Module-1

Structure
Structure is from the Latin word structura which means "a fitting together, building."
Structure is an assemblage of a number of components like slabs, beams, columns, walls,
foundations and so on, which remains in equilibrium. It has to satisfy the fundamental criteria
of strength, stiffness, economy, durability and compatibility, for its existence. It is generally
classified into two categories as Determinate structures and Indeterminate structures or
Redundant structures.

Structural forms
The assembly of different components or elements is normally referred as structure. In
building consisting of walls, floor, roofs, beams, columns and foundation.
Structural forms can be explained based on 1D, 2D, and 3 D structural system.
1. One-dimensional [1D]:
The elements are arranged along one axis. may be x or y or z axis.
Example: Ropes, cables, struts, columns, beams, arches.
2. Two-dimensional [2D]:
If the element are arranged along two axis may be x and y or y and z or z and x axis
are called as two-dimensional structure.
Example: plates, slabs, shells, vaults, domes, synclastic, anticlastic
3. Three-dimensional [3D]:
If the elements are arranged along three axis may be x-y-z or y-z-x or z-x-y is called
as 3-dimesional structure.
Example: Building frames, space frames, steel truss, space truss
4. Composite: A combination of the above.

Conditions of equilibrium
We say that a rigid body is in equilibrium when both its linear and angular acceleration are
zero relative to an inertial frame of reference. This means that a body in equilibrium can be
moving, but if so, its linear and angular velocities must be constant. We say that a rigid body
is in stati c equilibrium when it is at rest in our selected frame of reference. Notice that the
distinction between the state of rest and a state of uniform motion is artificial—that is, an
object may be at rest in our selected frame of reference, yet to an observer moving at constant
velocity relative to our frame, the same object appears to be in uniform motion with constant
velocity. Because the motion is relative, what is in static equilibrium to us is in dynamic
equilibrium to the moving observer, and vice versa. Since the laws of physics are identical
for all inertial reference frames, in an inertial frame of reference, there is no distinction
between static equilibrium and equilibrium.
According to Newton’s second law of motion, the linear acceleration of a rigid body is caused
by a net force acting on it, or F=ma
The objectives of any structural analysis is the determination of reactions at supports and
internal actions (bending moments, shearing forces, etc.). A correct solution for any of these
quantities must satisfy the equations of equilibrium:
ΣFx=0
ΣFy=0
ΣM=0
Compatibility conditions
The equations that connect strain to the displacements are called as compatibility conditions
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Compatibility conditions are those equations that are essential for solving indeterminate
structures, considering the displacement equilibrium of the structure. Compatibility means at
a joint in structure there cannot be more than one displacement i.e. horizontal, vertical, or
rotational

Degree of freedom
Degree of freedom (DOF) is defined as the set of independent displacements/rotations that
describe the deformed shape of the structure with respect to its initial position.
In simple terms, DOF of the structure is the number of directions the structure can be moved
freely without any restrainment. As in case of two-dimensional structures; each joint will
have the 3 possible degrees of freedom. i.e., one in horizontal direction, one in vertical
direction and one rotation.
But as in case of 3-dimensional structure; each joint will have the 6 possible degrees of
freedom.

DOF is calculated as
DOF=R-S

Where R= 3 ,i.e, Conditions of Equilibrium

S= No of Reaction forces of the support which required to resist the External load acting.
Degree of freedom for various support conditions

For Simple support: R = 3 ; S = 1 (i.e vertical direction)

Therefore, DOF = 2 (1 Horizontal direction and 1 rotation)
For Hinged support : R = 3 ; S = 2 (i.e vertical direction and 1 Horizontal direction)
Therefore, DOF = 1 ( 1 rotation)
For Roller support: R = 3 ; S = 1 (i.e Vertical direction)
Therefore, DOF = 2 (1 Horizontal direction and 1 rotation)
For Fixed support: R = 3 ; S = 3 (i.e 1 Vertical direction , 1 Horizontal direction and
1 rotation), Therefore, DOF = 0

Linear and nonlinear analysis

Linear and nonlinear structural analysis are two methods of evaluating the behaviour of
structures under different types of loads and boundary conditions. They differ in how they
account for the changes in the material properties, geometry, and equilibrium of the structure
as it deforms.

A linear static analysis is an analysis where a linear relation holds between applied forces
and displacements. In practice, this is applicable to structural problems where stresses remain
in the linear elastic range of the used material. In a linear static analysis the model’s stiffness
matrix is constant, and the solving process is relatively short compared to a nonlinear analysis
on the same model. Therefore, for a first estimate, the linear static analysis is often used prior
to performing a full nonlinear analysis.

