In a truss, which member is typically designed to carry compression?

In a truss, which member is typically designed to carry compression?

• A. Chords
• B. Panel Points
• C. Tension links
• D. Struts

Answer: (D)

In a truss, members are assumed to carry only axial forces, either tension or compression. The ones designed to resist compressive axial loads are called struts. This matches the idea that compression pushes joints apart, so the member acts as a strut to resist that push. Other members, like ties or tension links, are intended to carry tensile forces that pull joints together. Panel points are joints where members connect and don’t themselves carry load; the term you use for a compression-resisting member is struts.

In a truss, members are assumed to carry only axial forces, either tension or compression. The ones designed to resist compressive axial loads are called struts. This matches the idea that compression pushes joints apart, so the member acts as a strut to resist that push. Other members, like ties or tension links, are intended to carry tensile forces that pull joints together. Panel points are joints where members connect and don’t themselves carry load; the term you use for a compression-resisting member is struts.