1 BECCBEC

Introduction
The learning module in BEC 122 STATICS OF RIGID BODIES was
designed based on the 3 unit course syllabus used by the College of
Architecture and was prepared to assist course facilitators and students
in teaching and learning the subject. Objectives per module are stated to
enable students to know what to expect in each of the lessons. Key
information in each topic or lesson are provided and are supplemented
with work examples for instructors and students to analyze and
understand better. Supplementary exercises are also included for
students to do in order to strengthen their skills in such lessons. Quizzes
will be given at the end of each module to be uploaded in Google
Classroom to determine students’ level of mastery of the concepts and
theories they have learned.
Some of the problems presented were adapted from the different
textbooks and the internet and were modified by the writer based on the
needs of architecture students. Problems are related to objects of
everyday experiences, like forces on cables or cords, axially loaded
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

beams, Trusses, and so on. This module presents not only the
computations of forces but to give emphasis the importance of forces
acting on a certain body and further the effect of these forces which will
be discussed in the next subject that requires such knowledge.

Activities and Test Pages

At the end of each lesson, there are Problem Sets provided for the
students to work independently on given problems with the given time to
accomplish such task. Number of problems were minimized into four to
five problems only in order to lessen the burden of the students
considering their situation in this time of pandemic, and thinking that it
is not the only subject that they are studying at home. This will be
uploaded in classwork in their google classroom in order to set date and
time of submission and to easily check who submitted on time or not. In
this course most problems have illustrations but they have to analyze the

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
2 BECCBEC

action of forces on each system and can draw only the isolated view of
forces acting on it. These activities may be done in hand written or type
written form, in word document or pdf and will be uploaded in classwork
for the course facilitator to check their work. Also, quizzes and major
examination will be done in google form to measure the level of
understanding of the students regarding the lessons.

MODULE I

What is this module all about?

This module presents the fundamental Concepts and definitions of
different terms that will be encountered all throughout the study of this
course. with the accompanying illustrations and derivations of formulas
to be used in the computations of the magnitude of a force, its direction,
and location, moments of a force, and resultant of concurrent and
parallel force systems. This includes work examples, exercises, and self-
test for the mastery of the lessons.
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

This module is divided into five subtopics under each lesson as

follows:
Lesson 1: Fundamental Concepts and Definitions
Lesson 2: Rectangular Components of a Force
Lesson 3: Resultant of Three or More Concurrent Forces
Lesson 4: Moment of a Force; The Varignon’s Theorem
Lesson 5: Resultant of Parallel Force System

At the end of this module, the learner is expected to:

 Understand the difference of statics and strength of material and

the fundamental concepts and definitions used in the study of this
course.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
3 BECCBEC

 Learn that Forces can be resolved into its components, the X and Y
components using the knowledge in Trigonometry
 Learned that the Resultant of Con-current Forces can be solved
through the use of its rectangular components
 Learned that the moments of forces can be solved using its
components and that is the application of “Varignon’s Theorem”
 Learn how the resultant of Parallel Forces can easily be solved by
just summing up all the forces given and using the principle of
moments of a Force in order to locate this resultant.
 Solve problems independently involving resultant of concurrent
and parallel force system using the principles of rectangular
components and moments of a Force.

MODULE I: RESULTANT OF COPLANAR FORCE SYSTEM

FUNDAMENTAL CONCEPTS AND DEFINITIONS
Statics is a branch of mechanics that studies the effects and distribution
of forces of rigid bodies which are and remain at rest. In this area of
mechanics, the body in which forces are acting is assumed to be rigid.
The deformation of non-rigid bodies is treated in Strength of Materials.
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

A RIGID BODY is defined as the definite amount of matter the parts of

which are fixed in position relative to each other. Actually, solid bodies
are never rigid; they deform under the action of applied forces. In many
cases, this deformation is negligible compared to the size of the body and
the body may be assumed rigid. Bodies that are made of steel or cast
iron, for example, are of this type. The study of the strength of materials,
however, is based on the deformation (however small) of such bodies.
FORCE. Force may be defined as that which changes, or tends to change
the state of motion of a body. This definition applies to the external effect
of a force. The internal effect of a force is to produce stress and
deformation in the body on which the force acts. External effects of
forces are considered in engineering mechanics (statics of rigid bodies);
internal effects in the strength of materials.
The characteristics of a force are (1) it’s the magnitude, (2) the position
of its line of action, and (3) the direction (or sense) in which the force
acts along its line of action.
The principle of transmissibility of a force states that the external effect
of a force on a body is the same for all points of application along its line

