A truss carries load through a triangulated framework of chords, verticals and diagonals. Because each member works mainly in tension or compression, trusses use steel efficiently and remain light for their span.
Where trusses are a good fit
- Medium spans where a deep girder would be heavy or visually bulky.
- Sites where the bridge must be delivered in segments and spliced on site.
- Crossings that need enclosure: roof and side cladding can be attached to the truss frame.
Fabrication points to agree early
- Splice locations and bolted versus welded field connections.
- Camber and its tolerance, measured at fabrication and after erection.
- Fatigue detailing of welded connections, where the design requires it.
- Transport envelope of each segment (length, width, height and weight).
Final member sizes, details and specifications are determined by the engineer of record for each project. This page describes general practice and does not replace project-specific engineering.
This content is general technical information. It does not replace project-specific structural design, which must be carried out or approved by a qualified engineer under the applicable codes and the requirements of the authority having jurisdiction.