Trusses

Baltimore Truss - A trapezoidal, flat truss
Bowstring Truss - A truss with an arched upper chord and a central triangual configuration converging on the upper chord
Cambered Fink Truss - A triangular truss characterized by parallel diagonal compression members that are perpendicular to the top chord and a cambered lower chord
Fan Truss - A simple or multi-paneled triangular truss where all of the diagonal members radiate from one point on the lower chord
Fink Truss - A triangular truss characterized by parallel diagonal compression members that are perpendicular to the top chord
Gusset Plate – A common plate that is used to connect truss members at their ends
Howe Truss – Truss in which the top chords and diagonal members are in compression, and all vertical members and bottom chord members are in tension
Ideal Truss – A truss that assumes that all members are connected with pinned joints, that members will remain straight after loading, and that all loading is concentrated only at panel points
K-Truss - A truss in which the vertical and diagonal members are arranged in the shape of a "k"
King Post - A truss that is composed of a simple triangle with a central post
Method of Joints – Method of analyzing trusses that uses the equilibrium of each truss joint to determine the forces in the members
Method of Sections – Method of analyzing trusses that conceptually cuts the truss into sections and thus allowing the analysis of each section by using the equations of static equilibrium
Open Web Joists – a steel truss that is used and spaced like a joist to support floor or roof decking
Panel Points – Joints located along the top member of a truss that are directly connected to the structure. The uniform load of the structure is concentrated at the panel points and thus allows the truss to behave like a simply supported beam.
Parker Truss - A truss with an arched upper chord and a central triangular arrangement converging on the bottom chord
Pins/Bolts – Connection type used to join truss members
Pratt Truss – A truss in which the top chords and vertical members are in compression, and diagonals and bottom chord in tension
Scissors Truss – A truss in which the bottom chord is raised to increase the clear height near the mid span; top chords are in compression and vertical members in the center of the truss are in tension
Static Equilibrium - The state when the net effect of all the forces acting on an object equal zero
Statically Determinate Truss (Simple Truss) – A truss in which the static equations of equilibrium can be used to determine the force in each member
Statically Indeterminate Truss – A truss that contains a series of redundant members that cannot be resolved with the equations of static equilibrium
Tension Member - Structural member subjected to tension forces
Truss – A structural system composed of short and straight structural members that are arranged in a pattern of triangles
Two-Force Member – A structural member that is hinged or pinned at each end and does not carry any loads between the ends
Warren Truss – A flat truss with parallel and equal length top and bottom chord members
Zero Force Member – Members in a truss that do not carry loads that are used to provide stability and insure triangulation