08/01/2026
a technical reference chart illustrating 14 different types of structural roof trusses and girders. It provides a visual guide for engineering and architectural purposes, detailing specific geometries, typical spans (), and slope angles ().
The chart is organized into a grid of two columns, with each figure labeled at the bottom.
LEFT COLUMN: TRIANGULAR AND ARCHED VARIATIONS
This column focuses primarily on trusses that form a peaked roofline.
• Fig. 1 Triangular truss: A standard pitched truss for spans of 14–20 meters. It shows a typical slope () of to .
• Fig. 2 Polonko type triangular truss: Designed for larger spans (20–30 meters), featuring a more complex internal web pattern.
• Fig. 3 Polonko truss with raised tie beam: The bottom chord (tie beam) is curved or angled upward, allowing for more interior clearance (headroom) beneath the truss.
• Fig. 4 Polygonal truss with raised lower chord: Similar to Fig. 3, but the top chord follows a polygonal (faceted) path rather than a single simple peak.
• Fig. 5 Arched truss: Features a curved top chord and a raised, faceted lower chord, often used for aesthetic reasons or specific aerodynamic requirements in large halls.
• Fig. T Truss without diagonals: A Vierendeel-style truss that relies on rigid joints rather than diagonal bracing, often used when clear passage through the truss is needed.
RIGHT COLUMN: TRAPEZOIDAL, MONO-PITCH, AND FLAT VARIATIONS
This column covers trusses designed for flatter roofs or specific industrial applications.
• Fig. 9 Truss with broken lower chord: A pitched roof truss where the bottom chord is not a single straight line, allowing for a higher central ceiling.
• Fig. 10 Polonko truss with broken lower chord: A heavy-duty version of Fig. 9 for spans of 20–28 meters.
• Fig. 11 Trapezoidal truss: Features a flat top section and sloped sides, creating a trapezoidal silhouette.
• Fig. 12 Trapezoidal truss with suspended ceiling: Designed with a perfectly flat lower chord specifically to support horizontal ceiling structures.
• Fig. 13 Mono-pitch truss: A "half-truss" design where the roof slopes in only one direction. This is common for sheds or building extensions.
• Fig. 14 Rigid girder with tie beam: A shallow truss design where the lower chord is suspended slightly, often used for industrial flooring or very low-profile roofs.
KEY TECHNICAL ANNOTATIONS
Throughout the diagram, you will see several recurring engineering notations:
• : Represents the total Span (the horizontal distance between the two supporting walls/columns).
• : Indicates the Pitch Angle or slope of the roof.
• Det. (Detail): Circles labeled "Det. 1", "Det. 3", etc., point to specific connection joints that would require detailed engineering drawings for fabrication.
• Ratios (e.g., ): These indicate the Depth-to-Span ratio, helping designers determine how tall the truss needs to be based on its length.
*Note: This information is for educational purposes. Structural designs should always be verified by a licensed professional engineer to ensure safety and compliance with local building codes.