The strength of a truss depends on both its members and the _____________ between them.

The strength of a truss is significantly influenced by the connections between its members. Connections, often referred to as joints or nodes, play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity and stability of the truss. They are the points where the individual members come together to share loads and forces. Properly designed connections ensure that loads are effectively transmitted through the truss and help to prevent failures that can occur due to shear or tension forces.

Moreover, the type of connection used affects how forces are distributed throughout the truss. For example, fixed connections can provide greater stability compared to pinned connections, which allow for rotation. Understanding the importance of these connections is vital for firefighters and engineers alike, as they must assess the stability of structures in emergency situations to prevent collapses.

The other factors, such as length, width, and height, also contribute to a truss's overall design and capacity, but they do not have as direct an impact on the performance and strength of the structure as the connections do.