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
4 BECCBEC

of action; i.e., it is independent of the point of application. The internal

effect of a force, however, is definitely dependent on its point of
application.
FORCE SYSTEMS
A FORCE SYSTEM is any arrangement where two or more forces act on a
body or on a group of related bodies. When the lines of action of all the
forces in a force system lie in one plane, they are referred to as being
coplanar; otherwise they are non-coplanar. The coplanar system is
obviously simpler than a non-coplanar system since all the action lines of
the forces lie in the same plane. We shall consider first a discussion of
coplanar systems; it will then be a relatively simple step to the discussion
od non-coplanar or space systems of forces.
The force system are further classified according to their line of action.
Forces whose lines of action pass through a common point are called
con-current; those in which the lines of action are parallel are called
parallel force systems; and those in which the lines of action neither are
parallel nor intersect in a common point are known as non-concurrent
force systems.
AXIOMS OF MECHANICS
The principles of mechanics are postulated upon several more or less
self-evident facts which cannot be proven mathematically but can only be
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

demonstrated to be true. We shall call these facts the fundamental

axioms of mechanics. The axioms are discussed at length in subsequent
topics as they used. At this time we shall merely collate them for
reference and state them in the following form:
1. The parallelogram law: The resultant of two forces is the diagonal
of the parallelogram formed on the vectors of these forces
2. Two forces are in equilibrium only when equal in magnitude,
opposite in direction, and collinear in action.
3. A set of forces in equilibrium maybe added to any system of forces
without changing the effect of the original system.
4. Action and reaction forces are equal but oppositely directed.

LESSON 1: RECTANGULAR COMPONENTS OF A FORCE

Forces acting at some angle from the coordinate axes can be resolved
into mutually perpendicular forces called components. The component of
a force parallel to the x-axis is called the x-component, parallel to y-axis
the y-component, and so on.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
5 BECCBEC

Components of a Force in XY Plane

Figure 1

In order to solve for the X and Y components or the so called horizontal

and vertical components we can use the right triangle formed from the
figure above and by using the trigonometric functions Sine, Cosine, and
Tangent, we can easily solved for the value of Fx, Fy, and the inclination
of the force from the horizontal and vertical axes.
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Note: Free vector is defined as one which does not show the
Figure 1a

point of application of the vector, as distinguished from a localized vector which

does.

Solving for Fx, use the function of Cosine;

Fx
cos θx=
F
Fx=FCosθx

Solving for Fy, we can use the function of Sine;

Fy
sin θx=
F

Fy=FSinθx

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
6 BECCBEC

Now that we have know Fx and Fy we can easily solve the force F
by Pythagorean Theorem using the same right triangle with F as
the hypothenuse and Fx and Fy as the two legs;
2 2
F =( Fx) +¿

F=√ (Fx)2 +(Fy )2

Solving for the inclination of force F we can use the function of

Tangent;

Fy
tanθx=
Fx

Given the slope of the line of action of the force as v/h

Figure 1b
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

It is more easier if given the slope of the action line line of the force. Take
a look at the small triangle, instead of using the formula Fx=F Cos θx
for the horizontal component, we can now replace cos θx into , thus we
h
r
can now use
h
Fx=(F )
r
So with the vertical component or Y component;
v
Fy=(F )
r

WORK PROBLEMS #1
Problem 1001: Horizontal and vertical components of planar
forces
Determine the x and y components of the forces shown in Fig 1001.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
7 BECCBEC

Fx=FCosθx
Fy=FSinθx
h
Fx=(F )
r
v
Fy=(F )
r

Solution 1001
(Start from the 1st quadrant up to the 4th quadrant)
Fx1 =58 kN cos 30 °=50.23 kN
Fy 1=58 kN sin 30 °=29 kN

Fx2 =−50 kN cos 45° =−35.36 kN

Fy 2=50 kN sin 45 °=35.36 kN

( )
5 12
( )
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Fx3 =−45 kN =−17.31 kN Fy 3=−45 kN =−41.54 kN

13 13
Fx 4=40 kN cos 0 °=40 kN
F y 4=40 kN sin 0 °=0

PROBLEM 1002: Components of a force in rotated axes

Find the components in the x, y, u, and v directions of the force P = 10kN
shown in Fig.1002.

F x =F cos θx

F y =F sin θy

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
8 BECCBEC

Figure 1002

Solving Px and Py from the X-axis

P x =10 kN cos 60 °=5 kN

P y =10 kN sin 60°=8.66 kN

Using the rotated axis (u -v)

Pu=10 kN cos 40 °=7.66 kN

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Pv =10 kN sin 40 °=6.43 kN

PROBLEM 1003: Components of a force parallel and

perpendicular to the incline
A block is resting on an incline of slope 5:12 as shown in Fig. P-003. It is
subjected to a force F = 500 N on a slope of 3:4. Determine the
components of F parallel and perpendicular to the incline.

Slope ?

Trigonometric

Functions

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
9 BECCBEC

Figure 003

Solution 1003
θ = α+β
to solve for β;
5
tan β = =22.62 °
12

to solve for α;
3
tan α = =36.87 °
4
θ=β+ α
θ=22.62° +36.87 °
θ=59.49°

Hint: Take one axis parallel to the incline

F x =F cos θ x Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

F x =500 cos 59.49 °

F x =253.85 kN answer

F y =−500 sin 59.49 °

F y =−430.77 kN answer

PROBLEM: 1004 Components of force normal and tangent to

the hypotenuse of a triangle
The triangular block shown in Fig. P-004 is subjected to loads P = 1600
lb and F = 600 lb. If AB = 8 in. and BC = 6 in., resolve each load into
components normal and tangential to AC.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
10 BECCBEC

Figure 004 (a)

Solution 1004 (Hint: apply the principle of transmissibility of a force)

The principle of transmissibility of a force states that the external

effect of a force on a body is the same for all points of application
along its line of action, i.e., it is independent of the pt. of application.

