Massachusetts Construction Supervisor License Practice Test 2025 – Complete Exam Prep

In open web steel construction, the component that is always in tension is the bottom chord. The configuration of an open web joist system consists of top chords and bottom chords connected by web members.

When a load is applied to the structure, such as the weight of the roof or flooring above, the bottom chord experiences tensile forces because it effectively spans between the points of support and is pulled taut to resist those loads. This tension contrasts with the top chord, which primarily experiences compressive forces as it tries to bear the weight above it.

Understanding the behavior of these components is crucial in structural engineering, especially when designing and analyzing the efficiency and stability of a structure, as knowing which members are under tension and compression helps in ensuring that they are appropriately sized and detailed to carry the expected loads safely.