Queen Post Bridge Terms

Here is the type of truss bridge we are going to build. It’s called a "Queen Post" bridge.  It has many different parts.

• The "Bottom Chord" and "Bottom Gusset" are both under tension like in a suspension bridge.  The "Bottom Gusset" holds together all the Bottom Joints.

• The "Top Chord" and "Top Gusset" are under compression.

• The "End Posts" are also under compression , putting the "Left End Post, Top Chord/Top Gusset, Right End Post combination" under compression, like in an arch bridge.

• The "Vertical Hips" have no pressure on them at all.  They just keep the bridge stiff. 

• The "Horizontal Strut" keeps the "End Posts" from buckling.

• The "Portal Strut" and "Portal Gusset" keep the bridge sturdy laterally (from side to side).