Nonlinear analysis
A nonlinear analysis is an analysis where a nonlinear relation holds between applied forces
and displacements. Nonlinear effects can originate from geometrical nonlinearity’s (i.e. large
deformations), material nonlinearity’s (i.e. elasto-plastic material), and contact. These effects

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result in a stiffness matrix which is not constant during the load application. This is opposed
to the linear static analysis, where the stiffness matrix remained constant. As a result, a
different solving strategy is required for the nonlinear analysis and therefore a different
solver.

Linear analysis Nonlinear Analysis

Model undergoes small deformations based on Model undergoes large deformations based on
the applied loads the applied loads

Boundary conditions remain the same and do not Boundary conditions may change over the
change through the deformation process process of deformation

Material does not experience any plastic Material can experience plastic deformation due
deformation due to loading to loading

Stiffness matrix remains constant in simulation\ Stiffness matrix keeps changing through
analysis simulation\ analysis. i.e at each iteration.

The deformation of structure is reversible The deformation of structure is irreversible

Analysis is simpler and faster Analysis is complex and takes more time

Static and kinematic indeterminacies of structural systems

Static Indeterminacy: If the equilibrium equations are enough to analyze a structural

system for unknown reactions, the structure is said to be statically determinate structure.

Degree of static Indeterminacy [Ds]

If a structural system cannot be analyzed by the equation of static equilibrium alone, then it
is called a statically indeterminate structure. The number of additional equations necessary to

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solve the problem is called static indeterminacy. The degree of external indeterminacy related
to the support system.

For Beams: Ds=R-3-C

For Plane frames: Ds=(3M+R)-3J-C
For Space frames: Ds=(6M+R)-6J-3C

Where,
R= The number of reactions
3= Number of equilibrium condition
C= Number of hinges
M=Number of members
J=Number of joints

For plane Truss

Degree of internal indeterminacy, Dint = M-(2J-3)
Degree of external indeterminacy for a plane truss, Dext =R- 3.
Degree of static indeterminacy= Degree of external Indeterminacy + Degree of internal
indeterminacy
Ds = Dext + Dint = (M+R)-2J - For Plane Truss
Ds = Dext + Dint = (M+R)-3J - For Space Truss

For plane truss if,

M< 2J - 3, internally unstable
if M = 2J - 3, stable/unstable
if M > 2J - 3, over stiff, statically indeterminate internally

Kinematic Indeterminacy: The total number of independent movements or possible

degrees of freedom of all the joints, of a structure.

A structural system is said to be kinematically indeterminate if the displacement components

of its joints cannot be determined by the compatibility equation alone.

Degree of kinematic indeterminacy [Dk]

The number of equilibrium condition are required to find the displacement component of all
joints of the structure [DOF]
• Beams: Dk=3j-r+c
• Plane Frames: Dk=3j-r+c
• Truss: Dk=2j-r

Statically Determinate Structure

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When the equations of equilibrium are sufficient to determine the forces and stresses in a
structure, we say that this Structure is statically determinate.
Example-Simply supported beam, cantilever beam, three hinged arch
Statically Indeterminate Structure
A structure is termed as statically indeterminate, if it cannot be analyzed from equations of
equilibrium.
Example-Fixed beam, continuous beam, two hinged arches.

Redundancy and Degree of Indeterminacy

• Indeterminate structures effectively have more unknowns than can be solved using the
three equilibrium equations (or six equilibrium equations in 3D). The additional
unknowns are called redundants.
• The degree of indeterminacy is equal to the number of redundants. An indeterminate
structure with 2 redundants may be said to be statically indeterminate to the second
degree.

Difference between Determinate and Indeterminate Structures

Determinate Structures Indeterminate Structures

Equilibrium conditions are fully adequate to Conditions of equilibrium are not adequate to
analyze the structure fully analyze the structure.
The bending moment or shear force at any section The bending moment or shear force at any
is independent of the cross-section or moment of section depends upon the cross-section or
inertia moment of inertia.
Temperature variations do not cause stresses Temperature variations cause stresses.
No stresses are caused due to lack of fit Stresses are caused due to lack of fit.
Extra conditions like compatibility of Extra conditions like compatibility of
displacements are not required to analyze the displacements are required to analyze the
structure structure along with the equilibrium equations.
Bending moment or shear force at any section is Bending moment or shear force at any section
independent of the material property of the depends upon the material property.
structure

Static and Kinematic indeterminacy for beams

1.

