Trusses are composed of straight members connected at their ends by hinged connections to form a stable configuration. When loads are applied to a truss only at the joints, forces are transmitted only in the direction of each of its members. That is, the members experience tension or compression forces, but not bending forces. Trusses have a high strength to weight ratio and consequently are used in many structures, from bridges, to roof supports, to space stations.The Pros of a Truss Bridge
1. They might be light, but they are also strong.
Truss bridges utilize the materials that are needed to create them very effectively. This makes them very economical to build, but doesn’t compromise on the ground of the bridge. Because it uses small timbers, the …show more content…
The roadway can be placed on the bridge itself.
Truss bridges are the only type of bridge where a roadbed can be placed on the bridge itself. Having a deck tress allows the transportation options, including rail, to be placed straight across, providing a stable point to cross any span.
The Cons of a Truss Bridge
1. They take up a lot of space.
A truss bridge requires additional space when compared to other types of bridges. This means that certain areas may need to adjust existing structures in order to accommodate this new type of bridge.
2. They are difficult to maintain.
These bridges require a lot of upkeep because of the amount of materials that are used. The extra materials give the bridge a lot of strength, but it cost a lot of money in materials and labor to keep the bridge functional. The added materials also lend to a higher cost initially for the bridge installation that may be unmanageable for certain communities.
3. It requires an efficient design.
The goal of a truss bridge is to have all of the trusses supporting the weight of the span over time. If a design isn’t properly managed, there could be some trusses that have zero pressure members so that they effectively do nothing but look
1. They might be light, but they are also strong.
Truss bridges utilize the materials that are needed to create them very effectively. This makes them very economical to build, but doesn’t compromise on the ground of the bridge. Because it uses small timbers, the …show more content…
The roadway can be placed on the bridge itself.
Truss bridges are the only type of bridge where a roadbed can be placed on the bridge itself. Having a deck tress allows the transportation options, including rail, to be placed straight across, providing a stable point to cross any span.
The Cons of a Truss Bridge
1. They take up a lot of space.
A truss bridge requires additional space when compared to other types of bridges. This means that certain areas may need to adjust existing structures in order to accommodate this new type of bridge.
2. They are difficult to maintain.
These bridges require a lot of upkeep because of the amount of materials that are used. The extra materials give the bridge a lot of strength, but it cost a lot of money in materials and labor to keep the bridge functional. The added materials also lend to a higher cost initially for the bridge installation that may be unmanageable for certain communities.
3. It requires an efficient design.
The goal of a truss bridge is to have all of the trusses supporting the weight of the span over time. If a design isn’t properly managed, there could be some trusses that have zero pressure members so that they effectively do nothing but look