Analysis of Pin Jointed Plane Trusses

Important Points to Remember

5.1 Assumption for Analysis of Truss

1. The members of a frame or truss are connected together by
rivets or welds at their joints.
2. The joints are assumed to be pin jointed or hinged.
3. A frame is usually loaded and supported externally at the
joints.
4. Self weight of the member is neglected.
5. Truss members are subjected to axial tensile.
5.2 Some definitions
(a) m = number of member of the truss
j = joints of the frame
r = external reactions to be find
(b) Internal indeterminacy of truss is given by
(Dsi)i = m – (2j – r)
(c) For perfect frame : m = 2j – 3
(d) For deficient frame : m < 2j – 3
(e) For redundant frame : m > 2j – 3
➢ A triangle is a basic perfect frame.
➢ Rectangular frame is an example of imperfect frame.
5.3 Methods of Analysis of truss or frame
(a) Joint method
(b) Section method
(c) graphical method
5.4 Procedure to find deflection of truss
Step-by-step procedure to determine the deflection of truss joint
is given below :
(i) Determine (P) forces for the given load system by using
joint method.
(ii) Now, remove the given load system and apply a unit load at
joint where the deflection is desired. Find K forces in
various members caused by the unit load.
PKL
(iii) Determine the term AE for each member and the sum (
PKL/AE).
(iv) Determine the deflection at the joint.

 Deflection at the joint =  PKL

AE
5.5 Procedure to Analyse the indeterminate truss
To analyse the indeterminate truss following procedure is
adopted :
(i) Find the degree of indeterminacy.
(ii) Select the redundant member.
(iii) Remove the redundant member, and find the forces P in the
members of the truss, for the given load system.
(iv) Remove the given load system.
(a) Apply a unit load pair (assuming either compressive
or tensile) in place of redundant member.
(b) Find the forces K in the members of the structure.
PKL K2L
(v) Find AE and AE for each member.

 PKL K2L
and Find AE and AE
 (vi) Find a redundant force (R) given by
 PKL
AE
R = –
 K2L
AE
(vii) Find the force in any member by the relation :
F = P + KR
5.6 Lack of fit of members in truss

Lack of fit is defined as a little longer or little shorter length of any

member in truss.
If any one member of a redundant frame has lack of fit, stresses
will be induced in all members of the redundant frame, when that
member is forced in position. The correction factor (X) due to lack of fit
can be determined by using the following formula in presence of external
loadings.
PKL
 –  AE

R = and R = if (P = 0)
K2 L  K2 L
 AE   AE 
Where,  or  : shortening or excess of member in mm.
+ ve : if member is short in length
– ve : if member is excess in length.
Final forces in various are determined by the formula
F = P + KR.
5.7 Temperature stresses in truss

Change in temperature causes change in length of a member. In

redundant trusses, the change in length of any member gives rise to
force in all other members.
Consider a redundant truss shown in Fig. 1.
 Fig. 1
Let the temperature of member AB decreases by ‘t’ °C. Then the
contraction of the member AB is given by
L = .L t
But, the free contraction is not possible in the truss. Hence, tensile
force of magnitude ‘X’ develops in the member AB. This causes
movements of joints A and B in the truss. The compatibility condition
demands elongation of member AB and movement of joints A and B. The
value of ‘R’ is given by
L .L t
R = 2 i.e. R = 2
 KAEL  KAEL
Where. α = Coefficient of linear expansion or thermal
expansion
K = Forces in various members due to unit load
applied for the member under consideration.
Note : Use –ve sign for increase in temperature.

Multiple Choice Questions for Online Exam

Deflection of Pin Jointed Truss

Q. 1 A truss containing ‘j’ joint and ‘m’ members will be perfect

truss if
(a) m = 2 j – 3 (b) j = 2m – 3
(c) m = 3j – 2 (d) j = 3m – 2
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : By definition for perfect truss, m = 2j – 3.
Q. 2 The forces in the members of simple truss may be analyzed by
(a) Graphical method (b) Method of joints
(c) Method of sections (d) All of these
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.3
Q. 3 Consider the following assumptions in the analysis of a plane
truss.
(1) The individual members are straight
(2) The individual members are connected by frictionless
hinge
(3) The loads and reactions act only at the joints of the
given assumptions which of the following is true
(a) 1 and 2 are valid (b) 1 and 3 are valid
(c) 2 and 3 are valid (d) 1, 2 and 3 are valid
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.1
Q. 4 The number of independent equations to be satisfied for static
equilibrium of a plane structure is
(a) 1 (b) 2 (c) 3 (d) 6
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.2
Q. 5 A redundant truss is also called
(a) Perfect truss (b) Imperfect truss
(c) Deficient truss (d) None of the above
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.2

