2D Linear Static Analysis of Truss Structures

F F F F
D E F G H D E F G H

1.50
1.50

A C A C

B B

4@1.50 m = 6.00 m 4@1.50 m = 6.00 m

a) b)
Fig.W1.1

Fig.W1.1 shows 2 identical SS400 steel plane trusses that are laterally braced
differently (cyan joints). The thickness of gusset plates and filler plates for the
double-angle section used for DE, EF, FG, and GH are the same as the thickness of the
angle section. The filler plates are placed at mid-length of the members and connected
to the angles using snug-tight bolts. Determine LY of EFG from buckling analysis and
find the maximum value of F that does not damage EFG. The members of both trusses
are:
AB, BC : L-50x50x6
AD, AE, BE, BF, BG, CG, CH : L-90x90x7
DEFGH: 2L-65x65x6

The member forces of both trusses under the application of unit load (F=1) can
be solved manually and the results are shown in Fig.W1.2.

1 1
D E 1.0 F 1.0 G H

2 2

A C
1.0 B 1.0

1 1
Fig.W1.2

From what we have studied, since EF and FG are double-angle members under
compression, it can be seen from Fig.W1.1 a) and b) that the compressive strength of
both members can be calculated using the distance between joints E and F
( LX  1500mm) and the distance between lateral supports E and G ( LY  3000mm ).
Having both trusses sharing the same LX and LY, the compressive strengths of EFG of
both trusses must be the same. In other words, the presence of additional lateral
supports at D and H does not affect the compressive strength of EFG.

In this workshop, we are going to see that with the help of a software that can
perform buckling analysis, the addition of lateral supports at D and H alters the buckled

1
shape and increases the buckling load of EFG. Knowing how to use this kind of tool
properly can therefore lead to a more economical design in practice.

Section properties of the given sections are as follows:

2 4 4
L-50x50x6, Ag  564.4mm , cx  14.4mm, cy  cx , Ix  12.6  10 mm , Iy  Ix
4 4 4 4 4
Iu  20.0  10 mm , Iv  5.23  10 mm , J  6770mm

2 4 4
L-90x90x7, Ag  1222mm , cx  24.6mm, cy  cx , Ix  93.0  10 mm , Iy  Ix
4 4 4 4 4
Iu  148  10 mm , Iv  38.3  10 mm , J  19800mm

2
2L-65x65x6, t  6mm, for single angle Ag  752.7mm , cx  18.1mm, cy  cx
4 4 4 4 4 4 4
Ix  29.4  10 mm , Iy  Ix ,Iu  46.6  10 mm , Iv  12.2  10 mm , J  8930mm
tp
Gusset plate thickness, tp  6mm, therefore d  cy   21.1 mm
2
2 4
For a double angle, AG  2Ag  1505.4 mm , JG  2J  17860 mm
4 2 4
IX  2Ix  588000 mm , IY  2Iy  2Ag d  1258219 mm

In this workshop, we are going to use a software for solving 3D structures to

analyse an ordinary plane truss, which is a 2D problem. For a truss problem, only area
of the member is required for the section property. There is no need for the moment of
inertia since there is no bending.

1) Choose File/New or

2) Choose model units as shown

2
 3) Create the 1st node at (0,0,0) by selecting Create/Node

4) The 1st node is taken at the joint A of the truss. We can continue creating
the rest of the nodes at the joint locations by giving the co-ordinates with reference to
the figure below. Once finished, close the Create Node window.

D E F G H
1.50

A C X

4@1.50 m = 6.00 m

Another way of creating the rest of the nodes is to copy Node 1 to the new
positions. This can be done by closing the Create Node window and choose
Tools/Copy/by Increment menu.

3
 Node 2 can be created by selecting Node 1 and incrementing its y
co-ordinate by 1.5 m as shown below:

4
 Now we are going to use Tools/Copy/by Increment menu to copy Node 1 to
joint B and C locations by repeating twice the 3.0-m incrementing of the x
co-ordinate. Nodes at E, F, G, and H are created from Node 2 in the similar way, i.e.
repeating 4 times copying with the x co-ordinate increment of 1.5 m.