A truss bridge is a bridge whose load-bearing superstructure is composed of a truss, a structure of connected elements, usually forming triangular units. The connected elements, typically straight, may be stressed from tension, compression, or sometimes both in response to dynamic loads. There are several types of truss bridges, including some with simple designs that were among the first bridges designed in the 19th and early 20th centuries. A truss bridge is economical to construct primarily because it uses materials efficiently.
A truss bridge operated by Southern Pacific Railroad in Contra Costa County, California converted to pedestrian use and pipeline support
Pratt through truss of the former Seaboard Air Line Railway, located near Willow, Florida; abandoned since the mid-1980s
Deck truss railroad bridge over the Erie Canal in Lockport, New York
The four span through truss General Hertzog Bridge over the Orange River at Aliwal North carries vehicular traffic
A truss is an assembly of members such as beams, connected by nodes, that creates a rigid structure.
Truss bridge for a single-track railway, converted to pedestrian use and pipeline support. In this example the truss is a group of triangular units supporting the bridge.
Historical detail of a steel truss with an actual revolute joint
Planar roof trusses
The roof trusses of the Basilica di Santa Croce in Florence
