3.

5 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS 109

EXAMPLE 3.7
Determine the force in members BC and MC of the K-truss shown in
Fig. 3–28a. State whether the members are in tension or compression.
The reactions at the supports have been calculated.
La K J I H

10 ft
M N O P
Ax  0 10 ft
3
A B a C D E F G
15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft 15 ft

Ay  2900 lb 1200 lb 1500 lb 1800 lb Gy  1600 lb

(a)
SOLUTION
L
Free-Body Diagram. Although section aa shown in Fig. 3–28a cuts FLK
through four members, it is possible to solve for the force in member
FML
BC using this section. The free-body diagram of the left portion of the 20 ft
truss is shown in Fig. 3–28b. FMB
A
FBC
Equations of Equilibrium. Summing moments about point L 15 ft
B
eliminates three of the unknowns, so that
-29001152 + FBC1202 = 0
2900 lb 1200 lb
d+ ©ML = 0;
FBC = 2175 lb 1T2 Ans. (b)

Free-Body Diagrams. The force in MC can be obtained indirectly

by first obtaining the force in MB from vertical force equilibrium of y
joint B, Fig. 3–28c, i.e., FMB = 1200 lb (T). Then from the free-body
diagram in Fig. 3–28b. FMB
+ c ©Fy = 0; 2900 - 1200 + 1200 - FML = 0 x
FML = 2900 lb 1T2
FBA
B FBC
Using these results, the free-body diagram of joint M is shown in
1200 lb
Fig. 3–28d.
(c)
Equations of Equilibrium.

a bFMC - a bFMK = 0
+ ©F = 0; 3 3
: x y
213 213
2900 - 1200 - a bFMC - a bFMK = 0
2 2
+ c ©Fy = 0; 2900 lb FMK
213 213
FMK = 1532 lb 1C2 FMC = 1532 lb 1T2
2
Ans. 3
M x
3
Sometimes, as in this example, application of both the method of sections 2

and the method of joints leads to the most direct solution to the problem. FMC
1200 lb
It is also possible to solve for the force in MC by using the result for
(d)
FBC. In this case, pass a vertical section through LK, MK, MC, and BC,
Fig. 3–28a. Isolate the left section and apply ©MK = 0. Fig. 3–28