ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

Introduction
Contents
Definition of a Truss and Simple
Trusses

Analysis of Trusses by the Method of

Joints

Analysis of Trusses by the Method of

Sections
  For the equilibrium of structures made of several
connected parts, the internal forces as well the
external forcesare considered.

INTRODUCTION
 In the interaction between connected
parts, Newton's 3rd Law states that the
forces of action and reactionbetween
bodies in contact have the same
magnitude, same line of action, and
opposite sense.
 • Three broad categories of engineering structures
will be considered:

1. Trusses, which are designed to support loads and are usually

stationary, fully constrained structures. Trusses consist exclusively
of straight members connected at joints located at the

INTRODUCTION: ends of each member. Members of a truss, therefore, are twoforce

members, i.e., members acted upon by two equal and
opposite forces directed along the member.

2. Frames, which are also designed to support loads and are also
usually stationary, fully constrained structures. However, like
the crane of Fig. 6.1, frames always contain at least one multiforce
member, i.e., a member acted upon by three or more
forces which, in general, are not directed along the
member.

3. Machines, which are designed to transmit and modify forces

and are structures containing moving parts. Machines, like
frames, always contain at least one multiforce member.
WHAT IS A TRUSS?
 Most actual structures
 A truss consists of straight
members connected at
joints. Truss members are
connected at their
extremities only; thus no
member is continuous
through a joint.
 Bolted or welded connections are
are made of several assumed to be pinned together. Forces
trusses joined together acting at the member ends reduce to a
to form a space
single force and no couple. Only two-
framework. Each truss is
designed to carry those force membersare considered. When
loads which act in its forces tend to pull the member apart,
plane and thus may be it is in tension. When the forces tend
treated as a two- to compress the member, it is in
dimensional structure. compression.
 WHAT IS A TRUSS?

 Members of a truss are slender and not capable of supporting

large lateral loads. Loads must be applied at the joints.
WHAT IS A TRUSS?
ANALYSIS OF TRUSSES BY THE
METHOD OF JOINTS
•Dismember the truss and create a freebody diagram
for each member and pin.

•The two forces exerted on each member are equal,

have the same line of action, and opposite sense.

•Forces exerted by a member on the pins or joints at its

ends are directed along the member and equal and
opposite.

•Conditions of equilibrium are used to solve for 2

unknown forces at each pin (or joint), giving a total of
2nsolutions, where n=number of joints. Forces are
found by solving for unknown forces while moving
from joint to joint sequentially.
ANALYSIS OF TRUSSES BY THE
METHOD OF JOINTS
SOLVING ON
YOUR OWN

Draw a free-body diagram Next, locate a joint where

of the entire truss, and use the forces in only two of the
Note that the choice of the
this diagram to determine connected members
first joint is not unique.
the reactions at the 3 are still unknown. 5
1
supports.

Locate a joint connecting Repeat this procedure until

only two members, and the forces in all the
2 4
draw the free-body members of the truss have
diagram of its pin. been found.
 SAMPLE PROBLEM 6.1

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of

the truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

Figrure 6.1
 SAMPLE PROBLEM 6.2

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of

the truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

Figrure 6.2