Which types of loads are resisted by a pinned joint?

A pinned joint is designed to allow rotation between connected members while resisting certain types of forces. Specifically, pinned joints can effectively resist shear loads and axial loads.

In practical applications, when two members are connected by a pinned joint, the joint allows for rotation, which means it does not resist moment loads because it cannot develop a torque. However, the connection does provide resistance to axial loads, which act along the length of the members, as well as shear loads that act perpendicular to the members.

Distributed loads can also be considered as they can cause axial and shear forces on the joint depending on how they are applied across the connected members. Consequently, the full range of loads that a pinned joint can resist include shear and axial loads, as well as distributed loads translated into shear and axial forces.

Therefore, the notion that pinned joints resist shear, axial, and distributed loads aligns with their structural behavior, making it the correct choice.