Howe truss
Quick Summary
The Howe truss is a type of truss bridge characterized by vertical members and diagonal members situated between the upper and lower horizontal members. This design was pioneered by William Howe, an American inventor who received patents for the Howe truss in 1840.12
Truss bridges, in general, utilize a series of triangles (trusses) to create a stable structure capable of supporting significant loads over large spans with minimal material. The Howe truss, with its combination of wooden diagonal members and iron vertical ties, became a popular bridge design in the United States during the latter half of the 19th century.32
Ask Britannica AI about this topic
Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.