MEC1009F/S

Introduction to Engineering Mechanics

Lecture 14
Structures -
Method of Joints
MK&B 4/1-4/3
External & Internal Forces MEC1009F/S

Thus far in this course, we have been concerned with the

external forces acting on a body.
In this section, however, we study the forces internal to a
structure.
An engineering structure is a connected system of
members built to support or transfer loads.
The typical aim is to isolate and determining the load on an
internal members of a structure, using a FBD approach, to
allow one to then design that particular member.
This section will consider only statically determinate
structures, i.e. trusses, frames and machines.
A truss is a framework composed of members joined at
their ends to form a rigid structure.
Bridge Truss MEC1009F/S

Each vertical side of the structure is a plane truss (i.e. 2D). A

simplified model is indicated at the left end of the illustration. The
forces L represent the portions of the weights of the roadway,
vehicles, stringers, and cross beams which are transferred to the truss
joints. Note that joints are modeled as simple pins, even though
they might actually be gusset plates or welded connections.
Common Bridge Truss Shapes MEC1009F/S
Common Roof Truss Shapes MEC1009F/S
Features of Simple Trusses MEC1009F/S

Simple Trusses
• Rigid (i.e. non-collapsible)
• Two-Force Members
• Forces at joints (i.e. no bending)
• Member weight negligible
• …or applied at joints
Simple Truss Connections & Supports MEC1009F/S

Connections between Members

• Typically welded it riveted
• … but treated as a pin-joint
• …i.e. bending negligible
Support Representation
• Roller/rocker on one side
• …i.e. statically determinate
Internal and External Redundancy MEC1009F/S

Check if the structure is statically determinate

External / Internal Redundancy

Number of Internal Members = m

Number of Joint Connections = j

Truss is statically determinate internally if

m + 3 = 2j
Method of Joints - General Procedure MEC1009F/S

1.In general, find the external reactions first (this may or may
not be necessary).
2.Start by analyzing a joint where a known applied load(s)
acts, and at most, two unknown truss forces are present.
3.Apply a sum of forces in an appropriate x- and y-direction
at this joint.
4.Draw members in tension or compression, and stay
consistent with your choice until you move to the next joint.
5.Solve the equilibrium equations for the unknown truss
forces.
6.Move to the next adjacent joint and repeat the process.
MK&B Sample Problem 4/1 MEC1009F/S

Consider the cantilever truss shown in the

accompanying figure and compute the force
in each member using the method of joints.
General Joint Analysis in Trusses MEC1009F/S

Avoiding Simultaneous Equations

Summing Forces along x-Axis Eliminates F1

Summing Forces along x′-Axis Eliminates F2
Special Conditions in Trusses MEC1009F/S

Three Members at a Joint, Two are Collinear

Special Conditions in Trusses MEC1009F/S

Two Pairs of Collinear Members at a Joint

Special Conditions in Trusses MEC1009F/S

Two Members at a Joint, Not Collinear

Special Conditions in Trusses MEC1009F/S

Cross Bracing
 Statically indeterminate
 …unless cables which only act in tension
 … i.e. ignore member if in compression