Chapter 6 : Structural Analysis

1.
2.
3.
4.

Simple Trusses
The Method of Joints
Zero-Force Members
The Method of Sections

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APPLICATIONS

Trusses are commonly used to support

roofs.
For a given truss geometry and load, how
can you determine the forces in the truss
members and thus be able to select their
sizes?
A more challenging question is, that for a
given load, how can we design the
trusses geometry to minimize cost?

APPLICATIONS (continued)

Trusses are also used in a variety of

structures like cranes and the frames
of aircraft or the space station.

How can you design a light weight

structure satisfying load, safety, cost
specifications, is simple to
manufacture, and allows easy
inspection over its lifetime?

6.1 Simple Trusses

A truss composed of slender members joined together

at their end points

Planar Trusses

Planar trusses used to support roofs and bridges

Roof load is transmitted to the truss at joints by means
of a series of purlins

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Planar Trusses (2D truss)

The analysis of the forces developed in the truss

members is 2D
Similar to roof truss, the bridge truss loading is also
coplanar

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Assumptions for Design

1. All loadings are applied at the joint
- Weight of the members neglected
2. The members are joined together by smooth pins
- Assume connections provided the center lines of the
joining members are concurrent

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Simple Truss

Form of a truss must be rigid to prevent collapse

The simplest form that is rigid or stable is a triangle

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6.2 The Method of Joints

For truss analysis, we need to know the force in each

member
Forces in the members are internal forces
For external force members, equations of equilibrium can
be applied
Force system acting at each joint is coplanar and
concurrent (analysis based on equilibium of a particle)
Fx = 0 and Fy = 0 must be satisfied for equilibrium

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Procedure for Analysis

Draw the FBD of joint with not more than 2 unknown

forces
Find the external reactions at the truss support if
necessary.
Determine the correct sense of force in the member
Orient the x and y axes
Apply Fx = 0 and Fy = 0

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Example 6.1
Determine the force in each member of the truss and
indicate whether the members are in tension or
compression.

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Solution
2 unknown member forces at joint B
2 unknown forces and 1 unknown reaction force at
joint C (total 3 unknown)
2 unknown member forces and 2 unknown reaction
forces at point A (total 4 unknown)
For Joint B,

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For Joint C,

For Joint A,

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 FBD of each pin shows the effect of all the connected

members and external forces applied to the pin
FBD of each member shows only the effect of the end
pins on the member

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6.3 Zero-Force Members

Method of joints is simplified using zero-force

members
Zero-force members are supports with no loading at
joint.
Rule # 1: When 2 members form a truss joint. Both
members are non-collinear and no external force or
support reaction is applied to the joint, then both the
members are zero-force members

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Rule # 2
When 3 members form a truss joint, two are collinear
and the third is non-collinear then 3rd member (noncollinear) is a zero-force member provided no external
force or support reaction is applied to the joint.

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Example 6.4
Using the method of joints, determine all the zero-force
members of the Fink roof truss. Assume all joints are pin
connected.

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Solution
For Joint G,

GC is a zero-force member.
For Joint D,

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Solution
For Joint F,

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Solution
FHC satisfy Fy = 0 and therefore HC is not a zero-force
member.

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APPLICATIONS

Long trusses are often used to construct large cranes and large
electrical transmission towers.
The method of joints requires that many joints be analyzed before we can
determine the forces in the middle of a large truss.
So another method to determine those forces is helpful.

6.4 The Method of Sections

Used to determine the loadings

within a body
If a body is in equilibrium, any part
of the body is in equilibrium
To find forces within members, an
imaginary section is used to cut
each member into 2 and expose
each internal force as external

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Consider the truss and section a-a as shown

Member forces are equal and opposite to those acting
on the other part Newtons Law

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Procedure for Analysis

Free-Body Diagram
Decide the section of the truss
Determine the trusss external reactions if required.
Draw FBD of the sectioned truss which has the least
number of forces acting on it
Assume the sense of an unknown member force as in
tension (force directed away from the member)
Use equilibrium equations to solve member forces at
the cut session (3EOE for 3 unknown)
Equations of Equilibrium
Summed moments about a point
Determine the 3 unknown forces from the 3 EOE for
2D truss analysis.
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Example 6.5
Determine the force in members GE, GC, and BC of the
truss. Indicate whether the members are in tension or
compression.

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Solution

Choose section a-a since it cuts through the three

members
Draw FBD of the entire truss

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 Draw FBD for the section portion

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EXAMPLE
Given: Loads as shown on the
truss.
Find: The force in members
KD, and CD.
Plan:

a) Take a cut through members KJ, KD and CD.

b) Work with the left part of the cut section. Why?
c) Determine the support reactions at A. What are they?
d) Apply the E-of-E to find the forces in KJ, KD and CD.

KJ,

56.7 kN

56.7 kN