A Truss is a structure comprising one or more triangular

units constructed with straight members , whose ends

are connected at joints or nodes.

Fig1. Planar
truss
The basic unit of a truss consists of straight members joined
(pinned) together to form a triangular shape.
This is important because the triangular shape gives maximum
strength to the structure. Any other arrangement of more than
3 sides would buckle easily.

Buckl
ing
The following points are
kept in mind while
analyzing a truss:
 Members are subjected
to tension/compression
only
 Forces are applied at the
joints only.
 Members do not bend
 Composed of rods
A

Transferred
force

Member Member
force B force

Applied force
Broadly there are 2 types of trusses based on the complexity of
the network of connecting members:

PLANAR: A planar truss lies in a single plane.

Fig3. The roof trusses of

Fig2. Planar roof the Basilica di Santa Croce in
truss Florence
Joints are usually formed by bolting or welding the
members to a common plate, called a gusset plate, or
simply passing a large bolt through each member.

Fig4. Typical joint detail for

planar truss
 PITCHED Trusses

The pitched truss, or common truss, is characterized by its

triangular shape. It is most often used for roof construction.
Some common trusses are named according to their "web
configuration". The chord size and web configuration are
determined by span, load and spacing.

PAN- 20- SPAN- 9

50M 12M

PAN- 12- SPAN- 12-

30M 30M

SPAN- 1
AN- 10-
30M
15M

Fig5. Types of Pitched

Trusses
PARALLEL CHORD
Trusses
The parallel chord truss, or flat truss, gets its name from its
parallel top and bottom chords. It is often used for floor
construction. The advantage of parallel chord trusses is
that they use webs of the same lengths and thus reduce
fabrication costs for very long spans.

Fig6. Types of Parallel Chord

Trusses
Types of Trusses
SPACE FRAME : this type of truss is a three-dimensional
framework of members pinned at their ends.
A tetrahedron shape is the simplest space truss, consisting
of six members that meet at four joints.

Fig7. Tetrahedron Fig8. complex space frame

The members of trusses are made of either rolled steel sections
or built-up sections depending upon the span length, intensity
of loading, etc.

Heavier rolled
steel sections,
such as channels,
I sections are
used.

USES: In
long span
roof trusses
and short
span bridges
Rolled steel angles, Members built-
tee sections, hollow up using I
circular and sections,
rectangular channels, angles
structural tubes. and plates

USES: in the USES: in the

case of roof case of long
trusses in span bridge
industrial trusses
buildings
Case Study

LIC
BUILDING
NEW DELHI

ARCHITECT: CHARLES CORREA

STRUCTURAL CONSULTANT:
MAHENDRA RAJ
Site
location:
Jeevan
Bharati,
Tower II,
124,
Janpath,
Connaught
Place, New
Delhi, Delhi
110001

Connaught outer
road
A double layer structure Length of the
provides much more member in space
stiffness and can take much frame=1500mm
higher out-of-plane loads.
Therefore it is used for
larger, horizontal spans such
as roof structures.
h
therefore,
h= 0.816 x a,
h= 0.816 x
1500,

h= 1224mm
h

Fig9. square on square double

layer

The bending moment is

transmitted as tension
and compression loads
along the length of each
strut.

Fig10. Joint detail of members

 98 METRE PERGOLA
250 mm concrete free SPACE FRAME
standing column

Hollow column 8500x4200

brick masonry
Lightweight: optimization in
calculation and in how the
structure works makes it so that
maximum advantage may be taken
of materials, with a minimum
weight, which translates to
important savings in pillars and
foundations.
Pre-manufacturing: The structure
is sent to the site completely
finished, so the key manufacturing
processes, such as welding the
cones/members, is carried out
under constant and controlled
conditions, which guarantees
quality standards.
Assembly: Assembly is fast,
clean and safe, since an
attempt is made to carry out
most of the work on the
ground, hoisting large sections
of the structure to their
definitive positions once pre-
assembled on the ground.
Economy: the spatial
structure is especially
competitive in comparison
with other structures when
large spans need to be
covered without supports
and for cases when there are
very complex geometries or
with many different
elements.