Chapter 6
Structural Analysis
6.1 Simple Trusses
A truss is a structure composed of slender members
joined together at their end points.
Trusses are
commonly used
to support
roofs.
Trusses are
also used in a
variety of
structures like
cranes and
the frames of
aircraft or the
space station.
If a truss, along with the imposed load, lies in a single plane
(as shown at the top right), then it is called a planar truss.
Actual vs. Ideal Joints of Trusses
The joint connections are usually
formed by:
bolting or welding the ends
of the members to a common
plate, called a gusset plate
OR
passing a large bolt or pin
We assume these as through each of the members
smooth pins
*This is one of two main assumptions that will simplify our analysis
A simple truss is a planar truss which
begins with a triangular element and can
be expanded by adding two members and
a joint. For these trusses, the number of
members (M) and the number of joints (J)
are related by the equation
M = 2 J – 3.
ANALYSIS & DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS
When designing the members and joints of a truss, first it is
necessary to determine the forces in each truss member. This
is called the force analysis of a truss. When doing this, two
assumptions are made:
1. All loads are applied at the joints. The weight
of the truss members is often neglected as the
weight is usually small compared to the forces
supported by the members.
2. The members are joined together by
smooth pins. This assumption is satisfied in
most practical cases where the joints are
formed by bolting the ends together.
With these two assumptions, the
members act as two-force members.
They are loaded in either tension or
compression. Often compressive members
are made thicker to prevent buckling.
6.2 The Method of Joints
the equilibrium of a joint (pin) is considered.
FBD of the joint (with all forces acting)
all external forces (including support reactions)
the forces acting in the members.
Member pushing the joint Member in compression
Member pulling the joint Member in Tension
Equations of equilibrium (∑ FX= 0 and ∑ FY = 0).
STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
1. If the truss’s support reactions are not given, draw a FBD
of the entire truss and determine the support reactions
using EoE, if there is no joint we can start with (see pt. 2).
2. Draw the free-body diagram of a joint with at least one
known force and at most two unknown forces. Assume
that all unknown member forces act in tension (pulling on
the pin) unless you can determine by inspection that the
forces are compression loads.
3. Apply the scalar equations of equilibrium, ∑ FX = 0 and
∑ FY = 0, to determine the unknown(s). If the answer is
positive, then the assumed direction is correct, otherwise it
is in the opposite direction.
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at each joint in succession until all the
required forces (in the members) are determined.
Determine the force in each member of the
truss shown in the figure and indicate whether
the members are in tension or compression.
Extra: if we
need to find
support
reactions at A
(Cont.)
Determine the forces acting in all the members of the truss.
Note: Pin at A and Roller at C.
No joint with two unknowns get support
reactions
Ax
Ay Cy
(Cont.)
Two equations with two unknowns:
Joint B
B 3 kN
45° 45°
FBA 5.02 kN
4.1 kN
6.3 Zero-Force Members
• Identifying truss members which support no
loading can significantly simplify analysis.
used to increase the stability of the truss
during construction and to provide added
support if the loading is changed.
• Helpful rules for allocating some of them:
1. Truss joints formed of two non-
collinear members with no external
load or support reaction applied to the
joint
2. The third member in truss joints
formed of three members; where the
other two are collinear, with no external
load or support reaction applied to the
joint.
Using the method of joints, determine all the zero-force members of the Fink roof
truss shown. Assume all joints are pin connected.
√
Zero-force
Members
found from
rules
√
Looking for
Other Zero-
force Members
√
6–17. If the maximum force that any
member can support is 8 kN in
tension and 6 kN in compression,
determine the maximum force P that
can be supported at joint D .
6.4 The Method of Sections
Long trusses are often used to construct large cranes
and large electrical transmission towers.
The method of joints requires that many joints be analyzed
before we can determine the forces in the middle of a large truss.
So another method to determine those forces is helpful.
In the method of sections, a truss is divided into two parts by
taking an imaginary “cut” (shown here as a-a) through the truss.
Since truss members are subjected to only tensile or compressive
forces along their length, the internal forces at the cut members
will also be either tensile or compressive with the same
magnitude as the forces at the joint. This result is based on the
equilibrium principle and Newton’s third law.
STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
1. Decide how you need to “cut” the
truss. This is based on:
a) where you need to determine
forces
b) where the total number of
unknowns does not exceed three
(in nonconcurrent).
√
2. Decide which side of the cut truss (minimize # of external reactions).
3. If required, find support reactions (FBD of the entire truss).
4. Draw the FBD of the selected part of the cut truss. Indicate
the unknown forces at the cut members (as in joint method).
5. Apply E-of-E “smartly” (e.g. ΣMc = 0 FGF √)
Applying E-of-E “smartly”
Important note about cutting the truss:
Avoid cutting the truss in a manner where
the unknown forces end up concurrent
unless they are two or less (because you will
lose the moment equation)
Example: cutting along section b-b
Determine the force in member CF of the
truss shown.
Whatever section we decide on, we
need reaction forces
(Cont.)
To apply E-of-E
smartly, we take
ΣMO = 0 to get
FCF as the only
unknown
We need to find x:
4 6
Also from geometry we From geometry: =
4+ x 8+ x
get angle of FCF
⇒x= 4m
Determine the force in member EB of the roof truss
any imaginary section that cuts through EB will
end up cutting through 4 members (like
section a-a) or 3 concurrent members (like
section b-b)
There is no direct section (and moment)
that will give FEB
ΣMB= 0
FED√
ΣFx= 0 FEF√
ΣFy= 0 FEB√
Check rest of solution in book!
6.6 Frames and Machines
Frames Machines
Frames and machines are two common
types of structures that have at least one
multi-force member. (Recall that trusses
have nothing but two-force members).
Frames are generally stationary and support external loads.
Machines contain moving parts and are designed to transmit
and alter the effect of forces.
STEPS FOR ANALYZING A FRAME OR MACHINE
1. Draw a FBD of the frame or machine
and its members, as necessary.
Hints:
a) Identify any two-force members,
b) Note that forces on contacting surfaces
(usually between a pin and a member) are
equal and opposite
c) For a joint with more than two
members or an external force, it is
FAB advisable to draw a FBD of the pin.
2. Develop a strategy to apply the
equations of equilibrium to solve for the
unknowns. Look for ways to form single
equations and single unknowns.
Determine the tension in the cables, the support reactions, and
also the force P required to support the 600-N force using the
frictionless pulley system shown.
A 500-kg elevator car a is being hoisted by motor A
using the pulley system shown. If the car is traveling
with a constant speed, determine the force developed
in the two cables. Neglect the mass of the cable and
pulleys.
T2 T1
ΣFy for both will yield two equations with two unknowns
Check rest of solution in book!
The compound beam shown is pin-connected
at B . Determine the components of reaction at
its supports. Neglect its weight and thickness.
The 75-kg man attempts to lift the 40-kg uniform
beam off the roller support at B . Determine the
tension developed in the cable attached to B and
the normal reaction of the man on the beam when
this is about to occur.
Check rest of solution in book!
External Problem
Determine the horizontal and vertical components
of force at pins A, B and C .
