Analysis of Statically Determinate

Trusses

! Common Types of Trusses

! Classification of Coplanar Trusses
! The Method of Joints
! Zero-Force Members
! The Method of Sections
! Compound Trusses
! Complex Trusses
! Space Trusses

1
Common Types of Trusses
• Roof Trusses roof
purlins

top cord

knee brace
bottom
cord gusset plate
bay, 5-6 m typical
span, 18 - 30 m, typical

gusset plate

2
 Howe truss Pratt truss
18 - 30 m 18 - 30 m

Howe truss Warren truss

flat roof flat roof

saw-tooth truss
skylight Fink truss
> 30 m

three-hinged arch
hangar, gymnasium 3
• Bridge Trusses

sway top cord

bracing
top lateral
bracing
portal
bracing
stringers deck
portal
end post bottom cord
panel
floor beam

4
trough Pratt truss Warren truss

deck Pratt truss parker truss

(pratt truss with curved chord)

Howe truss baltimore truss

K truss
5
Assumptions for Design

1. All members are connected at both ends by smooth frictionless pins.

2. All loads are applied at joints (member weight is negligible).
Notes: Centroids of all joint members coincide at the joint.
All members are straight.
All load conditions satisfy Hooke’s law.

6
Classification of Coplanar Trusses

• Simple Trusses

P C D C P C
P D

A B A B A B

new members
a d (new joint)

b c

7
• Compound Trusses

simple truss simple truss simple truss simple truss

Type 1 Type 2

secondary
simple truss secondary
simple truss
secondary secondary
simple truss simple truss
main simple truss

Type 3

8
• Complex Trusses

• Determinacy

b + r = 2j statically determinate
b + r > 2j statically indeterminate

In particular, the degree of indeterminacy is specified by the difference in the

numbers (b + r) - 2j.

9
• Stability

b + r < 2j unstable
b + r > 2j unstable if truss support reactions are concurrent or parallel
or if some of the components of the truss form a collapsible
mechanism

External Unstable

Unstable-parallel reactions Unstable-concurrent reactions

10
Internal Unstable

O
D A B E
8 + 3 = 11 < 2(6)

AD, BE, and CF are concurrent at point O

11
Example 3-1

Classify each of the trusses in the figure below as stable, unstable, statically
determinate, or statically indeterminate. The trusses are subjected to arbitrary
external loadings that are assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the
trusses.

12
SOLUTION

Externally stable, since the reactions are not concurrent or parallel. Since b = 19,
r = 3, j = 11, then b + r = 2j or 22 = 22. Therefore, the truss is statically determinate.
By inspection the truss is internally stable.

Externally stable. Since b = 15, r = 4, j = 9, then b + r > 2j or 19 > 18. The truss
is statically indeterminate to the first degree. By inspection the truss is internally
stable.

13
Externally stable. Since b = 9, r = 3, j = 6, then b + r = 2j or 12 = 12. The truss is
statically determinate. By inspection the truss is internally stable.

Externally stable. Since b = 12, r = 3, j = 8, then b + r < 2j or 15 < 16. The truss
is internally unstable.

14
The Method of Joints
B
500 N

2m

A 45o
Ax = 500 N C

Ay = 500 N 2m Cy = 500 N

Joint B + ΣF = 0:
x
y
500 - FBCsin45o = 0
B 500 N x FBC = 707 N (C)
45o FBC + ΣFy = 0:
FBA
- FBA + FBCcos45o = 0
FBA = 500 N (T)
15
 B
500 N

2m

A 45o
Ax = 500 N C

Ay = 500 N 2m Cy = 500 N

Joint A

500 N + ΣF = 0:
x

500 - FAC = 0
FAC = 500 N (T)
500 N FAC

500 N
16
Zero-Force Members

B 0 C
P
0
0
0 E D
A Dx

Ey Dy

FCB C + ΣF = 0: F = 0
x CB

+ ΣFy = 0: FCD = 0
FCD

FAB + ΣFy = 0: FABsinθ = 0, FAB = 0

θ
A FAE + ΣF = 0: F + 0 = 0, FAE = 0
x AE

17
Example 3-4

Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss shown in the
figure below that have zero force.

