Industrial steel trusses are extensively used in long-span industrial buildings due to their high strength-to-weight ratio, structural efficiency, and adaptability for large unobstructed spaces. However, the seismic performance of truss systems is significantly influenced by their geometric configuration, load-transfer mechanism, stiffness characteristics, and energy dissipation behavior under dynamic loading conditions. This review paper presents a comprehensive assessment of the geometric influence on the seismic response and resilience of commonly used industrial steel truss systems, including Pratt, Howe, Warren, Fink, and Vierendeel trusses. The study synthesizes findings from recent analytical, numerical, and experimental investigations related to truss behavior under cyclic and earthquake-induced loading.

The review evaluates the seismic performance of different truss geometries in terms of ductility, stiffness degradation, redundancy, load redistribution capability, hysteretic energy dissipation, and buckling susceptibility. Furthermore, the paper examines the role of computational modeling techniques such as SAP2000, STAAD.Pro, OpenSees, and nonlinear finite element approaches in predicting the structural response of steel truss systems subjected to seismic excitation. Current seismic codal provisions and design approaches, including AISC 341, ASCE 7, Eurocode 8, and IS 800:2007, are also critically reviewed with respect to industrial steel truss applications.

The collected literature indicates that Warren truss configurations generally exhibit superior seismic redundancy and more stable energy dissipation characteristics due to their balanced force distribution and reduced stress concentration. In contrast, Vierendeel systems demonstrate comparatively lower seismic efficiency because of their bending-dominated behavior and reduced geometric stability. The review further identifies significant research gaps associated with semi-rigid connection modeling, nonlinear cyclic behavior, soil–structure interaction effects, and performance-based seismic assessment of industrial truss systems.

This paper provides a consolidated technical framework for understanding the relationship between truss geometry and seismic behavior, thereby supporting future research and aiding engineers in the selection and seismic evaluation of industrial steel truss configurations.