Truss Shapes
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TriangleThese trusses may be simple span, multiple bearing, or cantilevered. Where the truss height exceeds approximately 3m (10′), a piggyback system (see below) may be needed due to transportation restrictions. |
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MonoThis shape may be simple span, multiple span, or cantilevered. Top chord bearing is possible. |
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InvertedThe inverted truss is used to provide a vaulted ceiling along a portion of the span. |
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Cut-off (Bobtail, Stubend)This shape may be used where a triangular truss will not fit. |
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Dual SlopeThis truss provides an asymmetric roof slope. |
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Ridge TrussThe ridge truss provides a stepped roof appearance. |
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PiggybackThe piggyback truss is a combination of a gable end truss on top of a hip truss, which can be transported in two sections. It is used when a single triangular truss is too large to transport. |
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AtticThe attic truss provides useable area within the roof space. |
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FlatThe flat truss is used in roofs or floors. It may be designed as top or bottom chord bearing, or for simple or multiple spans. It may also be cantilevered at one or both ends. |
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Sloping FlatThis shape is used to create a vaulted ceiling. It may be top or bottom chord bearing. |
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Sloping Chord FlatThis shape is used to provide positive drainage to both sides of the building. |
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Mono FlatThe mono flat truss provides positive drainage to one side only. |
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HipThis shape is used to create hip roofs. |
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MansardThis truss is used to create a mansard roof profile. |
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CathedralThe cathedral truss provides a vaulted ceiling along one portion of the span. |
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VaultedThis truss is a variation of the cathedral shape. |
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ScissorThe scissor truss is used to create a vaulted ceiling along the entire span. The slope of the bottom chord is usually equal to 1/2 of the slope of the top chord. Large scissor trusses are often shipped in two pieces and field spliced. |
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Half ScissorThe half scissor truss provides a single-sloped vaulted ceiling. |
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GambrelThis truss is used to create a gambrel or barn-shaped roof profile. |