Sample Problem 5.

1: Truss Analysis – Method of Joints

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member
of the truss shown. State whether each member s in tension or
compression.

The FBD of the truss is shown in Fig.1, detaching the whole truss from the
pin support at A and the roller support at D.

Solving for the reactions:

[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 +]
𝐷𝑣 ሺ6 mሻ − 300 kN ሺ8 mሻ + 400 kNሺ3 mሻ = 0; 𝐷𝑣 = 200 kN ↓
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ] 𝐴ℎ − 300 kN = 0; 𝐴ℎ = 300 kN →
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 − 𝐷𝑣 − 400 kN = 0; 𝐴𝑣 − 200 kN − 400 kN = 0;
𝐴𝑣 = 600 kN ↑

Solving for the bar forces:

@Joint A (force in AB and in AE were assumed to be in compression) Fig.1. FBD of the whole
truss.
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
3
300 kN − 𝐹𝐴𝐸 = 0; 𝐹𝐴𝐸 = 100ξ34 kN 𝐹𝐴𝐸 = 583.09519 kN ሺCሻ
ξ34
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
5 5
600 kN − 𝐹𝐴𝐸 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 0; 600 − ൫100ξ34 ൯ − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 0
ξ34 ξ34

𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 100 kN ሺCሻ

Note: The positive sign of FAE and FAB agrees with our assumption that the forces in members
AB and AE are compressive.

@Joint B (force in BC is assumed in compression while force in AE were assumed in tension)

[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
1 1
𝐹𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0; 100 kN − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0 ; 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 100ξ2 kN ; 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 141.42136 kN ሺCሻ
ξ2 ξ2
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
1 1
𝐹𝐵𝐸 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0; 𝐹𝐵𝐸 − ሺ100ξ2 kNሻ = 0 ; 𝐹𝐵𝐸 = 100 kN ሺTሻ
ξ2 ξ2

Note: The positive sign of FBC and FBE agrees with our assumption that the force in member BC
is in compression and in member BE in tension.

@Joint C (forces in CD and in CE were assumed in tension)

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
1 1 1 1
𝐹𝐶𝐷 + 𝐹𝐵𝐶 − 300 kN = 0; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 + ሺ100ξ2ሻ − 300 = 0 ; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 200ξ2 kN ;
ξ2 ξ2 ξ2 ξ2

𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 282.84271 kN ሺTሻ

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 ↑ + ]
1 1 1 1
𝐹𝐵𝐶 − 𝐹𝐶𝐷 − 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 0; ൫100ξ2 kN൯ − ൫200ξ2 kN൯ − 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 0 ;
ξ2 ξ2 ξ2 ξ2

𝐹𝐶𝐸 = −100 kN ; 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 100 kN ሺCሻ

 Note: The positive sign of FCD means that bar CD is in tension as assumed.
However, FCE is negative, thus the assumption of member CE is
wrong. Therefore, member CE is in compression. A corrected FBD of
the pin at C is shown in the accompanying figure.

@Joint E (force in DE is assumed in compression)

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
3 3
𝐹𝐴𝐸 − 𝐹𝐵𝐸 − 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 0; ൫100ξ34൯ − 100 − 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 0 ;
ξ34 ξ34

𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 200 kN ሺCሻ

As a means of checking, equilibrium of the pin at D is investigated.

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
1 1
𝐹𝐷𝐸 − 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 0; 200 kN − ൫200ξ2 kN൯ = 0 ; 0 = 0 ∴ o. k.
ξ2 ξ2
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
1 1
𝐹𝐶𝐷 − 𝐷𝑣 = 0; ൫200ξ2 kN൯ − 200 kN = 0 ; 0 = 0 ∴ o. k.
ξ2 ξ2

Summary:
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 100 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐵𝐸 = 100 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 282.84271 kN ሺTሻ

𝐹𝐴𝐸 = 583.09519 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 100 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 200 kN ሺCሻ

𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 141.42136 kN ሺCሻ

 Sample Problem 5.2: Truss Analysis – Method of Joints
A sign is subjected to a wind loading that exerts horizontal forces
of 300 lb on joints B and C of one of the sides of the supporting
truss. Determine the force in each member of the truss.

In the method of joint, we can always start at a joint where there are only
two (2) number of unknowns. For this problem we can compute for the forces
in each member of the truss by starting at joint C.

Next, we have to establish the angles or the slopes defining the lines
(inclination) of the members. Notice that ΔBCD and ΔBED are right triangles
(√ሺ5 ftሻ2 + ሺ12 ftሻ2 = 13 ft).