Number of reactions, r= 4, Number of hinges, c= 0, Number of joints, j=3

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 4-3-0
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x3-4+0
=5
2.
Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 1, Number of joints, j=3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c

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= 6-3-1
=2
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x3-6+1
=4
3.

Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 0, Number of joints, j=2

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 6-3-0
=3
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-6+0
=0
4.
Number of reactions, r= 4, Number of hinges, c= 0, Number of joints, j=2
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 4-3-0
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-4+0
=2
5.

Number of reactions, r= 4, Number of hinges, c= 0, Number of joints, j=2

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 4-3-0
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-4+0
=2
6.

Number of reactions, r= 4, Number of hinges, c=0, Number of joints, j=2

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 4-3-0
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-4+1
=2
7.

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Number of reactions, r= 7, Number of hinges, c= 2, Number of joints, j=4

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 7-3-2
=2
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-7+2
=7
8.

Number of reactions, r= 5, Number of hinges, c= 2, Number of joints, j=4

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 5-3-2
=0
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-5+2
=9
9.

Number of reactions, r= 5, Number of hinges, c= 2, Number of joints, j=5

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 5-3-2
=0
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x5-5+2
= 12
10.

Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 1, Number of joints, j=2

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
= 6-3-1
=2
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-6+1
=1
11.

Number of reactions, r= 3, Number of hinges, c= 1, Number of joints, j=2

Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds =r-3-c
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= 3-3-1
= -1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x2-3+1
=4
Static and Kinematic indeterminacy for Frames
1. Number of reactions. r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=4, Number of members, m = 3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x3+6-3x4-0
=3
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-6+0
=6
2. Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=3, Number of members, m = 2
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x2+6-3x3-0
=3
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x3-6+0
=3
3. Number of reactions, r= 8, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=4, Number of members, m = 3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x3+8-3x4-0
=5
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-8+0
=4
4. Number of reactions, r= 9, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=8, Number of members, m = 7
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j+c
= 3x7+9-3x8-0
=6
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x8-9+0
= 15
5. Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=8, Number of members, m = 9
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x9+6-3x8-0
=9
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
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= 3x8-6+0
= 18
6. Number of reactions, r= 5, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=4, Number of members, m = 3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x3+5-3x4-0
=2
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-5+0
=7
7. Number of reactions, r= 5, Number of hinges, c= 1,
Number of joints, j=4, Number of members, m = 3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x3+5-3x4-1
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x4-5+1
=8
8. Number of reactions, r= 6, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=9, Number of members, m = 10
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x10+6-3x9-0
=9
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x9-6+0
= 21
9. Number of reactions, r= 9, Number of hinges, c= 2,
Number of joints, j=6, Number of members, m = 5
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x5+9-3x6-2
=4
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x6-9+2
= 11
10. Number of reactions, r= 12, Number of hinges, c= 0,
Number of joints, j=28, Number of members, m = 42
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c
= 3x42+12-3x28-0
= 54
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x28-12+0
= 72
11. Number of reactions, r= 12, Number of hinges, c= 14,
Number of joints, j=12, Number of members, m = 14
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Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds=(3m+r)-3j-c

= 3x14+12-3x12-14
=4
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =3j-r+c
= 3x12-12+14
= 38
Static and Kinematic indeterminacy for Truss
1. Number of reactions, r= 4,
Number of joints, j=3, Number of members, m = 3
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds = (m+r)-2j
= 3+4-2x3
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =2j-r
= 2x3-4
=2
2 Number of reactions, r= 4
Number of joints, j=4, Number of members, m = 6
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds = (m+r)-2j
= 6+4-2x4 = 2
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =2j-r
= 2x4 - 4
=4
3.Number of reactions, r= 3,
Number of joints, j=5, Number of members, m = 7
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds = (m+r)-2j
= 7+3-2x5
=0
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =2j-r
= 2x5-3+0
=7
4. Number of reactions, r= 4,
Number of joints, j=6, Number of members, m = 11
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds = (m+r)-2j
= 11+4-2x6
=3
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =2j-r
= 2x6-4
=8
5.

