In an open web truss, the top chord is in which condition and the bottom chord in which condition?

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Multiple Choice

In an open web truss, the top chord is in which condition and the bottom chord in which condition?

Explanation:
When a typical open web roof truss carries downward loads, the top chord tends to be squeezed together while the bottom chord tends to be pulled apart. The truss is made of triangles that transfer the load in axial forces: the top chord members are compressed, resisting the inward push, and the bottom chord members are in tension, resisting the outward pull. The diagonals and vertical web members help transfer shear between these two chords, but the overall result under gravity loading is compression in the top chord and tension in the bottom chord.

When a typical open web roof truss carries downward loads, the top chord tends to be squeezed together while the bottom chord tends to be pulled apart. The truss is made of triangles that transfer the load in axial forces: the top chord members are compressed, resisting the inward push, and the bottom chord members are in tension, resisting the outward pull. The diagonals and vertical web members help transfer shear between these two chords, but the overall result under gravity loading is compression in the top chord and tension in the bottom chord.

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