What component is used to hold various joints together but is not designed to support any direct load?

The component that is commonly used to hold various joints together but is not designed to support any direct load is the gusset plate. Gusset plates are typically triangular or rectangular in shape and are placed at connections of structural members to reinforce the joints. While they help in distributing loads and providing stability, their main function is to maintain the alignment and integrity of the structural connections rather than to carry weight or support loads directly.

By contrast, bracing beams are structural elements designed to provide stability and support loads, particularly in resisting lateral forces. Anchor bolts are used to secure structures to their foundation and are indeed designed to support loads. End caps typically serve as closures for hollow structural members but do not function in the same manner as gusset plates in maintaining joint connections. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for recognizing the role of various components in structural systems.