CIVIL ENGINEERING

INTRODUCTION
Civil engineering is a broad field of engineering that focuses on the design, construction, and
maintenance of infrastructure and the built environment. It encompasses a wide range of
disciplines and applications, including structural engineering, geotechnical engineering,
transportation engineering, environmental engineering, and construction management

It is one of the oldest engineering professions, and ancient engineering achievements due to civil
engineering include the pyramids of Egypt and road systems developed by the Romans.

American society of civil engineering defines civil engineering as the profession in which a
knowledge of the mathematical and physical sciences gained by study, experience and practice is
applied with judgement to develop ways to utilize economically the materials and forces of the
nature for the progressive well being of man

Overall, civil engineering plays a crucial role in shaping the built environment and supporting
economic development, social progress, and environmental sustainability. Civil engineers apply
scientific principles, technological innovations, and interdisciplinary approaches to address
complex challenges and improve the quality of life for communities around the world

ROLES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

i. Plan new townships and extension of existing towns.
ii. Providing shelter to people in the form of low cost houses to high rise apartments.
iii. Laying ordinary village roads to express highways.
iv. Constructing irrigation tanks, multipurpose dams & canals for supplying water to
agricultural fields.
v. Supplying safe and potable water for public & industrial uses.
vi. Protecting our environment by adopting sewage treatment & solid waste disposal
techniques.
vii. Constructing hydro-electric & thermal-power plants for generating electricity.
viii. Providing other means of transportation such as railways, harbor & airports.
ix. Constructing bridges across streams, rivers and also across seas.
x. Tunneling across mountains & also under water to connect places easily & reduce
distance

1
 FEW CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURES ACROSS THE WORLD

Banda Worli Sea Link Statue of Unity

Chenab Bridge Colosseum

Palm Island Leaning tower of Pisa

2
 DIFFERENT BRANCHES OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

1. Surveying

Surveying is an art and science of measuring the object on , above and below the earth. It's a
fundamental aspect of civil engineering, construction, land development, and many other fields.

Here's an overview of surveying:

i. Land Surveying: Land surveying involves measuring and mapping the Earth's surface,
including natural and man-made features such as mountains, rivers, roads, and property
boundaries. Land surveyors use various instruments such as total stations, GPS receivers,
and drones to collect accurate measurements of distances, angles, and elevations.
ii. Types of Surveys: There are different types of land surveys, including boundary surveys,
topographic surveys, construction surveys, and geodetic surveys. Boundary surveys
determine property lines and legal boundaries, while topographic surveys map the terrain
and features of a site. Construction surveys help guide the construction process by
providing precise measurements and layout information.
iii. Surveying Instruments: Surveyors use a range of instruments and technologies to
collect data accurately and efficiently. Traditional instruments include theodolites, levels,
and measuring tapes, while modern techniques utilize GPS, laser scanning, and drones
for remote sensing and data capture.
iv. Data Processing and Analysis: Once data is collected in the field, surveyors process and
analyze it to create maps, plans, and digital models of the surveyed area. This may
involve using specialized software for data processing, CAD (Computer-Aided Design)
software for drafting, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems) for spatial analysis.
v. Applications: Surveying has diverse applications across various industries. In civil
engineering and construction, surveys are essential for site planning, design, and layout.
In land development, surveys help determine property boundaries, assess terrain, and plan
infrastructure projects. Surveying is also used in environmental monitoring, resource
management, archaeology, and urban planning

Surveying using Total station Surveying using Auto level

3
 2. Structural Engineering

Introduction
Structural engineering is primarily concerned with designing and constructing buildings and
structures that are safe and capable of withstanding the elements to which they will be exposed,
as well as improving the structural integrity of existing buildings. Structural engineering depends
upon a detailed knowledge of applied mechanics, materials science, and applied mathematics to
understand and predict how structures support and resist self-weight and imposed loads.
History
Historically, Structural Engineering, though intuitive, can be traced back in parallel with Civil
Engineering. There are numerous examples of outstanding structures, such as the monumental
structures including the Taj Mahal in India, and, many Roman structures, throughout this early
period of non-formal engineering. It is of interest to see how this early engineering evolved to
enable the construction of the modern day bridges and buildings of imposing dimensions, such as
the Burj Khalifa, Dubai, and the recently opened 1915 Çanakkale Bridge in Turkey, known as
Burj Bridge. This is the world’s longest suspension bridge span and would perhaps have been
unthinkable even a hundred years ago.

Different types of structures

Civil structural engineering includes all structural engineering related to the built environment. It
includes: Bridges, Dams, Earthworks Foundations, Offshore structures ,Pipelines ,Power
stations ,Railways ,Retaining structures and walls, Roads ,Tunnels, Waterways ,Reservoirs,
Water and wastewater infrastructure

Key aspects of structural engineering:

1. Design: Structural engineers use principles of physics and mathematics to design

structures that can withstand loads such as gravity, wind, snow, earthquakes, and soil
pressure. They consider factors such as materials, shape, and geometry to optimize the
performance and efficiency of the structure.
2. Analysis: Before construction begins, structural engineers perform detailed analyses to
predict how a structure will behave under various conditions. This involves using
computer simulations and mathematical models to assess factors such as stress, strain,
and deflection.
3. Materials: Structural engineers work with a variety of materials including concrete,
steel, wood, and composites. They select materials based on factors such as strength,
stiffness, cost, and environmental impact.
4. Construction: Structural engineers collaborate closely with architects, contractors, and
other professionals during the construction phase to ensure that the design is implemented
correctly and that the structure meets all safety and quality standards.
5. Maintenance and Inspection: After construction is complete, structural engineers may
be involved in ongoing maintenance and inspection activities to ensure that the structure
remains safe and functional throughout its lifespan. This includes conducting periodic
inspections, assessing structural integrity, and recommending repairs or upgrades as
needed

4
Different types of structures.

3. Building materials and Construction

Materials which are required for construction of buildings are referred as building materials.
Building materials are classified into three types

i. Natural Materials: - These are naturally occurring materials namely wood, stone, mud or
clay etc.
ii. Artificial materials: - These are man-made materials namely bricks, cement, glass &
steel.
iii. Composite materials: - These are combination of two or materials namely concrete,
plywood

Building materials are essential components of civil engineering, encompassing a diverse range
of materials utilized in construction projects worldwide. Concrete, a ubiquitous material in civil
engineering, is renowned for its compressive strength, versatility, and durability. Examples
include reinforced concrete, precast concrete, and high-strength concrete. Steel, prized for its
high tensile strength and ductility, is widely used in structural applications such as beams,
columns, and reinforcement. Wood, valued for its renewable nature and aesthetic appeal, finds
applications in framing, flooring, and siding. Masonry materials, including brick, concrete block,
and stone, offer durability and fire resistance, suitable for walls, facades, and structural elements.
Additionally, asphalt is utilized for road construction and roofing, providing a durable and
waterproof surface. Glass, prized for its transparency and aesthetic qualities, is used in windows,
doors, and curtain walls. Composite materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber, offer high
strength-to-weight ratios, corrosion resistance, and design flexibility, suitable for structural
components and architectural features. The selection of building materials depends on factors
such as project requirements, structural design, environmental considerations, and cost
constraints.

