Truss Analysis

We have learnt how to analyse simple trusses by using the Method Joints.
There are however, many ways to skin a cat… and to analyse trusses.

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 Truss analysis – Part II
We know how to calculate
member forces in a truss
using the method of joints B C D E F G H

What if: A I
P O N M L K J
•it is a large, complex
structure, and
•we only wish to find the R1 10kN 100kN R2
forces in a central member
How many joints must we analyse to find FNE using the method of joints?
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 Complex truss structures…
After determining the support reactions, we can work from joint
A through to joint N to solve the problem:
B 57.5kN 57.5 kN C 115 kN 115 kN D 162.5 kN
81.3kN C B D C E
57.5kN 81.3kN 57.5 kN 67.2kN 47.5 kN
A P P O O N
B D E
81.3kN B C C D
57.5 kN 81.3 kN 57.5 kN 67.2 kN
A 47.5 kN 67.2 kN
57.5kN
A O P N
P 57.5 kN P 115 kN 115 kN O 162.5 kN O N M
57.5 kN 162.5 kN 210kN
10 kN

To find FEN, FDN must first be found. In total there are 7 joints to
analyse to solve the problem (plus reactions). 3
 Method of sections
Using the method of sections we can solve the same problem by
“making a hypothetical cut” in the structure:

57.5 10kN 100kN 52.5

kN kN

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 Method of sections
Then, draw the FBD of the truss section,
FEN
replacing cut members by their unknown
N member forces.
57.5 kN 10kN These are now treated as ‘external’
forces acting on the truss section

The unknown force FEN can then be found by applying one of the
three available equilibrium equations to the truss section. Which one
would be the easiest to use?

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 Procedure for analysis
Consider the truss below. How would we find the forces in member FC?

G B C

4m

A F E D
4m
2m 2m
7kN 5kN
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 Procedure for analysis
‘Cut’ the truss such that the member of interest has been cut

Make sure the cut intersects 3 or fewer members. (Think about it.)
C

E D
5kN
C
Draw the FBD of the truss section, replacing cut
members by their unknown member forces.

In the FBD internal joints and members can be

E
ignored. The unknown member forces are now D
treated as “external” forces. 5kN
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 Procedure for analysis
Find the unknown force by applying one of the three available
equilibrium equations to the truss section.

How many equations do you need to solve to find the force in

the member FC?

E D
5kN
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 Example 1
Section the truss and draw an appropriate FBD to determine the
force in member DC.

15kN

D E
5kN
2m
A C 5kN
B

4 x 3m =12m

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 Example 1
Taking either the LHS of the RHS will yield a solution
15kN
D
FDE FDE E 5kN
A FDC
FDC
RAX B FBC
FBC C
RAY 5kN
RCY

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 Example 2
Section the truss and select an appropriate FBD to calculate the force in
member BC.
L K J I H
10m
M N O P
10m
A B G
C D E F

1200N 1500N 1800N

6 @ 15m

RA = 2900N
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RG = 1600N
 Example 2
Which section line can be used to solve the problem?

L B K J I H
A
10m
M N O P
10m
A B G
C D E F
B
A

1200N 1500N 1800N

6 @ 15m

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 Worked Example 3
Find the members forces in BC, BE and FE.

B C

4m
A 3m F E D
6m

ANS:
4kN 6kN FBC = 4.125 KN C
FFE=3.375 KN T
FBE = 0.901 KN T 13
 Worked Example 4
Find the members forces in KL, CL and CB.

M
L
H I J K
6.5m
4m
A
G F E D C B ANS:
6 @ 3m
FKL = 650 KN T
200kN FCL=57.6 KN C
FCB = 571 KN C

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 Truss analysis laboratory
Calculate the support reactions for the given loading and find the
forces in members CD, DG and GF.

Theoretical values will be compared with measurements taken from strain

gauges attached to a plane truss with identical supports and loading.
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 Homework

Homework Problems Tutorial Problems

6.31, 6.47 6.33, 6.50

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