Q. 6 The loads applied on the truss at

(a) Joints
(b) Members
(c) Both joints and members
(d) Centroidal axes of various members
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.1
Q. 7 Members of a truss joined at their ends by
(a) Pin joint (b) Rigid joint
(c) Fixed joint (d) None of these
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.1
Q. 8 In truss all member are
(a) Multi-force members (b) Two-force members
(c) Combination of both (d) None of the above
Ans. : (b)
Q. 9 The incorrect assumption in analysis of truss is
(a) Load is acting only at the joints
(b) Self weight of member is neglected
(c) Load may act anywhere on the truss
(d) All joints are pin-joints
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : The correct assumption is that the load acts only
at joints.
Q. 10 In a truss if a joint consists only two members and no external
force acting at joint, the forces are
(a) Both compressive (b) Both tensile
(c) Both are zero
(d) One tensile and other compressive
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.1
Q. 11 In a truss if a joint consists 3 members (forces), out of which 2
are collinear, third force is
(a) Tensile (b) Zero
(c) Compressive (d) Can’t say
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Zero force principle.
Q. 12 The forces in collinear member at a joint of a plane truss are
equal if,
(a) the joint is not loaded
(b) joint is not loaded and has only three member,
(c) loaded
(d) loaded and has only three members
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Principle of zero force.
Q. 13 In case of determinate truss the joint deflection is given by,

(a)  PKL
AE (b)  AL
PKE

(c)  PAL
KE (d) None of the above.
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 14 What is mean by P forces in the analysis of pin jointed trusses.
(a) forces in the member of a truss due to external loading
(b) only reactions at supports
(c) forces due to application of 1 kN force
(d) None of the above
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 15 The nature of P forces in the analysis of truss will be
(a) tensile (b) compressive
(c) tensile or compressive (d) None of the above
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 16 The P forces in the analysis of truss can be calculated by
(a) joint method (b) graphical method
(c) section method (d) all of above
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 17 What is mean by k forces in the analysis of pin jointed truss.
(a) forces in the member of a truss due to external loading
(b) only reactions at the supports
(c) forces due to application of 1 kN force
(d) None of the above
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 18 The nature of k forces in the analysis of pin jointed truss will
be
(a) tensile (b) compressive
(c) tensile or compressive (d) None of the above
Ans. : (c)
 Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 19 The ‘k’ forces in the analysis of pin jointed truss will be
calculated by
(a) joint method (b) graphical method
(c) section method (d) all of above
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.3

 PKL
Q. 20 In a pin jointed truss,
A = 1500 kN/mm and
E = 200 GPa the horizontal displacement at the joint is
____________.
(a) 7.3 mm (b) 5.7 mm (c) 7.5 mm (d) 8.5 mm
Ans. : (c)
Explanation :

H =  PKL
AE 
 1500
= 200 = 7.5 mm

Q. 21 In a pin jointed truss,  PKL = 900 kN/mm and

 A 
 = 200 GPa the vertical displacement at the joint is ____
(a) 7.5 mm (b) 9 mm (c) 4.5 mm (d) 5 mm
Ans. : (c)
Explanation :
PKL 900
v =   AE  = 200 = 4.5 mm
 
Q. 22 In a pin jointed truss PKL = 10  105 kN-mm and AE for all
members = 2  105 kN, then the vertical displacement of the
joint is ____
(a) 5 mm (b) 10 mm (c) 2 mm (d) None of these
Ans. : (a)
Explanation :
10  105
v =  PKL
AE 
 =
2  105
= 5 mm
Q. 23 A pin jointed truss is loaded and supported as shown in Fig. Q.
23. To determine the vertical displacement of joint B, the force
in member BF due to unit force is

Fig. Q. 23
(a) 1 kN (b) 0.5 kN
(c) 0.707 kN (d) None of these.
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : At B by observation,
FBF = 1 kN Fig. Q. 23(a)

Q. 24 In pin jointed plane Trusses, PKL = 20  105 KN-m and AE for

all members are 2  105 KN, then the deflection at joint is ______
(a) 5mm (b) 10 mm (c) 20 mm (d) None of these
Ans. : (b)
PKL 20  105
Explanation :  =  AE  =
  2  105 = 10 mm
Q. 25 Deflection of the joints for trusses can be determined by using
_____ methods
(a) Macaulay’s Method (b) Strain energy method
(c) Castigliano’s first theorem (d) All of these
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.4
Q. 26 For horizontal deflection of C, P force in member AC is
(a) 5 kN (T) (b) 7 kN (T) (c) 6 kN (C) (d) 8 kN (T)
 N
Fig. Q. 26

