DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

CHAPTER 3 DETERMINATE TRUSSES

 DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
CHAPTER 3 DETERMINATE TRUSSES
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

At the end of this topic, student should be able to:

1. Derive expression for calculating deflections in trusses

subjected to mechanical loading using unit-load method.
(PLO1,C2)

2. Compute deflections in various determinate trusses using unit-

load method. (PLO1, C3)
CHAPTER 3
 2.1
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

In this chapter, a method for the analysis of

deflections

Of statically determinate truss structures

CHAPTER 3

By using some basic principles of work and energy

is developed.
 The work done by a force acting on a structure 3.2
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

is simply defined as the:

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Force times the Displacement W=F x δ

F
δ

Of its point of application in the direction of the force. W = F x δ cosθ

CHAPTER 3

δ
θ

F F
 3.3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

The principle of virtual work, was introduced by John Bernoulli in 1717. The
term virtual simply means imaginary, not real. The method of virtual work is
based on the principle of virtual forces for deformable bodies, which can be
written as

virtual external work = virtual internal work

or, more specifically, as
CHAPTER 3
 3.3
REAL SYSTEM
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

δ WORK DONE
N WRealExternal = Nxδ

REAL + VIRTUAL SYSTEM

δ
N
△⬄δ
1 unit WORK DONE
△ WVirtualExternal = Nx△
CHAPTER 3

EXTERNAL AND INTERNAL VIRTUAL SYSTEM

L △ WORK DONE
n L⬄△ 1 unit WVirtualExternal = Nx△
WORK DONE
WVirtualInternal = nxL
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

To develop the expression of the virtual work method

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

that can be used to determine the deflections of trusses,

consider an arbitrary statically determinate truss, as
shown
P2
P1 D
CHAPTER 3

A C
B
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Let us assume that we want to determine the vertical deflection, ∆,

at joint B of the truss due to the given external loads P1 and P2.
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

The truss is statically determinate, so the axial forces in its

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

members (N) can be determined from the method of joints

described previously.

Deformation (STRAIN) of
individual member is:

NL
δ=
AE
CHAPTER 3

Example:
FAD L AD
δAD =
A AD E AD
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

If N represents the axial force in an arbitrary member j

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

(say AD), then the axial deformation, δ, of this member is given by:
NL
δ=
AE
in which L; A, and E denote, respectively, the length, cross-sectional
area, and modulus of elasticity of member j.
FAD FAD
δ
CHAPTER 3

FAD L AD
δAD =
A AD E AD
 3.4
Each member will deform:
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

1. According to magnitude of applied force, increase length for

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

tension and contract for compression.

2. Following direction of applied force.

N BC L BC
δBC = expand
AE

N AB L AB contract
δAB =
−
CHAPTER 3

AE
Similar for other members
Sum of all deformation:
δAB + δAC +….. = total deformation (△)
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Sum of δ for all members will

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

produce total truss deflection △ as

shown.
P2

△ is deflection of point B after adding P1

D
all members deflection.

Note:
Using this general procedure, all
CHAPTER 3

measurement must refer to a fixed

point, say A.
A B
Then the deflection of any point is C
calculated relative to the reference △
point.
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

To determine deflection of a specific point, using method of

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

virtual work will simplified and expedite the calculation.

To determine the vertical deflection, ∆, at joint B of the

truss, we select a virtual system consisting of a unit load D
acting at the joint and in the direction of the desired
deflection, as shown.
CHAPTER 3

A C
B
1 unit
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

The forces in the truss members due to the virtual unit load can be
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

determined from the method of joints.

Let n denote the virtual force in member j.

CHAPTER 3

W= Work
ve = virtual external
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Next, we subject the truss with the virtual unit load acting on it to the
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

deformations of the real loads.

The virtual external work

(Wve) performed by the
CHAPTER 3

virtual unit load as it goes

through the real deflection
D is equal

Wve = 1 x ∆
W= Work
ve = virtual external
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

To determine the virtual internal work, let us focus our attention on

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

member j (member AD).

The virtual internal work done on member j by the virtual axial force
n, acting through the real axial deformation δ, is equal to n.δ.

