Stability analysis of truss chords loaded by a combination of axial and lateral forces is studied. A simple model based on beam-column theory is proposed and analyzed. The continuous truss chord is replaced by a beam column loaded by end moments replacing the effect of adjacent members. The solution yields deflections and moments allowing one to compute the stress at any point of the truss chord. Analytical and numerical solutions are applied to an example of a wood truss with a continuous top chord. The numerical solution for the deformations converges rapidly. Non-converging results indicate instability. A new design procedure for wood truss chords subjected to possible buckling is proposed. The procedure is based on the analysis of a beam-column model and a mechanics of materials approach. / Graduation date: 1994