Who Invented the Bowstring?

History of the Bowstring Truss Bridge
Because materials are used so efficiently, the truss bridge is economical to construct and is one of the oldest types of modern bridges. The bowstring arch through truss bridge was patented in 1841 by Squire Whipple (1804-1888), a self-taught engineer from New York.

How does a bowstring truss bridge work?

Bowstring truss bridge: an arched beam (the bow) joined at each end by a straight beam (the string), with diagonal support beams joining the two. Whipple was born in Hardwick, Massachusetts in 1804 the son of a farmer. ... The young Whipple was therefore exposed to construction and materials at an early age.

What is Baltimore truss?

The Baltimore truss is a subclass of the Pratt truss. A Baltimore truss has additional bracing in the lower section of the truss to prevent buckling in the compression members and to control deflection. It is mainly used for train bridges, boasting a simple and very strong design.

David Miller

David Miller

Executive Financial & Market Analyst

David Miller brings 15 years of experience in global economics, personal finance strategy, and market dynamics. He specializes in turning complex economic trends into actionable insights for everyday readers.