ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20

D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.

DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

Course Code & Title : ENSC 104 – Engineering Statics Wk. No.
Class Schedule :
Sem. / School Year
Prepared By
: 1st Semester / SY 2019 – 2020
: Engr. D.A.Belonio A.E., C.E. & Engr. I.S.Belonio
07

5 STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS, STATIC DETERMINACY &

STABILITY
5.1 INTRODUCTION
A structure refers to a system of connected parts used to support a load (external forces and
moments). Examples are buildings, bridges, aircraft frames, tanks and pressure vessels.[1] The
design problems faced by engineers involve many considerations, such as function, safety,
initial cost, life-cycle cost, environmental impacts, efficiency, and aesthetics. In engineering
statics we will focus in structures in equilibrium. That is to say the sum of the forces and
moments acting on an object or structure is zero. And our interest is to quantify these external
forces and moments to determine the statical response of the structural supports and joints as
well as the internal conditions of the structure or structural members.

Figure 1 - A frame carrying the load within the tributary area. Image source:
https://www.rhinobldg.com/app/uploads/2017/01/Metal-Building-LOADS.jpg. Date accessed: 09/26/19

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
5.2 IDEALIZATION OF STRUCTURES
In practice, structures are 3-dimensional and usually complex in analysis. However, an engineer
designing a structure can make idealization to eliminate the complexities during the design
process. Making idealizations means making appropriate assumptions. But the idealization
should be as closely as possible with the actual situation. A safety factor is then added in the
design to account for the uncertainties involved in the design process.
In the next two sections we will discuss the idealizations for a structural member and the
related supports or joints.

(a) Actual situation (b) Idealization / FBD

Figure 2 - Steel Joist on beam (weight neglected) modelled as point loads. Image source: (Hibbeler, Engineering
Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

(a) Actual situation (b) idealized situation (c) FBD of platform

Figure 3 – an unloaded platform that is suspended off the edge of the oil rig. The platform has a mass of 200 kg.
Image source: (Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

To do the idealization, careful choices have to be made so that selection of the type of
supports, the material behavior, and the object’s dimensions can be justified. This way, one
can feel that any design or analysis will yield results which can be trusted.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

5.3 STRUCTURAL MEMBERS

Description of Some
Structures

Truss
A truss is a structural
members composed of
linear members connected
together in a triangular
fashion resulting to a 2D
skeletal elements. The
joints are non-rigid

Beams
Beams are linear members
subjected to transverse
loads only.

Rigid Frames
Is built up of members
connected by rigid joints.

Columns & Struts

Columns are structural
members subjected to
compression loads.

Cables
Are structural members
capable of resisting tension
loads only.

Arches
Are structural members
that carries loads in
compression.
Figure 4 - Parts of structures in terms of geometry.

A structure is composed of structural elements and joints/supports. Skeletal elements are also
called as line elements wherein the length of the dimension is greater than its cross section.
Examples are: trusses, beams, columns, etc. Spatial elements are characterized by their small
thickness as compared to the other dimensions. Examples are: walls, slabs, and shells.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

Figure 5 - A truss bridge. Image source: https://www.codot.gov/news/2019/january/green-truss-bridge-in-final-

configuration. Date accessed: 09/26/19

Figure 6 - A shell structure. Image source: https://www.arch2o.com/unconventional-structure-systems/. Date

accessed: 09/26/19

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

Figure 7 - an aircraft frame is composed of skeletal and spatial elements. Image source:
http://www.ksxinan.com/large-die-forgings/2a14-t6-aluminum-frame-forging-parts-for-airplane.html. Date
accessed: 09/26/19

Figure 8 - the golden gate bridge is designed using suspended cables. Image source:
http://theconversation.com/how-would-engineers-build-the-golden-gate-bridge-today-77846. Date accessed:
09/26/19

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
5.4 STRUCTURAL SUPPORTS AND JOINTS
Oftentimes structural members are connected to or rests on something that holds them. It is
called a structural support or joints. A support is a part of structure that: (a) transmits the
forces from one member to another (this is the static function). (b) prevents the relative
movement between members (kinematic function).
Reactions can be of the following three: a force reaction along the x-axis, a force reaction
along the y-axis, and a moment reaction with respect to the z-axis. But depending upon the
type of supports the three reactions may be present; or only one or two of them may be present.
Kinematically we can also view the supports as degrees of freedom for the beam. Like for
example, does the girder allow the beam to translate and rotate? So one view is for statics,
and the other view is for kinematics. The degrees of freedom can be of the following three: a
translation along x-axis, a translation along y-axis, and a rotation with respect to the z-axis.

