Truss bridges are the oldest known bridges of the modern era.

They are
constructed by connecting elements/units through compression, tension or
both. Due to their unique structure - in which efficient use of materials is
made, truss bridges are considered to be economical from the point of
construction. The triangular pattern used in the construction of truss
bridges offers the necessary strength for setting up the beams.

What is a Truss Bridge?

A truss is a structure composed of triangular units connected at joints
called the nodes. Triangular units which form a truss are slender and
straight. A truss design/structure is categorized into planar frame and space
frame. Components of a space frame truss attain a 3-dimensional form.
Planar truss, on the other hand has a 2-dimensional design. Truss is a
structure which is commonly used in the construction of bridges.

Truss Bridge Design

In the process of designing a truss bridge, along with application of
Newton's laws of motion, certain assumptions are taken into consideration.
It is assumed that truss bridges are designed with the help of pin joints. Pin
joints are points where the straight components of the truss structure meet.
The above assumption leads to the conclusion that only the forces of
compression and tension would act on the components of a truss structure.
Design of a truss bridge consists of vertical, lower horizontal and diagonal
elements. Vertical members of the truss bridge face tensile stress while
lower horizontal ones are under a stress that results from bending, tension
and shear stress. Diagonal members which run outwards are under
compression stress while the inner diagonals face tensile stress. There are
many types of truss bridges. Some of these designs prove to be
advantageous if wood is used in the construction; it is especially useful for
protecting the components or truss members that face compression.

Types of Truss Bridges

There are many designs used for constructing truss bridges. Designs are
chosen in accordance with specific needs of the topography of the region.
Information pertaining to different truss bridge designs is presented one-
by-one.
Howe Truss

Howe Truss
The Howe truss is made up of diagonal and vertical members. Diagonal
members of this kind of bridge slope towards the center in an upward
manner. The bridge is named after William Howe, who designed it in 1840.
Pratt Truss Bridge

Pratt Truss
The design of Pratt truss is similar to that of Howe truss. Diagonal members
of the Pratt truss slope downwards and away from the center. The Pratt
truss was invented by Caleb and Thomas Pratt in 1844. The maximum
length of a Pratt truss bridge can be 250 feet; this bridge is generally used
for railroads.
Baltimore Truss Bridge

The Baltimore truss bridge is a variant of Pratt truss Bridge. The difference
between Pratt truss and Baltimore truss is that the latter is strengthened by
providing additional support in the lower section. Additional support is
provided in the form of vertical and diagonal sections which have half the
length of main sections of the bridge. It can be observed in the above
diagram.
Pennsylvania Truss Bridge

The Pennsylvania or Petit truss bridge, just like Baltimore truss, is a variant
of Pratt truss. It was named after the Pennsylvania Railroad. Healdsburg
Memorial Bridge and Schell Bridge are notables examples of the
Pennsylvania truss bridge.
Bailey Truss Bridge

The Bailey truss bridge is generally used by the military to cover gaps and
trenches up to 60 m long. The Bailey bridge can bear the weight of tanks
and doesn't require any kind of heavy machinery or tools for construction.
Specialty of the bailey bridge construction process is the use of
prefabricated components; this makes it possible to speed up the process.
Therefore, the bridge (due to this advantage) is also used in the form of
temporary makeshift crossings.
K Truss Bridge

In the K Truss bridges, length of members which undergo compression is

reduced. The reduction in length enables these components of the bridge
to endure the compressional force. Design of the K truss bridge is
complicated. Therefore, the K Truss bridge is considered as one of the most
difficult ones to build.
 Bowstring Arch Truss Bridge

The Bowstring arch truss bridge, also known as Tied arch bridge, was
patented by Mr. Squire Whipple in 1840. In this bridge, the vertical load
faced by thrust arches is transferred along the path of the arc. Diagonal
components of the truss allow in holding other parts of the bridge intact.
King Post Truss Bridge

King Post Truss

The King post truss is also known as 'crown post'. King post is the main
component of this structure and connects the top portion of the bridge to
its base. Such kind of posts were used in the construction of Parish
churches which formed an integral part of Medieval architecture. The tithe
barn structures used for storage of farm produce also incorporated the king
post in their design.