5
 Different building materials

4. Geotechnical Engineering

Geotechnical engineering, also known as geotechnics, is the branch of civil engineering

concerned with the engineering behavior of earth materials. It uses the principles of soil
mechanics and rock mechanics to solve its engineering problems

This knowledge is applied to the design of foundations, retaining walls, earth dams, clay liners,
and geosynthetics for waste containment. The goals of geotechnical engineers could range from
the design of foundations and temporary excavation support, through route selection for railways
and highways, to the increasingly important areas of landfill disposal of wastes and groundwater
contamination. As such, the geotechnical engineer is involved in field and laboratory
investigations to determine the engineering properties of site soils and other geomaterials and
their subsequent use in the analytical study of the problem at hand.

Recent computational and computer advances are extending our ability to predict the behaviour
of soil and soil-water systems under a wide variety of conditions. In recent years, the activities of
geotechnical engineers have also involved geoenvironmental engineering. Geoenvironmental
engineers design strategies for the clean-up of contaminated soils and groundwater and develop
management systems for contaminated sites

Why Geotechnical Engineering is Important

Geotechnical engineering is important as it helps prevent damage to other buildings and

structures as a result of subsurface conditions. The calculations and tests undertaken by these
engineers help ensure safety and stability for structures and can mitigate against earthquakes,
slope stability shifts, ongoing earth settlement and more

6
Excavation of soil for engineering purpose

5. Water resource and irrigation engineering

Irrigation and water resource engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the
management, distribution, and utilization of water resources for agricultural, industrial,
municipal, and environmental purposes.

Here's an overview of irrigation and water resource engineering:

1. Water Resources Management: Irrigation and water resource engineering involves the
planning, development, and management of water resources, including surface water
bodies such as rivers, lakes, and reservoirs, as well as groundwater aquifers. This
includes assessing water availability, conducting hydrological studies, and implementing
strategies to ensure sustainable use and conservation of water resources.
2. Irrigation Systems: One of the primary applications of water resource engineering is
irrigation, which involves the artificial application of water to agricultural crops to
supplement natural rainfall and meet crop water requirements. Irrigation systems vary in
complexity and scale, ranging from simple gravity-fed systems to advanced pressurized
irrigation systems such as drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation.
3. Hydraulic Structures: Water resource engineers design and construct various hydraulic
structures to control and manage water flow, storage, and distribution. These structures
include dams, reservoirs, weirs, barrages, canals, channels, and drainage systems.
Hydraulic structures are essential for regulating water supply, flood control,
sedimentation management, and navigation.
4. Water Supply Systems: In addition to irrigation, water resource engineering
encompasses the design and management of water supply systems for domestic,
industrial, and municipal use. This includes sourcing water from natural surface and

7
 groundwater sources, treatment processes to ensure water quality and safety, and
distribution networks to deliver water to end-users.
5. Flood Control and Management: Water resource engineers play a crucial role in
mitigating the impacts of floods by designing and implementing flood control measures
such as levees, floodwalls, embankments, and drainage systems. They also conduct flood
risk assessments, develop floodplain management plans, and provide early warning
systems to minimize flood damage and protect lives and property.

Storage of water in dam and supply water to crops

6. Transportation Engineering

Transportation engineering is a branch of civil engineering that focuses on the planning, design,
construction, operation, and maintenance of transportation infrastructure and systems. It
encompasses a wide range of modes of transportation, including roads, highways, railways,
airports, ports, and public transit systems. Here's an overview of transportation engineering:.

1. Public Transit Systems: Transportation engineers are involved in the planning, design,
and operation of public transit systems such as buses, trains, subways, and light rail
systems. They work to optimize routes, schedules, and service levels to provide efficient,
affordable, and accessible transportation options for urban and suburban communities.
2. Highway Engineering: Highway engineering focuses on the design, construction, and
maintenance of highways, expressways, and freeways. Transportation engineers design
roadways and pavements to accommodate various traffic volumes and loads while
ensuring safety and durability. This includes pavement design, materials selection,
geometric design, and roadside safety features.
3. Railway Engineering: Railway engineering involves the planning, design, construction,
and maintenance of railway infrastructure, including tracks, stations, signals, and rolling
stock. Transportation engineers work on projects ranging from high-speed rail systems to
urban commuter rail networks, ensuring efficient and safe rail transportation.

8
 4. Airport Engineering: Airport engineering encompasses the planning, design,
construction, and operation of airports and aviation facilities. Transportation engineers
design airport runways, taxiways, aprons, terminals, and other facilities to accommodate
aircraft operations while ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with regulatory
requirements.

Different modes of transportation

7. Environmental engineering
Environmental engineering, the development of processes and infrastructure for the supply of
water, the disposal of waste, and the control of pollution of all kinds. These endeavours
protect public health by preventing disease transmission, and they preserve the quality of
the environment by averting the contamination and degradation of air, water, and land resources.

Environmental engineering is a field of broad scope that draws on

such disciplines as chemistry, ecology, geology, hydraulics, hydrology, microbiology, economics
, and mathematics. It was traditionally a specialized field within civil engineering and was called
sanitary engineering until the mid-1960s, when the more accurate name environmental
engineering was adopted.

