CE 231

Lecture 4: Statically Determinate Trusses

Kshitij Kumar Yadav

Department of Civil Engineering

Indian Institute of Technology (BHU)
Determinacy and Stability

Determinacy

When all the forces in a structure can be determined strictly

from these equations, the structure is referred to as statically
determinate.

For coplanar structures

𝑟 = 3𝑛, Statically determinate
𝑟 > 3𝑛, Statically indeterminate
𝑛 is total parts and r is unknown forces and moment
Determinacy and Stability

Stability

1. Partial Constraints

2. Improper Constraints
Determinacy and Stability

Stability

For coplanar structures

𝑟 < 3𝑛, Unstable
𝑟 ≥ 3𝑛, Unstable if members reactions
are concurrent or parallel or some
of the components from a collapsible
mechanics

𝑛 is total parts and r is unknown forces and moment

Trusses

Trusses
Trusses

Trusses
Trusses

Trusses
Trusses

Analysis Assumptions

1. The members are joined together by smooth pins

2. All loadings are applied at the joints

a b
Trusses

Consequences of the Assumptions

Each truss member acts as an axial force member, and therefore

the forces acting at the ends of the member must be directed
along the axis of the member
Determinacy and Stability

Determinacy

When all the forces in a structure can be determined strictly

from these equations, the structure is referred to as statically
determinate.
For coplanar trusses
𝑏 + 𝑟 = 2𝑗, Statically determinate
𝑏 + 𝑟 > 2𝑗, Statically indeterminate
𝑏 is number of bars of the truss, 𝑟 is unknown
support reactions, and 𝑗 is number of joints
Determinacy and Stability

Examples

a b

c d
Determinacy and Stability

Stability

For coplanar trusses

𝑏 + 𝑟 < 2𝑗 , Unstable
𝑏 + 𝑟 ≥ 2𝑗, Unstable if truss support reactions
are concurrent or parallel or if
some of the components of the
truss form a collapsible mechanism

𝑏 is number of bars of the truss, 𝑟 is unknown

support reactions, and 𝑗 is number of joints
Determinacy and Stability

External Stability

Improper Constraints