This PhotoAuthor
Unknown by is

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

(b) (c)
Figure (a) shows the slope of the incline, you can use
that slope in order to solve for the components of force
F and P. But if you are not familiar with the slope, you
can use the angle of inclination (see Fig. b) and
proceed with your solution using the free body diagram
This PhotoAuthor
Unknown by (FBD) in Figure (c).

F t=F cos θx

F n=−F sin θx

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
11 BECCBEC

F t=600 lb cos 36.87 ᵒ = 480lb

F n=−600 lb sin 36.87 ᵒ = -360lb

Pt =−1600 lbcos 53.13 ᵒ = -960lb

Pn=−1600 lb sin 53.13ᵒ = -1280lb

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

PS1001 (Start your solutions from the 1st quadrant up to the

4th quadrant)
Compute the x and y components of each of the four forces shown in Fig.
below.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
12 BECCBEC

PS 1002

A force P = 800 N is shown in Figure.

a. Find the y-component of P with
respect to x and y axis.
b. Find the y'-component of P with
respect to x' and y' axis

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

PS 1003
The components of forces are defined by Fx = 300lb and Fy = 200lb, Px
= -100lb and Py = 300lb, Tx = -250lb and Ty = -145lb, and Qx = 150lb
and Qy = -350lb. Determine the magnitude, inclination with the X-axis,
and pointing of each forces.

PS 1004
Rework Problem 004 in WORK PROBLEBS #1 if θ = 60ᵒ

PS 1005

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
13 BECCBEC

The body on the 30° incline in Fig. P-004 is acted upon by a force P
inclined at 20° with the horizontal. If P is resolved into components
parallel and perpendicular to incline and the value of the parallel
component is 1800 N, compute the value of the perpendicular component
and that of P. (Hint: Consider X-axis parallel to the incline and the one
normal or perpendicular to the incline is the Y-axis)

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

LESSON 2: RESULTANT OF CONCURRENT FORCE SYSTEM

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ColDxGlux3Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g2XZM2LhfBY

ThisUnknown
by Photo

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
14 BECCBEC

The determination of the resultant of three or more concurrent

forces that are not collinear requires determining the sum of three or
more vectors. There are two ways of accomplishing the addition of three
or more vectors; graphically and analytically.

Graphically. Two vectors can be added to give a resultant; this

resultant in turn can be added to a third vector, etc., until all the vectors
have been added together to give an overall resultant. These vectors can
be added in any order.
Consider the system of three concurrent forces shown in figure (a).
If the parallelogram method of vector addition is used, forces F and P
may be combined to give a resultant R1 as shown in figure (b) since R1 is
equivalent to and replaces F and P, the original system of three forces
now consists of only two: R1 and Q. These may also be combined by the
parallelogram method to give the final resultant R. if the original system
consists of more than three forces, this same technique can be extended
to include the additional forces.

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Figure 2001

The same resultant be more readily obtained by the use of free vectors
and the application of the triangle law. Thus in figure 401, by using the
free vector P, the resultant of F and P (i. e., R1) is easily obtained. To this
resultant and the free vector Q is added to give the final resultant R.
Observe that R1 need not to be drawn at all, the total resultant of the
system being obtained by joining the tail of the first vector (F) with the
tip of the last vector (Q). the same result would be obtained if the order

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
15 BECCBEC

of addition had been P, F, and Q. In fact, any convenient order of tip-to-

tail vector addition may be used.

Figure 2002

Analytically. The vectors can be resolved into components that

coincide with arbitrary chosen axes. The components of each vector with
respect to these axes can be added algebraically, and the resulting
additions will be the components of the overall resultant vector.
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Figure 2003

The 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.
Figure 201 can be redrawn as in Figure 202 to show the X and Y
components of each force by projection upon the reference axes. It is
apparent that Rx, the X component of R, is equivalent to the algebraic

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
16 BECCBEC

sum of the X components of F, P, and Q; also that Ry is equivalent to the

algebraic sum of the Y components of F, P, anf Q. Denoting such
algebraic summations of the components of the forces by ƩX and ƩY
respectively, we have
Rx = ƩX
Ry = ƩY

Having thereby computed the components of the resultant R, we can now

determine its magnitude and inclination.

R=√ ¿ ¿ ¿

tanθ=
∑Y
∑X
The pointing of R is determined by the signs of its rectangular
components ∑ X and ∑ Y .
The equation involving the resultant of force system are the following

1. Rx = ΣX = Fx + Px + Qx
The x-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

forces in the x-direction.

