Simple Truss: It is possible to create a simple truss by joining three bars together to form a triangle. We can increase the size of the truss by adding two more members with an additional joint. By repeating this process, we can develop simple trusses with different shapes as shown below. The triangular building block assures internal stability of the truss structure as it is increased in size.
Although it is possible to have non-triangular cells in a simple truss, internal stability will not be guaranteed in that case.
Compound Truss: A compound truss is made up of simple trusses joined together to form a larger truss. The figure below shows a compound truss consisting of two simple trusses joined by a common joint and a bar. It is also possible to have multiple simple trusses joined together to create a larger compound truss. The connection of simple trusses then becomes a design issue determined based on the size of the resulting compound truss. Compound trusses are commonly used to support loads over long spans as in bridges.
Complex Truss: A complex truss uses a general layout of members different from that used in simple and compound trusses. It often incorporates overlapping members.
