Machines & Inventions

Why do bridges use triangles?

Because a triangle is the one shape that stubbornly holds its form under force. A square can lean and wobble unless it's braced, but a triangle spreads pushes and pulls evenly through all its sides. That's why bridge trusses are built from lots and lots of triangles.

Illustration of bridges use triangles for the question "Why do bridges use triangles?"
Public mode