How to Support a Beam Using the Truss Method

The truss method is a structural engineering method of using triangles to support a structure. This method distributes the forces acting on the structure to the connection points, or nodes, rather than acting on the beams themselves. This is an effective and simple way to create bridges, roof supports or entire buildings.

Beams of equal length

Instructions

- 1
  Place two beams on the ground end-to-end to form a straight line. This will be the base of your structure.
- 2
  Place another beam at a 60-degree angle from the base of the structure. Secure the ends of both beams. Depending on the materials you are using, the method to do this may vary.
- 3
  Place another beam to connect the ends of the connected beams, forming an equilateral triangle.
- 4
  Form another equilateral triangle using two more beams and the other base beam. You should now have a structure that looks like an “M.”
- 5
  Place a beam on top of the “M” structure to connect the tips of both triangles. This beam will be supported by the triangles below, distributing its weight equally through the corners of the triangles.
- 6
  Repeat the process for whatever size and length your structure needs to be.

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