Truss Analysis

• Truss analysis for determinate structures can be

done using
• Method of Joints
• Method of Sections
• Graphical method
• Computer Aided Analysis
• Force method of analysis
• At first we will consider the method of joints

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 1

 Truss Analysis

Source: “Structural Analysis” by R.C. Hibbler

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 2
 Truss Analysis-Method of Joints
• This method is suitable and applied when complete
analysis of a truss is required.
• Successive analysis of joint to joint makes it
possible to determine the internal axial forces
(tension or compression) in the truss members.
• This method consists of satisfying the condition of
equilibrium for the forces (external & internal)
acting at each joint.
• Only two equilibrium condition out of three are
used.

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 3

 Truss Analysis-Method of Joints
• Following procedure is adopted
• Determine the determinacy, it should be statically
determinate (externally & internally) and stable.
• Calculate the reactions using three equilibrium
conditions.
• After calculating the reaction initially consider the
joints with two members so that we could easily
establish equilibrium and calculate the member
forces. After selecting the joint, the internal force
will become external and initially they are
considered tensile i.e. away from the joint.

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 4

 Truss Analysis
• We will determine the forces in the two members
and will represent tensile force with +ve sign and
compressive force with –ve sign.
• If any compressive member (whose force already
determined) is used in the next joint, then we will
again assume it as away from the joint i.e. positive
direction but when will insert its force value we will
use it with –ve sign as it is compressive in nature.
• Follow the same procedure for the rest of the joints
to calculate the member forces for the rest of the
members.

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 5

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1.
10 Kip 10 Kip
10 ft
B C

4 ft

E
A D

10 Kip
10 ft 10 ft

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 6

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 7

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 8

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 9

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 10

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 11

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 12

 Truss Analysis
• Problem 1-Solution

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 13

 Truss Analysis
• Solution Problem 1
10 Kip 10 Kip

B C
25 C

24 C 8T 8T 24 C
E
A D
18.74 T 18.75 T

10 Kip

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 14

 Truss Analysis

Fab= -1.20 kN
Fac= 1.04 kN
Fbc= -2.08 kN

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 15

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 16

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 17

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 18

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 19

 Truss Analysis
• Problem-2
10 Kip

15 Kip C

5 ft
B
5 Kip

5 ft

A D

10 ft

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 20

 Truss Analysis
• Solution Problem-2
10 Kip

15 Kip C

21.21 T 25 C
B
5 Kip

24.75 T
3.54 C
A D
2.5 T

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 21

 Truss Analysis
• Practice Problem

Source: Internet

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 22

 Truss Analysis
• Practice Problem

Source: Internet

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 23

 Truss Analysis-Method of Section
• The method of section is used for the following
when only few members forces are required in the
truss.
• The procedure involves the following steps.
• It should be determinate and stable.
• Determine the reactions.
• Cut a section from a member/ members in which
force needs to be determined.

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 24

 Truss Analysis-Method of Section
• Usually we try to involve two unknown members
but if more members are involved then we can go
for more sections.
• Draw the free body diagram after marking sections.
• Using equilibrium conditions we determine forces.
• At time if forces are not obtained directly then we
determine the force in the nearby member using
method of section and then using method of joint
we may determine the force in the required
member.
• This method involves good understanding of
moments.
Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 25
 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections) (Force in BC ?)
10 Kip 10 Kip
10 ft
B C

4 ft

E
A D

Sec 1-1
10 Kip
10 ft 10 ft

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 26

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections) (Force in BC ?)
10 Kip 10 Kip
10 ft
B C

4 ft

E
A D

Sec XX
10 Kip Vd=15
Va=15
10 ft 10 ft

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 27

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections)
(Force in BC,FC,FE ?)

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 28

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections)
(Force in BC,FC,FE ?)

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 29

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 30

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections)
(Force in CD,CF,DF ?)

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 31

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Method of sections)
(Force in CD,CF,DF ?)

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 32

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 33

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 34

 Truss Analysis
• Problem-1 (Method of sections) (Force in DJ ?)

10 kN D
10 kN E
C
B F 6m

A G
L K J I H
10 kN
6 panels @ 4 m

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 35

 Truss Analysis
• Problem (Solution)
Sec 2-2 Sec 1-1
10 kN D
10 kN E
C
B F 6m

A G
L K J I H
10 kN
6 panels @ 4 m

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 36

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 37

 Truss Analysis

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 38

 Truss Analysis
• Determine the member forces in the member GF
and GD of the following truss.

Source: “Structural Analysis” by R.C. Hibbler

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 39

 Truss Analysis
• Determine the force in members BC and MC of the
K truss shown below

Source: “Structural Analysis” by R.C. Hibbler

Elementary Structural Analysis by Dr. M. Burhan Sharif 40