Figure 9 – the entire cylinder of a rotary dryer is supported by rollers. Image source:
https://briquettesolution.com/rotary-dryer/. Date accessed: 09/28/19

Figure 5.10 - Three displacements in the three axes. Image by: D.A.Belonio

Supports are an idealization or modelling to be able to determine the reactions statical

condition of the structure. There are many types of supports ranging from 2D to 3D. Table 2
outlines the various types of 2D supports. We will only discuss some supports in details

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
5.4.1 2D Supports

Fixed Support
Fixed support has two force reactions and one moment reaction. Because there are force
reactions on both axes, kinematically, translation in both axes is not allowed. And since,
moment reaction is present, no rotation is even allowed at this support. Note that all these
refer to only one point on the member; that is, the point at support. Of course when this point
of support moves or produces reactions, other points along the member will also respond in
different amounts.

(a) (b)

Figure 11 (a) Steel column base plate. Source: https://forums.autodesk.com/t5/inventor-forum/base-plate-

design/td-p/7861437?attachment-id=678426. Date accessed: 01/25/18. (b) Beam-column joint for reinforced
concrete. Source: http://engineeringfeed.com/5-steps-load-pathway. Source: 01/25/18

Pin Support
Statically, pin support have two force reactions only both the y and x-axis. Kinematically, no
translation is allowed, but rotation with respect to z-axis is allowed.

(a) (b)

Figure 12 – Examples of pin supports. Source: (a) https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-

fixed-support-and-pinned-support. (b) https://www.steel-sections.com/steelsections/steel-beams-basics.html.
Date accessed: 01/25/19

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
Roller Support
Roller support has only one force reaction that is normal to the plane. Kinematically, it allows
translation on one axis, and a rotation.

(a) (b)

Figure 13 – (a) Steel roller for structures. Source: https://www.quora.com/What-are-some-of-the-examples-of-

hinge-and-roller-support. (b) Elastomeric bearing plates for bridges. Source:
https://theconstructor.org/structures/bridge-bearings-types-details/18062/. Date accessed: 01/25/19

Internal Hinges
Internal hinge is like a pin support, but exists as a joint between two adjacent members. The
use of internal hinges simplifies the indeterminacy of the structure for it releases moment
reactions.

(a) (b)

Figure 14 – Internal hinge in bridges. (a) source: (Gregory K. Michaelson). (b)

http://www.ce.memphis.edu/3121/notes/notes_02.pdf

These four supports are commonly encountered in civil engineering structures. Table 1
summarizes the three supports we have mentioned above.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
Table 1 – Description and illustration of the three supports. Image by: D.A.Belonio

Pinned Support / Internal Roller Support Fixed Support

hinges
2 reactions for x and y are Only 1 reaction is present. All three reactions are
present. Only 1 Two displacements are present. No displacements
displacement possible: possible: translation in x and are possible
rotation with respect to z rotation with respect to z
axis axis

Table 2 – Supports for Rigid Bodies Subjected to Two-dimensional Force Systems. Source: Table 5-1 (Hibbeler,
Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
Table 3(Continuation) – Supports for Rigid Bodies Subjected to Two-dimensional Force Systems. Source: Table 5-
1 (Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
5.4.2 3D Supports and Joints
As in the two-dimensional case, a force is developed by a support to restrict the translation of
the attached member; a couple moment is developed when the rotation of the attached
member is prevented.
Table 4 - Supports for Rigid Bodies Subjected to 3D Force Systems. Source: Table 5-2 (Hibbeler, Engineering
Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

Table 5 (Continuation) - Supports for Rigid Bodies Subjected to 3D Force Systems. Source: Table 5-2 (Hibbeler,
Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

(a) Ball-and-socket provides a connection for the (b) Bearing supports the end of the shaft
housing of an earth grader to its frame.

(c) Thrust bearing is used to support the drive (d) The pin is used to support the end of the strut
shaft on a machine on a tractor.

Figure 15 – Actual examples of 3D supports. Image source: (Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

5.5 EQUILIBRIUM CONDITIONS

Equillibrium is a concept whereby the sum of all the forces (including moment of force) acting
on a body or structure is zero; in other words, the structure would not be in acceleration.
Mathematically, the two conditions for equilibrium of a rigid body may be expressed
mathematically in vector form as

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

If all the external forces and couple moments are expressed in Cartesian vector form and
substituted into the Equation, we have

And since i, j, and k components are independent from one another, the above equations are
satisfied provided

The six scalar equilibrium equations may be used to solve for at most six unknowns shown on
the FBD.
The application of the equillibrium equation falls into four categories which we identify with
the aid in Figure. These categories differ in the number and type (force or moment) of
independent equilibrium equations required to solve the problem.
Category 1, equilibrium of forces all concurrent at point O, requires all three force equations,
but no moment equations because the moment of the forces about any axis through O is zero.
Category 2, equilibrium of forces which are concurrent with a line, requires all equations
except the moment equation about that line, which is automatically satisfied.
Category 3, equilibrium of parallel forces, requires only one force equation, the one in the
direction of the forces (x-direction as shown), and two moment equations about the axes (y
and z) which are normal to the direction of the forces.
Category 4, equilibrium of a general system of forces, requires all three force equations and
all three moment equations.
The observations contained in these statements are generally quite evident when a given
problem is being solved.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019
Table 6 - Categories of Equilibrium in 3 Dimensions. Image source: (Meriam & Kraige, 2002)

