102

C h a p t e r 3   A n a ly s i s of S tat i c a l ly D e t e r m i n at e T r u s s e s

3.5  The Method of Sections

If the forces in only a few members of a truss are to be found, the method
of sections generally provides the most direct means of obtaining these
forces. The method of sections consists of passing an imaginary section
through the truss, thus cutting it into two parts. Provided the entire truss
is in equilibrium, each of the two parts must also be in equilibrium; and
as a result, the three equations of equilibrium may be applied to either
one of these two parts to determine the member forces at the “cut section.”
3 When the method of sections is used to determine the force in a
particular member, a decision must be made as to how to “cut” or section
the truss. Since only three independent equilibrium equations (Fx = 0,
Fy = 0, M O = 0) can be applied to the isolated portion of the truss,
try to select a section that, in general, passes through not more than three
members in which the forces are unknown. For example, consider the
truss in Fig. 3–25a. If the force in member GC is to be determined,
section aa will be appropriate. The free-body diagrams of the two parts
are shown in Figs. 3–25b and 3–25c. In particular, note that the line of
action of each force in a sectioned member is specified from the geometry
of the truss, since the force in a member passes along the axis of the
member. Also, the member forces acting on one part of the truss are
equal but opposite to those acting on the other part—Newton’s third law.
As shown, members assumed to be in tension (BC and GC) are subjected
to a “pull,” whereas the member in compression (GF) is subjected to
a “push.”

B a C D

2m

A
G a F E
2m 2m 2m

1000 N (a)

Dy
2m
2m
FBC C
C FBC Dx
45
2m FGC 2m
FGC
45
FGF Ex
2m G G FGF

1000 N
(b) (c)

Fig. 3–25