STRUCTURES
INTRODUCTION
PLANE TRUSSES
A framework composed of members joined at
their ends to form a rigid structure is called a
truss.
Bridges, roof supports, derricks, and other such
structures are common examples of trusses.
Structural members commonly used are I-beams,
channels, angles, bars and special shapes which
are fastened together at their ends by welding,
riveted connections, or large bolts or pins.
When the members of the truss lie essentially in
a single plane, the truss is called a plane truss.
SIMPLE TRUSSES
Structures built from a basic triangle in the
manner described are known as simple
trusses.
METHOD OF JOINTS
This method for finding the forces in the
members of truss consists of satisfying the
conditions of equilibrium for the forces acting
on the connecting pin of each joint.
PROBLEM 1
Compute the force in each member of the
loaded cantilever truss by the method of
joints. Ans.: AB = 34.6 kN T, AC = 17.32 kN C, BC = 34.6 kN C,
BD = 34.6 kN T, CD = 57.7 kN T, CE = 63.5 kN C, DE = 11.55 kN C
PROBLEM 2
Determine the force in each member of the
truss. Note the presence of any zero-force
members. Ans.: AB=5 kN T, AC=5 kN T, BC=5 kN C,
AD=0, CD = 15 kN C
METHOD OF SECTION
This method of section has the basic
advantage that the force in almost any
desired member may be found directly from
an analysis of a section which has cut that
member.
PROBLEM 3
Determine the force in member CG. Ans.:
CG=14.14 Kips T