Arthur Vierendeel: The Man with Iron Nerves Who Invented the Truss Without Diagonals

Arthur Vierendeel (1852–1940)Vierendeel, Arthur introduced innovations in structural design that are still in use today. Outstanding among these is the Vierendeel truss, a lattice structure without diagonals. This chapter will trace, through the evolution of bridges designed by Vierendeel, the research and built structures with a view to both stability (calculus) and aesthetics. The aim is to highlight and emphasise the lines along which the load descends, simplifying the structure, and thus increasing both solidity and aesthetics.