Therefore, the total virtual internal work done (Wvi ) on all the
members of the truss can be written as:

Wvi = ∑n(δ)
CHAPTER 3
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

By equating the virtual external work to the virtual internal work in

accordance with the principle of virtual forces for deformable bodies,
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

we obtain the following expression for the method of virtual work for
truss deflections:

1(∆) = ∑n(δ)

When the deformations are caused by external loads, can be

substituted to obtain:
CHAPTER 3

1(∆) = ∑n (NL/AE)
 3.4
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Because the desired deflection, ∆, is the only unknown in the equation,

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

its value can be determined by solving this equation.

Where,
1 = external virtual unit load acting on the truss joint in the stated
direction of ∆
n = internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by the
external
virtual unit load
CHAPTER 3

∆ = external joint displacement caused by the real load on the truss

N = internal normal force in a truss member caused by the real loads
L = length of a member
A = cross-sectional area of a member
E = modulus of elasticity of a member
 3.5
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

1. Calculate the internal force of all members due to external

loads.
2. Place a unit load on the node in the direction of the require
deflection.
3. Calculate the internal force of all members due to this unit
load.
4. Tabulate the results and summed the value of Σn(NL/AE).
CHAPTER 3
 Example 1
A truss ABC with dimensions as shown is subjected with a
horizontal force at joint C.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

A. Determine the vertical displacement of joint C.

B. Determine the horizontal displacement of joint C.

The cross-sectional area of each member of

the truss are:
A = 400 mm2 and
E = 200 GPa.
CHAPTER 3
 Example 1

Geometry of truss.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Members Length (L)

meter
AB 8

AC 5

BC 5
CHAPTER 3
 Example 1
STEP 1
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Calculate support reactions at A and B

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

↑ + ∑ Fy =0
A y + 1.5kN =
0
Ay =
−1.5kN ↓
+∑ M A = 0

A y = −1.5kN
−4kN.3m + B y .8m =
0
A y 1.5kN ↓
=
B y .8m = 4kN.3m
B y = 1.5kN
CHAPTER 3

B y 1.5kN ↑
=
→ + ∑ Fx =0
A x + 4kN =
0
Ax =
−4kN =
A x 4kN ←
=
 Example 1
STEP 1
Calculate the internal force of all members due to external loads.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Use any method (joint, section or rapid)

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

At Joint B
↑ + ∑ Fy =0 → + ∑ Fx =0
B y − BC y =
0 BC x − BA =
0
BC y 1.5kN ↓
= BA = 2kN(T)

BC x 4
CHAPTER 3

=
BC y 3
BC
= x 2kN →

BC2 BC y 2 + BC x 2
=
BC = 2.25kN(C)
 Example 1
STEP 2
Calculate the internal force of all members due to external loads.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Use any method (joint, section or rapid)

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

At Joint A

↑ + ∑ Fy =0 → + ∑ Fx =0
−A y + AC y =
0 AB
= 4kN →

−1.5 + AC y =
0
AC y 1.5kN ↑
CHAPTER 3

AC x 4
=
AC y 3
AC
= x 2kN →
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY Example 1

Summary of Real forces (N)

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Members Length (L) Real Force (N)

meter kN
AB 8 2

AC 5 2.5

BC 5 -2.5
CHAPTER 3
 Example 1
STEP 3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Since the vertical displacement of joint C is to be determined, only a vertical 1

kN load is placed at joint C. The n force in each member is calculated using
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

the method of joint.

Calculate support reactions at A and B due to

1 vertical unit load at C.

+∑ M A = 0

−1unit x 4m + B y x 8m =
0
CHAPTER 3

=B y 0.5unit ↑

↑ + ∑ Fy =0 → + ∑ Fx =0
A=
y 0.5 ↑ Ax = 0
 Example 1
Calculate internal forces due to 1 vertical unit virtual load at C.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

At Joint A and B
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

↑ + ∑ Fy =0

→ + ∑ Fx =0
CHAPTER 3
 Example 1

Summary of Virtual forces (n)

DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Members Length (L) Real Force (N) Virtual Force (n)

meter kN
AB 8 2 0.67

AC 5 2.5 -0.83

BC 5 -2.5 -0.83
CHAPTER 3
 STEP 4 Example 1
Tabulate the results and solve the vertical deflection of joint C.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length (L) Real Force (N) Virtual Force N.n.L

s meter kN (n)
AB 8 2 0.67 10.67

AC 5 2.5 -0.83 -10.41

BC 5 -2.5 -0.83 10.41

CHAPTER 3

∑N.n.L 10.67
 Example 1

1=
× ∆C v
∑=
N.n.L 10.672 × 10 6
= 0.13mm ↓
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

2
AE 400 mm × 200000
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

If result is –ve, displacement is opposite direction

CHAPTER 3
 B Determine the horizontal displacement of joint C. Example 1

STEP 1 AND 2 similar with part A

DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

STEP 3
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Since the horizontal displacement of joint C is to be determined, only a

horizontal 1 kN load is placed at joint C. The n force in each member is
calculated using the method of joint.
Calculate support reactions at A and B due to
1 horizontal unit load at C.
+∑ M A = 0

CHAPTER 3

−1unit x 3m + B y x 8m =
0
=B y 0.38unit ↑

↑ + ∑ Fy =0 → + ∑ Fx =0
A y 0.38 ↓
= A x = 1unit
 Example 1
Calculate internal forces due to 1 horizontal unit virtual load at C.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

At Joint A and B
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

↑ + ∑ Fy =0

→ + ∑ Fx =0
CHAPTER 3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY Example 1

Summary of Virtual forces (n)

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Members Length (L) Real Force (N) Virtual Force (n)

meter kN
AB 8 2 0.5

AC 5 2.5 0.62

BC 5 -2.5 -0.62
CHAPTER 3
 STEP 4 Example 1
Tabulate the results
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Members Length (L) Real Force (N) Virtual Force (n) N.n.L
meter kN
AB 8 2 0.5 8

AC 5 2.5 0.62 1.55

BC 5 -2.5 -0.62 7.75

CHAPTER 3

∑N.n.L 17.3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
Solve for deflection Example 1

1=
× ∆C v
∑=
N.n.L 17.3 × 10 6
= 0.22 mm →
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

2
AE 400 mm × 200000
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the
steel truss shown.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

The cross-section area of each member is A= 400 mm2

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

and E= 200 GPa.

CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Geometry of truss.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length

AB 4

BC 4

CD 4
5.66
DE 5.66 θ 4
EF 4
4
CHAPTER 3

AF 5.66

BF 4

BE 5.66

CE 4
 Example 2
Determine all reactions due to real applied forces.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Determine all internal forces due to real applied forces.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Real Force N.
The N force in each member is calculated using the method of joint.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N

AB 4 4

BC 4 4

CD 4 4

DE 5.657 -5.66

EF 4 -4
CHAPTER 3

AF 5.657 -5.66

BF 4 4

BE 5.657 0

CE 4 4
 Example 2
Apply 1 unit virtual load at joint C in vertical direction
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Determine all reactions due to 1 unit virtual force.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Determine all internal (n) forces due to virtual forces.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 2
Summary of n
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N n

AB 4 4 0.333

BC 4 4 0.667

CD 4 4 0.667

DE 5.657 -5.66 -0.943

EF 4 -4 -0.333
CHAPTER 3

AF 5.657 -5.66 -0.471

BF 4 4 0.333

BE 5.657 0 -0.471

CE 4 4 1
 Example 2
Tabulate and sum N.n.L
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Member Length N n NnL

DETERMINATE TRUSSES

AB 4 4 0.333 5.328

BC 4 4 0.667 10.672

CD 4 4 0.667 10.672

DE 5.657 -5.66 -0.943 30.193

EF 4 -4 -0.333 5.328
CHAPTER 3

AF 5.657 -5.66 -0.471 15.081

BF 4 4 0.333 5.328

BE 5.657 0 -0.471 0

CE 4 4 1 16

∑NnL 98.602
 Example 2
1 x ∆Cv = ∑N.n.L /AE
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Therefore, ∆Cv = ∑NnL /AE = (98.602 x 106) / (400 x 200000) = 1.23 mm⬇
CHAPTER 3
 Example 3
Determine the horizontal components of the deflection at
joint B of the truss shown below by the virtual work method.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Given EA = constant, E = 200 GPa, A = 1200 mm2.

DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 3
Geometry of members
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length

AB 4

BC 3

BD 4

AD 5.657
CHAPTER 3

DC 5
 DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
CHAPTER 3 DETERMINATE TRUSSES Supports reactions at A and C
Example 3
 Example 3
Internal forces (N) due to real loads
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N

AB 4 21

BC 3 21

BD 4 84
CHAPTER 3

AD 5.657 -79.2

DC 5 -35
 Example 3
Apply 1 unit of virtual load at joint B in horizontal direction
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 3
Summary of reactions and internal forces (n)
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N n

AB 4 21 1

BC 3 21 0
CHAPTER 3

BD 4 84 0

AD 5.657 -79.2 0

DC 5 -35 0
 Example 3
Tabulate the results and solve the horizontal deflection of joint B.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N n N.n.L

AB 4 21 1 84

BC 3 21 0 0

BD 4 84 0 0

AD 5.657 -79.2 0 0
CHAPTER 3

DC 5 -35 0 0

∑NnL 84
 Example 3
1 x ∆BH = ∑N.n.L / AE
= (84 x 106) / (1200 x 200000) = 0.35 mm⟶
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 4
Determine the vertical deflection of joint D under the loading
as shown in the diagram below.
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

Given E = 200 x 103 N/mm2 and the cross sectional areas for
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

all members = 103 mm2.

CHAPTER 3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY Example 4

Geometry of members
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length
(m)
AB 3
CE 3
BC 4
AE 4
CHAPTER 3

DE 4
BE 5
CD 5
 Example 4
Support reactions at A and B
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

+∑ M A = 0

( −30 cos 30°kN)(8m) + ( −5kN)(4m) + ( − R BX )(3m) =0
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

( − R BX )(3m) = (30 cos 30°kN)(8m) + (5kN)(4m)

( − R BX )(3m)= (207.8kNm) + (20kN.m)
− R BX (207.8kNm) + (20kN.m)
=
R BX 76kN ←
=

→ + ∑ Fx =0
R AX + R BX + 30 sin 30°kN =
0
R AX − 76kN + 30 sin 30°kN =
0
CHAPTER 3

R AX= 76kN − 30 sin 30°kN= 0

R AX 61kN →
=

↑ + ∑ Fy =0
R BY − 5kN − 30 cos 30°kN =
0
R BY =
5kN + 30 cos 30°kN
R=
BY 31k ↑
 Example 4
Calculate all members force using method of joint or inspection
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY Example 4

Members force
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N
(m) kN
AB 3 0
CE 3 -25.98
BC 4 34.64
AE 4 - 60.94
CHAPTER 3

DE 4 -19.64
BE 5 51.63
CD 5 43.3 kN
 Example 4
Apply 1 unit of virtual force at joint D in vertical direction.
Remove real forces
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 4
Calculate
a. All reactions (r)
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

b. Internal forces (n)

DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3
 Example 4
Members force (n) due to virtual load of 1 unit applied
vertically at joint D
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length N n
(m) kN
AB 3 0 0
CE 3 -25.98 -1
BC 4 34.64 1.33
AE 4 - 60.94 -2.67
DE 4 -19.64 - 1.33
CHAPTER 3

BE 5 51.63 1.67
CD 5 43.3 kN 1.67

FCD = 1.67, FDE = - 1.34, FCE = -1, FCB = 1.34, FBE = 1.67, FAE
= -2.68
 Example 4
Calculate N.n.L and sum for all members
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE TRUSSES

Member Length (m) N n N.n.L/AE

kN
AB 3 0 0 0
CE 3 -25.98 -1 77.94
BC 4 34.64 1.33 185.67
AE 4 - 60.94 -2.67 653.28
DE 4 -19.64 - 1.33 105.27
CHAPTER 3

BE 5 51.63 1.67 431.11

CD 5 43.3 kN 1.67 361.56
1814.83 / AE
 Example 4
Therefore, 1 x ∆Dv = ∑N.n.L /AE
DEFLECTION OF STATICALLY

= (1814.83 x 106 ) / (1000 x 200x103 ) = 9.o7 mm ⬇

DETERMINATE TRUSSES
CHAPTER 3