Which truss design resembles a bow, with a curved top chord and a straight bottom chord?

The truss design that resembles a bow, characterized by its curved top chord and straight bottom chord, is known as the bowstring truss. This design is specifically engineered to handle the loads it encounters, effectively distributing weight and providing significant structural integrity, particularly in larger spans such as in bridges or wide indoor spaces.

The unique arching shape of the bowstring truss allows for a natural distribution of forces, with the curved top chord being particularly adept at handling tensile stresses, while the straight bottom chord deals with compressive forces. This combination makes it ideal for applications requiring large open areas without internal supports.

Other designs mentioned have distinct characteristics: pitched chord trusses have sloped chords but do not feature the curved design; parallel chord trusses maintain parallel chords throughout their span; and scissor trusses are designed with intersecting diagonal members, not with a curved component. The bowstring truss stands out due to its singular, bow-like form, which is optimal for specific structural applications.