Projects in environmental engineering involve the treatment and distribution of drinking water ;
the collection, treatment, and disposal of wastewater; the control of air pollution and noise
pollution; municipal solid-waste management and hazardous-waste management; the cleanup of
hazardous-waste sites; and the preparation of environmental assessments, audits, and impact
studies. Mathematical modeling and computer analysis are widely used to evaluate and design
the systems required for such tasks. Chemical and mechanical engineers may also be involved in
the process. Environmental engineering functions include applied research and teaching; project
planning and management; the design, construction, and operation of facilities; the sale and
marketing of environmental-control equipment; and the enforcement of environmental standards
and regulation

9
 8. Town Planning and Architecture

Town planning is the process of managing land resources. It involves the control of existing and
new developments, as well as strategy preparation to ensure manage future requirements. It is a
dynamic process that changes in response to policy, development proposals and local needs.

Town planners must try and balance the demands of landowners and developers, with the needs
and concerns of the community and the policy framework. If planning is successful, it can
provide protection for the environment, can promote and faciltiate regeneration, can help create
and sustain communities, and can create new and exciting places.

9. Earthquake Engineering:

Earthquake engineering is an interdisciplinary branch of engineering that designs and analyses

structures, such as buildings and bridges, with earthquakes in mind. Its overall goal is to make
such structures more resistant to earthquakes

10
EFFECT OF INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITIES ON SOCIO – ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT OF COUNTRY

Infrastructure is supposed to facilitate and increase economic growth by providing better

connectivity and enhancing productivity and efficiency.
The infrastructure and its facilities play a vital role in the socio-Economic development of a
country and are mentioned as follows:
i. Increase in food production
ii. Protection from famine
iii. Safe domestic and industrial water supply
iv. Improvement in communication and transportation
v. Generation of hydro-electric power ‘
vi. Improvement in per-capita income and standard of living
vii. Increase in prosperity of people

11
 UNIT I
INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING
MECHANICS
1.1 Introduction
Mechanics is a science that describes and predicts the
conditions of rest or motion of bodies under the action of forces.
Mechanics can be broadly classified as mechanics of solids and
mechanics of fluids. Further divisions of mechanics are shown in
Fig. 1.1

Fig. 1.1 Branches of Mechanics

Engineering mechanics deals with mechanics of rigid
bodies which is further classified as statics and dynamics. Statics
treats the equilibrium of stationary bodies under the influence of
Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 1
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

various kinds of forces. Dynamics, on the other hand, includes

the motion of bodies and forces that causes it. Study of motion of
bodies without considering force causing the motion is called
Kinematics. On the other hand study of motion of bodies
considering the force causing the motion is called Kinetics.

If the internal stresses developed in a body are to be

studied, the deformation of the body should be considered. This
field of mechanics is called Mechanics of Deformable
Bodies/Strength of Materials/Solid Mechanics. This field may
be further divided into Theory of Elasticity and Theory of
Plasticity.
Liquids and gases deform continuously with application of very
small shear forces. Such materials are called Fluids. The
mechanics dealing with behaviour of fluids is called Fluid
Mechanics.

Mechanics of ideal fluids, mechanics of viscous fluid and

mechanics of incompressible fluids are further classification in
this area.

1.2 Idealization in Mechanics

A number of ideal conditions are assumed to exist while applying
the principles of mechanics to practical problems. In fact without

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 2

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

such assumptions it is not possible to arrive at practical solutions.

The following idealizations are usually made in engineering
mechanics.
a) The body is rigid.
b) The body can be treated as continuum.
c) If the size of the body is small compared to other distances
involved in the problem, it may be treated as a particle.
d) If the area over which force is acting on a body is small
compared to the size of the body, it may be treated as a point
force.

Continuum
A body consists of several matters. It is a well known fact that
each particle can be subdivided into molecules, atoms and
electrons. It is not possible to solve any engineering problem by
treating a body as a conglomeration of such discrete particles.
The body is assumed to consist of a continuous distribution of
matter. In other words, the body is treated as continuum.

Rigid Body
A body is said to be rigid, if the relative positions of any two
particles in it do not change under the action of the forces.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 3

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Particle
A particle may be defined as an object which has only mass and
no size. Such a body cannot exist theoretically. However in
dealing with problems involving distances considerably larger
compared to the size of the body, the body may be treated as
particle, without sacrificing accuracy.

1.3 Basic Principles of Mechanics

The following are the fundamental laws of mechanics:
i. Newton’s first law
ii. Newton’s second law
iii. Newton’s third law
iv. Newton’s law of gravitation
v. Law of transmissibility of forces, and
vi. Parallelogram law of forces

1.3.1 Newton’s First Law

It states that everybody continues in its state of rest or of uniform
motion in a straight line unless it is compelled by external agency
acting on it. This leads to the definition of force as the external
agency which changes or tends to change the state of rest or
uniform linear motion of the body.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 4

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

1.3.2 Newton’s Second Law

It states that the rate of change of momentum of a body is directly
proportional to the impressed force and it takes place in the
direction of the force acting on it. Thus Second law gives the
magnitude of force. ie., F= m . a where, F= resultant force, m=
mass of the particle, a = acceleration of the particle.

1.3.3 Newton’s Third Law

It states that for every action there is an equal and opposite
reaction. Consider the two bodies in contact with each other. Let
one body applies a force F on another. According to this law, the
second body develops a reactive force R which is equal in
magnitude to force F and acts in the line same as F but in the
opposite direction.

1.3.4 Newton’s Law of Gravitation

The force of attraction between any two bodies is directly
proportional to their masses and inversely proportional to the
square of the distance between them.

Where ‘G’ is the constant of proportionality and is known as

constant of gravitation.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 5

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

1.3.5 Law of Transmissibility of Force

According to this law the state of rest or motion of the rigid body
is unaltered if a force acting on the body is replaced by another
force of the same magnitude and direction but acting anywhere
on the body along the line of action of the replaced force
(Fig. 1.2) where, P= Force

Fig.1.2 Transmissibility of Forces

Principle of Physical Independence of Forces

It states that the action of forces on bodies are independent, in
other words the action of forces on a body is not influenced by
the action of any other force on the body.
Principle of Superposition of Forces
It states that net effect of a system of forces on a body is same as
the combined effect of individual forces acting on the body
(Fig. 1.3).
Where, P1 and P2 = Forces; a1 and a2 = Acceleration due to force
Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 6
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Fig.1.3 Principle of Superposition

1.3.5 Parallelogram Law of Forces

This law states that "if two forces acting simultaneously on a
body at a point are represented in magnitude and direction by the
two adjacent sides of a parallelogram, their resultant is
represented in magnitude and direction by the diagonal of the
parallelogram which passes through the point of intersection of
the two sides representing the forces".

