A structural truss is a large beam made up of a set of straight elements interconnected by forming triangles. These trusses, built with high load-bearing capacity geometries, allow large spaces to be spanned, have low deflections and resist high loads. Thanks to their versatility and high structural performance, they are widely used in architecture and construction.
There are different types of trusses, including the Howe beam, Warren beam and Pratt beam. In addition to their structural efficiency, trusses are also notable for their aesthetic integration into architecture and construction. Their versatility allows designers and architects to create striking geometries. In fact, trusses are often left as a visible element in the construction and they can be themed according to the character of the space they are to cover.
Steel and wood are the most common materials for the manufacture of this type of truss. However, there are many other materials from which they can be made. For example, there are already prefabricated trusses made from high-performance concrete and other new materials. In short, trusses are a highly efficient and versatile structural solution, which offers architects, designers and builders multiple possibilities for the creation of large structures.
By Alberto López, Senior Structural Engineer in the Architectural Department of Amusement Logic