Solving for the angles:

𝛼 = tan−1 ሺ5⁄12ሻ = 22.6199° sin 𝛼 = 5⁄13 cos 𝛼 = 12⁄13
−1
𝜃 = tan ሺ15⁄5ሻ = 67.3801° sin 𝜃 = 12⁄13 cos 𝜃 = 5⁄13 Fig.1. Angles defining the
𝜙 = 𝜃 − 𝛼 = 44.7603° tan 𝜙 = 119⁄120 sin 𝜙 = 119⁄169 cos 𝜙 = 120⁄169 lines of the members.

𝛽 = 90° − 𝜙 = 45.2397° tan 𝛽 = 120⁄119 sin 𝛽 = 120⁄169 cos 𝛽 = 119⁄169

Solving for the bar forces:
@Joint C (force in AB and in AE were assumed to be in compression)
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
5
300 lb − 𝐹𝐶𝐷 sin 𝛼 = 0; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 ቀ13ቁ = 300 lb ; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 780 lb ሺCሻ

[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
12
𝐹𝐶𝐷 cos 𝛼 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0; ሺ780 lbሻ ቀ ቁ − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 0 ; 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 720 lb ሺTሻ
13

@Joint D (forces in BD and in DE are assumed to be in compression; axis tilted)

[Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 + ]
𝐹𝐶𝐷 − 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 0; 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 ; 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 780 lb ሺCሻ

[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 +]

𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 0

@Joint C (force in AB and in AE were assumed to be in compression)

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
120 1
300 lb − 𝐹𝐵𝐸 sin 𝛽 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 cos 45° = 0; 300 − 𝐹𝐵𝐸 ቀ169ቁ − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 ቀ ቁ = 0 ;
ξ2
120 1
169
𝐹𝐵𝐸 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 300 eqn. 1
ξ2

[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
119 1
𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐵𝐸 cos 𝛽 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 sin 45° = 0; 720 + 𝐹𝐵𝐸 ቀ169ቁ − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 ቀ ቁ = 0 ;
ξ2
119 1
169
𝐹𝐵𝐸 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = −720 eqn. 2
ξ2

𝐹𝐵𝐸 = −269.98744 lb = 269.98744 lb ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 722.49153 lb ሺTሻ

53
 The sign for FBE is negative thus our assumption that the force in member BE
is compressive is not correct. Therefore, FBE must be in tension. The
corrected FBD of the pin at B is shown in the accompanying figure.

Instead of the angles between adjacent members, we may also

determine the slope of the inclined member. The slopes can be determined
by:
𝑜𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑟𝑖𝑠𝑒 𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙
tan 𝜃 = = = = 𝑠𝑙𝑜𝑝𝑒
𝑎𝑑𝑗𝑎𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑠𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑟𝑢𝑛 ℎ𝑜𝑟𝑖𝑧𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙

Summary:
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 722.49153 lb ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 0 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 780 lb ሺCሻ

𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 720 lb ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐵𝐸 = 269.98744 lb ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 780 lb ሺCሻ

Relative to the previous method by using the angles

between the adjacent sides, the slopes of the inclined
members are shown in Fig. 2. The determination of such
slopes and the determination of the bar forces of the truss is
left as an exercise.

Fig.2. Slopes defining the

lines of the members.
 Sample Problem 5.3: Truss Analysis – Method of Joints
Determine the forces in each members of the truss as shown.

In order to determine the reactions, it is still necessary to compute for

distance ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 . It can be found that
𝐿 𝐿
̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 = ; ̅̅̅̅
𝐷𝐸 =
tan 60° ξ3
The FBD of the truss and other details (angles between adjacent
members and necessary dimensions) are determined and shown in
Fig.1. Solving for the reactions at the supports and knowing that the pin
at E does not have a horizontal reaction component,
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 +]
1 1
𝐸𝑣 ቀ1 + ቁ 𝐿 − 8 kN ቀ2 𝐿ቁ − 8 kN ሺ𝐿ሻ = 0; 𝐸𝑣 = 7.60770 kN ↑
ξ3
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 + 𝐸𝑣 − 2ሺ8 kNሻ = 0; 𝐴𝑣 + ሺ7.6077 kNሻ − 16 kN = 0;
Fig.1. Slopes defining the
𝐴𝑣 = 8.3923 kN ↑ lines of the members.

Since the given angles are special angles, we may opt to have the slopes of the inclined members as
reference in determining the components of the forces. But in this case, we will use the angles.