A B

C
H

D
G F E

18
 SOLUTION A B
Ax
Ax C
H 0
Gx D
G F E
0 0
P
Joint D
y
FDC
+ ΣFy = 0: FDCsinθ = 0, FDC = 0
θ
FDE x
D + ΣF = 0: FDE + 0 = 0, FDE = 0
x
FEC

E Joint E
FEF 0 + ΣF = 0: FEF = 0
x

19
 A B
Ax
0
Ax C
0 0
H
Gx D
G F E
0 0
y P

FHB Joint H
FHA
+ ΣF = 0:
y FHB = 0
H
FHF

FGA x
Joint G

Gx FGF + ΣFy = 0: FGA = 0

G

20
Example 3-5

• Determine all the member forces

• Identify zero-force members

5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
K J I H G
F
E
5m D
C
A B 2 kN
2 kN
2 kN

21
 5@3m = 15 m
SOLUTION
Use method of joints 1 kN
Kx K J I H G
0 F
Ky E
5m D
C
Ax A B 2 kN
2 kN
2 kN
Ay
4 18 2(11)
r + b = 2j, • Determinate
• Stable

+ ΣMA = 0: K x (5) − 2(3) − 2(6) − 2(9) − 1(12) = 0

Kx = 7.6 kN,
+ ΣF = 0: − 7.6 + Ax = 0,
x Ax = 7.6 kN,

+ ΣFy = 0: Ay − 2 − 2 − 2 − 1 = 0, Ay = 7 kN,
22
 5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
7.6 kN K J I H G 0

0 0 F
E
5m D
C
A B 2 kN
7.6 kN 2 kN
2 kN
7 kN
Use method of joint
• Joint F

y´ + ΣF y´ = 0: FFE sin θ = 0

FFG FFE = 0
F x´
θ
FFE + ΣF = 0:
x´
FFG = 0

23
 5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
7.6 kN K J I H G
0 0 F
0 E
5m D
C
A B 2 kN
7.6 kN 2 kN
2 kN
7 kN

• Joint E
+ ΣF y´ = 0: FEG cosθ = 0

y´ FEG = 0
FEG
θ 0 x´ + ΣF = 0:
x´
-FED = 0

E
FED

24
 5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
7.6 kN K J I H G 0
θ 0 F
0
E
5m D
2
C θ = tan −1 ( ) = 33.69 o
A B 2 kN 3
7.6 kN 2 kN
2 kN
7 kN

• Joint G
+ ΣF y´ = 0: FDG sin 33.69 o − 1 = 0
y´
FDG = 1.803 kN (C)

1 kN
+ ΣF = 0: − FHG + 1.803 cos 33.69 = 0
FHG 33.69
o
G x´
0 x´
FHG = 1.5 kN (T)
FDG 0

25
 5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
7.6 kN K J I H G 0

0 0 F
0
0 E
5m D
C
A B 2 kN
7.6 kN 2 kN
2 kN
7 kN

• Joint H
+ ΣF y´ = 0: FHD = 0
y´

FHI H 1.5 kN + ΣF = 0:
x´ x´ − FHI + 1.5 = 0

FHI = 1.5 kN (T)

FHD
26
Use method of sections
3m 3m 3m
1 kN
FHI 33.69o
H G
I F
FDI
E
D 18.44o
FDC
2 kN

+ ΣMD = 0: FHI (2) − 1(3) = 0

FHI = 1.5 kN (T)

+ ΣMF = 0: − FDI sin 33.69(9) + 1(3) + 2(6) = 0

FDI = 3 kN (T)

+ ΣMI = 0: − FDC sin 18.44(9) − 1(6) − 2(3) = 0

FDC = -4.25 kN (C)

3 -4.25
Check : + ΣF y = 0: FDI sin 33.69 − FDC sin 18.44 − 2 − 1 = 0 O.K.
27
The Method of Sections
a Dy
B C D Dx

2m

A
G F E Ex
a
100 N
2m 2m 2m

+ ΣMG = 0:
B FBC
C 100(2) - FBC(2) = 0
FBC = 100 N (T)
FGC ΣFy = 0:
+
45o
A FGF -100 + FGCsin45o = 0
G FGC = 141.42 N (T)
100 N
2m
+ ΣMC = 0:
100(4) - FGF(2) = 0
FGF = 200 N (C)
28
Example 3-6

• Determine member force CD, ID, and IH

5@3m = 15 m
1 kN
K J I H G
F
E
5m D
C
A B 2 kN
2 kN
2 kN

29
SOLUTION
3m 3m 3m
Use method of sections 1 kN
FHI 33.69o
H G
+1.50E+00
I F
FDI
E -4.22E+00
D 18.44o
FDC
2 kN
3.00E+00
+ ΣMD = 0: FHI (2) − 1(3) = 0

FHI = 1.5 kN (T)

+ ΣMF = 0: − FDI sin 33.69(9) + 1(3) + 2(6) = 0

FDI = 3 kN (T)

+ ΣMI = 0: − FDC sin 18.44(9) − 1(6) − 2(3) = 0

FDC = -4.25 kN (C)

3 -4.25
Check : + ΣF y = 0: FDI sin 33.69 − FDC sin 18.44 − 2 − 1 = 0 O.K.
30
Example 3-7

Determine the force in members GF and GD of the truss shown in the figure
below. State whether the members are in tension or compression. The reactions at
the supports have been calculated.

