Chapter 4:

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES
CHAPTER OBJECTIVES

1.Determine the forces in the members of a truss

using the method of joints and the method of sections.
2.Analyze the forces acting on the members of frames
composed of pin-connected members.

1.1. INTRODUCTION
Simple Trusses:
A truss is a structure composed of slender members
joined together at their end points. The members commonly
used in construction consist of wooden struts or metal
bars. In particular, planar trusses lie in a single plane
and are often used to support roofs and bridges. The
trusses lie in a single plane and are often used to
support roofs and bridges.

The truss shown in Fig 6-1a is an example of a

typical roof supporting-supporting truss. In this
figure, the roof load is transmitted to the truss at the
joints by means of a series of purlins. Since this In the case of a bridge, such as shown in Fig 6.2a,
loading acts in the same plane as the truss Fig 6-1b, the the load of the deck is first transmitted to stringers,
analysis of the forces developed in the truss members then to floor beams and finally to the joints of the
will be two dimensional. supporting side trusses. Like the roof truss, the bridge
truss loading is also coplanar, fig.6-2b

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 b. The members are joined together by smooth pins: The
joint connections are usually formed by bolting or
welding the ends of the members to a common plate,
called gusset plate as shown in Fig 6-3a or by
simply passing a large bolt or pin through each of
the member, Fig 6-3b. we can assume these
connections act as pins provided the center lines of
the joining members are concurrent, as in fig. 6-3

Assumptions for design. To design both the members and

the connections of a truss, it is necessary first to
determine the force developed in each member when the
truss is subjected to a given loading. To do this we will
make two important assumptions:

a. All loadings are applied at the joints. In most

situation, such as for bridges and roof trusses,
this assumption is true.

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 Each truss member will act as a two-force member and 1.2. Method of Joints | Analysis of Simple Trusses
therefore the force acting at each end of the member
will be directed along the axis of the member. If the Method of Joints
force tends to elongate the member, it is a tensile This method is based on the fact that if the entire truss
force(T) fig 6.4a; whereas if it tends to shorten the is in equilibrium then each member of its joint is also
member , it is a compression force(C) fig6.4b. in equilibrium. The free-body diagram of any joint is
a concurrent force system in which the summation of
moment will be of no help. Recall that only two
equilibrium equations can be written:

ΣFx=0 & ΣFy=0

Procedure For Analysis:

The following procedure provides a means for analyzing a
truss using method of joints.

1. Draw the free-body diagram of a joint having at

least one known force and at most two unknown
forces. If this joint is at one of the support, then
it may be necessary first to calculate the external
reactions at the support.
2. Use one of the two methods described above for
establishing the sense of an unknown force.

3. Orient the x and y axes such that the forces on the

free-body diagram can be easily resolved into their
x and y components and then apply the two forces
equilibrium equation ΣFx=0 and ΣFy=0

4. Using the calculated results, continue to analyze

each of the other joints. Remember that a member in
compression “ pushes” on the joint and a member in

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 tension “ pulls” on the joint. Also, be sure to
choose a joint having at most two unknowns and least
one known forces.
ZERO-FORCE MEMBERS

Truss analysis using the method of joints is greatly

simplified if we can first identify those members which
support no loading. These zero-force members are used to
increase the stability of the truss during construction
and to provide added support if the loading is changed.

The zero force members of a truss can generally be found

by inspection.

a. If only two non-collinear members form a truss joint

and no external load or support reaction is applied
to the joint, the two members must be zero-force
members. b. If three members form a truss joint for which two of
the members are collinear, the third member is a
A zero force member.

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 Illustrative Example 4.2.1. Solve for the support
reactions at A and C and then determine all members’
forces.

Step 1: Construct the FBD of the entire truss

Step 2: Solve for external support reactions.