Solving for the bar forces:

@Joint A (force in AB assumed in compression and force AE assumed in tension)
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
𝐴𝑣 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 sin 45° = 0; 8.3923 kN − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 sin 45° = 0 ; 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 11.86851 kN ሺCሻ
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
𝐹𝐴𝐷 − 𝐹𝐴𝐵 cos45° = 0; 𝐹𝐴𝐷 − ሺ11.86851 kNሻ cos45° = 0 ; 𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 8.39230 kN ሺTሻ

@Joint B (forces in BC and force BD are assumed in compression)

[Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 + ]
𝐹𝐴𝐵 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 − 8kN sin 45° = 0; 11.86851 kN − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 − 8 kN sin 45° = 0 ;
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 6.21166 kN ሺCሻ
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 + ]
𝐹𝐵𝐷 − 8 kN cos45° = 0; 𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 5.65685 kN ሺCሻ

@Joint D (forces in CD and DE are assumed in tension)

[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
𝐹𝐶𝐷 − 𝐹𝐵𝐷 sin 45° = 0; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 − ሺ5.65685 kNሻ sin 45° = 0 ; 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 4 kN ሺTሻ
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
𝐹𝐷𝐸 − 𝐹𝐴𝐷 + 𝐹𝐵𝐷 cos45° = 0; 𝐹𝐷𝐸 − 8.39230 kN + ሺ5.65685 kNሻ cos45° = 0

𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 4.39230 kN ሺTሻ

@Joint E (force in CE is assumed in compression)
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ]
𝐸𝑣 − 𝐹𝐶𝐸 sin 60° = 0; 7.60770 kN − 𝐹𝐶𝐸 sin 60° = 0 ;
𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 8.78461 kN ሺCሻ

The checking if the computed bar forces are correct can be done by investigating if the pin at E is in
equilibrium. This is left to the student as an exercise.

Summary:
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 11.86851 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 5.65685 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 8.78461 kN ሺCሻ

𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 8.39230 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 4 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 4.39230 kN ሺTሻ

𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 6.21166 kN ሺCሻ

 Sample Problem 5.4: Truss Analysis – Method of Sections
Determine the force in members (a) FI, DF and HI; and (b) BC, CJ and IJ of the truss shown in
Fig. 1

Fig.1. Loaded truss Fig.2. FBD of the whole truss.

In Fig.1, it can be seen that truss is supported by a hinge at A and a link DE at D. Although link DE is
some kind of a support, it can also be thought as a part of the truss. Anyway, the link is also a two-
force member like all other members of the truss. The FBD of the truss is shown in Fig.2, detaching
the whole truss from the pin support at A and the link DE at D.

Reactions:
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐷𝐸 ሺ9 mሻ − 3000 N ሺ4 mሻ − 1000 Nሺ6 mሻ = 0; 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 2000 N ሺTሻ
[Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 → + ] 𝐴𝑥 − 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 0 ; 𝐴𝑥 − 2000 N = 0; 𝐴𝑥 = 2000 N →
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑦 − 3000 N − 1000 N = 0; 𝐴𝑦 = 4000 N ↑
Note: All assumed directions for the unknown reactions are correct.
(a) bar forces in FI, DF and HI. Section 1 is passed as shown cutting though
members DF, FI and HI. This is a great choice since there were only be three
(3) unknowns and members FI, DF and HI are part of the unknown that we are
ask to determine. The right section will be used due to the simplicity of the (a)
section. The FBD of the right section of Section 1 is shown in Fig.3a where
FDF is assumed to be in tension and FIF and FHI are assumed to be in
compression.

1. To solve for FIF independently from the other two unknowns, we can take the
sum of the moment at point G since the lines of action of FDF and FHI will
pass at point G and their moments at this point is zero. It is also wise to use
transmissibility principle for FIF and applying the force at point I – only the
vertical component of FIF will have a moment at point G. See Fig. 3b.
[Σ𝑀𝐺 = 0 +]
3 (b)
−𝐹𝐼𝐹𝑦 ሺ4 mሻ + 3000 N ሺ2 mሻ = 0; − ቀ5 𝐹𝐼𝐹 ቁ ሺ4 mሻ + 6000 N ∙ m = 0

𝐹𝐼𝐹 = 2500 N ሺCሻ

2. To solve for FDF, we can sum up the vertical forces (components). See Fig.
3a.
3 3
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + ] 5𝐹𝐷𝐹 + 5𝐹𝐼𝐹 − 3000 N − 1000 N = 0
3 3
𝐹
5 𝐷𝐹
+ 5ሺ2500 Nሻ − 4000 N = 0 ; 𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 4166.66667 N ሺTሻ

We can also determine FDF independently (independent from the computed

value of FIF) by taking moment at the point of intersection of the lines of action
of FIF and FHI which is at point I at the same time, having the point of
(c)
application of FDF at either point G or point D. In this case, point G is selected Fig.3. FBD: right of Section 1
as the point of application for FDF. See Fig.3c
 [Σ𝑀𝐼 = 0 +]
3
𝐹𝐷𝐹𝑦 ሺ4 mሻ − 3000 N ሺ2 mሻ − 1000 Nሺ4 mሻ = 0; ቀ5 𝐹𝐷𝐹 ቁ ሺ4 mሻ − 10000 N ∙ m = 0

𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 4166.66667 N ሺTሻ

3. To solve for FHI, we can sum up the horizontal forces (components). See
Fig. 3d.
[Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 → + ] 𝐹𝐻𝐼 − 4𝐹𝐷𝐹 + 4𝐹𝐼𝐹 = 0 ;
5 5
4 4
𝐹𝐻𝐼 − 5ሺ4166.66667 Nሻ + 5ሺ2500 Nሻ = 0 𝐹𝐻𝐼 = 1333.33333 N ሺCሻ

To solve FHI independently (independent from the computed value of FIF

and FDF), we can take the sum of the moments at the point of intersection
of the lines of action of FIF and FDF which is at point F, taking note that ̅̅̅̅
𝐹𝐻 =
1.5 m as the moment arm of FHI. See Fig.3d
[Σ𝑀𝐹 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐻𝐼 ሺ1.5 mሻ − 1000 N ሺ2 mሻ = 0; 𝐹𝐻𝐼 = 1333.33333 N ሺCሻ (d)

(b) bar forces in BC, CJ and IJ. Section 2 is passed as shown cutting though
members BC, CJ and IJ. The lower section will be used due to the simplicity of the
section. The FBD of the lower section of Section 2 is shown in Fig.4a where FBC
and FCJ are assumed to be in tension and FIJ is in compression.
[Σ𝑀𝐽 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐵𝐶 ሺ2 mሻ + 𝐴𝑦 ሺ2 mሻ − 𝐴𝑥 ሺ3mሻ = 0;
𝐹𝐵𝐶 ሺ2 mሻ + ሺ4000 Nሻሺ2 mሻ − ሺ2000 Nሻሺ3mሻ = 0; 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = −1000 N
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 1000 N ሺCሻ
2 2
[Σ𝐹𝑥 = 0 → + ] − 𝐹𝐶𝐽 + 𝐴𝑥 = 0 ; − 𝐹𝐶𝐽 + 2000 N = 0 ;
ξ13 ξ13

𝐹𝐶𝐽 = 1000ξ13 N = 3605.55128 N ሺTሻ (a)

To solve for FIJ, sum of the forces in the y-direction may be used. For this process
care should be taken since we assumed a wrong direction for FBC. We may retain
the wrong direction of FBC in formulating the equation or we may change its
direction as previously discussed before formulating the equation (Fig.4b). If we
opt to retain the wrong direction of FBC in formulating the equilibrium equation, the
negative value should be substituted in the said equation. This is demonstrated in
the following procedure and using the FBD in Fig.4a:
3
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑦 + 𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐶𝐽 − 𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 0 ;
ξ13
3
4000 N + ሺ−1000 Nሻ + ൫1000ξ13N൯ − 𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 0 ;
ξ13

𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 6000 N ሺCሻ

(b)
If the correct direction of FBC is used in formulating the equilibrium equation, the
positive value should be substituted in the equation as demonstrated in the Fig.4. FBD: lower portion of
following procedure and with reference to the FBD in Fig.4b: Section 1
3
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑦 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐶𝐽 − 𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 0 ;
ξ13
3
4000 N − ሺ1000 Nሻ + ൫1000ξ13N൯ − 𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 0 ;
ξ13

𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 6000 N ሺCሻ

The forces FBC, FHI and FIJ can be determined independently. This method would minimize the
probability of having erroneous values by not carrying the errors in the computation of the previously
determined quantities. Determining the forces FBC, FHI and FIJ independently is left for the student
as an exercise.

Summary:
(a) 𝐹𝐼𝐹 = 2500 N ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 4166.66667 N ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐻𝐼 = 3605.55128 N ሺTሻ
(b) 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 1000 N ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐽 = 3605.55128 N ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐼𝐽 = 6000 N ሺCሻ
 Sample Problem 5.5: Truss Analysis – Method of
Sections
Determine the force in members BI, CH and HI for the
loaded truss shown. All angles are 30°, 60° and 90°.