G
H F
4.5 m
3m
A E
Ax = 0
B C D

Ay = 9 kN 6 kN 8 kN 2 kN Ey = 7 kN
3m 3m 3m 3m

31
 G a
SOLUTION
H F
4.5 m
3m
A E
Ax = 0
B C a D
Ay = 9 kN 6 kN 8 kN 2 kN Ey = 7 kN
3m 3m 3m 3m

Section a-a
FFG
26.6o + ΣMD = 0:
FDG F
FFG sin26.6o(3.6) + 7(3) = 0,
56.3o
26.6o FFG = -17.83 kN (C)
FDC O
D E
+ ΣMO = 0:
2 kN Ey = 7 kN
3m 3m - 7(3) + 2(6) + FDG sin56.3o(6) = 0,
FDG = 1.80 kN (C)
32
Example 3-8

Determine the force in members BC and MC of the K-truss shown in the figure
below. State whether the members are in tension or compression. The reactions at
the supports have been calculated.

L K J I H
3m
M N O P
A 3m
0 G
B C D E F

6 kN 6 kN 8 kN 7 kN
13 kN
5m 5m 5m 5m 5m 5m

33
 a
SOLUTION L K J I H
3m
M N O P
A 3m
0 G
B C D E F
a
6 kN 6 kN 8 kN 7 kN
13 kN
5m 5m 5m 5m 5m 5m

Section a-a

L
FLK
FLM + ΣML = 0:
6m
A FBM
FBC FBC(6) - 13(5) = 0,
B FBC = 10 kN (T)
6 kN
13 kN
5m

34
 L b K J I H
3m
M N O P
A 3m
0 G
B C D E F
b
6 kN 6 kN 8 kN 7 kN
13 kN
5m 5m 5m 5m 5m 5m

FKL K J I H
FKM 3m
FCM N O P
3m
10 kN G
C D E F
31o

6 kN 8 kN 7 kN
5m 5m 5m 5m

+ ΣMK = 0: -FCMcos31o(6) - 10(6) - 8(5) + 7(20) = 0

FCM = 7.77 kN (T)
35
Compound Trusses
Procedure for Analysis
Step 1. Identify the simple trusses

Step 2. Obtain external loading

Step 3. Solve for simple trusses separately

36
 Example 3-9

Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure below. The
reactions at the supports have been calculated.

4m
H G 2m

I J K F
2m

A
Ay = 0 E
B C D

Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN 4 kN Ey = 5 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m

37
 SOLUTION 4m
H a
G 2m

I J K F
2m

A
Ay = 0 E
B C D
a
Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN 4 kN Ey = 5 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m

FHG
H

+ ΣMC = 0:
I J
4 sin60o m
FJC -5(4) + 4(2) + FHG(4sin60o) = 0
A FHG = 3.46 kN (C)
B C
FBC

Ay = 5 kN 4 kN
2m 2m
38
 4m
H G 2m

I J K F
2m

A
Ay = 0 E
B C D

Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN 4 kN Ey = 5 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m

H 3.46 kN
+ ΣMA = 0:
4 sin60o m I J
3.46(4sin60o) + FCKsin60o(4) - 4(2) - 2(4) = 0
FCK FCK = 1.16 kN (T)
A 60o
FCD
B C + ΣF = 0:
x

Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN -3.46 + 1.16cos60o + FCD = 0

2m 2m FCK = 2.88 kN (T)
39
 4m
H G 2m

I J K F
2m

A
Ay = 0 E
B C D

Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN 4 kN Ey = 5 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m

H 3.46 kN Using the method of joints.

J Joint A : Determine FAB and FAI

4 sin60o m I
FCK = 1.16 Joint H : Determine FHI and FHJ
A 60o Joint I : Determine FIJ and FIB
2.88 kN
B C
Joint B : Determine FBC and FBJ
Ay = 5 kN 4 kN 2 kN Joint J : Determine FJC
2m 2m
40
 Example 3-10

Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the fugure below. The
reactions at the supports have been calculated.

