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Classification
of Trusses

Classification of Coplanar Trusses

Examples:

Simple Truss –
are constructed by starting
with basic triangular
element and then
connecting member/s to
form an additional element.

Basic triangular truss element : ABC

Additional truss element : AD & BD

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Basic triangular truss element : ABC

Additional truss element : AD , DC , CE , BE , BF & EF

Basic triangular truss element : ABC

Additional truss element : AD , CD , DE & BE

Note that simple truss need not have to consist of

entirely of triangles to be stable.

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Types of compound truss:

Type 1 : Simple truss are connected by a common joint and bar.

Compound Truss - are
formed by connecting two or
more simple trusses together.
This type of trusses are quite
often used to support loads
acting over a large span since
it is cheaper to construct a
somewhat lighter compound
truss than to use a heavier
single simple truss.

Simple truss : ABC and CDE

Connection : Joint C and member BE

Type 2 : Simple truss are connected by bar/s.

Simple truss : ABC and DEF

Connection : member EC , AD , and BF

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Type 3 : Simple trusses are connected where bars of a large

simple truss, called the Main Truss, have been substituted by
simple truss, called Secondary trusses.

Main simple truss : truss ABCD

Secondary simple truss : truss AB , BC , & CD

Complex truss - is a peculiarly arranged truss which,

whilst statically determinate, has a set of simultaneous
equilibrium equations which can not be readily uncoupled.
Truss which that cannot be classified as either simple or
compound truss.