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Number of reactions, r= 4,
Number of joints, j=12, Number of members, m =21
Degree of static Indeterminacy, Ds = (m+r)-2j
= 21+4-2x12
=1
Degree of kinematic indeterminacy, Dk =2j-r
= 2x12-4
= 20

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ANALYSIS OF TRUSSES
Important Definitions:
1. Deflection
The degree to which a structural element deforms
Can be measured as a distance or an angle
Can be calculated using the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation
Can be measured at any point along the length of a beam
Helps engineers design safer structures
2. Displacement
The distance a point on a structure moves from its original position
Can be used to calculate deflection
3. Deformation
The general change in shape of a structure
Can be elastic or plastic
Elastic deformation can be undone by removing the applied force
Plastic deformation cannot be undone simply by removing the applied force
4. Free body Diagram: Part of the structure with external load applied to the members and
internal forces developed in the members.
5. Truss: A truss is a structure consisting of members or element that takes only axial forces
(tension or compression)

CLASSIFICATION OF TRUSSES
Classification based on structure:
1. Plane or Planar truss:
A member lies in one plane or two-dimensional plane.
2. Space truss:
It consists of members jointed together at their ends to form 3D structure.
Classification based on co-planar trusses
1. Simple trusses:
It is a planar truss which begins with triangular element and can be expanded by adding two
members and joints.
2. Compound truss:
This truss is formed by connecting 2or more simple trusses together. they are often used for
large span.
3. Complex truss
This is a truss that can't be classified as being either simple or compound.

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Classification based on requirement

1. Bridge truss
A bridge truss is a truss whose load bearing superstructure is composed of a truss and structure
of the connected element forms triangular unit.
2. Roof truss
These are structural components of houses and commercial buildings.

Classification based on stability of truss

1.Perfect truss or stable truss
A truss which does not change its shape and maintains equilibrium under the action of load.
M = 2j-r
2.Imperfect truss
Structure is made up of members more or less than the minimum member necessary to keep
it in equilibrium condition. When loading then it is called as unstable truss.
M ≠ 2j-r
Types of imperfect truss
Deficient truss: Structure is made up of members less than the joints and reaction
components.
M < 2j-r
Redundant truss: structure is made up of members more than the joints and reaction
components.
M > 2j-r
Components of truss
Chord: These are the members which form the outline of the truss.
Diagonals: These are inclined members inside the truss.
Verticals: These are the vertical members in the truss.
NOTE: If the member of the truss comes under compression it is called as struct and if it
comes tension called tie.

ASSUMPTIONS MADE IN THE ANALYSIS OF TRUSS

1. Members are straight and there is no eccentricity.
2. Self-weight of member is neglected.
3. Loads and reaction are only transfer at joints.
4. Joints are frictionless pins.
5. Young’s modulus is same throughout.
6. The truss is perfect ( m = 2j-r )
7. The members are subjected to axial forces only.
8. Bending moment and shear force are neglected.
9. Obeys hook’s law.

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Methods of Truss Analysis

There are several methods of truss analysis, but the two most common are the method of
joint and the method of section (or moment).
Sign Convention
In truss analysis, a negative member axial force implies that the member or the joints at both
ends of the member are in compression, while a positive member axial force indicates that
the member or the joints at both ends of the member are in tension.
Analysis of Trusses by Method of Joint
• This method is based on the principle that if a structural system constitutes a body in
equilibrium, then any joint in that system is also in equilibrium and, thus, can be
isolated from the entire system and analyzed using the conditions of equilibrium.
• The method of joint involves successively isolating each joint in a truss system and
determining the axial forces in the members meeting at the joint by applying the
equations of equilibrium. The detailed procedure for analysis by this method is stated
below.
Procedure for Analysis
• Verify the stability and determinacy of the structure. If the truss is stable and
determinate, then proceed to the next step.
• Determine the support reactions in the truss.
• Identify the zero-force members in the system. This will immeasurably reduce the
computational efforts involved in the analysis.
• Select a joint to analyze. At no instance should there be more than two unknown
member forces in the analyzed joint.
• Draw the isolated free-body diagram of the selected joint, and indicate the axial forces
in all members meeting at the joint as tensile (i.e. as pulling away from the joint). If
this initial assumption is wrong, the determined member axial force will be negative
in the analysis, meaning that the member is in compression and not in tension.
• Apply the two equations ΣFX=0 and ΣFY=0 to determine the member axial forces.
• Continue the analysis by proceeding to the next joint with two or fewer unknown
member forces.
Problems:
1. Using the method of joint, determine the axial force in each member of the truss shown
in Figure

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Solution
Support reactions. By applying the equations of static equilibrium to the free-body
diagram shown in Figure b, the support reactions can be determined as follows:
+↶∑MA=20(4)−12(3)+(8)Cy=0 , Cy=−5.5kN+
↑∑Fy=0 , Ay−5.5+20=0 , Ay=−14.5kN+→
∑Fx=0−Ax+12=0 , Ax=12kN , Cy=5.5kN↓
Ay=14.5kN↓
Ax=12kN←
Analysis of joints. The analysis begins with selecting a joint that has two or fewer
unknown member forces. The free-body diagram of the truss will show that joints A and
B
satisfy this requirement. To determine the axial forces in members meeting at joint A,
first isolate the joint from the truss and indicate the axial forces of members as FAB and
FAD, as shown in Figure c. The two unknown forces are initially assumed to be tensile
(i.e. pulling away from the joint). If this initial assumption is incorrect, the computed
values of the axial forces will be negative, signifying compression.

