with 90 degree angles could. Bridges, platforms, towers, and houses are common types of truss structures.
Structures frequently make use of trusses because of the additional support and strength that they provide. Triangular shapes are particularly stable because the length of the sides of the legs and the measure of the angles must correlate, making it difficult for triangles to lose their shape. Trusses are able to resist the force of a great deal of weight compared to rectangular structures made from the same materials because a downward force applied to the corner of a triangle can be easily diffused throughout the shape. These features of triangles make the truss structure common in engineering and architecture.
A bridge is a common type of truss structure. Many bridges utilize a series of simple trusses as a part of their design, either along the sides, the bottom, or on towers to hold the bridge up at strategic intervals. Stand-alone truss towers are also common. In this type of truss structure, a series of two or three dimensional trusses is used to give the tower more stability and make it less prone to bending as it reaches greater heights. Electrical towers, bridge supports, or scaffolding can all be constructed as truss towers.
In houses, trusses are commonly used in the construction of the roof and the floor. In roofing, the truss may be used to frame the roof, while in flooring, a truss can be used to create a platform. Many large, open platforms can also be constructed with the use of trusses. Two or three dimensional trusses can be used to keep the structure stable as it moves towards the middle, away from the support posts that hold it up. While large platforms may still need extra supports, using a truss frame allows them to be made larger with fewer vertical supports.
One specialized type of truss structure is known as the integrated truss structure. This system of trusses is made up of many pieces that have been assembled to form the International Space Station (ISS). On the space station, there are specialized trusses that hold solar arrays, power systems, and cargo bays.
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![A roof truss provides support for a roof.]()
By: OmikaA roof truss provides support for a roof. -
![A system of trusses makes up the International Space Station.]()
By: Global PanoramaA system of trusses makes up the International Space Station. -
![Roof trusses are generally made from two by four stock.]()
By: Greg PickensRoof trusses are generally made from two by four stock.
Discussion Comments
Engineers need to have a good knowledge of working with trusses when supporting bridges.
Building a bridge you need to take many things into account. You have to be able to estimate the amount of weight that will be on that bridge at any one time. This weight is going to generate vibrations that you need to figure into the building plan. A rigid unmoving bridge will tend to break due to these vibrations.
In the northern regions you need to account for the salt used on these bridges in winter. A more rigid maintenance schedule will be needed on these bridges as opposed to southern bridges.
Bridges are an important part of traversing long distances. Crossing rivers, canyons and other roads on a long trip you are going to need bridges.
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