2.5.

2 INFLUENCE LINES
ON TRUSS
Trusses are often used as primary
load – carrying elements for bridges.
Since the truss members are affected
only by the joint loading, we can
therefore obtain the ordinate values of
the influence line for a member by
loading each joint along the deck with a
unit load and then use the method of
joints or the method of sections to
calculate the force in the member.
• As Convention, if the member
force is tensile it is considered
as positive value and if it is
compressive it is considered
negative.
Steps in Constructing the Influence Line for Trusses
• Place the unit load at “x” distance to calculate the
reactions at supports.
• Pass a section through the members and isolate the
left / right segment to determine the required
member.
• The data can be arranged in tabular form, listing
“UNIT LOAD AT JOINT” versus “FORCE IN MEMBER”.
“x” Distance “Required” Member
x1 Force “T or C”
x2 Force “T or C”
xn Force “T or C”

• Plot the tabular data and draw straight line between

the points to illustrate the Influence Line.
Illustrative Examples 37.
Draw the Influence Line for the Force
in member GB and GC of the bridge
truss shown.
Illustrative Examples 38.
The Parker Truss shown carries a uniform live
load of 30 kN/m and a concentrated live load
of 90 kN. Using the Influence line in each case.
• Compute the live load stress of member FC
• Compute the live load stress of member FG
• Compute the live load stress of member GC