1.4 Concepts of force

Force: Force is the action exerted by one body upon another.
Force tends to change the state of rest or motion of a body to
which it is applied. Gravitational force, Push or Pull are the
examples of force.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 7

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

A force is characterized by its points of application, magnitude

and direction. A force is represented by vector. Mass is the
property of the body which measures the resistance of the body to
a change of motion.

1.5 Characteristics of a force

From Newton’s first law, we defined the force as the agency
which tries to change state of rest or uniform motion of the body.
From Newton’s second law, we arrived at practical definition of
force. Thus 1 Newton is the force required to produce an
acceleration of 1 m/sec2 in a body of 1 kg mass. It may be noted
that a force is completely defined only when the following four
characteristics are specified
i. Magnitude
ii. Point of application
iii. Line of action, and
iv. Direction

Fig. 1.4 Characteristics of a force

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 8

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

In Fig. 1.4, AB is a ladder leaning against a wall. At point ‘C’, a

person weighing 600 N is standing. The force applied by the
person on the ladder has the following characters:
i. Magnitude is 600 N
ii. The point of application is at C which is 2 m from ‘A’
iii. The line of action is vertical, and
iv. The direction is downward.

1.6 System of Forces

When number of forces act simultaneously on a body, they are
called the system of forces.
Depending upon the orientation of the forces acting on a body,
the system of forces is classified as
i) Coplanar force system
ii) Non-coplanar force system.
Coplanar force system consists of a set of forces with their lines
of action lying in the same plane. Non-coplanar force system
consists of a set of forces whose lines of action do not lie in the
same plane. Further classifications are indicated in Fig. 1.5 and
Fig. 1.6 (a) and Fig. 1.6(b). The types of force system with their
characteristics and typical example is listed in Table 1.1(a), Table
1.1 (b) and Table 1.1 (c).

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 9

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Force System

Coplanar (Plane) Non-coplanar (space)

• Collinear • Concurrent
• Concurrent • Parallel
• Parallel • Non-concurrent,
• Non-concurrent, Non parallel
Non parallel

Fig.1.5 Classification of Forces

Coplanar Collinear Forces Non-coplanar Collinear Forces

Fig. 1.6 (a) Force Systems

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 10

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Coplanar Concurrent Forces Non-coplanar Concurrent Forces

Coplanar Parallel Forces Non-coplanar Parallel Forces

Coplanar Non-Parallel Forces Non-coplanar Non-Parallel Forces

Fig. 1.6 (b) Force Systems

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 11

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Table 1.1(a) Types of force systems

Force Characteristics Examples Illustration
System
Collinear Line of action of Forces on
forces all the forces act a rope in a
along the same tug of war
line
Coplanar All forces are System of
Parallel parallel to each forces
forces other and lie in a acting on a
single plane beam
subjected
to vertical
loads
Coplanar All forces are Weight of
like parallel to each a
Parallel other and lie in a stationary
forces single plane and train on a
act in the same rail when
direction the track is
straight

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 12

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Table 1.1(b) Types of force systems

Coplanar Line of Forces on
concurrent action of all a rod
forces forces pass resting
through a against a
single point wall at
and forces point of
lie in the contact
same plane
Coplanar All forces do Forces on
non not meet at a a ladder
concurrent point but lie resting
forces in a single against a
plane wall
when a
person
stands on
a rung
which is
not at its
centre of
gravity

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 13

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Table 1.1(c) Types of force systems

Non All the The
coplanar forces are weight of
parallel parallel to benches
forces each other in a class
but not in the room
same plane
Non All forces do A tripod
coplanar not lie in the carrying
concurrent same plane a camera
forces ,but their
lines of
action pass
through a
single point
Non All forces do Forces
coplanar not lie in the acting on
non same plane a moving
concurrent and their bus
forces lines of
action do not
pass through
a single
point
Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 14
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

1.7 Moment of a Force

A force applied on a body can create i) a tendency to translate
and /or ii) tendency to rotate about an axis or a point. The effect
of a force on a body to rotate it about a fixed point is called
Moment. Moment is measured as the product of force and
distance between point of rotation and line of action of force.
The point of rotation is called as Moment Centre and distance
between point of rotation and line of action measured
perpendicular to the force is called as Arm of force or Lever
Arm.
For example the force applied by a wrench to a nut can rotate the
nut (Fig. 1.7). Similarly the force applied at a door (to open or
close) allows it to rotate on its hinge. (Fig. 1.7).

Fig 1.7 Moment of a Force

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 15

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

1.7.1 Moment about a point

The magnitude of moment or tendency of the force to rotate the
body about the axis O-O (Fig. 2.8) perpendicular to the plane of
the body is proportional to both the magnitude of the force and to
the moment arm d, therefore magnitude of the moment is defined
as the product of force and moment arm.
Moment = Force x moment arm
M = F×d

Fig. 1.8 Moment about a point

The moments are classified according to the direction in which
the force tends to rotate the body about a fixed point
i. Clockwise and
ii. Anticlockwise moment

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 16

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Clockwise Moment
When the force tends to rotate the body in the same direction in
which the hands of clock move is called clockwise moment.

Anticlockwise Moment
When the force tends to rotate the body in the opposite direction
in which the hands of clock move is called anti clockwise
moment.

Example 1.1
Find the moment of force F = 600N about A as shown in the
Fig. 1.9

Fig. 1.9
Solution:
Moment of the force can be obtained by resolving the given force
as shown in Fig. 1.10

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 17

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Fig. 1.10
MA = (600 Cos 30o) (0.2) – (600 Sin 30o) (0.3)
MA = 13.92 N-m (Anticlockwise Moment)

Example 1.2
A 200 N force acts on the bracket as shown in Fig. 1.11
Determine the moment of the force about point A.

Fig. 1.11

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 18

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Solution:
Moment about A = MA= Force x perpendicular distance
=200 x CB ( )
From triangle BCD CB= DB x cos 45 = 70.71 mm
MA= 200 x 70.71 = 14142 N-mm = 14.142 N-m
Alternatively:
The force at B is resolved into x and y components and the
moment about A is computed using Varignon’s theorem
+ve
MA=200 cos 45 x 100 – 200 sin 45 x 200
= -14.142 N-m ( )

1.8 Couple
Two parallel forces of same magnitude but opposite direction
separated by a distance‘d’ as shown in Fig 1.12 form couple.

