Theory of Structures 1

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES - TRUSS

WHAT IS A TRUSS?

Truss is a rigid structure made up of a collection of straight

members. It follow the assumption that:

 All joints of truss (excluding supports) are considered pin

connection.
 All point loads acts only at the joints.
AXIAL FORCES IN TRUSS
METHOD OF JOINTS
EXAMPLE NO. 1
METHOD OF SECTIONS
EXAMPLE NO. 2
ZERO-FORCE MEMBERS

 If a joint has only two non-collinear members and there is no external load or
support reaction at that joint, then those two members are zero-force members.

 If three members form a truss joint for which two of the members are collinear
and there is no external load or reaction at that joint, then the third non-collinear
member is a zero force member,
TRIVIA!
KEY POINTS

 Axial forces can be either in tension or in compression

 Planar trusses are solved using the three basic equilibrium equation
 Method of joints and sections are used to solve planar trusses
 Zero-force member adds stability to the structure even if it doesn’t
have any force
QUIZ