2. Ry = ΣY = Fy + Py + Qy
The y-component of the resultant is equal to the summation of
forces in the y-direction.

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
17 BECCBEC

WORK PROBLEMS #2
Problem 2001: Resultant of Concurrent Force System
Determine completely the resultant of concurrent force system shown

Fig. 2001

Solution 2001 (Start the solutions from the 1st quadrant up to the 4th
quadrant)

X – COMPONENTS Y-COMPONENTS
Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa

Fx1 =58 kN cos 30 °=50.23 kN Fy 1=58 kN sin 30 °=29 kN

Fx2 =−50 kN cos 45° =−35.36 kN Fy 2=50 kN sin 45 °=35.36 kN

Fx3 =−45 kN ( )
5
13
=−17.31 kN Fy 3=−45 kN
12
13
=−41.54 kN ( )
Fx 4=40 kN cos 0 °=40 kN F y 4=40 kN sin 0 °=0

∑ X=37.56 kN ∑ Y =22.82

R=√ ¿ ¿ ¿
R=43.95 kN

; tanθ= ; θ=31.28°
tanθ=
∑Y 22.82
∑X 37.56

Therefore the magnitude of the resultant is 43.95kN located on the 1st

quadrant with an angle of inclination from the horizontal of 31.28
Type equation here .

BEC 122-STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Engr. Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa
18 BECCBEC

Problem 2002: Resultant of two velocity vectors

Find the resultant vector of vectors A and B shown in Fig. 2002.

2
Fig. 2002

Solution 2002: Component Method

Rx = ΣX
Rx = (44 m/sec) Cos 50ᵒ − (17 m/sec) Cos 30ᵒ
Rx = 13.56 m/sec to the right

Ry = ΣY
Ry = (−44 m/sec) Sin 50ᵒ − (17 m/sec) sin 30ᵒ
Ry = −42.21 m/sec downward

R=√ ¿ ¿ ¿

R=√ (13.56)2+( 42.21)2

R=44.33 m/sec

tanθ=
∑Y tanθ=
42.21
∑X 13.56
θ=72.19ᵒ

The resultant vector R = 44.33 m/sec downward to the right at θx =

72.19°

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
18
19 BECCBEC

Problem 2003: Solving for a force and its angle and angle of
two forces with given resultant
Forces F, P, and T are concurrent and acting in the direction as shown
in Fig. 2003.

Fig. 2003

a. Find the value of F and α if T =450 N , P=250 N , β=30 ° and the

resultant is 300 N acting up along the y-axis.
b. Find the value of F and α if T =450 N , P=250 N , β=30 ° and the
resultant is zero.
c. Find the value of α and β if T =450 N , P=250 N , F=350 N , and the
resultant is zero.

Solution 2003
Part a: Unknown force and direction with non-zero resultant

Rx = 0 and Ry = 300 N

Rx = ƩX

Ry = ƩY

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
19
20 BECCBEC

Rx = 0 and Ry = 300 N

Rx = ΣX α A=π r 2
Since Rx = 0, we have;

0=F cos α +250 cos 30 °−450

F cos α =233.49

equation 1
233.49
F=
cos α

Ry = ΣY

F sin α=425 equation 2

300=F sin α −250 sin 30 °

Substitute the value of F in equation 1 to equation 2 in order to solve for

α
F sin α=425
233.49
sin α =425
cos α
233.49 tan α=425
425
tan α =
233.49

answer
−1
α =tan 1.8202

Go back to equation 1 in order to solve for F

α =61.22 °

equation 1
233.49
F=

F=484.92 N answer
cos 61.22 ᵒ

Part b: Unknown force and direction with zero resultant

Rx = 0 and Ry = 0

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
20
21 BECCBEC

0=F cos α +250 cos 30 °−450

F cos α =233.49

equation 1
233.49
F=
Cosα

Ry = ΣY

F sin α=125 equation 2

0=F sin α −250 sin 30 °

Substitute the value of F in equation 1 to equation 2 in order to solve for

α

F sin α=125
233.49
sin α =125
cos α
233.49 tan α=125

answer
−1
α =tan 0.5354

Go back to equation 1 in order to solve for F

α =28.16 °

equation 1
233.49
F=
Cosα

233.49
F=
cos 28.16 ᵒ

F = 264.85 N answer

Part c: Unknown direction of two forces with zero resultant

Rx = 0 and Ry = 0

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
21
22 BECCBEC

Ry = ΣY
0=350 sin α −250 sin β

Since 350 and 250 is divisible by 50

Then, 7 sin α −5 sin β=0

equation 1
7 sin α =5 sin β
2 2
49 sin α =5 sin β

Rx = ΣX
0=350 cos α +250 cos β−450
7 cos α +5 cos β−9=0
7 cos α=9−5 cos α
¿
2
49 cos α =(9−5 cos α )²

49 Cos²α = 81 – 90 Cosβ + 25 Cos²β → Equation (2)

Remember some Trigonometric

Identities

Sin²α + Cos²α = 1

Equation (1) + Equation (2)

49 sin² α=25 sin² β → Equation (1)

49 Cos²α = 81 – 90 Cosβ + 25 Cos²β → Equation (2)
49 Sin² α + 49 Cos² α = 25 Sin² β + (81 – 90 Cosβ + 25 Cos² β)
49(Sin² α + Cos² α) = 25(Sin² β + Cos² β) + 81 − 90 cosβ
49(1)=25(1)+81−90 Cosβ

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
22
23 BECCBEC

90 Cosβ = 25+81−49
57
cos β=
90
−1

answer
β=cos (0.633333)
β=50.70 ᵒ

From Equation (1)

