Gusset plates are used for what purpose in construction?

Gusset plates are crucial components in construction, primarily serving to connect structural materials that are butted together. They are typically triangular or rectangular plates made of steel or other strong materials that help to transfer loads between the connected elements, such as beams and columns or different sections of a truss system.

The design of gusset plates enables them to provide stability and strength to the joints, allowing for more effective load distribution throughout the structure. This is particularly important in maintaining the overall integrity and safety of the building under various stress factors, including wind, seismic activity, and weight loads.

While connections made without gusset plates might be structurally sound under light loads, their use becomes critical in more complex structures or those subjected to significant pressures or dynamic movements. The other options, while they touch on aspects of construction, do not accurately describe the primary function of gusset plates.