We can categorize truss based on the arrangement of its members:
Simple Truss
Let's construct the simplest truss you can build - a triangle. It will consist of three members and three joints. From this triangle truss, you can add one point in space and connect two members to it to expand the truss. Any truss made this way is a simple truss.
From roof trusses to truss bridges, simple trusses are usually the most common type of truss you'll see. Some trusses are so standard that there are names for specific configurations.
Compound Truss
A compound truss is a truss made of two or more simple trusses connected by elements of connection. These can either be links or pins.
Compound trusses are mostly specialized structures. For example, we can connect two or more fabricated simple truss structures to create a long-span bridge.
The illustration below shows more examples of compound trusses:
Complex Truss
A complex truss is a truss that cannot be simple or compound. One characteristic is that you can't use conventional analysis methods (which we will learn later) to solve it.
Like the compound truss, complex trusses are mostly solutions for a specific instance. For instance, we can use it as a complicated framework for equipment or machinery.
Summary
There are three types of trusses depending on their configuration: (1) simple, (2) compound, and (3) complex.
A simple truss is the most basic form. A truss constructed from a triangular truss and expanded to create a network of members and joints is a simple truss.
A compound truss is a truss made up of two or more simple trusses connected using connection elements.
A complex truss is a truss that can neither be simple nor compound.
