Ties must be capable of which of the following?

The correct choice emphasizes that ties must be able to resist both tension and compressive forces. In structural engineering and construction, ties are elements that are typically used to hold or stabilize structures under various loads. Their primary role is to maintain stability and resist forces that can lead to structural failure.

When ties are in tension, they are subjected to pulling forces that attempt to elongate them. Conversely, ties might also experience compressive forces when they are part of a system that is being pushed together. Being able to resist both types of forces ensures that the tie does not fail and that the overall structural integrity is maintained.

Understanding the behavior under load is crucial for structural design. If a tie can only effectively handle one type of force, it could lead to structural weaknesses or failures when subjected to real-world conditions where mixed forces are present. Therefore, the ability to resist both tension and compressive forces is fundamental to the reliability of ties in construction.