Fig. 1.12 Couple of Force

As matter of fact a couple does not produce any straight-line
motion but produces rotation in the body on which it acts. So
couple can be defined as unlike parallel forces of same magnitude

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 19

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

but opposite direction which produce rotation about a specific

direction and whose resultant is zero.

1.8.1 Moment of couple

The moment of the couple is the product of the force (one of the
force of the two equal and opposite parallel forces) and the arm
of the couple.
Magnitude of the couple is equal to the product of the force and
the distance between the parallel forces. M= F x d.
Moment of couple = force x arm of couple
Moment of couple = F x d

Moment of a couple about any point is same.

Let us find the moment of couple about a point ‘O’ on the couple
arm AB as shown in Fig. 1.13

Fig. 1.13 Moment of couple

Moment of Couple about ‘O’
= F  r1 + F  r2 = F (r1 + r2 ) = F  r ( Anticlockwise) .
Moment of Couple about ‘A’= F  r ( Anticlockwise) .
Moment of Couple about ‘B’=. F  r ( Anticlockwise)

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 20

 Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

1.11 Composition of Forces

It is the process of combining a number of forces into a single force such that the net effect
produced by the single force is equal to the algebraic sum of the effects produced by the
individual forces. The single force in this case is called the resultant force which produces the
same effect on the body as that produced by the individual forces acting together.

Sign conventions:

Following sign conventions are used in determining the resultant force

1. Horizontal forces:

i. Left to Right + ve

i. Right to Left - ve

2. Vertical forces:

i. Upward + ve

ii. Downward – ve

1.12 Resultant of coplanar concurrent force system

The line of action of each forces in coplanar concurrent force system are on the same
plane. All of these forces meet at a common point, thus concurrent. In x-y plane, the
resultant can be found by the following formulas.

Resultant of a force system is a force or a couple that will have the same effect to the
body, both in translation and rotation, if all the forces are removed and replaced by the
resultant.

The equation involving the resultant of force system are the following
1. Rx=ΣFx=Fx1+Fx2+Fx3+
The x-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of forces in the x-direction.

2. Ry=ΣFy=Fy1+Fy2+Fy3+...
The y-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of forces in the y-direction.
21
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Rx=ΣFx

Ry=ΣFy

R= √ ΣFX2+ ΣFy2

tanθ= ΣFy
ΣFx

22
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

But the Area of ΔACD = Area of ΔABD = Area of ΔAOB

Now Area of triangle AOD = Area of triangle AOC + Area of

triangle AOB

Moment of force R about O = Moment of force P about O +

Moment of force Q about O

1.14 Resultant of coplanar non-concurrent force

system
If two or more forces are acting in single plane, but not passing
through the single point, such a force system is known as
coplanar non-concurrent force system.
Consider a system of forces P1, P2, P3, … etc., acting on a rigid
body at the points A1, A2, A3, etc., located at a distance d1, d2, d3
…. etc., as shown in Fig.1.29 (a)
Each force is replaced by a force of same magnitude, direction
and a couple perpendicular to the force at ‘O’. Forces P 1, P2,
P3…etc acting at A1, A2, A3 ….etc., respectively are replaced by
respective force and corresponding couple as shown in Fig. 1.29
(b) At ‘O’ the forces are replaced by the resultant R and net
couple Mo. Further this couple Mo and resultant R at O can be
reduced to a single force R at the point B such that Mo=R x d.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 39

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

(a) (b)
Fig. 1.29

Therefore, d =
M o
, where, R = R 2x + R 2y , Rx=Fx and
R
Ry=Fy. The x and y intercept of the resultant on x and y axes is
− Mo − M
computed using theorem of moments as x = and y = o .
Ry Rx

In coplanar non-concurrent force system, we can calculate the

magnitude, direction and position of the resultant force as
follows:
i) Magnitude of resultant using the formula

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 40

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

ii) Direction of the resultant using the formula

iii) Position of resultant

Position of the resultant means the calculation of d, or x and y
intercepts as shown in the figure
R x d = algebraic sum of moments of number of forces about that
point.
R x d = ΣMo

X- intercept:

Y- intercept:

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 41

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Let x = Perpendicular distance between B and the line of action

of the resultant force.
Now taking moments of the resultant force about B and equating
the same,
1.732 P × x = 3P × 100 sin 60° = 3P × (100 × 0.866) = 259.8 P

1.15 Equilibrium of Forces

A body is said to be under equilibrium, under external forces,
when it continues to be at rest or under motion.
1.15.1 Equilibrium of Concurrent force systems:
For a body to be under equilibrium, the resultant of force system
should be zero. If a resultant exists, then the resultant of force
system should be zero. If a resultant exists, then the body can be
under equilibrium by applying a force of equal magnitude and
opposite. This force is called as equilibrant. For equilibrium

F +  Fy = 0 . To satisfy this condition sum of the

2 2
R= x

components along both directions taken separately should be

zero, ie., Fx=0 and Fy=0

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 53

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Equations of equilibrium for coplanar Concurrent force

systems:
Fx=0 and Fy=0 and,
Additionally, for the case of coplanar Non concurrent force
systems we have: Mz=0

1.16 Lami’s Theorem:

Fig 1.40
Statement: If a body is in equilibrium under action of three
forces, each force is proportional to the sine of the angle between
the other two forces. Referring to Fig 1.40
P Q R
P  sin ; Q  sin ; R  sin ; or = =
sin  sin  sin 
Note: In the above equation all the three forces are considered to
be of similar nature, ie., either all are acting away (Tensile) or

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 54

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

acting towards the point (Compressive). If any of the force is

unlike, then that force is considered as negative.
Proof: Applying sine rule to the triangle ABC in Fig. 1.40 the
following expression is evaluated
AB BC CA
= = ;
sin BCA sin CAB sin ABC
P Q R
= =
sin(180 − ) sin(180 −  ) sin(180 − )
P Q R
= =
sin  sin  sin 
Because sin (180-) = sin

1.17 Free Body Diagram (FBD)

In practice the problem is derived from actual physical situation.
A sketch showing the physical condition of the problem is known
as space diagram. In order to obtain solution for this problem,
the body under consideration and all the forces acting on the
body is considered. Free body diagram is a sketch of isolated
body which shows the external forces on the body and the
reactions exerted on it by the removed elements. Some examples
of writing free body diagram is shown in Fig. 1.41

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 55

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Fig. 1.41
Example 1.19
A sphere of weight 100 N is tied to a smooth wall by a string as
shown in Fig. 1.42 Find the tension T in the string and reaction of
the wall.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 56

 NUMERICAL ON COPLANAR CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM
1. Determine the resultant of the three forces acting on a hook shown in the Figure below?

