The document describes developing the stiffness matrix for truss elements. It provides information on a truss member making an angle theta with the horizontal axis, with displacements and forces acting at its joints labeled 1-4. It then shows the generalized stiffness matrix developed for this truss element. Another example is given of a truss with joints A, B, C and D, with the stiffness matrices for members AB, AC and AD shown. Degrees of freedom are reduced due to some joints being supported with hinges.