Beams and trusses distribute forces differently. A loaded beam develops bending, with tension and compression in different regions. In an ideal pin-jointed truss, loads at joints produce axial forces in members. Our symmetric triangle has compressed diagonal members and a tension tie. Both designs transfer the applied load to supporting points.
Engineering and scientific investigation · Discover & try
How can a bridge pass a load to its supports?
Reading level 3 of 5 · IndependentChange
Word help
Tension
A pulling force along a member.
Compression
A squeezing force along a member.
Watch · Try · Explain
See how it works
The interactive activity is loading.
Ideal symmetric beam/truss force paths with a central load. Deformation is exaggerated and connections are simplified.
What to look for
- Trace arrows toward both supports.
- Distinguish a pull from a squeeze.
Explain what you noticed
A cable in a different structure is pulled at both ends. What name describes that internal action?
Keep this idea: Loads must reach supports, but different structural forms carry internal forces differently.
Follow the sources
- University of Colorado Boulder / TeachEngineering — Analysis of Forces in a Truss Bridge
- University of Colorado Boulder / TeachEngineering — Building Our Bridge to Fun
Source material checked 2026-10-28. Explanations and activities by Nepedia. Source links do not imply endorsement.
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