What is a truss

What is a truss?

A truss is a rod system characterized by the fact that:

• the rods are connected by joints,
• all rods are straight (without bends, unless there is a joint at the bend),
• they are loaded at the nodes with concentrated forces.

Where do trusses occur in construction?

Trusses are a fundamental structure in many constructions, used as roof trusses, providing a base for roofing and transferring loads to walls and foundations. Trusses are used in bridge constructions, and are also often utilized in the construction of industrial halls - their advantages include ease of assembly and the possibility of easy reconstruction or expansion. Aluminum trusses are ideal for building small stages, stage canopies and lighting ramps.

Trusses are widely used in construction due to their strength, lightness, and efficiency in load transfer. Additionally, they allow for spanning large distances without the need for additional supporting columns.

Here are some examples of truss applications in various construction projects:

Main applications of trusses:

• Railway and road bridges - their structure allows for the transfer of large loads over long distances with relatively low self-weight, ensuring stability and resistance to dynamic loads and changing weather conditions,
• Roof trusses are commonly used in industrial halls and warehouses, where large roof spans require strong yet lightweight load-bearing structures. Stadiums, sports halls, and other recreational facilities often utilize trusses for roof construction, allowing for the creation of large, open spaces without internal supports.
• Trusses are ideal for building telecommunication and radio towers, antenna masts, where lightness and resistance to wind loads are crucial,

These are just a few main applications, and there are many, many more!

How to analyze a truss?

The analysis of internal forces in trusses plays a key role.

Methods such as joint equilibrium, Ritter's method and Cremona's method are key tools for truss analysis that we will focus on in our course. Additionally, there are zero-force member theorems, which allow for simplifying truss analysis by eliminating certain structural elements.

You have access to free theoretical introductions, video courses and a database of problems with solutions

We invite you to explore the topic of internal forces in trusses, where exploring their impact on material strength leads to a thorough understanding of structural mechanics and the creation of solid and safe structures.

Good luck! 🛠️🔍