Chapter 4
Analysis of Structure
4.1 Introduction
An engineering structure is any connected system of
members built to support or transfer forces and to safely
withstand the loads applied to it.
In this chapter we shall analyze the internal forces acting
in several types of structures, namely, trusses, frames and
simple machines.
Constraints and Statical Determinacy
If the number of unknown forces is more than the number
of independent equilibrium equations, the equilibrium
equations alone are not enough to determine the unknown
forces, possibly reaction forces at the constraints .
4.2 Trusses
Framework composed of members joined at their
ends to form a rigid structures.
4.2.1 Plane Truss
Plane truss: Members of truss lie in same plane
The basic element of a plane truss is the triangle.
Additional members or supports that are not necessary
for maintaining the equilibrium position are called
redundant.
external redundancy: If a plane truss has more supports
than are necessary to ensure a stable equilibrium, the
extra supports constitute external redundancy
Internal redundancy: More internal members than are
necessary to prevent collapse, the extra members
constitute internal redundancy.
All members in a simple truss are assumed to be two-
force members. The members may be in tension (T) or
in compression ( C ).
[Link]. Method of Joint
This method consists of satisfying the conditions of
equilibrium for the forces acting on the connecting pin of
each joint
This method deals with equilibrium of concurrent forces
and only two independent equilibrium equations are solved
Newton’s third law is followed
Condition for statically determinate truss: m + 3 = 2j
j – no. of joints; m – no. of members
m + 3 > 2 j =>more members than independent
equations; statically indeterminate
m + 3 < 2 j => deficiency of internal members; truss is
unstable
Example
Find the force in each member of the loaded cantilever
truss by method of joints
[Link]. Method of Section
•In method of joints, we need only two equilibrium
equations, as we deal with concurrent force system
• In method of sections, we will consider three
equilibrium
equations, including one moment equilibrium eqn.
•force in almost any desired member can be
obtained directly from an analysis of a section
which has cut the member
•Not necessary to proceed from joint to joint
•Not more than three members whose forces are
unknown should be cut. Only three independent
equilibrium eqns. are present
•Method of sections and method of joints can be combined
•Moment center can be selected through which many
unknown forces pass through
•Positive force value will sense the initial assumption of
force direction
•IN method of sections, an entire portion of the truss is
considered a
single body in equilibrium
•Force in members internal to the section are not involved
in the
analysis of the section as a whole
•The cutting section is preferably passed through members
and not
through joints
Example
Find the forces included in members KL,CL, CB by
the 20 ton load on the cantilever truss
Σ Moment abt. ‘L’ => CB is
compressive => creates CW moment
Σ Moment abt. C => KL is tensile =>
creates CW moment
CL is assumed to be compressive
BL = 16 + (26-16)/2 = 21 ft
Θ = tan -1 (5/12) => cos Θ = 12/13
Σ M L = 0 => 20 (5) (12)- CB (21) = 0 => CB = 57.1 t (C)
Σ Mc = 0 => 20 (4)(12) – 12/13 (KL) (16) = 0; KL = 65 t (T)
Σ Mp = 0 => find PC distance and find CL; CL = 5.76 t (C)
Chapter end