Ans. : (b)
Explanation :
4.5
 = tan– 1  6  = 36.87
 
PAC = PBC
2PAC sin 36.87 – 9 = 0
9
PAC = 2 sin 36.87

PAC = 7.5 kN (C)

Q. 27 For horizontal deflection of P, K force in member BC is

(a) 7 kN (C) (b) 6 kN (T)
(c) 8 kN (C) (d) 9 kN (T)

Fig. Q. 27
Ans. : (b)
Explanation :
PAC = PBC = 7 kN (C)

Q. 28 For vertical deflection of C, K force in member BC is

(a) 0.62 kN (C) (b) 0.72 kN (T)
(c) 0.83 kN (C) (d) 0.95 kN (C)
 Fig. Q. 28
Ans. : (c)
Explanation :
KAC = KBC (due to symmetry)
 Fy = 0
2 KBC sin 36.86 – 1 = 0
KBC = 0.83 kN (C)
Q. 29 For vertical deflection of C, K forces in members AC and BC are
(a) Opposite in nature (b) Same in magnitude
(c) Different in magnitude (d) Both A and B

Fig. Q. 29
Ans. : (b)
Q. 30 For vertical deflection of C, P forces in members AC and BC are
___________
(a) 7.5 kN Tensile each (b) 7.5 kN Compressive each
(c) 6.5 kN Tensile each (d) 6.5 kN Compressive each
 Fig. Q. 30
Ans. : (b)
Explanation :
4.5
 = tan– 1  6  = 36.87
 
PAC = PBC
2PAC sin 36.87 – 9 = 0
9
PAC = 2 sin 36.87 = 7.5 kN (C)

Q. 31 For vertical deflection of C, P forces in members AC and BC are

(a) Same in nature (b) Same in magnitude
(c) Different in magnitude and nature
(d) Both A and B

Fig. Q. 31
Ans. : (d)
Q. 32 For vertical deflection of D, K force in member CD is,

Fig. Q. 32

(a) 1 kN (T) (b) 1.41 kN (C)

 (c) 1 kN (C) (d) 1.41 kN (T)
Ans. : (a)
Explanation :
Fy = 0;
KDE sin 45 – 1 = 0
KDE = 1.41 kN
Fx = 0;
– KCD + 1.41 cos 45 – 1 = 0
KCD = 1 kN (T)

Q. 33 For vertical deflection of D, K force in member DE is,

Fig. Q. 33
(a) 1 kN (b) 1.41 kN (c) 0 (d) 1.21 kN
Ans. : (b)
Explanation :
fy = 0
KDE sin 45 – 1 = 0
KDE = 1.41 kN
fx = 0
– KCD + 1.41 cos 45 – 1 = 0
KCD = 1 kN (T)
Q. 34 For vertical deflection of D, k force in member CE is,
 Fig. Q. 34
(a) 1 kN (b) 1.41 kN (c) 0 (d) 1.21 kN
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Zero force principle

Q. 35 The external indeterminacy of a truss is determined by using

(a) m – (2j – 3)
(b) m + 2j + 3
(c) No. of reaction components equilibrium condition
(d) Both A and B.
Ans. : (c)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.2
Q. 36 The external indeterminacy of a truss is determined by using :
(a) m – (2j – 3) (b) m + 3 = 2j
(c) m = 2j – 3 (d) All of these
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.2
Q. 37 A redundant truss is also called
(a) Perfect truss (b) Imperfect truss
(c) Deficient truss (d) None of the above
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.2

Q. 38 Member BC shown is redundant

member, E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2
for all members,
P force in member AB is,
(a) 0 (b) 5 kN
(c) 10 kN (d) 15 kN
Ans. : (a)
 Explanation :
Zero force principle.
Fig. Q. 38
Q. 39 Member BC shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for all
members, P force in member
BC is,
(a) 0
(b) 5 kN
(c) 10 kN
(d) 15 kN
Ans. : (a)
Fig. Q. 39
Explanation :
For P analysis member BC is removed.  PBC = 0
Q. 40 Member BC shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for
all members, P force in
member BD is,
(a) 0
(b) 5 kN (C)
(c) 10 kN
(d) 5 kN (T)
Ans. : (b)
Fig. Q. 40
Explanation :
By observation, PBD = 5 kN

