truss

A truss, when in the context of bridge design, describes a structure made of interconnected triangles. A truss bridge is one of the most stable bridge designs for small and medium-length bridges. The basic truss form has been modified into many different styles, often named for their designers, including the Pratt, Warren, and Howe trusses. Some trusses are arched, like the camelback and bowstring, but all truss bridges use triangles for strength and to spread the stress of compression and tension more evenly across the structure.