Pratt truss
Right triangles Slants face center of bridge

Howe truss
Right triangles Slants face away from center of bridge (Blue=compression red=tension)

In what areas is it better to use stronger or thicker wood?
Areas of greater stress
Main principle
Must be lightweight
Compression
Pushing together Denser wood needed
Tension
Pulling apart Flexible wood needed
Balsa wood
Light cheap weak inconsistent density
Bass wood
Stronger constant density bends more heavier more expensive areas of compression/tension
Warren truss
Equilateral triangles Every diagonal is subject to the same load, every other line alternating between compression and tension