The FBD of the entire truss in shown in Fig.1. As mentioned in the problem that all angles are 30°,
60° and 90°, and base on the given figure, the angles between adjacent members were identified
and reflected in the FBD of the truss in Fig.1. Solving for the reactions Fv and Av and the distances
h1 and h2:

Fig.1. FBD of the truss with angles between adjacent Fig.2. FBD of the truss with sloped defining the inclination
members. of the members.
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 +] 𝐹𝑣 ሺ3𝑎ሻ − 2 kN ሺ1.5𝑎ሻ − 4 kNሺ0.5𝑎ሻ = 0 ሺall 𝑎 cancels outሻ
5
3𝐹𝑣 − 5 = 0; 𝐹𝑣 = 3 kN = 1.66667 kN ↑
13
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 − 4 kN − 2 kN + 𝐹𝑣 = 0; 𝐴𝑣 = 3
kN = 4.33333 kN ↑

from ΔGEF for h1 and from ΔHDG for h2

ξ3 ξ3
ℎ1 = ሺ0.5 𝑎ሻsin 60° = 4
𝑎 ℎ2 = ሺ𝑎ሻsin 60° = 2
𝑎

(a) In solving for member BI, section 1 is passed through members BC,
BI and AI and the FBD of the left portion of the truss will be used. And
to solve the force FBI independently (independent from FBC and FAI),
the intersection of FBC and FAI is located, say point O, and the sum of
the moment will be taken at this point. FBI is then applied at point I
and replaced by its horizontal and vertical components. All unknown
bar forces are assumed accordingly. See Fig.3.

The location of point O is determined in the following analysis:

1. ΔABI is an equilateral triangle and since 𝐴𝐼̅̅̅ = 𝑎⁄2, therefore ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 = Fig.3. FBD of the truss: left
portion of section 1.
𝑎⁄2 and ̅̅̅𝐵𝐼 = 𝑎⁄2.
2. The angle between ̅̅̅̅ 𝐵𝑂 and ̅̅̅
𝐵𝐼 is 90°since these two lines are
perpendicular to each other. Since the angle between 𝐵𝐼 ̅̅̅ and ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵
̅̅̅̅ and ̅̅̅̅
is 60°, it follows that the angle between 𝐵𝑂 𝐴𝐵 is 30°.
3. ΔBOA is an isosceles triangle (two sides are equal in length) where
̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐵 = ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐴, and since ̅̅̅̅𝐴𝐵 = 𝑎⁄2, therefore ̅̅̅̅
𝑂𝐴 = 𝑎⁄2.

[Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0 + ] 𝐴𝑣 ሺ𝑎⁄2ሻ − 𝐹𝐵𝐼𝑣 ሺ𝑎ሻ = 0 ሺall 𝑎 cancels outሻ

13 1 ξ3
ቀ 3 kNቁ ቀ2ቁ − 𝐹
2 𝐵𝐼
=0 𝐹𝐵𝐼 = 2.50185 kN ሺTሻ

Aside from the procedure presented to solve for FBI, there are still other means on how to determine
the force FBI. You are advised then to compute FBI using other procedure.
(b) Solving for the forces member CH and HI. Section 2 is passed
through members CD, CH and IH and the FBD of the left portion
of the truss will be used. All unknown bar forces are assumed as
shown in Fig.4. FCH can be determined independently by
summing up the vertical forces and FHI can also be determined
independently by taking the sum of moments at point C.

solving for FCH:

ξ3
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 − 4 kN − 2
𝐹𝐶𝐻 = 0 ;
13 ξ3 Fig.4. FBD of the truss: left
kN − 4 kN − 𝐹𝐶𝐻 = 0 ; 𝐹𝐶𝐻 = 0.3849 kN ሺTሻ portion of section 2.
3 2
solving for FCH:
[Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0 + ] −𝐴𝑣 ሺ𝑎ሻ + 4 kNሺ𝑎⁄2ሻ + 𝐹𝐻𝐼 ቀξ3
2
𝑎ቁ = 0 ሺall 𝑎 cancels outሻ
13 ξ3
−3 +2+ 𝐹
2 𝐻𝐼
= 0; 𝐹𝐻𝐼 = 2.6943 kN ሺTሻ

Summary: 𝐹𝐵𝐼 = 2.50185 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐻 = 0.3849 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐻𝐼 = 2.6943 kN ሺTሻ

As an exercise, compute for the bar forces in members CI and DE.

 Sample Problem 5.6: Truss Analysis – Method
of Sections
Determine the force in members JM, LO, JN and
LN.

Before we determine the reactions at the supports, one way of giving dimensions to trusses is the
use of, in this case, the notation “6 panels @ 15 ft = 90 ft”. This means that the truss has six (6)
panels, each panel is equally dimensioned at 15 ft and the six panels totals to 90 ft. The meaning of
such notation is shown in Fig.1. To determine the support, the FBD of the whole truss is drawn and
shown in Fig.2. Since the three (3) 12 kips load and the reaction at the roller support are all vertical,
then the reaction at the pin at A is also vertical – no reaction component in the horizontal direction.

Fig.1. Fig.2. FBD of the truss.

