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: B. Bridge Truss
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.
A.Roof Truss

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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.
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, C.Each truss member will act as a two-force member and
called gusset plate as shown in Fig 6-3a or by therefore the force acting at each end of the member
simply passing a large bolt or pin through each of will be directed along the axis
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

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of the member. If the force tends to elongate the member, 1.2. Method of Joints | Analysis of Simple Trusses
it is a tensile force(T) fig 6.4a; whereas if it tends to
shorten the member , it is a Method of Joints
compression force(C) fig6.4b. This method is based on the fact that if the entire truss
is in equilibrium then each member of its joint is also
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

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Step 2: Solve for external support reactions.
ΣFx=0
-Ax+2KN=0
Ax=2 KN

ΣMA=0
-2kn(9m)-2kN(12m)+ Cy(24m)=0

Cy=+1.75 KN

ΣFy=0 Force Fx Fy
+Ay-2KN+Cy=0
Ay=0.25 KN Ax -2KN 0

Ay 0 +0.25 KN
Step 3:Isolate a joint with no more than two unknown
mwmber forces. AD and AB are assumed as tension forces. AB (+4/5)AB (+3/5)AB
The equations of equilibrium will verify tha assumed
AD +AD 0
directions.

Step 4: Write and solve the equations of equilibrium.

Assume both members are in tension. ΣFy=0
0.25 KN +(3/5) AB=0
Joint A.
AB= -0.42 KN assumed wrong direction)

ΣFx=0
-2KN+ (4/5)AB+AD=0
AD=+2KN- (4/5)(-.42KN)
AD=2KN+0.33KN
AD=2.33 KN

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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.

ΣFx=0
-2.33KN+ DC=0
DC=+2.33KN

ΣFy=0
+DB-2KN =0
DB=+2 KN

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

unknown forces.

Joint D.

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Joint B. A summary diagram,called a force summation diagram,
should be drawn as a last step.

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)

ΣFx=0
+2KN+0.33KN+(4/5)BC=0
BC=-2.92KN wrong direction assumed

ΣFy=0
-2KN +0.25 KN -(3/5) (-2.92KN)=0
-2KN+0.25KN +1.75KN=0 Checks
Illustrative Example 4.2.1:

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A Fink truss is loaded as shown in Figure. Determine the FBD of Joint A
force in each member of the truss assuming them to be pin
connected.

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
Solution: eqution of equilibrium, we obtain:

The given truss is symmetrical and also symmetrically

loaded so that the forces need be found in only one-half
of it.
ΣFx=0
Since the reactions are given,we can now start the 3500-ABSin30°=0
analysis at Joint A.Consider Joint A which has only two AB= 7000 N C
unknown members(AB and AC) acting upon it.

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 ΣFy=0
ΣFx=0
AC-7000Cos30°=0
7000-1000Sin30°-BD=0
AC=6062 N T
BD=6500 N C ans

Note: The positive values obtained for AB and AC confirm

the original assumption concerning the direction of these The next pin at which two unmarked members is C. Assume
forces. both CD and CE to be in tensions.Draw the FBD of pin C.

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.

ΣFy=0
BC-1000cos 30°=0
BC= 866 N C ans ΣFy=0
CD Sin60°-866Sin60°-2000 =0

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 CD=3175 N T Ans.

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

EXERCISE 4.2.
Problem 4.2.1.
Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown

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in Figure T-01.

Problem 4.2.2
Find the force in each member of the truss shown in Fig.

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 Problem4.2.3
The truss pinned to the floor at D, and supported by a
roller at point A is loaded as shown in Fig. Determine

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the force in member CG.

Problem 4.2.4: 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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 4.3.Method of Sections | Analysis of Simple Trusses

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Method of Sections Procedure For Analysis:
In this method, we will cut the truss into The forces in the members of a truss may be determined by
two sections by passing a cutting plane through the the method of sections using the following procedures.
members whose internal forces we wish to determine. This
1. Make a decision on how to “cut” or section the truss
method permits us to solve directly any member by through the members where forces are to be determined.
analyzing the left or the right section of the cutting 2. Before isolating the appropriate section, it may
plane. Each section may constitute of non-concurrent first be neccesary to determine the truss’s supports
force system from which three equilibrium equations can reactions.If this is done then the three equilibrium
be written. equations will be available to solve for member at the
section
ΣFH=0ΣFH=0, ΣFV=0ΣFV=0, and ΣMO=0ΣMO=0 3. Draw the Free-Body diagram of that segment of the
sectioned truss which has the least number of forces
acting on it.
4. Use one of the two methods described above for
establishing the sense of the unknown member forces.