Force x- component y- component

F1 =70 N 70 cos 50 = 45.00 70 sin 50 = 53.6 N

F2 = 80 N 80 cos 25 = 72.5 N 80 sin 25 = 33.8 N
F3 = 50 N 50 cos 45 = 35.4 N - 50 sin 45 = -35.4 N

ΣFx = 45.0 + 72,5 + 35.4 = 152.8 N

ΣFy = 53.6 + 33.8 - 35.4 = 52.1 N
R= √ 15282 +52.12 = 161.5 N
α = tan-1 52.1 = 18.83°

158.8

1
2. A system of four forces acting at a point on a body is as shown in Figure below. Determine the
resultant?

If θ1, is the inclination of 200 N force to x-axis, then

tan θ1 = 1/2 ∴ θ1= 26.565°
Similarly, inclination of 120 N force to x-axis is given by
tan θ2 = 4/3 i.e., θ2 = 53.13°.
ΣFx = 200 cos 26.565 - 120 cos 53.13 - 50 cos 60 + 100 sin 40 = 146.2 N
ΣFy = 200 sin 26.565 + 120 sin 53.13 - 50 sin 60 - 100 cos 40 = 65.5 N
R = √ 146.272 + 65.522 = 160.2 N
α = tan-1 = 65.5 = 24.1°

146.2

2
3. A system of forces acting on a body resting on an inclined plane is as shown in Fig below. Determine
the resultant force if θ = 60°, W = 1000 N, vertically downward, N = 500 Newton acting normal to the
plane, F = 100 N, acting down the plane and T = 1200 N, acting parallel to the plane.

In this this problem coordinates are taken parallel to and perpendicular to inclined plane, Since they are
more convenient. Noting that W makes an angle θ with y-axis.
ΣFx = T - F - W sin θ
= 1200 - 100 - 1000 sin 60
= 234.0 N
ΣFy = N - Wcos 60 = 500 - 1000 cos 60 = 0
∴ Resultant is a force of magnitude 234 N directed up the plane.

4. Two forces acting on a body are 500 N and 1000 N as shown in Figure below .Determine the third
force F such that the resultant of all the three forces is 1000 N, directed at 40° to x-axis.

3
 Let the third force F make an angle θ with the x-axis. Then,
R cos α = ΣFx gives
1000 cos 45 = 500 cos 30 + 1000 sin 30 + F cos θ
F cos θ = - 225.9 N
Similarly,
R sin 45 = ΣFy gives,
1000 sin 45 = 500 sin 30 + 1000 cos 30 + F sin θ
F sin θ = - 408.9 N
F = √225.92 + 408.92 = 467.2 N
and
tan θ = - 408.9 = 1.810
- 225.9
θ = 61.08° as shown in Figure

5. A truck is pulled along a straight rodd with the help of two ropes A and B shown in figure below the
resultant of two ropes is given by 12KN and angle b/w A and B is 60°. Find the force in rope A if rope B
exerts a force of 5KN and also find resultant Inclination.

By Parallelogram law.
R2 = P2 + Q2 + 2PQ cos α
(12)2 = A2 + (5)2 + 2A(5) cos 60°
144 = A2 + 25 + 10A cos 60°
A2 + 5A - 119 = 0 on solving
A = 8.69KN

4
Resultant 12KN Inclination with A = 8.69KN is given by
tan θ = Q sin α = 5 sin 60°
P + Qcos α 8.69 + 5 cos 60°

θ = 21.15°
6. Two cables attached at the top of tower carries a gay cable AB. Determine the tension in gay cable
such that the resultant of the forces in all three cables acts vertically down. Also find the resultant force.

Solution
Let AB be the guy cable, with that the angle of the cable force with Horizontal can be obtained by
drawing a vertical line form 'A' shown in figure.
∴ tan α = 20
15
[α = 53.13°]

Apply sing convention ↑+ve, ↓-ve

→+ve , ←-ve
∴ ΣFx = 350cos25° - 150cos10° - Tcos53.13° ……….(1)
ΣFy = - 350sin25° - 150sin10° - Tsin53.13° ……….(2)
The Resultant in three cables acts vertically down therefore
ΣFy = R and ΣFx = 0

5
Eqn. (1) and (2) will becomes
From Eqn. (1),
Tcos 53.13° = 169.48
[T = 282.47 KN]
From Eqn. (2),
R = - 350sin25° - 150sin 10° - 282.47sin53.13° [But, T = 282.47KN]
[R = 400KN]

6
 NUMERICAL ON NON CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM
1. Find the resultant of the force system shown in Fig. 68(a) acting on a lamina of equilateral
triangular shape.

Rx = ΣFx = 60 - 100 cos 60 - 120 cos 30

= -93.9 N = 93.9 N

Ry = ΣFy = -80 + 100 sin 60 - 120 sin 30

= -53.40 = 53.40 N ↓

∴ R = √93.922 + 53.402

i.e., R = 108.0 N

α = tan-1 Ry = tan-1 53.40 = -2

Rx 93.9

i.e., α = 29.60°, as shown in Fig. 1(b)

Let x be the intercept on x-axis from A. Then taking moment about A,

x =Σ MA = 80 x 100 cos 60 + 60 x 100 sin 60 + 120 sin 30 × 100

Ry 53.40

i.e., x = 284.6 mm, as shown in Fig. 1(a).

7
2. Find the resultant of the system of coplanar forces acting on a lamina as shown in Fig. 2(a).
Each square has a side of 10 mm.

if θ1 , θ2 & θ3 are the inclinations of forces 2 kN, 5 kN and 1.5 kN with respect to x-axis,
then

tan θ1 = 10 =1 ∴ θ1 = 45°
10
tan θ2= 30 ∴ θ2 = 36.87°
40
tan θ3= 10 ∴ θ3 = 26.565°
20
Rx = ΣFx = 2 cos 45 + 5 cos 36.87 - 1.5 cos 26.565
= 4.072 kN
Ry = ΣFy = 2 sin 45 - 5 sin 36.87 - 1.5 sin 26.565
= -2.257 kN
R = √4.0722 + (-2.257)2 = 4.655 kN
α = tan-1 2.257 = 29°, as shown in Fig. 2(b)
4.072
Resolving the forces into their x and y components at A, B and C as shown in Fig. 2(a) and
then finding their moment about 'O', we get,
ΣMo = 2 cos 45 x 30 + 5 sin 36.87 x 50 + 1.5 sin 26.565 x 10
= 199.13 kN-mm
∴ Distance d of the resultant from O is given by
d = 199.13 = 199.13 = 42.8 mm as shown in Fig. 2(b).
R 4.655

8
3. The system of forces acting on a bell crank is shown in Fig. 3(a). Determine the
magnitude, direction, and the point of application of the resultant.

