During typical truss loading, which member is most commonly in tension?

• A. Top chord
• B. Bottom chord
• C. Diagonal member
• D. Web member

Answer: (B)

In a truss, all members carry axial forces, and the way loads transfer through the assembly determines which members are in tension or compression. When downward loads are applied, the structure tends to bend, and the top chord is pushed together while the bottom chord is pulled apart. That stretching of the bottom chord means it resists the span by taking tension, while the top chord resists compression. The web and diagonal members share the load path and can experience either tension or compression depending on their position, but the bottom chord is the member most commonly in tension under typical truss loading.