Because we can only solve up to three unknowns, it is

important not to cut more than three members of the
truss. Depending on the type of the truss and which
Illustrative Example 4.3.. Solve for member BC and BE, as
members to solve, one may have to repeat method of
shown in the figure.
sections more than once to determined all the desired
forces.

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 ∑ MRc =0
-10k(45’)-10k(60’)+Ax(20’)=0

Solution: Ax=+52.5k

Step 1. Draw an FBD of the entire truss. Solve for the ΣFy=0
support reactions. This may not be necessary in some Gy-10k-10k=0
cases, depending on which sectioned FBD is used. Gy=+20K

ΣFx=0
-Ax+Gx=0
Gx=+52.5K

Step 2. Pass an imaginary line through the truss ( the

section cut). The section line a-a must not cut across

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more than three unknown members, one of which is desired
member. This line divides the truss into completely
separate parts but does not intersect more than three
members. Either of the two portions of the truss obtained
may then used as an FBD.

FBD(d) Right Portion Of the truss FBD (c)Left portion of the truss

In FBD ©, joints C and E are imaginary, and joints A, B

and G are real.Cut members BC,BE, and GE are assumed to
FBD (b) Section cut through truss.
act in tension(T), as opposed to compression(C ).
Step 3. Draw the FBD of either portion of the truss. Solving for BC,
Either FBD c or FBD (d) may be used for the solution of
member forces BC and BE.
∑ MRE=0
Note: The internal forces in the members cut by the
+Ax(20’)-Gy(30’)-BC(20’)=0
section line are shown as extended dotted lines to
indicate the line of action of these member forces. BC(20’)= (52.5k)(20’)-(20k)(30’)

BC=+22.5k (T)

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Note:Moments are taken about imaginary joint E because
the other two unknown forces, BE and GE, intersects at E,
therefore they need not be considered in the equation of
equilibrium.

Solving for BE;

ΣFy=0

Gy-BEy=0
BEy=+20K
But,
4
BEy= BE
5
BE=5/4(20k)
BE=25k(T)
Solving for member force GE

∑ MRB=0
-Gx(20’)-Gy(15’)+GE(20’)=0

GE=-37.5k(C)

EXERCISE 4.3.
Problem 4.3.1.The Warren truss loaded as shown in Fig is
supported by a roller at C and a hinge at G. By the

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method of sections, compute the force in the members BC,
DF, and CE.

Problem 4.3.2.
Determine the force in members DF, DG, and EG of the Howe

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truss shown in Fig.

Problem 4.3.3
For the truss shown in Fig., find the internal fore in
member BE.

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 4.4.Method of Members | Frames Containing
Three-Force Members

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Frames and machines are two types of structures which are often
composed of pin-connected multiforce members. A multi-force
member is a member with forces acting at three or more points on
the member. Sometimes, it is called three-force members, where
forces are applied to more than two positions on the member.

Two- Force Member: has forces applied at only two points on the
member. Two-force members, regardless of their shape, have equal
but Figure 3.54(a) Pinned frame with Figure 3.54(b) FBD of each
opposite collinear forces acting at the ends of the member. multiforce member.multiforce members.

Method OF Members.
To analyze a frame, we can disconnect the three-force member
from the structure and draw the free-body diagram of the member.
This approach is called the method of members
In this method, three equilibrium equations can be written

ΣFH=0, ΣFV=0, and ΣMO=0

.

Three-Forces Member. is a member with forces acting at three or more

points on the member.

Steps:

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 c. If the frame is statically indeterminate
1. Draw an FBD of the entire frame. externally, reactions must be solved through
2. Solve for the external reactions. other means (Figure 3.60)
a. If the frame is statically determinate externally
(three equations of equilibrium, three
unknown reactions), all reactions can be
solved.