Rx = ΣFx = 500 cos 60 - 700 = -450 N = 450 N

Ry = ΣFy = -500 sin 60 - 1000 - 1200 = -2633 N = 2633 N ↓

R =√ 4502 + 26332 = 2671.2 N

α = tan-1 2633 = 80.30°, as shown in Fig 3(b)

450

Let the point of application of the resultant be at a distance x from 'O' along the horizontal
arm. Then

x= ΣMo = - 500 sin 60 x 300 - 1000 x 150 + 1200 x 150 cos 60 - 700 x 300 sin 60

Ry 2633

∴ x = 141.2 mm as shown in Fig. 3(a)

9
4. Various forces to be considered for the stability analysis of a dam are shown in Fig.4. The
dam is safe if the resultant of forces passes through middle third of the base. Verify whether
the dam is safe.

Rx = ΣFx = 300 kN

Ry = ΣFy = 100 - 1200 - 400 = - 1500 kN = 1500 kN ↓

Let the resultant pass through the base at a distance x from 'O. Then

x = ΣMo = 300 × 3 - 1000 × 1 + 1200 × 2 + 400 × 5

Ry 1500

= 3.467 m.

The resultant lies in the middle third of the base (i.e.., x is between 7/3 and (2 x 7)/3).

Hence the dam is safe.

5. A bracket is subjected to three forces and a couple as shown in Fig. 5(a).Determine

magnitude, direction and the line of action of the resultant.

10
Rx = ΣFx = -400 cos 45 - 150 cos 30

= -412.7 N = 412.7 N

Ry = ΣFy = 200 + 400 sin 45 - 150 sin 30

= 407.8 N

R = √ (412.7)2 + (407.8)2 = 580.2 N

α = tan-1 (Ry /Rx ) = tan-1 407.8 = 44.66°, as shown in Fig. 5(b)

412.7

Let the resultant intersect arm AB at a distance x from A.

Now,

ΣMA = - 400 sin 45 x 3 - 400 cos 45 × 0.6 + 50 + 150 sin 30 x 6 + 150 cos 30 x 1

= -438.3 N-m

= 438.3 N-m, anticlockwise

x = MA = 438.3 = 1.074 m, as shown in Fig. 5(a)

Ry 407.8

11
 Lami’s Theorem
1. Find the forces developed in the wires, supporting an electric fixture as shown in the
Figure.

Let the forces developed in the wires BA and BC be T1 and T2 as shown in Figure above
Applying Lami's theorem to the system of forces, we get
T1 = T2 = 150
sin (90 + 60) sin (180 - 45) sin (45 + 30)

T1 = 77.6 N and T2 = 109.8 N

2. A 200 N sphere is resting in a trough as shown in Figure below. Determine the reactions
developed at contact surfaces. Assume all contact surfaces are smooth.

At contact point 1, the surface of contact is making 60° to horizontal. Hence the reaction R 1
which is normal to it makes 60° with the vertical. Similarly, the reaction R2 at contact point 2
makes 45° to the vertical. FBD is as shown in Figure 2(b).

12
Applying Lami's theorem to the system of forces, we get

R1 = R2 = 400
sin (180 - 45) sin (180 - 60) sin (60 + 45)
R, = 292.8 N and R2 = 358.6 N
3. A system of connected flexible cables shown in Fig, 3(a)is supports to vertical forces 200
N and 250 N at points B and D. Determine the forces in various segments of the cable.

Free body diagrams of points B and D are as shown in Figure 3(b). Le the forces in the
members be as shown in the figure.
Applying Lami's theorem to the system of forces at point D, we get
T1 = T2 = 250
sin (180 - 60) sin (90 + 45) sin (60 + 45)
∴ T, = 224.1 N and T, = 183 N
Now, consider the system of forces acting at B.
ΣFV = 0 →
T3 cos 30 – T2 cos 60 - 200 = 0
T3 cos 30 = T2 cos 60 + 200 = 183 cos 60 + 200 = 291.6
∴ T3 = 336.6 N
ΣFH= 0 →
- T, + T, sin 30 + T sin 60 = 0
∴ T4 = - 336.6 sin 30 + 183 sin 60 = 326.8 N

13
ADDITIONAL NUMERICAL
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.11
Four parallel forces 2 kN, F1, F2 and 10 kN have a downward
resultant of 5 kN that acts at a distance of 1.8m to the right of
2kN force as shown in Fig. 1.30. Determine F1 and F2.

Fig. 1.30
Solution
From Fig  Fy = −2 + F1 − F2 + 10 = −5 kN

F1 − F2 = −13 ---(1)
Summation of Moment of all forces about ’A’ is
 M A = − F1 + 3F2 − 40 ------(2)
Moment of the Resultant about ‘A’ is = 5X 1.8 ----(3)
According to varignon’s theorem, Moment of the Resultant is
equal to the sum of the moments of component forces.
Equating (2) and (3)
− F1 + 3F2 = 49 -------(4)

Solving (3) and (4)

F2=18kN F1=5kN

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 42

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.12
Determine the magnitude, direction and position of the resultant
force with respect to C as shown in Fig. 1.31.

Fig. 1.31
ΣFx = -135 cos 45+ 90 cos 63.43-105+120 cos 63.43-75 cos 45
ΣFx =-159.56 N
ΣFy = 135sin45+90sin 63.43- 120 cos 63.43+180-75sin45
ΣFy =249.25 N

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 43

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

ΣMC = (105x200) - (75 sin 45x200) - (135cos 45x200) +

(135 sin 45x200) + (90cos 63.43x 200) + (90sin63.43x100)
ΣMC = 26494.13 N-mm.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 44

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.13
Determine the resultant of the three forces acting on the dam
shown in Fig. 1.32 and locate its intersection with the base AB.
For a good design, this intersection should occur within the
middle third of the base. Comment whether it is a good design or
not.

