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2-d. Statically Indeterminate Members

There are certain combinations of axially loaded members in which the equations of static equilibrium are not
sufficient for a solution. This condition exists in structures where the reactive forces or the internal resisting forces over a
cross section exceed the number of independent equations for equilibrium. Such cases are called statically indeterminate
and require the use of additional relations that depend on the elastic deformations of the members; i.e., additional
geometric relations between the elastic deformations produced by the loads.

EXERCISES

1. The 1.5 m concrete post is reinforced with six steel bars, each with a 28-mm diameter. Determine the maximum
centric force P that may be applied if the allowable normal stress is 160 MPa in the steel and 18 MPa in the
concrete. Use Es = 200 GPa and Ec = 25 GPa. (Beer, 2006) Ans. 3330 kN

2. Two cylindrical rods, one of steel and the other of brass, are joined at C and restrained by rigid supports at A and E.
For the loading shown and knowing that Es = 200 GPa and Eb = 105 GPa, determine a) the reactions at A and E, b) the
deflection of point C. (Beer, 2012) Ans. a) RA = 62.8 kN ←; RE = 37.2 kN ← b) 46.3 × 10–3 mm →

3. The composite rod in the figure is stress-free before the axial loads P1 and P2 are applied. Assuming that the right wall
yields 0.80 mm, calculate the stress in each material if P1= 150 kN and P2 = 90 kN. (Pytel, 1987) Ans. σal =12.617
MPa; σst = 69.322 MPa; σbr =190.537 MPa
Steel Bronze
Aluminum A =2000 mm2
A = 900 mm2 A = 1200 mm2
E = 200 GPa E = 83 GPa
E = 70 GPa
P1 P2

500 mm 250 mm 350 mm

4. Three steel eye-bars, each 4 in. by 1 in. in section, are to be assembled by driving rigid ⅞–in. diameter drift pins
through holes drilled in the ends of the bars. The centerline spacing between the holes is 30 ft in the two outer bars,
but is 0.045 in. shorter in the middle bar. Find the shearing stress developed in the drift pins. Neglect local
deformation at the holes. (Pytel, 1987) Ans. 8038.536 psi
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5. The rigid platform in the figure has negligible mass and rests on two steel bars, each 250 mm long. The center bar is
aluminum and 249.90 mm long. Compute the stress in the aluminum bar after the center load P = 400 kN has been
applied. For each steel bar, the area is 1200 mm2 and E = 200 GPa. For the aluminum bar, the area is 2400 mm2 and
E = 70 GPa. (Pytel, 1987) Ans. 22.476 MPa

Steel Aluminum Steel

6. The assembly in the figure consists of a light rigid bar AB, pinned at O, that is attached to the steel and aluminum
rods. In the position shown, bar AB is horizontal and there is a gap  = 5 mm between the lower end of the steel rod
and its pin support at C. Compute the stress in the aluminum rod when the lower end of the steel rod is attached to its
support. (Pytel, 1987) Ans. 130.802 MPa

0.75 m 1.5 m

A B

Steel Aluminum
A =250 mm2 A = 300 mm2
E = 200 GPa E = 70 GPa
L=2m


C D

7. The length of the 2-mm diameter steel wire CD has been adjusted so that with no load applied, a gap of 1.5 mm exists
between the end B of the rigid beam ACB and a contact point E. Knowing that E = 200 GPa, determine where a 20-kg
block should be placed on the beam in order to cause contact between B and E. (Beer, 2009) Ans. 92.6 mm