Applications of Trusses

A truss is a geometrically stable structure composed of straight members connected at joints (typically pin joints). Owing to its core advantages—light self-weight, long-span capability, strong load-bearing capacity, and easy construction—it is widely used in various fields such as architecture, machinery, and transportation. Its applications can be categorized by scenario, with specific functions and examples explained below:

I. Construction Engineering: Supporting Large-Span Spaces and Optimizing Structural Efficiency

Construction is the most core application scenario for trusses, especially in spaces requiring "large, column-free areas." By utilizing axial force (only tension or compression) in its members, trusses maximize material utilization and reduce structural self-weight.

1. Large-Span Public Buildings: Covering Spacious Areas

Stadiums/Exhibition Centers: Used as roof load-bearing structures to achieve spans of tens or even hundreds of meters (e.g., the curved roofs of football stadiums and gymnasiums).Example: Although the external steel structure of the Beijing National Stadium ("Bird's Nest") is a spatial truss variant (a lattice shell structure), its core logic is based on trusses. It uses a large number of steel members to form triangular units, supporting the enormous roof area while minimizing the obstruction of audience views by internal columns.

Airport Terminals/Railway Stations: Employed as roof and hall load-bearing frames to meet the needs of high passenger flow and open spaces.Example: The departure halls of many airports use "parallel-chord trusses" or "triangular trusses" as main roof beams, which, combined with glass curtain walls, create a transparent visual effect while withstanding roof self-weight, wind, and snow loads.

2. Industrial Buildings: Adapting to Production Needs

Workshops/Factory Buildings: Used to support crane beams and rooftop equipment (e.g., ventilators, pipelines), particularly suitable for heavy-industry factories (e.g., steel mills, machinery plants).Feature: Industrial trusses usually need to bear dynamic loads (e.g., impact forces from crane operation), so rigid joints or reinforced pin joints are often adopted, with steel as the main material to ensure structural stability.

Warehouses/Logistics Centers: Serve as roof supports for large-span storage spaces, reducing the obstruction of columns to shelves and transport vehicles and improving storage efficiency.

3. Specialized Buildings: Catering to Unique Scenarios

Observation Platforms/Glass Skywalks: Lightweight trusses (e.g., aluminum alloy trusses) are used to ensure load-bearing capacity while reducing self-weight, avoiding excessive loads on mountain bodies or building main structures.

Temporary Buildings/Stage Frames: Detachable trusses (e.g., quick-assembly steel pipe trusses) are applied in temporary exhibition halls and concert stages, offering both load-bearing capacity (for equipment like lighting and audio) and rapid assembly advantages.

II. Bridge Engineering: Crossing Rivers and Roads for Different Spans

In bridge engineering, trusses are mainly used as load-bearing structures for beam bridges and arch bridges, especially suitable for medium to large-span bridges (spans of 20–200 meters), balancing the conflict between "span requirements" and "structural self-weight."