Theory of Structural
Chapter (3)
Statically Determinate Trusses
1
Chapter Outline
3.1 What is a truss?
3.2 Common Types of Trusses
3.3 Classification of Coplanar Trusses
3.4 Determinacy and Stability of Trusses
3.5 The method of joints
3.6 Zero-Force Members
3.7 The Method of sections
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
3.9 Analysis of Complex Trusses
2
3.1 What is a Truss?
A truss is a structure made up of straight members which are connected
at the joints, and having the joints at the ends of the members. Trusses
are used to support roofs, bridges and other structures.
3
3.1 What is a Truss?
Assumptions:
I. The forces in the members of the
truss are purely axial
(compression or tension).
I. The members of the truss are connected at their ends by
frictionless pins or hinges.
II. The truss is loaded only at its joints.
4
3.2 Common Types of Trusses
Roof Trusses:
5
3.2 Common Types of Trusses
Roof Trusses
6
3.2 Common Types of Trusses
Bridge Trusses:
7
3.2 Common Types of Trusses
Bridge Trusses:
8
3.3 Classification of Coplanar Trusses
Simple Trusses:
A simple truss is constructed by starting with a basic triangular
element.
9
3.3 Classification of Coplanar Trusses
Compound Trusses:
It is formed by connecting two or more simple trusses together to form a
single rigid body. This type of truss is often used for large spans. The
connection must be provided by using 3 links not parallel, not concurrent
(or by equivalent of this system).
10
3.3 Classification of Coplanar Trusses
Complex Trusses:
A complex truss is a truss that is neither simple nor compound.
11
3.4 Determinacy and Stability of Trusses
Refer to chapter (2), Section 2.6.2
12
3.5 The method of joints
An imaginary section may be completely passed
around a joint in a truss.
The joint has become a free body in equilibrium
under the forces applied to it.
The equations of equilibrium
may be applied to the joint to determine
the unknown forces in members meeting there.
It is evident that no more than two unknowns
can be determined at a joint with these two equations.
13
3.5 The method of joints
Example: Find all support reactions and member forces of the loaded
truss shown in figure.
Solution:
14
3.5 The method of joints
Example: Determine the force in each member of the truss shown by the
method of joints.
Solution:
15
3.5 The method of joints
16
3.5 The method of joints
Example: Determine the force in each member of the truss supporting a floor
deck. The deck is simply supported on floor beams which, in turn, are
connected to the joints of the truss. Thus, the uniformly distributed loading on
the deck is transmitted by the floor beams as concentrated loads to the top
joints of the truss.
17
3.5 The method of joints
18
3.5 The method of joints
Example: Determine the force in each member of the truss. State if the
members are in tension or compression.
Solution:
19
3.5 The method of joints
20
3.6 Zero-Force Members
If only two non-collinear members are connected to a joint that
has no external loads or reactions applied to it, then the force in
both members is zero.
21
3.6 Zero-Force Members
If three members, two of which are collinear, are connected to
a joint that has no external loads or reactions applied to it, then
the force in the member that is not collinear is zero.
22
3.6 Zero-Force Members
Example: Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss
shown in figure that have zero force.
23
3.6 Zero-Force Members
Example: Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss
shown in figure that have zero force.
24
3.6 Zero-Force Members
Example: Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss
shown in figure that have zero force.
25
3.7 The Method of sections
The method is based on the premise that if a structure is in
equilibrium, any portion or component of the structure will also
be in equilibrium under the action of any external forces and the
internal forces acting between the portion or component and
the remainder of the structure.
26
3.7 The Method of sections
Example: Determine the forces in the members identified by ‘‘x’’ of the truss
shown by the method of sections.
27
3.7 The Method of sections
28
3.7 The Method of sections
Example: Determine the forces in members FJ; HJ, and HK of the K truss shown in
Fig. by the method of sections.
29
3.7 The Method of sections
30
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
Although the method of joints and the method of sections
described in the preceding sections can be used individually for
the analysis of compound trusses, the analysis of such trusses
can sometimes be expedited by using a combination of the two
methods.
For some types of compound trusses, the sequential analysis of
joints breaks down when a joints with two or fewer unknown
forces cannot be found. In such a case, the method of sections
is then employed to calculate some of the member forces,
thereby yielding a joint with two or fewer unknowns, from
which the method of joints may be continued. This approach is
illustrated by the following examples.
31
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
Example: Analyze the compound truss shown in figure below. The reactions
at the supports have been calculated.
32
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
33
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
Example: Analyze the compound truss
shown in figure below. The reactions at the
supports have been calculated.
34
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
35
3.8 Analysis of Compound Trusses
Problem: Find all member forces of the compound truss shown in
figure below.
36
3.9 Analysis of Complex Trusses
From the analytical viewpoint, the main difference between
simple or compound trusses and complex trusses stems from
the fact that the methods of joints and sections, as described
previously, can not be used for the analysis of complex trusses.
The member forces in such trusses can be determined by
writing two equilibrium equations in terms of unknown member
forces for each joint of truss and then solving the system of 2j
equation simultaneously.
Today, complex trusses are usually analyzed on computers
using the matrix methods.
37