Reactions:
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 + ] 𝑃𝑣 ሺ90 ftሻ − 12 kሺ75 ftሻ − 12 kሺ60 ftሻ − 12 kሺ45 ftሻ = 0; 𝑃𝑣 = 24 kips ↑
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 − ሺ3ሻሺ12 kሻ + 𝑃𝑣 = 0; 𝐴𝑣 − ሺ3ሻሺ12 kሻ + 24 k = 0; 𝐴𝑣 = 12 kips ↑

Before any attempt is made in solving the bar forces,

notice that when you pass a section in the panels
included in B-D-O-M, there will be four (4) or more bars
will be cut as seen in Fig.3. This poses a little problem
since in the earlier discussions it is advised that we
pass a section through the truss cutting at the
maximum of three (3) bars only. However, this is not
an absolute rule. The following procedure will
demonstrate on how to determine the required bar
forces. Fig.3. FBD of the truss with sections.

(a) Forces in bars JM and LO. A section is to made by cutting bars JM, MN,
NO and LO – that is section 4 (see Fig.3). The right portion of section 4 will
used for analysis and its FBD with assume direction (sense) for the forces in
the bars is shown in Fig.4. Though there are four unknowns, notice that FMN
and FNO have the same line of action. Forces FMN, FNO then FLO intersect at
point O and FMN, FNO then FJM intersect at point M. We can therefore
determine FJM when we take moment at point O and we can also determine
FLO when we take moment at point M. Solving for the bar forces FJM and FLO:
[Σ𝑀𝑂 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐽𝑀 ሺ16 ftሻ − 𝑃𝑣 ሺ15 ftሻ = 0 ; 𝐹𝐽𝑀 ሺ16 ftሻ − ሺ24 kNሻሺ15 ftሻ = 0 Fig.4. FBD of the right portion
of section 4.
𝐹𝐽𝑀 = 22.5 kips ሺCሻ

[Σ𝑀𝑀 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐿𝑂 ሺ16 ftሻ − 𝑃𝑣 ሺ15 ftሻ = 0 ; 𝐹𝐿𝑂 ሺ16 ftሻ − ሺ24 kNሻሺ15 ftሻ = 0
𝐹𝐿𝑂 = 22.5 kips ሺTሻ
From the same FBD, in case we are ask, we cannot yet determine FMN and FNO.
(b) Forces in bars JN and LN. A section is to be made by cutting bars JM, JN,
LN and LO – that is section 3 (see Fig.3). The right portion of section 3 will
used for analysis and its FBD with assumed direction (sense) for the forces
in the bars is shown in Fig.4. Though there are four bars that were cut, but
we already have the determined the forces FJM and FLO. We can therefore
determine FJN and FLN simultaneously by summing up vertical forces and
summing up horizontal forces or independently by taking moments at point J
or point L. Solving for the bar forces FJN and FLN:
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] Fig.5. FBD of the right portion
8 8 8 8
−17 𝐹𝐽𝑁 + 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 − 12 k + 𝑃𝑣 = 0 ; −17 𝐹𝐽𝑁 + 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 − 12 k + 24 k = 0 of section 3.

8 8
−17 𝐹𝐽𝑁 + 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 = −12 k ; − 𝐹𝐽𝑁 + 𝐹𝐿𝑁 = −25.5 eqn. 1

[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ]
15 15 15 15
𝐹 + 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 + 𝐹𝐽𝑀 − 𝐹𝐿𝑂 = 0 ;
17 𝐽𝑁
𝐹
17 𝐽𝑁
+ 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 + 22.5 k − 22.5 k = 0
15 15
𝐹
17 𝐽𝑁
+ 17 𝐹𝐿𝑁 = 0 ; 𝐹𝐽𝑁 + 𝐹𝐿𝑁 = 0 eqn. 2

From eqn.1 and eqn. 2: 𝐹𝐽𝑁 = 12.75 kips ሺCሻ

𝐹𝐿𝑁 = −12.75 kips = 12.75 kips ሺTሻ

Fig.5. Corrected FBD of the right
portion of section 3.

Summary: 𝐹𝐽𝑀 = 22.5 kips ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐿𝑂 = 22.5 kips ሺTሻ

𝐹𝐽𝑁 = 12.75 kips ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐿𝑁 = 12.75 kips ሺTሻ

The computed values of the forces seem to have a pattern, but it is just a coincidence. As an
exercise, determine the forces in bars MN, NO, BE, CE, FG and GI using the method of section. NO
joint analysis is allowed.
Sample Problem 5.7: Truss Analysis
Determine the force on members FG, CG, BC, EF and CF for the loaded crane truss shown in Fig.1.