49 Sin 2α =25 Sin 250.70°
7 Sinα = 5 sin 50.70°
5 sin50.70 °
sin α =
7
−1

α = 33.56° answer
α =sin (0.552743)

Another Solution for Part c

By Cosine Law
(250)² = (350)² + (450)² − 2(350)
(450)cosα
( 350 )2+ ( 450 )2−(250)²
Cosα =

α = 33.557ᵒ answer
2(350)( 450)

(350)² = (250)² + (450)² − 2(250)(450)cosβ

( 250 )2 + ( 450 )2 −(350)²

Cosβ=
2(250)(450)

Β = 50.704° answer

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
23
24 BECCBEC

LESSON 3: MOMENT OF A FORCE

Moment is the measure of the capacity or ability of the force to produce
twisting or turning effect about an axis. This axis is perpendicular to the
plane containing the line of action of the force. The magnitude of moment
is equal to the product of the force and the perpendicular distance from
the axis to the line of action of the force. The intersection of the plane
and the axis is commonly called the moment center, and the
perpendicular distance from the moment center to the line of action of
the force is called moment arm.

Figure 3001
From the figure above, O is the moment center and d is the moment arm.
The moment M of force F about point O is equal to the product of F and
d.
M=Fd

The principle of Moments. Varignon’s Theorem

Varignon’s Theorem states that, “the moment of a force is equivalent to
the sum of the moment of its components.”
Applications. In some cases it is more convenient tom determine the
moment of a force from the sum of the moments of its components rather
than from the force itself. For example, in figure 2, suppose a force F
making an angle θ with the X axis, passes through a point A having the
coordinates (x, y). In this case it is inconvenient to calculate the moment
arm d. By resolving the force into its components Fx and Fy at A, the
moment arm of Fx about O is the coordinate distance y, and the moment
arm of Fy about O is the coordinate distance x. Then the moment of F is
expressed by

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
24
25 BECCBEC

Figure 3002
+ M o=F∗d=F x∗y −F y∗x
¿ F x∗y −F y∗x

from which the value of the moment arm d may be computed if desired
The intercepts of the line of action of F with the X and Y axes may
also be computed from the principle of moments. Replacing F by its
components at B and at C in Fig. 2, we have
+ M o=F x∗i y
and + M o=F y∗i x
Note that Fy at B and Fx at C both have zero moment about O since they
both pass through O and therefore have zero moment arms. Having
already determined the moment of F by means of Eq. (a), the intercepts
iy and ix are now readily computed from Eq. (b)

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
25
26 BECCBEC

WORK PROBLEMS #3
Problem 3001: Moment of force about different points
In Figure 3001 assuming clockwise moments as positive, compute the
moment of force F = 450kN and force P = 300 kN about points A, B, C,
and D.

Figure 3001

Solution 3001
Moment of force F about points A, B, C, and D:
4
F h=450 kN ⌊ ⌋
5 []
F V =450 kN
3
5
F h=360 kN F V =270 kN

+ M A =−Fx∗y−Fy∗x

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
26
27 BECCBEC

M A =−360 kN ( 0.90 m )−270 kN ( 0.30 m)

M A =−405 kNm

+ M B =Fx∗y + Fy∗x
M B =360 kN ( 0.90 m ) +270 kN (1.20 m)
M B =648 kN −m

+ M C =F y∗x
M C =270 kN ¿ 1.50m)
M C =405 kN−m
Moment @ C is due to Fy only because Fx intersect @
the moment center

+ M D =Fx∗y−Fy∗x
M D =360 kN ( 0.90 m )−270 kN (0.30 m)
M D =323.19 kN −m
Note: Force P will be part of your Problem Set #2

Problem 3002: Moment of resultant force about a point

Two forces P and Q pass through a point A which is 4 m to the right of and 3 m above a moment
center O. Force P is 890 N directed up to the right at 30° with the horizontal and force Q is 445 N
directed up to the left at 60° with the horizontal. Determine the moment of the resultant of these
two forces with respect to O.

Solution 3002
R x =Px −Q x
R x =890 cos 30 °−445 cos 60 °

Rx = 548.26 N (to the right)

R y =P y + Q y
R y =890 sin 30°+ 445 sin 60 °

Ry = 830.38 N (upward)

M O=4 R y −3 R x
M O=4 ( 830.38 )−3 ( 548.26 )

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
27
28 BECCBEC

Mo = 1676.74 N⋅m (counterclockwise) answer

The moment of resultant about O can be solved actually without the

use of Rx and Ry. The moment effect of the components of R is the same as
the combined moment effect of the components P and Q. Thus, MO = 4Py
+ 4Qy + 3Qx − 3Px. Try it.
You can also find Mo by finding the magnitude of R and its moment
arm about point O. Moment arm is the perpendicular distance between
the line of action of R and point O.

Problem 3003: Intercepts of the resultant force

Without computing the magnitude of the resultant, compute where the
resultant of the forces shown in Fig. 3003- intersects the x and y axes.

