ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

It is the process by which we determine how loads applied to a

structure are distributed throughout the structure.

Two types of Structure:

1. Pin-connected trusses – the internal force in a bar is directed along the
axis of the bar
2. Pin-connected frames – the members are subjected to bending action.

Truss – is a structure composed of members fastened together in such a

way as to resist change in shape; It is a rigid structure. Its purpose is to
support a larger load or span a greater distance than any individual
member from which the truss may be built. The members of a truss are
joined together by means of pins at their ends (large bolts which act as
pivots) or by riveting or welding them to a common plate known as a gusset
plate.
Members:
-that are stretched are said to be in tension, a member in tension causes
forces which pull away from its end joints
- that are shortened are said to be in compression, a member in
compression causes forces which push toward it end joints.

Simple truss
m = 2n-3

where:
m = total number of members
n = total number of joints.
Analysis of Trusses by Methods of Joints
The free-body diagram of any joint is a concurrent force system. Two
equilibrium equations can be written
ΣFx = 0 and ΣFy = 0

-This means that to solve completely for the forces acting on a joint, we
must select a joint with no more than two unknown forces involved.
- Select a joint acted on by only two members.
- Assume any unknown member to be either tension or compression. If
negative value is obtained, this means that the force is opposite in action to
that of the assumed direction.
- Once the forces in one joint are determined, continue solving on
successive joints until all members have been found.
Sample Problem:
1. Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown in the figure.

Solution:
ΣMD = 0
-3Av – 50(1) + 80(0.75) =0
3Av + 50(1) = 80(0.75)
Av = 3.33 KN

ΣFH = 0
AH = 80 KN

ΣMA = 0
RD(3) -50(2) - 80(0.75) =0
3 RD = 50(2) + 80(0.75)
RD = 53.33 KN
@ Joint A:

ΣFv = 0
3 FAB = 3.33
5
FAB = 5.55 KN T

ΣFH = 0
4 FAB + FAE = 80
5
4 (5.55) + FAE = 80
5

FAE = 75.56 KN T
@Joint B:

ΣFH = 0
4 FAB = FBC
5
4 (5.55) = FBC
5
FBC = 4.45 KN T

ΣFV = 0
3 FAB = FBE
5
3 (5.55) = FBE
5

FBE = 3.33 KN C
@Joint E

ΣFV = 0
3 FCE = FBE
5
3 FCE = 3.33
5
FCE = 5.55 KN T

ΣFH = 0
FFE + 4 FCE = FAE
5
FFE + 4 (5.55) = 75.56
5
FFE = 75.56 - 4 (5.55)
5
FFE = 71.12 KN T
@ Joint F:

ΣFV = 0
FCF = 50 KN T

ΣFH = 0
FDF = FFE
FDF = 71.12 KN T
@Joint C:

ΣFH = 0
4FCD - 80 + FBC + 4 FCE = 0
5 5
4FCD + 4.45 + 4 (5.55) = 80
5 5
FCD = 88.89 KN C

ΣFV = 0
3FCD = 3 FCE + FCF
5 5
3(88.89) = 3 (5.55) + 50
5 5
53.33 = 53.33 CHECK
@Joint D:

ΣFH = 0
4FCD = FDF
5
4(88.89) = 71.12
5
71.1 = 71.1 CHECK

ΣFV = 0
RD = 3 FCD
5
53.33 = 3 (88.89)
5
53.33 = 53.33 CHECK

Summary:
FAB = 5.55 KN T FCF = 50 KN T
FAE = 75.56 KN T FDF = 71.12 KN T
FBC = 4.45 KN T FFE = 71.12 KN T
FBE = 3.33 KN C
FCD = 88.89 KN C
FCE = 5.55 KN T
2. Find the force in each member of the truss as shown in the figure.
@ Joint C:

ΣFV = 0
5__FCD = 80
√ 29
FCD = 86.16 KN T

ΣFH = 0
FBC = 2__(86.16)
√ 29
FBC = 32 KN C

@ Joint D
ΣFV = 0
5__FBD = 5__FCD
√ 29 √ 29
FBD = FCD
FBD = 86.16 KN C

ΣFH = 0
FDE = 2__ FCD + 2__ FBD
√ 29 √ 29
FDE = 2__ (86.16) + 2__ (86.16)
√ 29 √ 29
FDE = 64 KN T

@ Joint B:

ΣFV = 0
5__FBE = 5__FBD + 60
√ 29 √ 29
5__FBE = 5__( 86.16) + 60
√ 29 √ 29

FBE = 150.78 KN T
ΣFH = 0
FAB = FBC + 2__ FBD + 2__ FBE
√ 29 √ 29
FAB = 32 + 2__ (86.16) + 2__ (150.78)
√ 29 √ 29
FAB = 120 KN C

@ Joint E

ΣFV = 0
5__FAE = 5__FBE
√ 29 √ 29
FAE = FBE
FAE = 150.78 KN C

ΣFH = 0
FEF = FDE + 2__ FBE + 2__ FAE
√ 29 √ 29
FEF = 64 + 2__ (150.78) + 2__ (150.78)
√ 29 √ 29
FEF = 176 KN T
@ Joint A

ΣFV = 0
5__FAE = FAF
√29
5__(150.78) = FAF
√29

FAF = 140 KN T

ΣFH = 0
RA = FAB + 2__ FAE
√ 29
RA = 120 + 2__ (150.78)
√ 29
RA = 176 KN
@ Joint F:

ΣFH = 0
FH = FEF
FH = 176 KN

ΣFV = 0
FV = FAF
FV = 140 KN

Summary:

FDE = 64 KN T
FEF = 176 KN T
FAB = 120 KN C
FBC = 32 KN C
FAF = 140 KN T
FAE = 150.78 KN C
FBE = 150.78 KN T
FBD = 86.16 KN C
FCD = 86.16 KN T