Fig.1. Loaded crane truss. Fig.2. FBD of the truss and Fig.3. FBD of the truss (cable,
FBD of the hook detached)

The FBD of the truss is shown in Fig.2 where portion GFED of the continuous cable is not detached.
To establish the tension in the continuous cable, FBD of the hook is also drawn (see Fig.2) and it
can be found that the tension in the cable is 25 kN. Another way of drawing the FBD of the truss is
shown in Fig.3. If only the reactions are to be determined the FDB of the truss in Fig.2 is already
satisfactory. The FBD in Fig.3, however, gives us an idea on how to draw the free body when we
wish to determine the bar forces by either the method of joint or by method of sections or a
combination of both methods. For this problem, we can actually determine the forces in the bars
without determining the reactions at the supports, but reactions are computed here for
demonstration.

Reactions:
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 +]
𝑇𝐺𝐻ℎ ሺ4 mሻ + 𝑇𝐺𝐻𝑣 ሺ4 mሻ + ሺ25 kNሻሺ0.25 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4.25 mሻ = 0;
1 1
𝑇𝐺𝐻 ሺ4 mሻ + 𝑇𝐺𝐻 ሺ4 mሻ − 200 kN ∙ m = 0; 𝑇𝐺𝐻 = 25ξ2 kN = 35.35534 kN ሺTሻ
ξ2 ξ2

It can also be seen that TGH is perpendicular to line AG, thus the moment arm of TGH when the sum
of moment is taken at point A is ̅̅̅̅
𝐴𝐺 = 4ξ2 m = 5.68585 m.
[Σ𝑀𝐴 = 0 +]
𝑇𝐺𝐻 ൫4ξ2 m൯ + ሺ25 kNሻሺ0.25 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4.25 mሻ = 0;
𝑇𝐺𝐻 ൫4ξ2 m൯ − 200 kN ∙ m = 0; 𝑇𝐺𝐻 = 25ξ2 kN = 35.35534 kN ሺTሻ
1 1
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐴𝑣 − 𝑇𝐺𝐻 − ሺ25 kNሻ − 2ሺ25 kNሻ = 0;
ξ2 ξ2
1 1
𝐴𝑣 − ൫25ξ2 kN൯ − ሺ25 kNሻ − 2ሺ25 kNሻ = 0; 𝐴𝑣 = 92.67767 kN ↑
ξ2 ξ2

1 1 1 1
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ] 𝐴ℎ − 𝑇𝐺𝐻 + ሺ25 kNሻ = 0; 𝐴ℎ − ൫25ξ2 kN൯ + ሺ25 kNሻ = 0;
ξ2 ξ2 ξ2 ξ2

𝐴ℎ = 7.32233 kN →

(a) solving for the forces in bars FG, CG and BC using the top portion of
section 1.
[Σ𝑀𝐶 = 0 +]
𝐹𝐹𝐺 ሺ4 mሻ + ሺ25 kNሻሺ4.25 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ4.25 mሻ = 0;

𝐹𝐹𝐺 = 25 kN ሺTሻ
[Σ𝑀𝐺 = 0 +]
ሺ25 kNሻሺ0.25 mሻ + 𝐹𝐵𝐶 ሺ4 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ8 mሻ − ሺ25 kNሻሺ8.25 mሻ = 0;
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 100 kN ሺCሻ
Fig.3. FBD of the top portion of
1 section 1.
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ] 𝐹𝐶𝐺 = 0; 𝐹𝐶𝐺 = 0
ξ2
(b) solving for the forces in bar EF and CF from the FBD of the pin and pulley
at F (Fig.4)
1 1
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] 𝐹𝐸𝐹 + ሺ25 kNሻ − 𝐹𝐹𝐺 − 25 kN = 0;
ξ2 ξ2
1 1
𝐹𝐸𝐹 + ሺ25 kNሻ − 25 kN − 25 kN = 0; 𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 45.71068 kN ሺTሻ
ξ2 ξ2
1 1
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 ← + ] 𝐹𝐶𝐹 − 𝐹𝐸𝐹 − ሺ25 kNሻ = 0;
ξ2 ξ2
1 1
𝐹𝐶𝐹 − ሺ45.71068 kNሻ − ሺ25 kNሻ = 0; 𝐹𝐶𝐹 = 63.38835 kN ሺCሻ
ξ2 ξ2
Fig.4. FBD of the pin and pulley
at F.
Summary: 𝐹𝐹𝐺 = 25 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 100 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐺 = 0
𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 45.71068 kN ሺTሻ 𝐹𝐶𝐹 = 63.38835 kN ሺCሻ

Oftentimes, the method of joint and method of sections are used hand-in-hand in handling truss
analysis. It is in our decision as to what method we are going to use. But if the problem itself would
require a specific method, then we really have to solve the problem in accordance with the required
method of analysis.
 Sample Problem 5.8: Truss Analysis
Determine the force on members EF, KL and GL for the
loaded crane truss shown in Fig.1.

