Truss Bridge

engineering · bridges · structures

Triangles are strong. Truss bridges are built from triangular shapes connected together. Triangles are one of the strongest shapes in construction because the angles and straight sides share weight evenly throughout the structure.

Material efficient design. Truss bridges use way less steel and wood than other bridge types because the triangular pattern spreads the weight perfectly. This makes them cheaper and faster to build compared to solid beam bridges.

Tension and compression. The beams in a truss bridge experience two kinds of stress: some get pulled (tension) while others get squeezed (compression). The triangular design handles both forces at once, keeping everything balanced.

Designed in the 1800s. Engineers in the 19th and early 20th centuries invented many types of truss bridges because they were so effective and economical. Many famous old truss bridges are still standing today and handling traffic perfectly.