Metal trusses are strong, rigid spatial structures used to span large spans, create reliable frames, and ensure the stability of buildings and structures. Due to their high load-bearing capacity, durability, and relatively light weight, they are widely used in industrial, commercial, and civil construction. Below, we'll discuss the main types of metal trusses, their features, and applications.
What is a metal truss?
A truss is a rod-shaped structure consisting of elements connected at nodes to form triangular cells. The triangular design was chosen deliberately: it ensures maximum rigidity with minimal metal consumption.
Main elements of the farm:
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Belts - upper and lower, bearing the main load.
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Diagonals — diagonal elements.
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Racks — vertical elements.
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Nodes — the connection points of all elements.
Advantages of metal trusses
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High strength with a relatively small weight.
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Large spans without supports — up to 100 m and more.
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Resistance to dynamic loads (wind, snow, vibrations).
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Durability with the correct anti-corrosion coating.
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Economy compared to monolithic and massive structures.
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Design flexibility — the truss can be manufactured to suit any size and load.
Main types of metal trusses
1. By the shape of the belts
Straight
The most common are used in hangars, warehouses, and industrial buildings. They are versatile and easy to manufacture.
Broken
They are used for roofs with variable pitches and provide additional usable space.
Parabolic
Provides optimal load distribution, suitable for long spans, sports facilities, bridges.
Arched
Most often used in architectural structures, canopies, and exhibition pavilions.
2. By type of lattice
Triangular
Strong, rigid, but requires more metal.
Diagonal
The most economical and technologically advanced in production.
Cross
Used for heavy loads, such as bridge construction.
3. By appointment
Coatings
For roofs of buildings, hangars, industrial premises.
Crane
They are used in workshops with overhead cranes and can withstand increased loads.
Pavements
They form the basis of automobile and pedestrian bridges.
Supporting
They are used as elements of transmission line supports, pipelines, and advertising structures.
How metal trusses are made
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Design — load calculation, profile selection (profile pipe, angle, I-beam).
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Cutting blanks — performed on band saws or laser machines.
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Assembly in a jig — elements are fixed with high precision.
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Welding - semi-automatic or automatic, with seam control.
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Cleaning and anti-corrosion treatment - galvanizing, powder coating.
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Testing and quality control — checking the geometry, strength of the seams, and quality of the coating.
Where are metal trusses used?
1. Industrial buildings
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Workshops
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Warehouse complexes
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Logistics centers
Allow spans of 20–60 m to be covered without internal supports.
2. Commercial properties
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Shopping centers
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Sports arenas
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Exhibition pavilions
Large open spaces and high aesthetics are important here.
3. Agricultural buildings
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Hangars
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Canopies
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Farms for machinery and feed
Metal trusses provide reliability and durability.
4. Bridges and overpasses
They require high-strength steels and specially shaped trusses capable of withstanding enormous loads.
5. Architectural structures
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Canopies
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Pergolas
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Decorative arches
Metal structures fit easily into modern design projects.
Conclusion
Metal trusses are versatile, reliable, and cost-effective structures used in a wide range of construction applications, from industrial buildings to architectural structures and bridges. They provide high strength with minimal metal consumption, allow for large spans, and last for decades.
If you need custom-made metal trusses that take into account all loads, standards, and construction requirements, contact our professionals. A properly designed truss ensures the safety, durability, and cost-effectiveness of the entire structure.