The FBD of the truss is drawn and shown in Fig.1 with

necessary dimensional details. Before we proceed, it
might be helpful to pause for a while and take a good
grasp of the details of the truss.
In determining the reactions at the supports, it is
but practical to replace the given loads with their
resultant R – for the determination of the reaction only.
The given loads are parallel to each other and are
symmetrical and their resultant can easily be
determined. Thus, the resultant load R = 80 kN, and Fig.1. FBD of the truss.
parallel to the given loads, with its line of action passes
though points G and K.

Reactions:
[Σ𝑀𝐼 = 0 + ] 𝐴𝑣 ሺ30 mሻ − 𝑅ሺ2ሻ൫2.5ξ3 m൯ = 0; 𝐴𝑣 ሺ30 mሻ − ሺ80 kNሻ൫5ξ3 m൯ = 0
𝐴𝑣 = 23.09401 kN ↑
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↑ + ] ξ3 ξ3
𝐴𝑣 + 𝐼𝑣 − 𝑅 = 0; 23.09401 kN + 𝐼𝑣 − ሺ80 kNሻ = 0 ; 𝐼𝑣 = 46.18802 kN ↑
2 2
1 1
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 → + ] 𝐼ℎ − 𝑅 = 0; 𝐼𝑣 − ሺ80 kNሻ = 0 ; 𝐼ℎ = 40 kN →
2 2

To determine the forces in the bars, the following procedure will be carried
out:
1. Section 1 is passed through the truss cutting bars EF, EL and KM.
The FBD of the right portion of section 1 is drawn as in Fig.2. FEF will
be determined independently by taking the sum of moments at point
K. Moment arm of FEF from K is the length ̅̅̅̅
𝐺𝐾 = 5 m.
2. From the FBD of the right portion of section 1 (Fig.2), the force in
member EL, which is FEL, will be determined by taking moment at
point I. The moment arm of FEL from point I is found by determining
the perpendicular distance of point I from the line of action of FEL. By
dimensional analysis, the moment arm of FEL from point I is 5ξ3 m.
3. At joint F, the force in member FL, which is FFL will be determined.
(see Fig.3)
4. Forces in members KL and GL, FKL and FGL respectively, by Fig.2. FBD of the right portion
of section 2
analyzing joint L. (see Fig.4)

(a) bar force in member EF, FEF: (FBD of the right portion of section 1, Fig.2)
[Σ𝑀𝐼 = 0 +] 𝐹𝐸𝐹 ሺ5 mሻ + 10 kN൫2.5ξ3 m൯ − 𝐼𝑣 ሺ10 mሻ = 0;
𝐹𝐸𝐹 ሺ5 mሻ + 10 kN൫2.5ξ3 m൯ − ሺ46.18802 kNሻሺ10 mሻ = 0;
𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 83.71579 kN ሺCሻ

(b) bar force in member EL, FEL: (FBD of the right portion of section 1, Fig.2)
[Σ𝑀𝐼 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐸𝐿 ൫5ξ3 m൯ − 60 kN൫5ξ3 m൯ = 0; 𝐹𝐸𝐿 = 60 kN ሺTሻ

(c) bar force in member FL, FFL: (FBD of the pin or joint F, Fig.3)
[Σ𝐹𝑦 = 0 + ] 𝐹𝐹𝐿 − 20 kN = 0; 𝐹𝐹𝐿 = 20 kN ሺCሻ Fig.3. FBD of the pin at F
(joint F)
(c) bar force in members KL and GL, FKL and FGL: (FBD of the pin or joint L,
Fig.4)
ξ3 ξ3 ξ3
[Σ𝐹𝑣 = 0 ↓ + ] 𝐹 + 𝐹 − 𝐹 = 0; 𝐹𝐾𝐿 + 𝐹𝐹𝐿 − 𝐹𝐸𝐿 = 0
2 𝐾𝐿 2 𝐹𝐿 2 𝐸𝐿

𝐹𝐾𝐿 + 20 kN − 60 kN = 0 ; 𝐹𝐾𝐿 = 40 kN ሺCሻ

1 1 1 1
[Σ𝐹ℎ = 0 ← + ] 𝐹𝐺𝐿 − 2𝐹𝐾𝐿 + 2𝐹𝐹𝐿 = 0; 𝐹𝐺𝐿 − 2ሺ40 kNሻ + 2ሺ20 kNሻ = 0

𝐹𝐺𝐿 = 10 kN ሺCሻ Fig.4. FBD of the pin at F

(joint F)

Summary: 𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 83.71579 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐾𝐿 = 40 kN ሺCሻ 𝐹𝐺𝐿 = 10 kN ሺCሻ

As an exercise, determine the bar force in member KG.