Figure 3003

Solution 3003

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
28
29 BECCBEC

( √12 ) = 353.55 lb to the right

P x =500

P =500
y ( √12 )= 353.55 lb upward
Q =361x ( √313 ) = 300.37 lb to the right
Q =361
y ( √1213 ) = 200.25 lb downward
M O=5 Q y =( 200.25 lb ) 5∈¿
M O=1001.25 lb .∈¿ clockwise

R x =Px +Q x
R x =353.55+300.37
R x =653.92 lb to the right

R y =P y −Q y
R y =353.55−200.25
R y =153.3lb upward

x-intercept of the resultant

a R y =M O

a = 6.53 in to the left of point O answer

a ( 153.3 )=1001.25

y- intercept of the resultant

b R X =M Ob ( 653.92 ) =1001.25
b =1.53 in above point O answer

Problem 3004: Y-coordinate of the point of application of the

force
In Fig.3004, find the y-coordinate of point A so that the 361-lb force will
have a clockwise moment of 400 ft-lb about O. Also determine the X and
Y intercepts of the line of action of the force.

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
29
30 BECCBEC

Figure 3004
Solution 3004

M o= y A F x −x A F y
400= y A (361)
( ) 3
( )
−2 ( 361 )
2

y A =2.665 ft answer
√ 13 √ 13

Y - intercept of the line of action of force F

MO = Fxb
3
400=361 b
√13
400 √ 13
b=

b =1.332 ft above point O answer

( 361 ) 3

X-intercept of the line of action of force F

M o=F y . a
400=¿)a
a=1.998 ft to the left of point O answer

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
30
31 BECCBEC

LESSON 4: RESULTANT OF PARALLEL FORCES

Resultant of Parallel Force System
Coplanar Parallel Force System

Parallel forces can be in the same or in opposite directions. The sign of

the direction can be chosen arbitrarily, meaning, taking one direction as
positive makes the opposite direction negative. The complete definition of
the resultant is according to its magnitude, direction, and line of action.

R=∑ F=F 1+ F 2+ F 3+ …
R . d=∑ MF
BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
31
32 BECCBEC

R . d=∑ F X=F 1 X 1+ F 2 X 2+ F 3 X 3+…

RESULTANT OF DISTRIBUTED LOADS

The resultant of a distributed load is equal to the area of the load
diagram. It is acting at the centroid of that area as indicated. The figure
below shows the three common distributed loads namely; rectangular
load, triangular load, and trapezoidal load.

Rectangular Load

R=w o L

Triangular Load

1
R= wo L
2

Trapezoidal Load

1
R=w o L+ w o L
2

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
32
33 BECCBEC

WORK PROBLEMS #4
Problem 4001: Computation of the resultant of parallel forces
acting on the lever
A parallel force system acts on the lever shown in Fig. P-3001. Determine
the magnitude and position of the resultant.

Figure 301

Solution 3001

R = ΣF
R= (- 30 - 60 + 20 – 40) lb
R= -110 lb (downward)

+ MA=ΣMA

R. d = 2(30) + 5(60) − 7(20) + 11(40)

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
33
34 BECCBEC

(110)d = 660 ft⋅lb

d=6 ft to the right of A

Thus, R = 110 lb downward at 6 ft to the right of A. answer

Problem 4002: Finding the resultant of parallel forces acting

on both sides of the rocker arm
Determine the resultant of the four parallel forces acting on the rocker
arm of Fig. P-3002

Figure 3002

Solution 3002

R = ΣF ( +, -)

R = (-50 + 40 + 20 - 60) lb
R = -50 lb downward

R.d = Ʃ Mo
( 50lb) d = −50lb(6ft) + 40lb(2ft) – 20lb(3ft) + 60lb(8ft)
50d = 200 lb⋅ft
BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
34
35 BECCBEC

d=4 ft to the right of O

Problem 4003: Finding the resultant of vertical forces acting

on the Fink truss
Locate the amount and position of the resultant of the loads acting on the
Fink truss in Fig. 3003.

Figure 303
Solution 4003
Since the truss is symmetrical and the load applied at the top chord is
also symmetrical, you can replace those loads/forces by an equivalent
single force F that act at the center of the truss which is 4.50m at both
supports.

Magnitude of resultant
R =ΣFv
BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
35
36 BECCBEC

R= (-6230 - 8900) N
R=-15130 N downward

Location of resultant

(15130)d = 6230N(4.5m) + 8900N(3m)

R∗d=Ʃ M A

d=3.62 md=3.62 m to the right of A

Thus, R = 15 130 N downward at 3.62 m to the right of left support.

answer

PROBLEM SET #4
PS 4001: Y-coordinate of the point of application of the force
In Fig. shown below, find the y-coordinate of point A so that the 361-lb
force will have a clockwise moment of 400 ft-lb about O. Also determine
the X and Y intercepts of the line of action of the force.

PS 4002: Finding the unknown two forces with given resultant

Find the value of P and F so that the four forces shown in Fig. below
produce an upward resultant of 400 lb acting at 4 ft from the left end of
the bar.

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
36
37 BECCBEC

PS 4003: Finding the magnitude and position of the missing

force
The resultant of three parallel loads (one is missing in Fig below) is 80kN
acting up at 3.5 m to the right of A. Compute the magnitude and position
of the missing load.