ΣFx=0
-Ax+2KN=0
Ax=2 KN

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 ΣMA=0 Force Fx Fy
-2kn(9m)-2kN(12m)- Cy(24m)=0 Ax -2KN 0
Cy=-1.75 KN Ay 0 +0.25 KN
Cy=+1.75 KN (upward)
AB (+4/5)AB (+3/5)AB

ΣFy=0 AD +AD 0
+Ay-2KN+Cy=0
Ay=0.25 KN

Step 3:Isolate a joint with no more than two unknown ΣFy=0

mwmber forces. AD and AB are assumed as tension forces. 0.25 KN +(3/5) AB=0
AB= -0.42 KN (negative sign indicate assumed
The equations of equilibrium will verify tha assumed direction of force is incorrect)
directions. AB= 0.42 KN (C)

Step 4: Write and solve the equations of equilibrium.

Assume both members are in tension. ΣFx=0
-2KN+ (4/5)AB+AD=0
Joint A. AD=+2KN- (4/5)(-.42KN)
AD=2KN+0.33KN
AD=2.33 KN

Note: The FBD of joint A represents the forces applied to

the theoretical pin at joint A. these forces are acting
equal and opposite on the corresponding members, as shown
in Fig.

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 ΣFx=0
-2.33KN+ DC=0
DC=+2.33KN (T)

ΣFy=0
+DB-2KN =0
DB=+2 KN (T)

Joint B.

Step 5.Proceed to another joint with no more than two

unknown forces.

Joint D.

Known forces should be shown in the correct direction

Force Fx Fy
2KN +2KN 0
BD 0 -2KN
AB +4/5(.42KN)=+0.33KN (+3/5)(0.42KN)=+0.25KN
BC +4/5(BC) -3/5(BC)

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 Illustrative Example 4.2.1:
ΣFx=0
+2KN+0.33KN+(4/5)BC=0 A Fink truss is loaded as shown in Figure. Determine the
BC=-2.92KN wrong direction assumed force in each member of the truss assuming them to be pin
BD=2.92 KN (C) connected.

ΣFy=0
-2KN +0.25 KN -(3/5) (-2.92KN)=0
-2KN+0.25KN +1.75KN=0 Checks

A summary diagram,called a force summation diagram,

should be drawn as a last step.

Solution:

The given truss is symmetrical and also symmetrically

loaded so that the forces need be found in only one-half
of it.

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Since the reactions are given,we can now start the
ΣFy=0
analysis at Joint A.Consider Joint A which has only two
3500+ABSin30°=0
unknown members(AB and AC) acting upon it. AB= -7000 N (wrong assumption of direction).
Therefore AB=7000N act in COMPRESSION (C).
FBD of Joint A

ΣFx=0
AC-7000Cos30°=0
AC=6062 N (T)

Note: The positive values obtained for AB and AC confirm

the original assumption concerning the direction of these
forces.

The next pin at which no more than two unknown forces is

at joint B. Draw FBD of joint B to determine member BC
and BD.

In the diagram, it is evident that AB denotes

compression, is directed toward the pin, in order that
its vertical component may balance the upward
reaction.Hence AC must be in tension and pull away from
the pin to balance the leftward component AB. Using
eqution of equilibrium, we obtain:

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 ΣFy=0
BC-1000cos 30°=0
BC= 866 lb (C) ans

ΣFx=0
7000-1000Sin30°-BD=0
BD=6500 lb (C) ans

The next pin at which two unmarked members is C. Assume

both CD and CE to be in tensions.Draw the FBD of pin C.

ΣFy=0
CD Sin60°-866Sin60°-2000 =0
CD=3175 lb T Ans.

ΣFx=0
CE +3175 Cos 60°+ 866 Cos 60°-6062=0
CE=4040 lb T ans

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EXERCISE 4.2.
Problem 4.2.1.
Problem 4.2.2
Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown Find the force in each member of the truss shown in Fig.
in Figure below.

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Problem 4.2.3: Using the method of joints, determine all
the zero-force member of the fink truss as shown. Assume
all joints are pin connected.

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