Truss Displays Key Terms

Familiarize yourself with truss display terminology

Truss displays are popular display types for tradeshows and for other locations where a sturdy and portable display is desirable. Based on the design elements that make up bridges and roofs, a truss display's elements are are angular and modular. Truss displays are made of webs and chords that work as a lattice, thereby creating an erect modular booth that can be shaped in different ways. By learning truss displays key terms, you will understand the key elements for truss displays and be able to choose the best display for your needs.

Truss

"Truss" is an architectural and structural engineering term that describes a system of weight-bearing triangular shapes. Originally used as a design for bridges and roofs, trusses are now also known as a display system that can be shaped and reshaped to create different spaces.

Chord

In truss design, top chords and/or bottom chords are used to create ceilings with webs crisscrossing between them.

Corners, junctures and swivels

These elements are important in the shaping of truss displays. Corners, junctures and swivels give the display movement. They have to be both flexible and strong.

Apex

The apex in truss design is the highest point where the plane of the design slopes down. The apex is also the top of the structure where the trusses meet.

Uniformly distributed loads (UDL) and point loads

Uniformly distributed loads (UDL) and point loads refer to the way beams work in a truss design--how they create a plane and become weight bearing. UDLs disperse the total weight across the entire structure.

Cantilever

A cantilever creates support for beams at the edge of the fabrication, exclusive of overhang. Cantilevers are supported by only one beam.

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