In this article, we are going to talk about the pratt type truss, metal trusses bridge, pratt trusses bridge advantages and disadvantages, and warren truss vs Pratt truss.
A pratt truss is one of the oldest types of bridges that has been used since the past as one of the most effective types of truss. The vertical members of this truss are in compression. While the diagonal members of the pratt designed truss are in tension.
This approach aids in simplifying the design. Additionally, it facilitates the creation of a more efficient design by decreasing the quantity of steel used in the diagonal members that are under tension. This causes a cost in the reduction of the structure due to, now, the presence of more efficient members, and this also reduced the self-weight. This also causes an ease in the constructability of the structure.
Pratt-type bridges are more suitable and appropriate for horizontal spans. In this case, the force is predominantly present in the vertical direction.
Now, let us take a look at the advantages and disadvantages of the architectural truss systems.
Advantages And Disadvantages Of Steel Bridge Design
The following are the advantages and disadvantages of the load-bearing structure.
Advantages Of Pratt Truss
- The design of the pratt type structure is simple and well-accepted all over the world
- The design of the pratt designed truss bridge is aware of the behavior of all the members that are a part of the load-bearing structure.
- The structure of the pratt trusses bridge is cost-efficient and can be easily constructed by unskilled labor. It is extremely easy to transport and has a low initial cost
- The behavior of the members of the diagonal members can be easily identified as the structure is super simple. Low-cost, simple analysis tools can be used in order to do a warren truss analysis.
- This bridge is ideal for places where traffic is heavy like railroads as this bridge is extremely straight and smooth
Disadvantages Of Pratt Russ
- The pratt designed truss bridge is not that big of an advantage if the load that is being put, is not vertical but is diagonal. Vertical and horizontal loads are in the need of varying consideration during designing.
- If the pratt type truss is not designed and constructed with care and supervision, it is susceptible to failure, which can cost you a lot more in the maintenance of the bridge.
- Pratt truss bridges are not efficient when it comes to long-span and shallow depth situations
Warren Truss Vs Pratt Truss
Even though extremely similar, there are a few differences between the Pratt truss and warren truss. Warren truss consists of isosceles as well as equilateral triangles.
The Pratt-type load-bearing structure features diagonal members that slant downwards towards the middle part of the bridge span. Engineers construct the Warren truss using heavier materials such as steel or iron. In contrast, builders create the civil engineering structure from thinner and lighter steel, which forms the diagonal members of the Pratt truss.
