Analysis of Simple Structures

ES 216 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES
Self-Paced Learning Material
Lesson 3: Analysis of Simple Structures (Trusses and Frames)

The analysis of a structure is the process by which we determine how the loads applied to a structure are
distributed throughout the structure. (Ferdinand Singer)
There are many kind of structure from simple to complex but for this chapter, we will be only focusing
on simple structures like pin-connected trusses and pin-connected frames.
3.1 Construction of Simple Trusses

A truss is a structure composed of members fastened together in such a way to resist change in shape; it
is a rigid structure. The purpose of a truss is to support a larger load or span a greater distance than any
individual member from which the truss may be built. (Ferdinand Singer)
Parts of a Bridge
The figure shows a simple truss loaded with a load P at joint E. All other members of the truss will react
due to that applied load. Some of the members will be subjected to compressive force which tends to
compress the member or bar, while some of the members may experience tensile force which tends to
elongate the body. Knowledge on resultant and equilibrium of forces is necessary in this chapter.
3.2 Methods of Joints

The assumption that all members of a truss are two-force members carrying axial loads means that the
free-body diagram of any joint is a concurrent force system in equilibrium. Recall that for a concurrent
force system, only two equations or conditions can be used; that is ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0.
Steps in analyzing using Method of Joints

1. Choose a pin (joint) on which no more than two members act.
2. Draw the free body-diagram of the selected pin (joint) and assume initial direction of forces.
3. Mark the original structure with the appropriate arrows showing the direction of forces.
4. From the original truss, select another joint with the two unknown forces.
5. Repeat steps 1 to 4 until all required forces are determined.
ILLUSTRATIVE PROBLEM
1. Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown in Figure T-01.
Solution: First, determine the reactions in the supports. Support A is hinge support and support D is a
roller support.
Reaction at A
[↺+∑MD = 0] 3Av + 50(1) = 80(0.75)
AV = 3.33kN
[∑FH = 0]→+ AH = 80kN
Reaction at D
[∑FV = 0]↑+ 50 = AV + RD
50 = -3.33 + RD
RD = 53.33kN
With the reactions known, we are ready to solve for the forces in each member.
@joint A (assume initial direction of forces)

[∑FV = 0]↑+ FAB(3/5) = 3.33
FAB = 5.55kN (Tension)
[∑FH = 0]→+ 5.55(4/5) – 80 + FAE = 0

FAE = 75.56kN (Tension)
@joint B (assume initial direction of forces and FAB known)

[∑FH = 0]→+ FBC – 5.55(4/5) = 0
FBC = 4.44kN (Tension)
[∑FV = 0]↑+ FBE = 5.55(3/5)

FAB = 3.33kN (Compression)
@joint E (assume initial direction of forces and FAB and FBE known)
[∑FV = 0]↑+ 3.33 = FCE (3/5)
FCE = 5.55kN (Tension)
[∑FH = 0]→+ 5.55(4/5) + FFE – 75.56 = 0

FFE = 71.12kN (Tension)
@joint F (assume initial direction of forces and FFE known)

[∑FV = 0]↑+ FCE = 50kN (Tension)
[∑FH = 0]→+ FDF = 71.11kN (Tension)
@joint C (assume initial direction of forces and FBC, FCF & FBE known)
[∑FV = 0]↑+ FCD (3/5) – 5.57(3/5) – 50 = 0
FCE = 88.90kN (Compression)
Summary
3.3 Methods of Sections

The principles of equilibrium of non-concurrent force systems also be applied to truss analysis; the
procedure is known as the method of sections. We can determine directly the force in almost any member
instead of proceeding to that member by a joint-to-joint analysis.
∑FV = 0, ∑FH = 0, ∑M = 0
1. From the truss in the figure, determine the force in members BC, CE and EF.
Solution: Pass a section (section a-a) thru the unknown members.
[↻+∑MR1 = 0
From the previous example. RD = 53.33kN.

