Plane Trusses
Plane Truss: Layout
Objective - Determination of Internal
Forces
Definition/Properties
Internally Static Determinacy
The Method of Joints
The Method of Sections
Bridge Truss Structures: Bridge
Truss Structures: Roof
Commonly Used Roof Trusses
Truss: Definition
Straight Members
Pin-jointed
Loaded at Joints
Weights ignored
No-collapsible (rigid)
Truss: Rigid or Collapsible
Basic Rigid Form
(No-collapsible)
Simple Truss
Collapsible Form
(Mechanism)
Two-Force Member & Internal
Force
The Same Internal Force (T/C) at all sections
The Method of Joints
Determine the internal forces in all three members.
The Method of Joints: Procedures
Check Static Determinacy: Externally & Internally
Determine the External Reactions (r=3)
– FBD of the whole structure; Apply ΣFx=0; ΣFy=0;
ΣM=0
Choose a Start Joint
–Only two unknowns/members at the joint;
– Apply Σ Fx=0; Σ Fy=0
Design a Joint Visit Order
–Make sure no more than two unknowns need to be
found when visiting a particular joint;
– Apply Σ Fx=0; Σ Fy=0
Check the Results by Employing Unused Joints or
Equations, if Possible.
The Method of Joints: Example II
Determinate the force in each member of the
loaded simple truss.
All triangles are equilateral
• Check Static Determinacy
1. r=3
2. 2. m=7, j=5; m + r=2j
II: Find External Reactions
III: Joint Visit Order
IV: Joint Analysis (1)
IV: Joints Analysis (2)
The Method of Joints: Example III
Determinate the force in each member
of the loaded simple truss.
The Method of Joints: Example IV
Determinate the force in each member of the
loaded simple truss.
The Method of Joints: Example V
Compute the forces in members BC, BE and EF of
the loaded truss.
Joints Visit Order
The Method of Sections
Method of sections
The Method of Sections: Example V
Example VI
Compute the force in member DJ.
Advanced Issues
Externally Static Determinacy (Refer
to Example IV)
Use of Two or More Moment Equations
Advanced Issues: Example VII
Compute all member forces. All inclined members
are at 300 or 600.
Local Coordinate Systems
Advanced Issues: Example VII