A truss system without diagonal members, where loads are carried through bending in the top and bottom chords and vertical posts. Vierendeel trusses allow for rectangular openings but require stronger connections and members than triangulated trusses.
Named after Belgian engineer Arthur Vierendeel who developed the system in the 1890s. The term became standard engineering terminology as the structural system gained acceptance for buildings requiring unobstructed openings.
Vierendeel trusses are the secret behind many modern office buildings' large windows - unlike diagonal-braced trusses, they create rectangular openings perfect for glazing! The trade-off is that connections must resist bending moments, making them more complex to design and construct.
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