EME 231 Engineering Statics: Fall 2009

Lecture 23: Truss Analysis: Method of Joints FBD

Today:
Return Exam 3
FAB
Questions on Computer Problem
Trusses: FAC FAD FAB
Two force members
Method of Joints FAD
New Homework FAC

Homework 23:
Prob 6.4
Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member
of the truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

A
375 lb

500 lb 8 ft

C D
B

6 ft 8.4 ft

Prob 6.12:
Determine the force in each member of the Fink truss shown. State whether each
member is in tension or compression.
4.2 kN

2.8 kN D
2.8 kN

B E 3m

C F
A G

2m 2m 2m 2m
Prob 6.23:
For the roof truss shown, determine the force in each of the members located to the left of
member GH. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

1.5 kN
1.5 kN 1.5 kN
1.5 kN
G 1.5 kN
D 1 kN
1 kN
I
B E 2.5 m
K
1m A H M
F J
C L

2.4 m 2.4 m 1.2 m 2.4 m 2.4 m 1.2 m

Prob 6.30:
For the given loading, determine the zero force members in the truss.

A B C

D E F G

H L
I J K
Structural Analysis:

Truss-- A structure composed of slender two force members, joined at their ends.

Members of a truss may only be subjected to tensile or compressive forces.

Two-force member: A two-force member is any body which has forces applied to it at
only two points of contact. In order for the body to remain in equilibrium, the line of the
force acting at each contact, must act along a line that passes through each point.

If the body is a straight member, then it is said to be in either tension or compression

Examples of Two Force Members:

Trusses are built out of straight, two-force members. Forces are only applied at the
connections between individual members.
 A

Method of Joints:
In the method of joints, point equilibrium is set up for 720 lb
forces that act on the pin at each joint of the body. B
64 in
Process: Assume all members are in tension
Identify zero-force members by inspection 50 in
Find the support reactions of the entire truss
or
Find a joint which has less than C 48 in
three members and find member forces. D

Example:
A
A

720 lb
720 lb
B
64 in B

50 in

48 in
C
D
FCy
FCx FD

C
Start by finding the reactions of the
entire body: FCx D
∑ MC = 0 FCy FD
0 = −720lb (50in ) + FD (48in )
(720lb )(50in )
FD = =750 lb
(48in )
∑ Fx = 0 ∑ Fy = 0
0 = FCx + 720lb 0 = FCy + FD
FCx = −720 lb FCy = − FD = −750 lb
Next set up the equilibrium at point B because there are only two members
coming together there.

∑F x = 0: 0=−
48
FBA + 720lb 50 Joint B
50
FBA = 750 lb FBA
14 P=720 lb

∑F y =0: 0=
14
FBA − FBD 48
50
14 14 FBD
FBD = FBA = (750) =210 lb
50 50

Next move to Joint A and apply point equilibrium:

∑ Fx = 0 : 0=
48 48
FAB + FAD FAB 48
50 80
80 FAC FAD 14
FAD = − FAB 48
50
50
80
=− (750) = −1200lb 64
50 80

∑F y =0: 0= −
14 64
FAB − FAD −FAC
50 80
14 64
FAC = − FAB − FAD
50 80
14 64
FAC = − (750) − ( −1200) =750 lb
50 80 FCA
Joint C
Finally, look at Joint C.
FCD
∑ Fx = 0 : 0 = FCx + FCD
FCx

FCD = − FCx = −( −720 lb) =720 lb

FCy
Summary:
FBA = FAB = 750 lb ( T ) FCD = FDC = 720 lb ( T )
FBD = FDB = 210 lb ( T ) FAC = FCA = 750 lb ( T )
FAD = FDA = −1200 lb =1200 lb ( C)
Example 2:
Use method of joints to find the forces in each of the truss members.

4 kN 6 kN 4 kN

3m 3m
E C
o
45o 45
D

3m 3m
F G

45o 45o
A B

Solution:

Start by finding the reactions of the

entire body:
∑M A =0

0 = −6kN (3m ) − 4kN (6m ) + FB (6m )

6(3) + 4(6)
FB = =7 kN
6

∑F x =0 ∑Fy =0

0 = FAx 0 = FAy + FB − 6kN − 4kN −4kN

FAx = 0 FAy = 14 − FB = 14 − 7 = 7 kN

Next inspect for zero force members:

4kN

Identify EF and GC as ZFM

Start at Joint E: FED

FEA

Joint E
∑F x = 0: 0 = FED

∑F y =0: 0 = −4 − FEA
FEA = −4 kN

Next note that this truss is symmetric, so FCB = −4 kN and FCD = 0

Next Look at Joint D:

0 6 kN 0
FDE FDC
∑F x = 0: 0 = − FDF cos 45o + FDG cos 45o 45o 45o
FDF FDG
FDF = FDG

∑F y =0: 0 = −6 − FDF sin 45o −FDG sin 45o

2 FDF sin 45o = − 6
−6
FDF = FDG = = −4.24
2 sin 45o

Note that the force in members FA and GB will be the same as in DF and
DG, so FFA = −4.24 kN and FGB = −4.24 kN
FAE
Joint A
Finally, look at Joint A to find force in AB. FAF

∑F x = 0: 0 = FAx + FAB + FAF cos 45o FAx FAB

FAB = − FAF cos 45o = −( −4.24) cos 45o =3 kN

Summary: FAy
FAB = 3 kN (T ) FAF = FFD = FDG = FGB = −4.24 =4.24 kN ( C)
FAE = FBC = −4 = 4 kN ( C) FED = FEF = FDC = FGC =0

Example 3:
Use method of joints to find the forces in each of the truss members.
 6 kN

A B

0.9 m
3 kN

C
E
1.2 m D 1.2 m

Start at Joint E.
Discussion Problem:
For the given loading, how many and where are the zero-force members in the truss
shown.
F1
F2
P
O Q
M
R
L K
N S

A H
B C D E

Solution:

Zero force members include: BN, BM, QK, KR, SE, and ER