5.6 THE FREE BODY DIAGRAM

Successful application of the equations of equilibrium requires a complete specification of all
the known and unknown external forces that act on the body. The best way to account for
these forces is to draw a free-body diagram. This diagram is a sketch of the outlined or
simplified shape and then exposing the forces acting on it. The FBD is of primary importance
in solving mechanics problems.
When applying the equations of equilibrium, we will assume that the body remains rigid. In
reality, however, all bodies deform when subjected to loads. Although this is the case, most
engineering materials such as steel and concrete are very rigid and so their deformation is
usually very small. Therefore, when applying the equations of equilibrium, we can generally
assume that the body will remain rigid and not deform under the applied load without
introducing any significant error. This way the direction of the applied forces and their moment
arms with respect to a fixed reference remain unchanged before and after the body is loaded.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

Figure16 - Examples of free body diagram from an actual situation. (a) FBD of a spool suspended from a crane
boom (b) FBD of a foot lever. Image source: (Hibbeler, Engineering Mechanics: Statics, 2011)

5.7 CONSTRAINTS AND STATICAL DETERMINACY

A rigid body, or rigid combination of elements treated as a single body, which possesses more
external supports or constraints than are necessary to maintain an equilibrium position is called
statically indeterminate. Supports which can be removed without destroying the equilibrium
condition of the body are said to be redundant. The number of redundant supporting elements
present corresponds to the degree of statical indeterminacy and equals the total number of
unknown external forces, minus the number of available independent equations of equilibrium.
On the other hand, bodies which are supported by the minimum number of constraints
necessary to ensure an equilibrium configuration are called statically determinate, and for such
bodies the equilibrium equations are sufficient to determine the unknown external forces.

(a) Complete fixity (b) Incomplete fixity (c) Incomplete fixity (d) Excessive fixity
Adequate Partial Partial Redundant
constraints constraints constraints constraint

Figure 17 – Stability of 2D structures. Image source: (Meriam & Kraige, 2002)

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

(a) Complete fixity (b) Incomplete fixity (c) Incomplete fixity (d) Excessive fixity
Adequate Partial Partial Redundant
constraints constraints constraints constraint

Figure 18 - Stability of 3D structures. Image source: (Meriam & Kraige, 2002)

5.8 STABILITY AND ADEQUACY OF CONSTRAINTS

The equilibrium equations (6 scalar equations for 3D, 3 scalar equations for 2D) are both
necessary and sufficient conditions to establish the equilibrium of a body. However, they do
not necessarily provide all the information required to calculate all the unknown forces which
may act on a body in equilibrium. Whether the equations are adequate to determine all the
unknowns depends on the characteristics of the constraints against possible movement of the
body provided by its supports. By constraint we mean the restriction of movement.

REFERENCES
Bedford, A., & Fowler, W. (2002). Engineering Mechanics: Statics and Dynamics. Pearson
Education Asia Pte Ltd.
Craig Jr., R. R. (2011). Mechanics of Materials. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Gregory K. Michaelson, P. (n.d.). CE 312: Structural Analysis (Fall 2016). Retrieved from
www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLCV9OyAY5K-WKngS0ZQSAFx_NCL5Mcgol
Hibbeler, R. C. (2011). Engineering Mechanics: Statics (Philippine Edition ed.). Pearson
Education Sout Asia PTE.
Hibbeler, R. C. (2011). Structural Analysis (Panama Edition ed.). Pearson Education South Asia
Pte Ltd.
Hsieh, Y.-Y. (1982). Elementary Theory of Structures (Philippine Edition ed.). Prentice-Hall,
Inc.
Kassimali, A. (2011). Understanding Structural Analysis. Cengage Learning Asia Pte Ltd.
Menon, P. D. (n.d.). Advanced Structural Analysis. Retrieved from
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLEE5D02698EAAF2C0
Meriam, J. L., & Kraige, L. G. (2002). Engineering Mechanics. John Wiley & Sons.
Philpot, T. A. (2008). Mechanics of Materials: An Integrated Learning System. John Wiley &
Sons, Inc.

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 ENSC 104 – ENGINEERING STATICS / Sem 1 SY19-20
D.A.BELONIO A.E., C.E.. I.S.BELONIO A.E.
DATE PREPARED: 9/28/19
COPYRIGHT 2019

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