Uses of Trusses

• Trusses are used extensively in large civil structures
• One their uses is to make girder bridges
• These bridges are designed in such a way that they do not have a neutral layer
• The bridge  is supported at two ends
• The bottom part of the bridge is in compression and the topmost part in in tension
• The diagonal tension and compression members of the truss system support the load
• The zig-zag trellis structure of the bridge protects it from shear forces
• Most girder bridges are made up of hollowed box steel beams to reduce their weight and cost while maintaining their strength

Electric Power transmission lines. Image credit MediaWiki

• Trusses are also used to make power pylons
• The structure is supported by tension and compression members of the truss
• A pylon made up of trusses is cheaper and less wasteful when compared to a solid beam

Cranes are also made up of trusses. Image credit animalpicturesociety.com

• Some cranes are also made up of trusses
• Cranes have a cantilever beam made up of trusses

Scaffolding. Image credit siyasomarket.com

• Trusses are also used in building houses especially in creating roofs
• And in building scaffolding for builders and constructors to stand on during the construction of a building

• The force from the struts is supported by the walls of the house in a roof truss
• The tie beams prevent the load of the roof from pushing the wall outwards
• This gives stability to the structure
• In a roof truss the struts are in compression and
• tie beams are in tension

To access more topics go to the Combined Science Notes page.