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What is a truss? A truss is a type of triangulated stiff framework made from straight struts and ties. Struts are structural components designed to resist longitudinal compression. Ties are slender structural rods, which transfer carrying tensile loads. Struts and ties connect to top and bottom chords to create different kinds of trusses. Trusses are easily seen in bridge construction. The truss was invented by the Greeks, first for ship building, then to carry the roofs of their houses. Early trusses were made of wood, then iron. Today large span trusses are built of steel and reinforced concrete. Common truss shapes are Warren, Howe and Pratt trusses which are mainly used in bridge construction. Geodesic domes and space frames are also examples of truss structures. A very large rigid frame truss without triangulation is called the Vierendeel truss, named after its inventor, Arthur Vierendeel.
Triangulate a truss!
Activity 1 – Find Trusses
Leave the computer and walk around your neighborhood. Look for trusses. Look for trusses in the roofs of houses and the structures of buildings. If you cannot find any good examples in your neighborhood, research some on the web. Draw at least three trusses in your journal.
Activity 2 – Diagram the Loads of a Truss
Where do the loads of a truss go? Trusses carry their own weight from the top of the truss, down the members across the chords and onto the supports. Redraw your three trusses and diagram where you think the load is carried. Look at this link for assistance: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/buildingbig/bridge/index.html
Transfer loads on trusses!
Activity 3 – Build a truss and test it!
Challenge yourself. Use one sheet of 3/16" thick foam core, 24’ x 36". Using only white Elmer’s glue, a matte knife and your structural design skills, build a truss that spans 30" and has a maximum of 2” bearing on each side. Cut, fold, assemble, adhere, interlock, laminate and shape the single board of foam core using the least amount of material to provide the greatest amount of capacity. Think about weight of final structural members, loading capacity resisted by members, and beauty of form.
Be a civil engineer!
Hint: the foam will fail before the paper, and the shape of the connection at the edge of the beam is critical. The beam will transfer the load immediately to the edges of the two drafting tables. The beam will compress in the top edge and will be placed in tension in the bottom.
Review
- A span is the:
- A rigid joint is:
- Triangulation is important in a truss because it:
- Trusses can be made of steel, wood and stone.
- Trusses can span longer distances than beams.
Explore
- Bridge Challenge
- Bridges Around the World
- Bridge Trusses
- Build a Truss
- Building With Bridges
- Popsicle Bridge Plans
- Popsicle Bridge Video
- Secrets of a Master Builder
- The Rainbow Bridge Photos
- Video Bowstring Truss Optimization for Basketball Arena
- Video PBS Design Squad Truss Bridge
- Video PBS Modeling Truss Structures
- Video PBS Train Truss Animation
- What is a truss?
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