Chapter 6 Structural Analysis
Chapter 6 Structural Analysis
Structural Analysis
6.1 Simple Trusses
A truss is a structure composed of slender members
joined together at their end points.
Trusses are
commonly used
to support
roofs.
Trusses are
also used in a
variety of
structures like
cranes and
the frames of
aircraft or the
space station.
If a truss, along with the imposed load, lies in a single plane
(as shown at the top right), then it is called a planar truss.
Actual vs. Ideal Joints of Trusses
The joint connections are usually
formed by:
bolting or welding the ends
of the members to a common
plate, called a gusset plate
OR
passing a large bolt or pin
We assume these as through each of the members
smooth pins
*This is one of two main assumptions that will simplify our analysis
A simple truss is a planar truss which
begins with a triangular element and can
be expanded by adding two members and
a joint. For these trusses, the number of
members (M) and the number of joints (J)
are related by the equation
M = 2 J – 3.
ANALYSIS & DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS
When designing the members and joints of a truss, first it is
necessary to determine the forces in each truss member. This
is called the force analysis of a truss. When doing this, two
assumptions are made:
1. All loads are applied at the joints. The weight
of the truss members is often neglected as the
weight is usually small compared to the forces
supported by the members.
2. The members are joined together by
smooth pins. This assumption is satisfied in
most practical cases where the joints are
formed by bolting the ends together.
With these two assumptions, the
members act as two-force members.
They are loaded in either tension or
compression. Often compressive members
are made thicker to prevent buckling.
6.2 The Method of Joints
Extra: if we
need to find
support
reactions at A
(Cont.)
Determine the forces acting in all the members of the truss.
Note: Pin at A and Roller at C.
Ax
Ay Cy
(Cont.)
Joint B
B 3 kN
45° 45°
FBA 5.02 kN
4.1 kN
6.3 Zero-Force Members
• Identifying truss members which support no
loading can significantly simplify analysis.
used to increase the stability of the truss
during construction and to provide added
support if the loading is changed.
• Helpful rules for allocating some of them:
1. Truss joints formed of two non-
collinear members with no external
load or support reaction applied to the
joint
2. The third member in truss joints
formed of three members; where the
other two are collinear, with no external
load or support reaction applied to the
joint.
Using the method of joints, determine all the zero-force members of the Fink roof
truss shown. Assume all joints are pin connected.
√
Zero-force
Members
found from
rules
√
Looking for
Other Zero-
force Members
√
6–17. If the maximum force that any
member can support is 8 kN in
tension and 6 kN in compression,
determine the maximum force P that
can be supported at joint D .
6.4 The Method of Sections
We need to find x:
4 6
Also from geometry we From geometry: =
4+ x 8+ x
get angle of FCF
⇒x= 4m
Determine the force in member EB of the roof truss
ΣMB= 0
FED√
ΣFx= 0 FEF√
ΣFy= 0 FEB√
Frames Machines
T2 T1
ΣFy for both will yield two equations with two unknowns