Occasional Electronic Publication No. 1 - Society for Industrial ...

Lenticular Configurations
Lenticular trusses have both top and bottom chords curved over their entire length. This form is most
efficient when the panel points lie along a parabolic curve. Configurations that do not contain
diagonals in their webs are not capable of true truss action and are indicated with a # symbol.
PATENT CHRONOLOGY
Barnes, J. 1849: Chords follow an elliptical or oval curve. Deck located at mid-height.
Stanley 1851: Timber top chord. Wire-cable bottom chord.
Harvey & Osborn 1856: Timber top chord. Wire suspension bottom chord.
Kremser 1866: Lattice web. Mid-height bridge deck.
Dieckman 1871: Mid-height horizontal tie. Secondary set of webbing between it and the bottom chord.
# Harding 1872: Vertical tension rods connect opposing trussed arches.
Conklin 1876: Chords formed with straight segments. Three additional full-span horizontal chords.
Douglas 1878: Top and bottom chords composed of three straight segments.
Strobel 1884: Series of continuous lenticular trusses joined at inflection point.
Douglas 1885: Chord segments between panel points are straight. Panel points all lie on a parabolic curve.
Wind struts in end panels.
Werner, Feb. 1885: Two lenticular trusses form segments of a three-hinged arch that supports the bridge
deck above.
Werner, Oct. 1885: Two lenticular trusses form segments of a three-hinged arch. A hanger from the apex
supports the mid-span of the bridge deck below.
# Pulliam 1893: Trussed timber girder with lenticular appearance.
# Semmes 1896: Width as well as depth increases towards mid-span. Web contains only verticals. Not a true
truss.
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