@considering right section
From the FBD of the section through a-a:

[↺+∑ME = 0]
0.75FBC + 2RD = 0.75(80) + 1(50)
0.75FBC + 2(53.33) = 0.75(80) + 1(50)
FBC = 4.45kN(Tension)
[↻+∑MC = 0]
0.75FEF = 1(RD)
0.75FEF = 53.33
FEF = 71.11kN (Tension)
[∑Fv = 0]
FEF (3/5) + 50 = RD
FEF (3/5) + 50 = 53.33
FCE = 5.55 kN (Tension)
3.3 Methods of Sections

A three-force member is in general a non-axial member that is not simply in tension or compression. A
member of this kind has shear forces perpendicular to the member and subjected to bending loads. If
forces are applied to more than two positions on the member, it is three-force member. Any beam is a
three-force member according to the above definition. (mathalino.com)
Frames are pin-connected structures with some or all members are three-force members. To analyze a
frame, we can disconnect the three-force member from the structure and draw the free-body diagram of
the member. This approach is called the method of member. (mathalino.com)
In this method, three equilibrium equations can be written.
Below is a figure that shows the difference between axial and non-axial (three-force) members.
1. The structure shown in Fig F-001(MM) is pinned together at
points A, B, and C and held in equilibrium by the cable CD. A
load of 12,000 lb is acting at the midpoint of member AB, and
a load of 8000 lb is applied at point C. Determine the reaction
at A, the internal force in member BC, and the tension on
cable CD.
Solution:
a = 16cos 300 = 13.86m
b = 16sin 30 = 8m
c = a tan36 = 13.86tan37 = 10.44m
Cables are only capable of carrying tensile force.

@Tension on cable CD
[∑MA = 0]
(Tsin53)(8+10.44) = 8000(13.86) + 12000(4)
T = 10788.47lb
@Reaction at A
[∑MD = 0]
Ax (8+10.44) = 8000(13.86) + 12000(4)
Ax = 8616.05lb
[∑Fv = 0]
Ay + T cos53 = 8000 + 12000
Ay + 10788.47cos53 = 8000 + 12000
Ay = 13507.34lb
RA = √[(Ay)^2 + (Ax)^2]
RA = √[(8616.05)^2 + (13507.34)^2]
RA = 16021.38lb
tanθax = Ay/Ax = 13507.34/8616.05

θax = 57.470
Force on member CD
tanβ = 8/(13.86-8)
β = 53.780
[∑MA = 0]
(FBC sinβ)(8) = 12000(4)
(FBC sin53.78)(8) = 12000(4)
FBC = 7437.21lb (Tension)

Analysis of Simple Structures

Uploaded by

Analysis of Simple Structures

Uploaded by

ES 216 – STATICS OF RIGID BODIES

Self-Paced Learning Material

Lesson 3: Analysis of Simple Structures (Trusses and Frames)

3.1 Construction of Simple Trusses

3.2 Methods of Joints

Steps in analyzing using Method of Joints

[∑FH = 0]→+ AH = 80kN

@joint A (assume initial direction of forces)

[∑FH = 0]→+ 5.55(4/5) – 80 + FAE = 0

@joint B (assume initial direction of forces and FAB known)

[∑FV = 0]↑+ FBE = 5.55(3/5)

[∑FH = 0]→+ 5.55(4/5) + FFE – 75.56 = 0

@joint F (assume initial direction of forces and FFE known)

[∑FH = 0]→+ FDF = 71.11kN (Tension)

3.3 Methods of Sections

Solution: Pass a section (section a-a) thru the unknown members.

From the previous example. RD = 53.33kN.

From the FBD of the section through a-a:

3.3 Methods of Sections

In this method, three equilibrium equations can be written.

Cables are only capable of carrying tensile force.

tanθax = Ay/Ax = 13507.34/8616.05

You might also like