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
37
38 BECCBEC

MODULE 2: Equilibrium of Force System

Definition and Meaning of Equilibrium
The subject matter of statics, as its name implies, deals essentially
with the action of forces on bodies, which are at rest. Such bodies are
said to be in equilibrium. Specifically, equilibrium is the term used to
designate the condition where the resultant of a system of forces is zero.
A body is said to be in equilibrium when the force system acting upon it
has a zero resultant. The physical meaning of equilibrium, as applied to a
body, is that the body either is at rest or is moving in a straight line with
constant velocity.
In this module, the students shall determine and apply the
conditions necessary to produce equilibrium for coplanar force systems.
The principles and techniques developed in this module are the basic
fundamentals of static; the student is urged to master them. Actually
what is studied is a method of reasoning – of learning how to apply the
basic concepts of the components of a force and its moment effect in the
most efficient manner.

Free-Body Diagram
An isolated view of a body which shows only the external forces exerted
on the body is called a free-body diagram (frequently abbreviated as
FBD).

LESSON 1: EQUILIBRIUM OF CONCURRENT FORCE

SYSTEM
Conditions of Static Equilibrium of Concurrent Forces
The sum of all forces in the x-direction or horizontal is zero.
ΣX = 0 or ΣFx=0

The sum of all forces in the y-direction or vertical is zero.

ΣY = 0 or ΣFV=0

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
38
39 BECCBEC

Important Points for Equilibrium Forces

Two forces are in equilibrium if they are equal and oppositely
directed.


 Three coplanar forces in equilibrium are concurrent.

Three or more concurrent forces in equilibrium form a close
polygon when connected in head-to-tail manner.


WORK PROBLEMS #5
Problem 5001 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System
The cable and boom shown in Fig. P-5001 support a load of 600 lb.
Determine the tensile force T in the cable and the compressive for C in
the boom.

Fig. P-5001

Solution 5001
ΣX = 0
Ccos45ᵒ - Tcos30ᵒ = 0
Ccos45ᵒ = Tcos30ᵒ

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
39
40 BECCBEC

C=
T cos 30 ° eq. 1
cos 45 °

ΣY = 0
Tsin30ᵒ + Csin45ᵒ - 600 = 0 equ. 2
Substituting the value of equ. 1 to equ. 2

Tsin30ᵒ + sin45ᵒ = 600

T cos 30 °
cos 45 °
Tsin30ᵒ + T Cos 30ᵒTan 45ᵒ = 600
1.366T = 600
T=439.24 lb answer ; back to equation 1 then
substitute the value of T

T cos 30 °
C=
cos 45 °
439.24 cos 30°
C=
cos 45°

C = 537.94 lb answer

Problem 5002-5003 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

A 300-lb box is held at rest on a smooth plane by a force P inclined at an
angle θ with the plane as shown in Figure P-502, determine the value
of P and the normal pressure N exerted by the plane.

Figure P-5002

Solution 5002
ΣX = 0
BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
40
41 BECCBEC

Pcosθ – WCos 60ᵒ = 0

P Cos 45ᵒ = 300Cos 60ᵒ

300 cos 60 ᵒ
P=
cos 45ᵒ

P=212.13 lb answer

To solve for the normal pressure

N
ΣY = 0

N – P Sinθ – W Sin 60ᵒ = 0

N = 212.13 Sin45ᵒ + 300 Cos60ᵒ
N=409.81 lb answer

Problem 5003
If the value of P in Fig. 5002 is 175 lb, determine the angle θ at which it
must be inclined with the smooth plane to hold 300-lb box in equilibrium.

Problem 5004 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

The 300-lb force and the 400-lb force shown in Fig. P-5004 are to be held
in equilibrium by a third force F acting at an unknown angle θ with the
horizontal. Determine the values of F and θ.

Solution 5004
ƩX = 0
400 lb cos 30 °−300 lb+ FCosθ=0
FCosθ=−346.41+300 lb
FCosθ=−46.41
F=
−46.41 equ. 1
cos θ

Figure 504

ƩY = 0
BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies
Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
41
42 BECCBEC

200 lb=FSin θ (substitute equation 1 in equ. 2)

400 lb sin 30° −FSin θ=0

−46.41
200 lb= sinθ
cos θ

= 4.31
200lb
tanθ= −1
θ=tan 4.31=−76.94 °

(go back to equ. 1 and substitute the value of θ in order to solve for the
−46.41

magnitude of force F)

−46.41
F=
−cos 76.94 °
F=205.38 lb

The correct position of F should be on

the third quadrant.

to further check the solution, the

resultant must be equal to zero

ƩX = 0
ƩX = 400 Cos30ᵒ - 300 -205.38 Cos
76.94ᵒ
= 346.41lb -300lb -46.41lb
ƩY = 0
ƩY = 400 Sin 30ᵒ - 205.38 Sin 76.94ᵒƩY = 0

Since ƩX and ƩY are equal to zero, therefore the resultant R is also equal
to zero.
Problem 5005 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System
The system of knotted cords shown in Fig. P-5005 support the indicated
weights. Compute the tensile force in each cord.

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
42
43 BECCBEC

Fig. P-5005

Solution 5005
Since we have only two equations that satisfies the equilibrium of
Concurrent Force System solve first the forces where 400-lb load is
hanging.

