When you look up and see a beautiful truss system gracing the ceiling of a structure, how much thought do you give to the design? For most of us, the visual effect of the design draws us in, but we never stop to appreciate how or why a truss works. Let’s break down some of the secrets behind truss design so you can fully appreciate how each truss adds to a structure.

The Science of Triangles

Early in human history, it was discovered that the triangle is an especially stable shape. The triangle form allows us to distribute weight over a great distance by creating a solid base with two supporting legs. This is why you see bridges and buildings relying so heavily on triangle trusses to hold them up. Today, we still rely on this discovery to hold our roofs over our heads, but we also find ways to incorporate triangles into our aesthetics as well.

More Triangles or Less?

One thing you’ll notice about modern truss design is that they typically feature a variety of cross braces and beams added to the basic triangular structure. This is important because it creates a bold visual effect, but it can also affect the strength of a particular truss. Adding additional beams that create smaller triangles within the main structure can have a profound influence on the amount of weight that a truss is able to bear. For decorative purposes, you may choose to add more beams to create a distinguished look, even if your trusses will not actually be supporting additional weight. The invention of early trusses made a big impact on how humans could build. Triangle truss design is still a staple of the construction industry today, and we have become so used to seeing these triangles all around us that we often feel drawn to add them to high ceilings after the fact. If you are looking for creative decorative truss designs to add to your room, visit Volterra online.