What term describes the upper part of a truss?

The upper part of a truss is referred to as the chord. In the structure of a truss, the chord is a key component that supports the load and contributes to the overall stability and strength of the truss system. It runs horizontally at the top of the truss, connecting the two ends and helping to distribute the weight from the roof or other loads above.

While other components such as beams, webs, and joints play important roles in the overall structure, they do not specifically describe the upper part of a truss. Beams typically serve as horizontal support elements that carry loads, while webs are the diagonal members that connect the chords, helping to transfer loads between them. Joints are the points where different members of the truss connect, but again, they do not designate a specific part of the truss structure like the upper chord does. This understanding is foundational in fire inspection and structural analysis, where recognizing the elements of construction is crucial for assessing safety and compliance.