Q. 41 Member AB shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for
all members, P force in
member BC is,
(a) 0
(b) 5 kN
 (c) 10 kN
(d) 15 kN
Ans. : (a)
Fig. Q. 41
Explanation : Zero force principle.
Q. 42 Member AB shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for
all members, P force in
member BD is,
(a) 0
(b) 5 kN (T)
(c) 10 kN
(d) 5 kN (C)
Ans. : (d) Fig. Q. 42
Explanation :
By observation,
PBD = 5 kN (C)

Q. 43 Member BC shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for
all members, K force in
member BD is,
(a) 0
(b) 1 kN (C)
(c) 5 kN (T)
(d) 5 kN (C)
Ans. : (b)

Fig. Q. 43

Explanation :
 fy = 0
– 1 cos 45 + KBD = 0
KBD = 0.707 kN (C)
Q. 44 Member BC shown is
redundant member,
E = 10GPa, A = 100cm2 for all
members, K force in member
AC is,
(a) 0
(b) 0.71 kN
(c) 1 kN
(d) 1.42 kN
Ans. : (C)
Fig. Q. 44
Explanation :
By observation and symmetry.
Q. 45 In case of indeterminate truss the redundant force is given by,
 PKL  K2L
– AE – AE
(a) (b)
K2L PKL
AE AE
 PKL
(c) AE (d) None of the above
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.5
Q. 46 In the analysis of pin jointed indeterminate truss the
redundant support selected will be,
(a) left hand support
(b) right hand support
(c) middle support
(d) the support which is yielded.
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.6
Q. 47 For analyzing a truss of single degree of redundancy, forces in
members are required to be obtained ------------
(a) Once (b) Twice
(c) Thrice (d) None of these
 Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.5
Q. 48 Analysis of indeterminate trusses is based on ------------
(a) Castigliano’s first theorem
(b) Castigliano’s second theorem
(c) Macaulay’s method
(d) All of these
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.5
Q. 49 For the truss shown, if BD as
redundant member, K force
in member is AB is
(a) 0.707 kN
(b) 0.807 kN
(c) 0.577 kN
(d) 0.677 kN
Ans. : (a)

Fig. Q. 49
Explanation :
 Fy = 0
– 1 sin 45 + KAB = 0
KAB = 0.707 kN (C)

Q. 50 For the truss shown, if

BD as redundant
member, K force in
member is AD is
(a) 0.707 kN
(b) 0.807 kN
(c) 0.577 kN
(d) 0.677 kN
Ans. : (a)
Fig. Q. 50
Explanation :
Due to symmetry,
KAD = KBC = 0.707 kN (C)
 Lack of fit, sinking of support and
temperature change in Trusses
Q. 51 In the analysis of pin-jointed indeterminate trusses having lack
of fit the redundant member selected will be
(a) vertical (b) horizontal
(c) inclined
(d) the member which is too short or too long
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.6
Q. 52 If ‘’ is the sinking of support the redundant force is given by,
 PKL
 PKL – AE – tL 
(a) AE (b) (c) (d)
K L
2 2
2
 KAEL  KAEL
AE
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.6
Q. 53 If the member is found to be too short or too long by an
amount of ‘’ then the redundant force is given by,
 PKL
– AE tL  l
(a) (b) (c) (d)
K L 2
K L
2
K L 2
K2L
AE AE AE AE
Ans. : (a)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.6
Q. 54 In an internally redundant truss, member AB of length 3 m is
short by 3 mm and k2L/AE = 0.11 mm/kN. The force in
member AB is ----- kN.
(a) 27.27 (b) 23 (c) 24.23 (d) 12
Ans. : (a)
Explanation :
PKL
 –   AE 
  3–0
R = FAB = = 0.11 = 27.27 kN
  KAEL 
2
Q. 55 In an externally redundant truss, support A sinks by 3 mm,
PkL/AE = 6.34 mm and k2L/AE = 0.104 mm/kN. The
reaction at A is ----- kN.
(a) 13.5 (b) 12.7 (c) 89.8 (d) 60.96
Ans. : (d)
Explanation :

  PKL
AE 

6.34
R = FAB = = 0.104 = 60.96 kN
 K2L 
  AE 
Q. 56 In an externally redundant truss, support B sinks by
3 mm and k2L/AE = 0.104 mm/kN. The reaction at
B is ----- kN.
(a) 28.5 (b) 25 (c) 26.5 (d) 29
Ans. : (a)
3
Explanation : R = 0.104 = 28.5 kN

Q. 57 The members EI and IJ of a steel truss shown in Fig. Q. 57

below are subjected to a temperature rise of 30 C. The
coefficient of thermal expansion of steel is 0.0000012/ c/
length. The displacement (mm) of joint E relative to joint H
along the direction HE of truss is
(a) 0.255
(b) 0.589
(c) 0.764
(d) 1.026
Ans. : (c)

Fig. Q. 57

Explanation :
Step 1 : L (GJ) = (3000)2 + (3000)2 = 4242.6 mm
 Step 2 : To find the relative displacement of joint E and
H apply unit load at cash joint as shown in
Fig. Q. 57(a).

