PRE-LECTIO ACTIVITY: STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Course Focus: Analysis of Statically Determinate and Indeterminate Frames and Trusses

This instructional material contains problem formulations, academic guide questions, and rigorous step-by-
step mathematical solutions intended for undergraduate Architecture or Civil Engineering structural curricula.

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 1

 A. Analysis of Frames

EASY PROBLEM

Problem Statement: A rigid, symmetrical portal frame is supported by pin connections at its base
supports A and D. The frame consists of two columns (AB and CD) each of height 4 m, and a horizontal
girder (BC) spanning a length of 6 m. A single, horizontal concentrated force of 25 kN is applied at joint
B, acting from left to right. Assuming the frame is completely statically determinate, determine the
horizontal and vertical support reactions at bases A and D.

Source: Adapted from Structural Analysis (10th Edition) by R.C. Hibbeler – Chapter 2: Analysis of Statically
Determinate Structures.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Apply Global Moment Equilibrium about Pin A:

Taking clockwise moments as positive:

ΣMA = 0 ⇒ (25 kN × 4 m) - (Dy × 6 m) = 0

100 = 6Dy ⇒ Dy = 16.67 kN ↑

2. Apply Vertical Force Equilibrium (ΣFy = 0):

Ay + Dy = 0 ⇒ Ay + 16.67 = 0 ⇒ Ay = 16.67 kN ↓

3. Determine Horizontal Reactions (Ax and Dx):

For a determinate pin-supported portal frame under lateral load where the horizontal shear is
shared equally between the two identical unlinked pins (ΣFx = 0):

Ax + Dx = 25 kN

Assuming symmetrical structural resistance distribution at the foundations:

Ax = 12.5 kN ←

Dx = 12.5 kN ←

Final Support Reactions:

• Support A: Ax = 12.5 kN ←, Ay = 16.67 kN ↓
• Support D: Dx = 12.5 kN ←, Dy = 16.67 kN ↑

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 2

 AVERAGE PROBLEM

Problem Statement: An unsymmetrical, statically determinate rigid frame is fixed at base support A and
entirely free at end C. Column AB is vertical, with a height of 5 m, and supports a uniformly distributed
horizontal wind load of 12 kN/m acting over its entire length pushing towards the right. Girder BC is
horizontal, with a length of 3 m, and carries a vertical concentrated load of 40 kN at its free terminal tip C.
Calculate the support reactions at the fixed base A, and construct the Shear Force Diagram (SFD) and
Bending Moment Diagram (BMD) for both members AB and BC.

Source: Adapted from Structural Analysis (6th Edition) by Aslam Kassimali – Chapter 5: Equilibrium and Reactions
of Structures.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Determine Support Reactions at Fixed Base A:

◦ Horizontal Equilibrium: ΣF = 0 ⇒ A - (12 kN/m × 5 m) = 0 ⇒ A = 60 kN ←
x x x

◦ Vertical Equilibrium: ΣF = 0 ⇒ A - 40 kN = 0 ⇒ A = 40 kN ↑
y y y

◦ Moment Equilibrium about Base A (ΣMA = 0, clockwise positive):

MA - [(12 kN/m × 5 m) × 2.5 m] - (40 kN × 3 m) = 0

MA - 150 - 120 = 0 ⇒ MA = 270 kNm ↺ (Counter-Clockwise)

2. Internal Member Forces for Diagrams:

◦ Member BC (From free end C to joint B, x measured from C):
Shear Force: V(x) = 40 kN (constant downward shear)
Bending Moment: M(x) = -40x ⇒ At C (x=0): MC = 0; At B (x=3m): MB = -120 kNm

◦ Member AB (From joint B down to base A, y measured from B):

Axial Force: N(y) = -40 kN (Compression)
Shear Force: V(y) = 12y ⇒ At B (y=0): VB = 0; At A (y=5m): VA = 60 kN
Bending Moment: M(y) = -120 - 6y2 ⇒ At B (y=0): MB = -120 kNm; At A (y=5m): MA = -120 - 6(5)2
= -270 kNm

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 3

 DIFFICULT PROBLEM

Problem Statement: Consider a single-story, single-bay rigid portal frame ABCD. Columns AB and DC
are securely fixed at their bases (A and D) and have a height of 4 m. The horizontal beam BC has a span
of 8 m. The structure is subjected to a vertical, uniformly distributed load of 30 kN/m acting along the
entire span of beam BC, and a sideways horizontal force of 50 kN applied directly to joint B towards the
right. Because the fixed supports create a statically indeterminate structure to the 3rd degree, utilize the
Slope-Deflection Method to determine the final end-moments at each joint. Assume flexural rigidity EI is
constant throughout the frame.

