To specify a member as truss, cable, tension-only, or compression-only, use the following procedure.

1. Select the members which will have the same axial behavior.
2. Select the Axial Behavior tool in the Edit group on the Member ribbon tab.
   
   
3. Select the appropriate axial behavior from the drop-down list.

   Tension-Only Member

   or

   Compression-Only Member

   or

   Standard - use this option to remove axial-only behavior (i.e., make the member cable of resisting bending and shear).

   or

   Truss

   or

   Cable

   A visual representation of the axial behavior is graphically displayed on the member midpoint:
   • a red turnbuckle for tension-only members
   • a blue piston for compression-only members
   • a "truss" or "cable" label for those member specifications

   If a cable specification is selected, then the Cable Specifications dialog opens.

4. For cable members, provide any additional cable specifications as needed:
   1. Select the Specification type:

      Specification type	Provide additional data
      Initial tension	provide the Tension value and the end at which the initial tension is set Note: The initial tension is set to average over the member length by default.
      Unstressed length	provide the Unstressed length of the cable

   2. For cable members used in an Advanced Cable Analysis, specify the Initial tension location.
   3. For cable members used in an Advanced Cable Analysis, specify any additional Self Weight Factors as needed.
   4. Click OK.