ΣFH = 0
DCos 15 °−CCos 60 °=0
equ. 1
C cos 60 °
D=
cos 15 °

ΣFV = 0
equ.2
Subst. the value of D fr. equ. 1 to
Dsin 15 ° +CSin 60°−400 lb=0

equ. 2 to solve for C

CCos60 °
sin 15 ° +CSin 60 °=400
cos 15 °

cos 60 ° tan 15 ° +CSin 60 °=400

C=400 lb answer

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
43
44 BECCBEC

go back to equ. 1 to solve for D

400lb cos 60 °
D=
cos 15 °

D=207.06lb answer

From the knot where 300-lb load is

hanging

ΣFV = 0
BSin 45 °−400 lbSin60 °=300 lb
BSin 45 °=346.41 lb+ 300lb
B=914.16 lb answer

ΣFH = 0
− A+ BCos 45 ° +CCos60 °=0 equ.2
− A+ 914.16 lbCos 45 ° + 400lbCos 60 °=0
A=846.41lb answer

Problem Set #5 | Equilibrium of Concurrent Force System

PS 5001: From Problem 5002 in the examples; if the value of P is 260 lb,
determine the angle θ at which it must be inclined with the smooth plane
to hold 450-lb box in equilibrium.

PS 5002: In the figure below, determine the magnitude of P and F

necessary to keep the concurrent force system in equilibrium.

PS 5003

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
44
45 BECCBEC

Determine the values of α and θ so that the forces shown in Fig. below
will be in equilibrium.

PS 5004: A system of cords knotted together at A and B support the

weights shown in Fig. Compute the tensions P, Q, F, and T acting in the
various cords. Determine the values of α and θ so that the forces shown
in Fig. P-316 will be in equilibrium

LESSON 2: EQUILIBRIUM OF PARALLEL FORCE

SYSTEM

Conditions for Equilibrium of Parallel Forces

The sum of all the forces is zero.
ΣF = 0

The sum of moment at any point O is zero.

ΣMo = 0

Problem 6001 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

Determine the reactions for the beam shown in Fig. P-601

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
45
46 BECCBEC

Fig. P-6001

Solution 6001

ΣMR2=0 +

10R1 + 4(400) - 16(300) –

9(1400) = 0
10R1 = - 4(400) + 16(300) +
9(1400)
R1=1580 lb answer
Since R1 has already solved, it is more easier to solve R2 by ƩFv = 0.
Assuming all upward forces are positive and downward forces are
negative
ƩFv = 0
R2 +1580 lb – 400lb - 1400lb - 300lb = 0
R2 = -1580 lb + 2100lb
R2 = 520 lb answer
Problem 6002 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force System
Determine the reactions R1 and R2 of the beam in Fig. P-507 loaded with
a concentrated load of 1600 lb and a load varying from zero to an
intensity of 400 lb per ft.

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
46
47 BECCBEC

Fig. P-6002
Solution 6002

Solve first for the reactions of the

upper beam carrying a uniformly
varying load (triangular load) with an
intensity of loading from zero to
400lb/ft.

∑ MR 4 =0
12 R 3−4 ( 2400 )=0

R3=¿800 lb
12 R 3=4 ( 2400 )

Therefore, by summing up forces

vertical;

R4 =¿1600 lb

Solving for the lower supports, we

have;
∑ MR 2=0
16 R1−12 ( 800 ) −13(1600)=0

answer
16 R1=12 ( 800 ) +13 (1600)
R1=1900 lb
Therefore, by summing up forces vertical;
R2=2100 lb answer

P
Problem 6003 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
47
48 BECCBEC

The roof truss in Fig. 6003 is supported by a roller at A and a hinge at B.

Find the values of the reactions.

Fig. P-6003
Solution 6003
Note: Take the advantage of the symmetry of the truss and the loadings
on the rafters (top chord), the only unsymmetrical is the load on the
bottom chord. Now, since the top chord is symmetrically loaded, you can
replace the 3-20 kN forces and 2-10 kN forces by a single 80 kN force
acting at the center of the truss.

ΣMB = 0 +

15 R A - 10(60) - 7.5(80) - 5(50) = 0

15 R A = 1450 lb
R A =96.67 kN answer
Since R A has been solve and only R B is unknown you can use

ƩFv=0 (assuming upward forces positive and downward forces negative)

R B +96.67−80−60−50=0

PProblem 6004 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

R B=−93.33 kN

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
48
49 BECCBEC

D
etermine the reactions for the beam loaded as shown in Fig. 6004.

Fig. 6004

Solution 6004

ΣMR2 = 0 +

7.5R1 - 6(12) + 4.5(18) + 1(22.5) = 0

R1 = 23.4 kN answer

∑ F v =0 to solve for R2
R1 + R2−12−18−22.5=0
23.4+ R 2−12−18−22.5=0
R2=12+18+ 22.5−23.4

R2 = 29.1 kN answer

Problem Set #6 | Equilibrium of Parallel Force System

Find the reactions of the following beams loaded as shown.
PS 6001

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
49
50 BECCBEC

PS 6002

PS 6003

PS 6004

BEC 122 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Engr.Maila R. Pedrigal-Ragasa, MAME
50