TRUSSES

TRUSSES
 A truss is a framework supporting a large structure e.g. roof, bridge, pylon, crane,
scaffolding etc.
 A truss is made up of two types of members namely struts and ties.
 A tie is a beam that must withstand tension. Ties can either be solid /hollow
beams or steel cables.
 A strut is a supporting beam that must withstand compression. Tubes, girders
and columns are examples of struts.
 A truss is composed of many connected members performing the function of a
beam.
 The members in a truss are connected to give a series of triangles. The more the
triangles the stronger and stable the truss.

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Uses of trusses
Trusses are used to support:
 Roofs
 Bridges
 Pylons
 Scaffoldings
 Cranes.
Advantages of trusses over beams
1) Good load distribution – made of many members which share stress.
2) Strong – made of many members, share load, have reduced self-load.
3) Light – their neutral axes are removed.
4) Economy (use less material) - some material was removed on their neutral axis.
5) Are stable – beams form a triangular shape.
EXPERIMENT: To show which members are under tension or compression in a
triangular truss.
Materials: rubber band, pins, two wooden beams
Method
1) Construct and load a triangular framework as shown below.

Result
1. The horizontal rubber band beam (lower beam) stretched. It was under tension.
2. The sloping rubber band beam buckled. It was under compression.
Conclusion
 The horizontal beam in a triangular truss is under tension. Therefore it is a tie.
It can be replaced by a cable, wire or chain which stay straight and tight when
under tension.
 The slanting side beams of a triangular truss are under compression. They
are struts. Solid or hollow beams are used for struts.

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ROOF TRUSS
 A roof truss is used to support the roof of a building.

TRUSSES IN LARGE STRUCTURES

Members parallel to this one are in compression

 The trellis (series of triangles) in a truss resists shear.

 The triangles give strength and stability to the structure.
 The more the triangles the stronger and more stable the structure.

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