Fig. Q. 57(a)

Step III : Prepare table

Member Temperature rise L =  tc U UL

EJ 30 1.08 – 0.707 – 0.764
EG 0 0 – 0.707 0
GH 0 0 – 0.707 0
HJ 0 0 0 0
HI 0 0 0 0
GJ 0 0 1.0 0
SI 30 1.591 0 0

 U  L = – 0.764
Positive sign indicates the joint go away from each other.
Q. 58 In the analysis of pin jointed indeterminate trusses subjected
to temperature change the redundant member selected will be
(a) vertical
(b) horizontal
(c) inclined
(d) the member which is subjected to temperature change
Ans. : (d)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.7
Q. 59 In an internally redundant truss, member AB of length
6 m is heated through 30C. Coefficient of thermal expansion of
material is 12  10– 6 /C and k2L/AE=
0.11 mm/kN. The force in member AB is ----- kN.
(a) 9.71 (b) 19.64 (c) 2.54 (d) 5.78
Ans. : (b)
Explanation :
PKL
LT –   AE 
 
R = FAB = 2
 KAEL
12  10– 6  6000  30
= 0.11 = 19.64 kN

Q. 60 In an internally redundant truss, member AB of length

9 m is heated through 30C. Coefficient of thermal expansion of
k 2L
material is 12  10– 6 /0C and  AE =
0.11 mm/kN. The force in member AB is ----- kN.
(a) 9.71 (b) 19.64 (c) 2.54 (d) 29.45
Ans. : (d)
Explanation :
12  10– 6  9000  30
R = FAB = 0.11 = 29.45 kN

Q. 61 In an internally redundant truss, member AB of length 6 m is

short by 5mm and k2L/AE = 0.19 mm/kN. The force in
member AB is ----- kN.
(a) 26.32 (b) 12.32 (c) 13 (d) 14
Ans. : (a)
Explanation :
 0.5
R = = 0.19 = 26.32 kN
 K L/AE
2
Q. 62 A pin jointed square frame with two diagonal is built up as
shown in Fig. Q. 62.
The bar AD is the last to be added and is short by 4mm. If AD is
the redundant member and FAD = 34.84 kN (T). The force in the
member DC is ______ .
(a) 34.84 kN (T)
(b) 34.84 kN (C)
(c) 49.27 kN (C)
(d) 49.27 kN (T)
Ans. : (a)

Fig. Q. 62
Explanation :
FDC = P + RK

By observation,
KDC = 1 kN
 FDC = 0 + 34.84  1 = 34.84 kN (T)

Q. 63 In the analysis of pin jointed truss due to external force, forces

in the members of the trusses are ______
(a) Eccentric (b) Concentric
(c) Both A and B (d) None of these.
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.1
Q. 64 In an externally redundant truss, support B sinks by
K2L
3 mm and AE = 0.104 mm/kN. The reaction at B is
(a) 23.85 (b) 25 (c) 28.85 (d) None of these
Ans. : (c)
 3
Explanation : RB = = = 28.85 KN
K2L 0.104
 AE
Q. 65 In case of indeterminate truss with temperature stresses the
redundant force is given by,
 PKL
 PKL Lt – AE
(a) AE (b)
K L 2

AE
tL
(c) (d) None of the above.
K2L
AE
Ans. : (b)
Explanation : Please refer Section 5.7
Q. 66 In redundant pin jointed truss the forces in the member AB is
20 kN (T) and 1 (T) due to external and unit force respectively.
The force in redundant member AB is ________ kN.
(a) 200 (T) (b) 20 (T)
(c) 220 (c) (d) None of these
Ans. : (b)
Q. 67 In redundant pin jointed truss the forces in member AB is 20
kN (T) and 1.41 (T) due to external and unit force respectively.
The force in member AB is ________ kN. If redundant R = 30 kN
(T)
(a) 28.2 kN (T) (b) 28.2 kN (C)
(c) 14.1 kN (T) (d) 62.3 kN (T)
Ans. : (d)
Explanation :
FAB = P + KR = 20 + 1.41  30 = 62.3 kN (T)

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