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D1.B.1.5 Truss Members

As described in G.8.1 Truss and Tension- or Compression-Only Members, a truss member is capable of carrying only axial forces. So during the design phase, no calculation time (or, matrix bandwidth) is wasted determining the allowable bending or shear stresses. Therefore, if there is any truss member in an analysis (such as a bracing or a strut, etc.), it is advisable to declare it as a truss member rather than as a regular frame member with both ends pinned.