Trusses are made up of a top and bottom chord , diagonals and vertical posts. These are the primary members of the bridge. Vertical posts are in tension . Counter bracing or ties are diagonals, present in certain types of trusses, sometimes in the center panel. Floor beams span transversely from truss panel points.
Stringers span longitudinally, parallel to the trusses spanning the floorbeams.
Top and bottom lateral bracing and portal bracing, sway bracing and struts are secondary members which help to stiffen the structure. The deck is the surface on which traffic or pedestrians ride or walk. The traditional truss type with its origins in the middle ages. A king post truss is the simplest form of a truss bridge. This type has a bottom chord and two diagonal members meeting at the center of the structure.