Analysis of joint A:
+↑∑Fy=0, FAB sin (36.87°) −14.5=0
FAB=24.17
+→∑Fx=0−12+FAD+FABcos(36.87°) =0
FAD=12−24.17cos(36.87°) =−7.34kN
After completing the analysis of joint A , joint B or D
can be analyzed, as there are only two unknown forces.
Analysis of joint D
+↑∑Fy=0
FDB=0
+→∑Fx=0
−FDA+FDC=0
FDC=FDA=−7.34kN
Analysis of joint B
+→∑Fx=0
−FBAsin53.13+FBCsin53.13+15=0
FBCsin53.13=−15+24.17sin53.13
FBC=5.42kN

Zero Force Members

Complex truss analysis can be greatly simplified by first identifying the “zero force
members.” A zero-force member is one that is not subjected to any axial load. Sometimes,
such members are introduced into the truss system to prevent the buckling and vibration

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of other members. The truss-member arrangements that result in zero force members are
listed as follows:
1.If noncollinearity exists between two members meeting at a joint that is not subjected
to any external force, then the two members are zero force members (see Figure a).
2.If three members meet at a joint with no external force, and two of the members are
collinear, the third member is a zero-force member (see Figure b).

3.If two members meet at a joint, and an applied force at the joint is parallel to one member
and perpendicular to the other, then the member perpendicular to the applied force is a
zero force member (see Figure c)

Analysis of Trusses by Method of Section

Sometimes, determining the axial force in specific members of a truss system by the method
of joint can be very involving and cumbersome, especially when the system consists of
several members. In such instances, using the method of section can be timesaving and, thus,
preferable. This method involves passing an imaginary section through the truss so that it
divides the system into two parts and cuts through members whose axial forces are desired.
Member axial forces are then determined using the conditions of equilibrium. The detailed
procedure for analysis by this method is presented below.
Procedure for Analysis of Trusses by Method of Section
•Check the stability and determinacy of the structure. If the truss is stable and determinate,
then proceed to the next step.
•Determine the support reactions in the truss.
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•Make an imaginary cut through the structure so that it includes the members whose axial
forces are desired. The imaginary cut divides the truss into two parts.
•Apply forces to each part of the truss to keep it in equilibrium.
•Select either part of the truss for the determination of member forces.
•Apply the conditions of equilibrium to determine the member axial forces.
Problems:
Using the method of section, determine the axial forces in members CD, CG, and HG of the
truss shown in Figure a.

Solution
Support reactions. By applying the equations of static equilibrium to the free-body diagram
in Figure b, the support reactions can be determined as follows:
Ay=Fy=1602=80kN+→
ΣFx=0Ax=0
Analysis by method of section. First, an imaginary section is passed through the truss so that
it cuts through members CD, CG, and HG and divides the truss into two parts, as shown in
Figure c and Figure d. Member forces are all indicated as tensile forces (i.e., pulling away
from the joint). If this initial assumption is wrong, the calculated member forces will be
negative, showing that they are in compression. Either of the two parts can be used for the
analysis. The left-hand part will be used for determining the member forces in this example.
By applying the equation of equilibrium to the left-hand segment of the truss, the axial forces
in members can be determined as follows:

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Axial force in member CD

To determine the axial force in member CD, find a moment about a joint in the truss where
only CD will have a moment about that joint and all other cut members will have no moment.
A close examination will show that the joint that meets this requirement is joint G. Thus,
taking the moment about G suggests the following:
+↶∑MG=0−80(6) +80(3) −FCD (3) =0
FCD=−80kN (C)
Axial force in member HG
+↶∑MC=0−80(3) +FHG (3) =0
FHG=80kN (T)
Axial force in member CG
The axial force in member CG is determined by considering the vertical equilibrium of the
left-hand part. Thus,
+↑∑Fy=080−80−FCGcos45∘=0
FCG=0
Exercise Problems:
Determine the force in each member of the trusses shown in Figures using the method of
joint.
1.

2.

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3.

4.

5.

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Analysis of Structures-BCV401

6.

Using the method of section, determine the forces in the members marked X of the trusses
shown in Figure
1.

2.

3.

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Department of Civil Engineering, SJCIT