The structural member carrying compressive load in a truss is called:
Understanding Truss Members and Compressive Loads
Trusses are structural frameworks made up of interconnected members, typically joined at their ends. These members primarily carry loads in tension or compression. The question asks to identify the specific term for a structural member in a truss that carries a compressive load.
Analyzing the Options
Let's look at the given options:
- purlin
- tie
- strut
- cleat
We need to determine which of these terms correctly describes a member carrying compressive force within a truss structure.
Definition of Truss Members
In structural engineering, particularly with truss analysis, members are categorized based on the type of axial force they carry:
- Tie: A structural member designed to resist tensile forces (pulling forces). Ties are elongated members that are under tension in a truss.
- Strut: A structural member designed to resist compressive forces (pushing forces). Struts are members that are under compression in a truss.
- Purlin: A horizontal structural member in a roof that runs perpendicular to rafters and supports the roof cladding (like sheeting). Purlins are typically subjected to bending and shear, not primarily axial tension or compression within the main truss action.
- Cleat: A small angle or plate used to connect structural members, often transferring shear or providing support for other connections. A cleat is not a main load-carrying member of the truss itself.
Identifying the Compressive Member
Based on the definitions, a member carrying a compressive load in a truss is specifically called a strut. A tie carries a tensile load.
Therefore, the structural member carrying a compressive load in a truss is a strut.
Conclusion
The correct term for a structural member in a truss that carries a compressive load is 'strut'.
| Member Type | Primary Load | Typical Use |
|---|---|---|
| Strut | Compressive | Trusses, bracing |
| Tie | Tensile | Trusses, bracing |
| Purlin | Bending, Shear | Roof structures (supports cladding) |
| Cleat | Connection component | Joining members |
Revision Table: Truss Member Terms
| Term | Load Type |
|---|---|
| Strut | Compression |
| Tie | Tension |
Additional Information: Truss Analysis Basics
Understanding tension and compression members is fundamental to analyzing trusses. Engineers use methods like the Method of Joints or the Method of Sections to determine the forces (whether tensile or compressive, and their magnitudes) in each member of a truss under given loads. Members in compression are often designed differently than members in tension due to buckling considerations. Buckling is a stability failure that can occur in slender compression members.
Important Questions from Compression Member
The effective length of a battened strut of actual length L, effectively held in position both ends but not restrained in direction, is taken as
Which one of the following is a compression member?
The strength of compression members subjected to axial compression is defined by curves corresponding to _______ classes.
The double lacing shall be designed to resist transverse shear Vt equal to - (where P is total load acting on the column)
Which of the following members is/are subjected to compressive stress?