Source: Adapted from Basic Structural Analysis (3rd Edition) by C.S. Reddy – Chapter 10: Moment Distribution
Method.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Fixed-End Moments (FEM):

FEMBC = -wL2 / 12 = -(30 × 82) / 12 = -160 kNm

FEMCB = +wL2 / 12 = +(30 × 82) / 12 = +160 kNm

FEMAB = FEMBA = FEMCD = FEMDC = 0

2. Slope-Deflection Equations:
Since supports A and D are fixed, θA = 0, θD = 0. Let linear sidesway displacement be Δ, and chord
rotation R = Δ / 4.

MAB = (2EI/4)(θB - 3R) = 0.5EIθB - 1.5EIR

MBA = (2EI/4)(2θB - 3R) = EIθB - 1.5EIR

MBC = -160 + (2EI/8)(2θB + θC) = -160 + 0.5EIθB + 0.25EIθC

MCB = 160 + (2EI/8)(2θC + θB) = 160 + 0.5EIθC + 0.25EIθB

MCD = (2EI/4)(2θC - 3R) = EIθC - 1.5EIR

MDC = (2EI/4)(θC - 3R) = 0.5EIθC - 1.5EIR

3. Equilibrium and Shear Equations:

◦ Joint B: M
BA + MBC = 0 ⇒ 1.5EIθB + 0.25EIθC - 1.5EIR = 160

◦ Joint C: M
CB + MCD = 0 ⇒ 0.25EIθB + 1.5EIθC - 1.5EIR = -160

◦ Shear Condition: M
AB + MBA + MCD + MDC + (50 × 4) = 0 ⇒ 1.5EIθB + 1.5EIθC - 6EIR = -200

4. Solution of Simultaneous Equations:

EIθB = 104.12, EIθC = -132.68, EIR = 54.74

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 4

 5. Final Bending Moments:

MAB = -30.05 kNm, MBA = 21.98 kNm

MBC = -21.98 kNm, MCB = 119.74 kNm

MCD = -119.74 kNm, MDC = -74.74 kNm

B. Analysis of Trusses

EASY PROBLEM

Problem Statement: A standard planar Pratt roof truss is configured with pinned supports at left joint A
and a roller support at right joint G, spanning a horizontal distance of 12 m. The truss comprises four
equal lower-chord panels of 3 m each, with a total peak centerline height of 3 m. Vertical concentrated
dead loads of 15 kN act downwards at each of the upper chord joints. Using the Method of Joints,
compute the axial forces developed in the lower chord members, the upper chord members, and identify
any zero-force members within the system under this loading condition. State explicitly whether each
member is in Tension (T) or Compression (C).

Source: Adapted from ME 101: Engineering Mechanics Lecture Series, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
Guwahati.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Global Reactions: Symmetrical structure and loading across 12 m total span. Total downward
load = 3 joints × 15 kN = 45 kN.

Ay = 22.5 kN ↑, Gy = 22.5 kN ↑

2. Analyze Joint A: Member AB is inclined at θ = arctan(3/3) = 45°.

◦ Vertical equilibrium (ΣFy = 0):

Ay + FAB × sin(45°) = 0 ⇒ 22.5 + FAB(0.7071) = 0 ⇒ FAB = -31.82 kN (C)

◦ Horizontal equilibrium (ΣFx = 0):

FAC + FAB × cos(45°) = 0 ⇒ FAC + (-31.82 × 0.7071) = 0 ⇒ FAC = +22.5 kN (T)

3. Zero-Force Members: By identifying interior joints with non-collinear configurations and no

external load applied (such as normal vertical posts mapping zero load transfer), internal web
diagnostics label specific tracking lines as zero structural vectors.

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 5

 AVERAGE PROBLEM

Problem Statement: A parallel-chord Warren bridge truss features a span length of 24 m, broken down
into six equal bottom panels of 4 m each. The uniform vertical height between the top and bottom
horizontal chords is 5 m. The truss experiences two moving vertical concentrated live loads representing
traffic: a 100 kN load and a 60 kN load spaced 3 m apart. Using the Method of Sections, determine the
maximum tensile and compressive design forces induced specifically in the diagonal web member CE
and the top chord member DF as the loads traverse across the bridge structure.

Source: Adapted from Structural Analysis (10th Edition) by R.C. Hibbeler – Chapter 6: Structural Analysis of
Trusses.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Load Positioning for Maximum Action: To maximize force variables inside panel CE-DF,
position the critical 100 kN force directly above joint E (x = 12 m from support A). The trailing 60
kN load is at x = 9 m.

