What is the primary function of web members in a truss system?

The primary function of web members in a truss system is to connect the top and bottom chords. In a truss, the chords are the horizontal members that run along the top and bottom of the structure, while the web members are the diagonal and vertical elements that form the internal framework.

These web members help distribute loads and provide structural stability, enabling the truss to support various forces such as compression and tension. By connecting the top and bottom chords, web members contribute to the overall rigidity of the truss, preventing deformation under applied loads and ensuring that the structure can carry the designated weight safely and effectively.

Understanding this function is crucial for anyone in carpentry or construction, as it plays a significant role in the design and integrity of roof systems and other load-bearing frameworks.