C H

D G 4m
2m
45o 45o 45o F
Ax = 0 kN
A B E
Ay = 15 kN 15 kN 15 kN Fy = 15 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m 2m

41
 C a H
SOLUTION

D G 4m
2m
45o a F
Ax = 0 kN 45o 45o
A B E
Ay = 15 kN 15 kN 15 kN Fy = 15 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m 2m

+ ΣMB = 0:
C -15(2) - FDG(2 sin45o) - FCEcos45o(4)
45o - FCEsin45o(2) = 0 -----(1)
FCE + ΣFy = 0:
4m FBH
D
2m FDG
15 - 15 + FBHsin45o - FCEsin45o = 0
2 sin 45o m FBH = FCE-----(2)
45o 45o + ΣF = 0:
A B x

Ay = 15 kN 15 kN FBHcos45o + FDG + FCEcos45o = 0 -----(3)

2m 2m
From eq.(1)-(3): FBH = FCE = -13.38 kN (C)
FDG = 18.92 kN (T)
42
 C a H

D G 4m
2m
45o a F
Ax = 0 kN 45o 45o
A B E
Ay = 15 kN 15 kN 15 kN Fy = 15 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m 2m

C
From eq.(1)-(3): FBH = FCE = -13.38 kN (C)
45o
FCE FDG = 18.92 kN (T)
4m FBH
D
2m FDG Analysis of each connected simple truss
45o
can now be performed using the method of
45o
joints.
A B
Ay = 15 kN 15 kN Joint A : Determine FAB and FAD
2m 2m
Joint D : Determine FDC and FDB
Joint C : Determine FCB 43
Example 3-11

Indicate how to analyze the symmetrical compound truss shown in the figure
below. The reactions at the supports have been calculated.

E
3 kN 5o 3 kN
F D
5o 5o
G H
5o
45o 45o
Ax = 0 kN A C
B
Ay = 4.62 kN Fy = 4.62 kN
5 kN
6m 6m

44
 E
3 kN 5o 3 kN
F D
5o 5o
G H
5o
45o 45o
Ax = 0 kN A C
B
Ay = 4.62 kN Fy = 4.62 kN
5 kN
6m 6m

FEC
FAE E
E
3 kN 1.5 kN 3 kN
F 1.5 kN D
G H

A C

1.5 kN FEC
FAE 1.5 kN

45
 E
3 kN 5o 3 kN
F D
5o 5o
G H
5o
45o 45o
Ax = 0 kN A C
B
Ay = 4.62 kN Fy = 4.62 kN
5 kN
6m 6m
FAE
1.5 kN 1.5 kN 1.5 kN
45o E 45o 45o 45o
A FAB

4.62 kN
1.5 kN 1.5 kN + ΣFy = 0:
45o 45o
A 4.62 - 1.5sin45o - FAEsin45o = 0
B C
FAE = 5.03 kN (C)
4.62 kN 5 kN 4.62 kN + ΣF = 0:
x

1.5cos45o - 5.03cos45o + FAB = 0

FAB = 2.50 kN (T) 46
Complex Trusses E
P
F 3 9 2(6)
D
FAD r + b = 2j,

• Determinate
A C • Stable

B
E E
F´EC P f´EC P

=
F D F D

1
+ Xx
A C A 1 C
F´EC + x f´EC = 0
F´EC
B x= = FAD B
f´EC
Fi = F´i + x f´i
47
Example 3-12

Determine the force in each member of the complex truss shown in the figure
below. Assume joints B, F, and D are on the same horizontal line. State whether
the members are in tension or compression.

C
20 kN
1m
F
0.25 m 45o 45o
B D
1m
A E

2.5 m

48
 SOLUTION C
20 kN
1m
F
0.25 m 45o 45o
B D F'BD+ x f´BD = 0
1m F'BD
x=
A E f´BD
Fi = F'i + x f´i
2.5 m

C C

=
20 kN

F F 1 kN
45o 45o 45o 45o
B D B D

A E
+ x A E

49
 First determine reactions and next use the method of joint, start at join C, F, E, D, and B.

C C
20 kN 7
1m . 14 -1 7 0 -0
14 4.1 0. .70
4 - 7
F 1 kN
0.25 m 45o 45o 45o
F 45o
B D B D
1 m +10 -10 7 1 0.
0 -18 70
20 kN A
0
4 0 E
+ x -0.3
A
0 .7 0
9 -0.539
7
-0.3

