What do web members do in a truss?

Web members in a truss play a crucial role in maintaining the structure's integrity by connecting the main structural components at the joints. These members, which are typically arranged in a triangular formation within the truss assembly, help distribute the loads evenly throughout the structure. By connecting the joints, web members contribute to the overall stability and strength of the truss, allowing it to effectively carry loads from the roof or other upper components to the supports below.

The design and strategic placement of web members ensure that forces, including tension and compression, are appropriately managed. This configuration minimizes the risk of structural failure and is essential for the durability of roofs and bridges where trusses are commonly employed. Understanding the function of web members is vital in the context of structural engineering and construction, as it informs how trusses are assembled and the load-bearing capabilities they provide.

The other choices, while related to the overall function of a truss, do not describe the specific role that web members fulfill in that structural system.