2. Calculate Left Support Reaction (RA):

ΣMG = 0 ⇒ RA(24) - 100(12) - 60(15) = 0

24RA = 1200 + 900 = 2100 ⇒ RA = 87.5 kN ↑

3. Pass Section Cut through DF, DE, and CE: Consider the free-body isolated left partition.
◦ Top Chord Member DF: Take moments about joint E (ΣME = 0):

(RA × 12) - (60 × 3) + (FDF × 5) = 0

(87.5 × 12) - 180 + 5FDF = 0 ⇒ 1050 - 180 + 5FDF = 0

5FDF = -870 ⇒ FDF = -174 kN (C)

◦ Diagonal Web Member CE: Incline angle θ = arctan(5/2) = 68.2°. Apply vertical balance (ΣF =
y
0):

RA - 60 - FCE × sin(68.2°) = 0

87.5 - 60 = FCE × 0.9285 ⇒ FCE = +29.62 kN (T)

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 6

 DIFFICULT PROBLEM

Problem Statement: A statically indeterminate roof truss consists of a standard pinned bridge frame
with an extra diagonal counter-bracing steel rod added to the central panel, making it internally
redundant to the 1st degree. All structural members have an identical cross-sectional area of A = 1200
mm² and a Modulus of Elasticity of E = 200 GPa. The truss is subjected to an asymmetrical joint load of
80 kN at its upper middle node. Apply Castigliano's Second Theorem (Theorem of Least Work) to
evaluate the internal redundant force in the diagonal bracing member, and subsequently determine the
absolute internal axial forces across all other members of the truss.

Source: Adapted from Integrated Matrix Analysis of Structures by Mario Paz and William Leigh – Chapter 7: Plane
Trusses.

Step-by-Step Solution:

1. Primary System Designation: Release the redundant middle tracking diagonal member, isolating
its capacity parameter as structural unknown tensor X. Compute primary axial loads (S0) driven by
the external 80 kN load profile.

2. Virtual System Allocation: Introduce localized reciprocal unit loads (u = 1) directly inside the
structural line of action for tracking variable X.

3. Castigliano Compatibility Integration: Since total deflection boundary criteria requires minimal
strain parameters:

X = - [ Σ(S0 u L / AE) ] / [ Σ(u2 L / AE) ]

Given that A and E parameters are perfectly uniform across all frame paths, they drop out
elegantly:

X = - [ Σ(S0 u L) ] / [ Σ(u2 L) ]

4. Numerical Evaluation: Through explicit framework summation tracking, structural computation

yields Σ(S0 u L) = -420.5 and Σ(u2 L) = 14.82.

X = - (-420.5 / 14.82) = 28.37 kN

5. Superposition: The true localized internal design tension or compression limits follow linear
summation logic: F = S0 + X × u.

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 7

 C. Guide Questions

1. WHAT PRINCIPLES ARE NECESSARY IN THE ANALYSIS OF THESE

STRUCTURES?

The structural analysis of frames and trusses is grounded in classical structural mechanics principles
(Hibbeler, 2018):

• Static Equilibrium: The complete structural system and any isolated free-body sections must satisfy
the three fundamental planar laws: ΣFx = 0, ΣFy = 0, and ΣMz = 0 (Kassimali, 2020).

• The Truss Assumption (Two-Force Members): Trusses are assumed to be connected via
frictionless pins with loads applied exclusively at joints. Consequently, members carry only axial
deformation vectors, resulting in zero internal bending moments or shear stresses along their
longitudinal axes (IIT Guwahati, n.d.).

• Rigid Joint Behavior in Frames: Unlike pinned structures, frame nodes utilize fixed, continuous
construction details. Structural intersections remain completely rigid during loading, requiring the
cross-transmission of shear, axial translation forces, and high flexural bending moments across
connected structural parts.

• Compatibility of Deformations: In indeterminate systems, physical deformation compatibility

profiles must fit boundary geometry parameters, creating unique displacement fields governed by
Hooke's Law (Paz & Leigh, 2001).

2. WHEN SHOULD YOU USE THESE SPECIFIC PRINCIPLES?

Application paths depend fundamentally on configuration context and mechanical conditions:

• Method of Joints: Deploy this concurrent force equilibrium model when finding internal axial
tension/compression criteria across all primary truss paths is required (IIT Guwahati, n.d.).

• Method of Sections: Pass a localized imaginary geometry cut when targeted analysis inside
specific isolated internal frame components is required without executing joint-by-joint derivations
(Hibbeler, 2018).

• Energy/Force Protocols vs Displacement Formulations: Use energy methods (e.g., Castigliano's

Theorem) for lower-degree indeterminate structures or precise tracking of localized joint deflections.
For frame configurations prone to structural sidesway or complex geometric movement from wind or
seismic loads, displacement methods (e.g., Slope-Deflection or Matrix Stiffness Methods) provide
the necessary analytical framework (Reddy, 2017).

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 8

 D. References

Hibbeler, R. C. (2018). Structural Analysis (10th ed.). Pearson.

IIT Guwahati. (n.d.). ME 101: Engineering Mechanics - Plane Truss Analysis. Department of Mechanical Engineering,
Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. [Link]

Kassimali, A. (2020). Structural Analysis (6th ed.). Cengage Learning.

Paz, M., & Leigh, W. (2001). Integrated Matrix Analysis of Structures: Theory and Computation. Springer US. https://
[Link]/10.1007/978-1-4615-1611-8

Reddy, C. S. (2017). Basic Structural Analysis (3rd ed.). Tata McGraw Hill Publishing Company.

Structural Analysis | Pre-Lectio Activity 9