■ Four unknowns: Ax ,Ay, By and Bx

■ Three equations of Equilibrium and by writing another equation of
equilibrium for the extra unknown. This is accomplished by
separating the frame into its rigid parts and
drawing FBDs of each part .

■ Three unknowns:
Ax, Ay, and By
■ Three equations of equilibrium
Note: Direction for the external reactions or pin reactions may
be assumed. A wrong assumption will yield the correct magnitude but
have a negative sign.

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 4. Calculate the internal pin forces by writing equilibrium equations for the
component parts

3. To solve for internal pin forces, dismember the

frame into its component parts, and draw FBDs
of each part (Figure 3.62)

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Problem: The frame shown in figure is supported by a
hinge at A and a roller at E. Compute the horizontal and
vertical components of the hinge forces at B and C as
they act upon member AC.

Solve for the Reaction Force:

ΣME=0
From the FBD of the whole system 5AV=0.5(24)
ΣMA=0 AV=2.4 kN
5RE=5.5(24)
RE=26.4 kN ΣFH=0
AH=0AH=0

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 From the FBD of the horizontal member ΣFV=0
CV+2.4=12
CV=9.6 kN

ΣMD=0
3BV=1.5(24)
BV=12 kN

From the FBD of member BC

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 ΣMB=0
3CH+1(2.4)=1.5CV
3CH+2.4=1.5(9.6)
CH=4 kN

ΣFH=0
BH=CH
BH=4 kN

Answer:
BH=4 kN to the right
BV=12 kN upward
CH=4 kN to the left
CV=9.6 kN downward

Exercises 4.4.

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Problem 4.4.1
the structure shown in figure is hinged at A and C. Find the
horizontal and vertical components of the hinge force at B, C, and
A.

From the FBD of member BC

ΣFV=0
CV=BV=1/2(20)
CV=BV=10 kN

ΣFH=0
CH=BH

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 AH=BH
From the FBD of Member AB AH=17.5 kN
ΣMA=0
4BH=3(10)+4(10) ΣFV=0
BH=17.5 kn AV=10+10
AV=20 kN
∴CH=17.5 kN

ΣFH=0

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Problem 4.4.2
The frame shown in figure is hinged to rigid supports at A and E.
Find the components of the hinge forces A and E and the forces in
members BC and BD.

ΣFH=0
EH=AH
EH=12 kN
From FBD for Support Reactions
ΣME=0 ΣFV=0
2AH=2(12) EV+AV=12--- EQ 1
AH=12 kN answer

From the FBD of Member AB

ΣFV=0
By Symmetry
AV=BV=1/2(12)

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 AV=BV=6 kN answer ΣMD=0
1.5FBC=2.5(6)
FBC=10 kN tension answer

ΣFH=0
Substitute AV = 6 kN to EQ 1 3/5FBD=12
EV+6=12 FBD=20 kN compression answer
EV=6 kN answer

From FBD for Section Below M-M Method Of Frames:

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The beam carrying the loads shown in figure is composed of 3 segments. It is supported by
four vertical reactions and joined by two frictionless hinges. Determine the values of the
reactions.

Problem05.A three-hinged arch is composed of two trusses

hinged together at D. Compute the components of the

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reactions at A and then find the forces acting in bars AB
and AC.

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Assignment 4:

Answer Problems in Engineering Mechanics 2nd edition by

Ferdinand Singer

 Page 89,90,91,92 &93, no.503,405,407,413,415

 Page 97,98,99,100,101,102, no. 406,425,427,429,432
 Page 107,108,109,110,111, no.440,445,447,450

References:

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 Barry Onouye, Kevin Kane, C 2012, Statics and
Strength of Materials for Architecture and Building
Construction 4th edition, Pearson Education, Inc.,
Prentice Hall, One Lake Street ,Upper Saddle River,
New Jersey 07458

R. C. HIBBELER,C 2013, Engineering Mechanics Statics

13th edition, Pearson Education, Inc. Pearson
Prentice Hall
Upper Saddle River, New Jersey 07458

https://mathalino.com/

J.L. Meriam & L.G. Kraige, C 2002, Engineering

Mechanics Volume 1 Statics Fifth Edition, John Wiley
& Sons, Inc.,New York

Singer,Ferdinand L,C 1954,Engineering Mechanics, 2nd

edition,Harper & Row, New York, Evanston & London

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