Force on Truss Members Due to Moving

Loads | Solution by Influence Lines

Subject:
Structural Engineering and Construction
Situation
The bridge truss shown in the figure is to be subjected by uniform load of 10 kN/m and a point
load of 30 kN, both are moving across the bottom chord

Calculate the following:

1. The maximum axial load on member JK.
A. 64.59 kN
B. -63.51 kN

C. -64.59 kN
D. 63.51 kN

2. The maximum axial load on member BC.

A. 47.63 kN
B. -74.88 kN

C. -47.63 kN
D. 74.88 kN

3. The maximum compression force and maximum tension force on member CG.
A. -48.11 kN and 16.36 kN
B. Compression = 0; Tension = 16.36 kN
C. -16.36 kN and 48.11 kN

D. Compression = 48.11 kN; Tension = 0

Answer Key
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Solution
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Member JK
Equation to use: MC = 0
Location of Unit Load = Point C

UJK=abLd=8(8)16(8sin60)
UJK=3/3

FJK=10[12(16)(3/3)]+30(3/3)
FJK=63.51 kN
[ B ] answer for part 1

Member BC
Equation to use: MJ = 0
Location of Unit Load = Point B

UBC=+abLd=4(12)16(8sin60)
UBC=3/4

FBC=10[12(16)(3/4)]+30(3/4)
FBC=47.63 kN
[ A ] answer for part 2

Member CG
Equation to use: FV = 0
Location of Unit Load = Point B (Within the Section)

UCGv=aL

UCGsin60=416
UCG=3/6

Location of Unit Load = Point C (Outside the Section)

UCGv=+bL
UCGsin60=816
UCG=3/3

y=3/3(3/6)=3/2
x83/3=43/2
x=32/3

Maximum Compression Force:

FCG=10[12(16323)(3/6)]+30(3/6)
FCG=16.36 kN

Maximum Tension Force:

FCG=10[12(323)(3/3)]+30(3/3)
FBC=47.63 kN

Answer for part 3 = [ C ]