Civil Engineering Professional Engineer Practice Exam

What is a defining feature of truss members?

1. They are often curved for strength

2. They are always made from wood

3. They are straight bars

4. They are typically reinforced with cables

The correct answer is: They are straight bars

Truss members are characterized by their straight bars, which serve to efficiently transfer loads through a rigid framework. The straightness of these components is essential for their structural functionality, as it allows them to effectively handle axial loads—forces that tend to push or pull along the length of the member. This axial loading helps minimize bending moments within the structure, making trusses highly efficient in terms of material use and weight. The use of straight members also facilitates easier calculations when analyzing the forces and moments acting on the truss. The design of a truss relies on the geometry formed by the arrangement of these straight bars; often seen in bridge construction and roofing systems, this geometric configuration contributes to the overall stability and strength of the structure. In contrast to the defining feature of straight bars, other options present characteristics that are not typically associated with standard truss design. For instance, while curved members might provide aesthetic appeal or serve particular engineering purposes in certain structures, they are not a defining feature of trusses themselves. Furthermore, trusses are constructed using various materials such as steel, aluminum, or reinforced concrete, not exclusively wood. Lastly, while cables may be utilized in different types of structural systems such as cable-stayed or tension structures, they are not a conventional