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Block 2 Static Structure Example v.03

The document summarizes the analysis of a truss structure that supports a floor load. It describes: 1) The principle of static equilibrium, which states that a structure in equilibrium has no unbalanced forces or torques, can be used to determine the internal forces in the truss by analyzing equilibrium at each node. 2) The maximum internal force will likely occur in the middle member (HG) of the truss, as this would be the area in greatest tension if the truss were a beam. 3) The force distribution could be used to optimize the truss design by sizing members based on maximum forces while incorporating safety factors, and additional considerations for compression members' resistance to buckling.

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149 views2 pages

Block 2 Static Structure Example v.03

The document summarizes the analysis of a truss structure that supports a floor load. It describes: 1) The principle of static equilibrium, which states that a structure in equilibrium has no unbalanced forces or torques, can be used to determine the internal forces in the truss by analyzing equilibrium at each node. 2) The maximum internal force will likely occur in the middle member (HG) of the truss, as this would be the area in greatest tension if the truss were a beam. 3) The force distribution could be used to optimize the truss design by sizing members based on maximum forces while incorporating safety factors, and additional considerations for compression members' resistance to buckling.

Uploaded by

gino1_ginelli3521
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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T207 : The Engineer as Problem Solver

Tutorial Example : Block 2 : Static Structures

Fig1 shows a truss that carries a floor of a building. Walls at each end support it. The
floor loads the truss by 2000N uniformly distributed.

(a) Describe the principle of static equilibrium and explain how it may be used to
determine the internal forces in the truss.
(b) Estimate the maximum internal force in the truss and state in which member
it will occur. Assume that the truss is a pin-jointed network, fixed at one end
and freely supported at the other. Ignore the weight of the truss itself and
distribute the weight of the floor as shown in Fig.2.

(c) Outline how you could use information about the distribution of forces in the truss
to optimize its design.

Notes on Answer to this example


(a) The principles of ‘static equilibrium’ are summarized by the concept that a
structure in equilibrium has no unbalanced force or un-opposed torque (i.e. turning
moment)
In this question there are no imposed horizontal forces. Solution of the structure
involves determining equilibrium at each node. The solution is simplified by
appreciation that the structure is symmetrical about a vertical line through point ‘C’.
Thus only nodes A, B,C, J & H need consideration. [58 words]

(b) Sign Convention I shall assume the normal graphical sign convention e.g.. ‘X’
direction:  is +’ve and  is -’ve. , ‘Y’ direction upwards is +’ve
N.B sin(45o) = cos(45o) =1/√ 2 = 0.7071

Intuitive Solution: If the truss were a beam the lower surface would be in tension
with the greatest force at the centre. As materials are stronger in compression than in
tension this( middle of HG) is the weakest point. See also computer solution at
http://www.jhu.edu/~virtlab/bridge/bridge.htm . This model gives solutions that agree
with these notes. You may NOT present this model as a way of answering your TMA;
but it is very useful as a check on your work
Vertical reactions: The weight is carried evenly by reactions at ‘A’ and ‘E’. There
will thus be a vertical upward force of 1000N at each node.

Vertical forces at ‘A’ : 1000N –400N- FAJ sin(45o) = 0.


So FAJ = 600/ sin(45o) = 848.5 N. The vertical reaction force at ‘A’ is acting upwards
and so the force FAJ is acting down wards and is tensile
Horizontal forces at ‘A’ : FAJ cos(45o) + FAB = 0.
So FAB = -848.5 cos(45o) = -600N The horizontal force at ‘A’ is acting to the left
(-‘ve) and is compressive at A
And so on; i.e. I expect you to continue in this way to solve the entire half truss.

If you have any problems try the Bridge Software I recommended overleaf but please
take care to get the angles correct!

(c) To design truss members one needs to combine materials properties with the
force data derived above to get minimum dimensions.
Tensile members can be dimensioned from the maximum force with an
appropriate ‘safety factor’
Compression members need an additional consideration to optimise resistance to
buckling; but will still depend on force and safety factor
‘Safety Factor ‘ depends critically on the consequences of failure. For a major
bridge, carrying say a railway, the probability of failure should be <1 in106
This sort of design needs not just the Young’s Modulus and the UTS of the
material but also the ‘Weibull Modulus’ of the UTS. This gives an idea of the
variability of strength observed when a large number of specimens are tested from
which one can de-rate the UTS sufficiently to ensure a failure probability < 1 in
106

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