Fig. 1.32
Solution:
+ve Fx 103.5 -62 cos 30=49.8 N
+veFy = -246- 62 sin 30 = -277N

F
F +  Fy =281.44N, tan  =
2 2
R= = 5.56  = 79.8
y

F
x
x

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 45

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

− MA
x=
 Fy
MA=103.5x1.8+246x2.1-62xcos30x2.2sin60+62sin60x(5.7-
2.2cos60)=847.5 kN-m
− 847.5
x = = 3.05m . For safe design the resultant should act
277
within the middle third. For this the position should be in the
range of 1.9m and 3.8 m. Hence the given design is safe.

Example 1.14
Determine the magnitude and Y-intercept of the force system
acting on the lamina as shown in Fig. 1.33

Fig. 1.33

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 46

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Solution: The angle for the 600N force with horizontal is

tan-1 = 26.565°

RX = ∑FX = 400 + 600cos26.565

RX = 936.66N
Ry = ∑Fy = 200 – 600sin26.565
Ry= -68.33N
R= =
R = 939.15N
θ = tan-1 ( / ) = tan-1 (68.33/936.66)
θ = 4.17°
Plot the resultant on Y-axis at distance Y from O as
shown in Fig. 1.34 using Varignon’s theorem at ‘O’

Fig. 1.34

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 47

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

- (400) (400) – (600sin26.565) (400) = - (936.66) (Y)

Y = 285.41mm
Example 1.15
For the non-concurrent coplanar system shown in Fig. 1.35
determine the magnitude, direction and position of resultant force
with reference to ‘A’.

Fig. 1.35
Solution: RX = ∑FX =100 – 100 + 100 cos45 = 100N
Ry = ∑Fy = 200 - 100 sin45 = 100N
R=
R = 141.42N
θ = tan-1(100/100)
θ = 45°

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 48

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

The perpendicular distance of the resultant from A can be

obtained using Varignon’s theorem at A
(200)(2) – (100)(4) – (100 sin45) (4) = (141.42)(d)
d = -2.828m
As the perpendicular distance is negative, the resultant produces
clockwise moment about A. The position of resultant with respect
to A is shown in Fig. 1.36

Fig. 1.36
Note the X-intercept will be = 4m to the left of A and

Y-intercept is also 4m above A.

Example 1.16
A rigid plate is subjected to the forces as shown in Fig. 1.37,
compute resultant of forces and position of resultant force with
respect to centroid point O of the plate.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 49

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Fig. 1.37
Solution: For the 50kN force at A, the angle with horizontal is
tan-1(1.2/1.6) = 36.87°
RX = ∑FX = 40 – 50cos36.87 = 0
Ry = ∑Fy = 50– 20 - 50sin36.87 = 0
R=0
As the resultant force is zero, the resultant can be a
moment.
MO = - (40) (0.6) – (20) (0.8) +100
MO = 60kN-m
The resultant is a couple moment of 60kN-m . This
moment can act anywhere in the plane.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 50

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.17
Determine the magnitude and direction of the resultant for the
system of coplanar forces shown in Fig. 1.38. Also determine the
position of resultant with respect to ‘O’

Fig. 1.38
Solution: Referring to the Fig 1.38
 Fx = 347.62 N
 Fy = 104.87 N
R = 363.01N
 M o = 373.69 N − m
R  d =  Mo

d = 1.02m
Example 1.18 Three forces of 2P, 3P and 4P act along the three
sides of an equilateral triangle of side 100 mm taken in order.
Find the magnitude and position of the resultant force.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 51

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.20
A spherical ball of weight 75 N is attached to a string and is
suspended from the ceiling as shown in Fig. 1.43(a) Find the
tension in the string, if a horizontal F is applied to the ball as
shown in Fig. 1.43(b) Determine the angle the string makes with
the vertical and also the tension in the string if F=150 N.

Fig. 1.43(a) Fig. 1.43 (b)

Solution:
i) When the ball is hanging from the ceiling, the tension
in the string is equal to the weight of the ball i.e.,
T=W=75 N.
ii) Free body diagram of ball is shown in Fig. 2.4(b)
when a horizontal force F is applied. Magnitude of
tensile force and inclination  of string with vertical

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 58

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

can be computed using the method of components and

equilibrium condition.
+ve Fx =0; -T sin + 150 =0 --(1)

+ve Fy =0; T cos - 75 =0 --(2)

Equations (1) and (2) can be simplified as T sin = 150;

T cos  = 75
Dividing first equation by the second equation;
T sin 
= 2; tan = 2 and  = tan -1 2 = 63.43
T cos 
Substituting value of  in (1) the value of T is computed as
T=167.7N
Alternatively, using Lami’s theorem, the solution can also be
obtained as
T 75 150
= =
sin 90 sin(90 + ) sin(180 − )

T sin (90+) =75 or T cos  = 75 and T sin(180-) = 150 or

T sin  = 150
These two equations are similar to equations (2) and (1) and
hence the solution leads to the same result ie  = 63.43 and
T = 167.7 N
Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 59
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

Example 1.21
Determine the reactions at contact points for the system shown in
Fig. 1.44

Fig. 1.44
Solution:
The free body diagram of ball 1 and 2 is shown in Fig. 1.44.
From triangle ABC the inclination of AB with AC (), is

computed as cos  = AC , where AC= 90-20-30 = 40mm. and

AB
AB = 50 mm.  = 36.87
Equations of equilibrium is applied to Free Body Diagram of
Ball1 as
+ve Fx =0; RR –RQ cos =0 -- (1)
Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 60
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics Unit I

+veFy =0; RS-100- RQ sin =0 --(2)

Equations of equilibrium is also applied to Free Body Diagram of
Ball 2 as
+ve Fx =0; RQ cos - RP =0 --(3)
+veFy =0; RQ sin-300=0 --(4)

300
From equation (4) RQ = = 500 substituting this in
sin 36.87
equation (3), the value of RD is computed as
RP = 500 cos 36.87 = 400 N
Substituting the value of RQ in (1) and (2);
RR = 500 cos36.87 = 400 N;
RS = 100+ 500 sin 36.87 =400 N

Example 1.22
Two identical cylinders each weighing 2kN are supported by
vertical and inclined plane ash shown in Fig.1.45. Assuming
smooth surfaces determine the reactions at A, B and C.

Department of Civil Engineering, RVCE Page 61