what are trusses

A truss is a structural system made up of members such as beams connected by nodes that create a rigid structure. Trusses are typically composed of triangles because of the structural stability of that shape and design. The members of a truss are considered two-force members because the forces are only applied at either end of the member, resulting in either a compression or tension force. Trusses are commonly used in bridge designs due to their ability to efficiently span long distances. There are many common forms or patterns of truss that have emerged in response to different use cases, such as the Pratt, Howe, Warren, and Modified Warren. The benefits of using trusses over rafters include creating maximum strength for the structure, being able to span a long distance, and being less expensive. Trusses are typically built in a factory rather than at the job site, which makes them less expensive and more efficient.