21.5 -0.53 E
0
2.5 m
0
FBD + xf BD = 0 0
18 kN (20x2.25)/2.5 = 18 kN
C − 10 + x(1) = 0
20 kN x = 10
07 -2
1m 7. 10 1.2
1
F
0.25 m 45o 45o

B D
7 0 7 7. -21
1m 7 . 07
A -5.39
20 kN 16.15 E

18 kN 2.5 m 18 kN
50
Space Trusses

• Determinacy and Stability

b + r < 3j unstable truss

b + r = 3j statically determinate-check stability
b + r > 3j statically determinate-check stability

51
 z z

y Fy y

x short link x
z
z

y
y

roller x Fz
x
z
z

slotted roller y
y constrained Fx
in a cylinder x Fz
x
z z

y y
Fx Fy
x ball-and -socket
x Fz 52
• x, y, z, Force Components.

Fz
l = x2 + y 2 + z 2
B F
Fy x y z
l
Fx z Fx = F ( ) Fy = F ( ) Fz = F ( )
A y l l l
x
y 2 2 2
x
F = Fx + Fy + Fz

• Zero-Force Members

Case 1 z Case 2 z
FD FC = 0
B
D FD D y

B
y x
C A FA A
x
FC B FB
FA = 0
FB
ΣFz = 0 , FD = 0 ΣFz = 0 , FB = 0
ΣFy = 0 , FD = 0 53
Example 3-13

Determine the force in each member of the space truss shown in the figure below.
The truss is supported by a ball-and-socket joint at A, a slotted roller joint at B,
and a cable at C.

C
z

D
2.67 kN

2.44 m 1.22 m
A E
1.22 m
2.44 m y
x

54
 Cy C
SOLUTION z

By B

D
Bx 2.67 kN

2.44 m Ay
E
1.22 m
Ax Az
y
x 2.44 m
The truss is statically determinate since b + r = 3j or 9 + 6 = 3(5)
ΣMy = 0: -2.67(1.22) + Bx(2.44) = 0 Bx = 1.34 kN
ΣMz = 0: Cy = 0 kN
ΣMx = 0: By(2.44) - 2.67(2.44) = 0 By = 2.67 kN
ΣFx = 0: -Ax + 1.34 = 0 Ax = 1.34 kN
ΣFy = 0: Ay - 2.67 = 0 Ay = 2.67 kN
ΣFz = 0: Az - 2.67 = 0 Az = 2.67 kN 55
 0 C
0
z
0 z
0
By B 0
0
D FDC
3.66
Bx m D
0 2.67 kN
0 y
0
2.44 m Ay 2.73 m
x
FDE
E
1.22 m
Ax Az Joint D.
y
x 2.44 m ΣFZ= 0: FDC = 0
z ΣFY = 0: FDE = 0

Joint C. ΣFx = 0: FDA = 0

0 C
0 y ΣFy = 0: FCE = 0
0 FCE ΣFz = 0: FCA = 0
x 0
ΣFx = 0: FCB = 0
56
 0 0 C
z
0 z
By B 0
0
0 B
2.67 kN FBC
3.66 D
Bx m y
0 2.67 kN FBE
0 1.34 kN FBA

2.44 m Ay 2.73 m x
E
1.22 m
Ax Az
y
x 2.44 m

Joint B.

ΣFy = 0: - 2.67 + FBE(2.44/3.66) = 0 FBE = 4 kN (T)

ΣFx = 0: 1.34 - FBC -4(1.22/3.66) = 0 FBC = 0
ΣFz = 0: FBA - 4(2.44/3.66) = 0 FBA = 2.67 kN (C)

57
 0 0 C
z z
0 FAC
By B 0
0
0 FAD
2.67 kN
3.66 D 45o
Bx m 2.67 kN FAE
0 2.67 kN 1
0 A 2
y
1.34 kN
2.44 m Ay 2.73 m 2.67 kN
E x
1.22 m
Ax Az
y
x 2.44 m

Joint A.
ΣFz = 0: 2.67 - 2.67 - FACsin45o = 0 FAC = 0, OK
2
ΣFy = 0: - FAE( ) + 2.67 = 0 FAE = 2.99 kN (C)
5
1
ΣFz = 0: - 1.34 + FAD + 2.99( 5 ) = 0 FAD = 0, OK

58