Article
Article
Truss bridge
Article By:
Duan, Lian California Department of Transportation, Carmichael, California.
Last reviewed:June 2019
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1036/1097-8542.712890
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A bridge consisting of members arranged vertically in a triangular pattern, which provides stability and support. Truss bridges have been a staple type of steel bridge since the 1800s. A truss is actually a girder with a web of triangular openings and uses material very efficiently (Fig. 1). The top and bottom chords of the truss carry primarily the bending moments, similar to the flanges in a girder. The diagonals and/or verticals carry mainly the shear forces, similar to the web in a girder. Truss bridges were used mostly in the old railway bridges and usually for spans ranging from 40 to 550 m (130 to 1804 ft). They are very compatible with arch bridges. See also: Arch bridge; Bridge; Loads, transverse; Truss
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