Truss structures constitute a special class of structures in which individual straight

members are connected at joints. The members are assumed to be connected to the joints
in a manner that permit rotation, and thereby it follows from equilibrium considerations,
to be detailed in the following, that the individual structural members act as bars, i.e.
structural members that can only carry an axial force in either tension or compression.
Often the joints do not really permit free rotation, and the assumption of a truss structure
then is an approximation. Even if this is the case the layout of a truss structure implies
that it can carry its loads under the assumption that the individual members act as bars
supporting only an axial force. This greatly simplifies the analysis of the forces in the
structure by hand calculation and undoubtedly contributed to their popularity e.g. for
bridges, towers, pavilions etc. up to the middle of the twentieth century.

Triangle is chosen as the geometric layout of the truss structures because they can be
envisaged to have a simple fixed support at the left end, and a simple support permitting
horizontal motion at the right end.

Figure a consists two triangle and a quadrilateral center. The original structure shown in full
line while the dotted line shows a possible deformation. In that case, the condition cannot be
used and will need one extra diagonal support. Figure b introduces one extra diagonal member
in the center and prevents the free deformation mode. Figure c introduces another diagonal
member and also prevents the deformation mechanism of the structure. However, due to the
static indeterminacy, the precise ratio depends on their relative stiffness.

Some typical planar trusses are formed by triangles and suggests that they are statically
determinate. The method leads to a necessary relation between the number of joints and the
number of bars. In order to be more specific, the triangle and truss is supported by a fixed and
a movable support. The equilibrium can be established by two projection, a vertical and
horizontal support.
Then, new bars are added and determine the bar forces. This step defines a simple relation
between the number of bars b and number of joints j in a statically determinate planar truss

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