CHAPTER III: ANALYSIS OF STATICALLY DETERMINATE TRUSSES (PLANAR AND SPATIAL

TRUSSES)

LECTURE 5 Part 1: Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses: Joint Method

5.1.1 Common Types/Forms of Trusses
5.1.2 Classification of Coplanar Trusses
5.1.3 Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses by Joint Method

LEARNING OUTCOMES (LOs):

LO 10: Identify and able to draw different types of trusses, and classify trusses in order
to specify its determinacy and stability.
LO 11: Analyze and solve statically determinate trusses using joint method.

DISCUSSION/PRESENTATION OF THE LESSON:

5.1.1 Common Types of Trusses

A truss (see figure 32) is a structure composed of slender members joined together at
their end points. The members commonly used in construction consist of wooden struts, metal
bars, angles, or channels. The joint connections are usually formed by bolting or welding the
ends of the members to a common plate, called a gusset plate, as shown in figure 33, or by
simply passing a large bolt or pin through each of the members. (R. C. Hibbeler, Structural
Analysis 9th Ed.)

It is noted that a truss is a two-force member subjected to axial forces only, therefore,
the forces acting at the ends of the member must be directed along the axis of the member,
and the loads are assumed to be concentrated at the joints. If the force tends to elongate the
member, it is a tensile force, (𝑇) as shown in figure 34; whereas if the force tends to shorten
the member, it is a compressive force (𝐶) as shown in figure 35. It is completely analyzed when
the stresses in all members (bottom chord, top chord, and web members) are determined.

In the actual design of a truss it is important to state whether the force is tensile or
compressive. Most often, compression members must be made thicker than tension members,
because of the buckling or sudden instability that may occur in compression members.

TOP CHORD

WEB MEMBERS

BOTTOM CHORD

Figure 32: 2D Truss Model

Figure 34: Tensile Member

Figure 35: Compression Member

Figure 33: Gusset Plate

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Common Types of Trusses

I. Roof Trusses. Roof trusses are often used as part of an industrial building frame,
and residential buildings, (see figure 36). The roof load is transmitted to the truss at
joints by means of a series of purlins. Ordinarily, roof trusses are supported either
by columns of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, or by masonry walls. The roof truss
along with its supporting columns is termed a bent. To keep the bent rigid, and
thereby capable of resisting horizontal wind forces, knee braces are sometimes used
at the supporting columns. The space between adjacent bents is called a bay. Bays
are often tied together using diagonal bracing in order to maintain rigidity of the
building’s structure.

Figure 36: Roof System

Considerations in selecting the types of Roof Trusses to be used:

a. Span
b. Slope of the roof
c. Roof materials

Common Types/Forms of Roof Trusses: (see figure 37)

a. Scissors Truss
b. Howe Truss
c. Pratt Truss
d. Fan Truss
e. Fink Truss
f. Cambered Fink Truss
g. Warren Truss
h. Sawtooth Truss
i. Bowstring Truss
j. Three-hinged Arch

Figure 37: Types/Forms of Roof Trusses

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 II. Bridge Trusses. The main structural elements of a typical bridge truss are shown
in figure 38. Here it is seen that a load on the deck is first transmitted to stringers,
then to floor beams, and finally to the joints of the two supporting side trusses. The
top and bottom cords of these side trusses are connected by top and bottom lateral
bracing, which serves to resist the lateral forces caused by wind and the sidesway
caused by moving vehicles on the bridge. Additional stability is provided by the portal
and sway bracing. As in the case of many long-span trusses, a roller is provided at
one end of a bridge truss to allow for thermal expansion.

Figure 38: Bridge Truss

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 Common Types/Forms of Bridge Trusses: (See figure 39)
a. Pratt
b. Howe
c. Warren (with verticals)
d. Parker
e. Baltimore
f. Subdivided Warren
g. K-truss

Figure 39: Types/Forms of Bridge Trusses

5.1.2 Classifications of Coplanar Trusses

Before starting the force analysis of a truss, it is important to classify the truss as
simple, compound, or complex, in order to specify its determinacy and stability.

I. Simple Truss. It is constructed by starting with a basic triangular element, such as

ABC in figure 40a and 40b, since the simplest framework that is rigid or stable is a
triangle. To form an additional element, increased the number of joint in the truss,
as shown in figure 40a, connecting two members (AD and BD) to an additional joint
D.

Figure 40a: Simple Truss Figure 40b: Simple Truss

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 II. Compound Truss. It is formed by connecting two or more simple trusses together.
Quite often this classification of truss is used to support loads acting over a large
span, since it is cheaper to construct a somewhat lighter compound truss than to
use a heavier single simple truss. (see figure 41)

Figure 41: Various Types of Compound Trusses

III. Complex Truss. All trusses that cannot be classified as being either simple or
compound are considered as complex truss. (see figure 42)

Figure 42: Complex Truss

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5.1.3 Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses by Joint Method

If a truss is in equilibrium, then each of its joints must also be in equilibrium. Hence,
the method of joints consists of satisfying the equilibrium conditions ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 and ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 for
the forces exerted on the pin at each joint of the truss.
When using the method of joints, it is necessary to draw each joint’s free-body diagram
before applying the equilibrium equations. Recall that the line of action of each member force
acting on the joint is specified from the geometry of the truss, since the force in a member
passes along the axis of the member. As an example, consider joint B of the truss in figure 43a.
From the free-body diagram, figure 43b, the only unknowns are the magnitudes of the forces
in members BA and BC. As shown, 𝐹𝐵𝐴 is away from point B, which indicates that member BA
is in tension, whereas 𝐹𝐵𝐶 is towards point B, and consequently, member BC is in compression.
These effects are clearly demonstrated by drawing the free-body diagrams of the connected
members, figure 43c.
In all cases, the joint analysis should start at a joint having at least one known force
and at most two unknown forces. In this way, application of ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 and ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 yields two
algebraic equations that can be solved for the two unknowns. When applying these equations,
the correct sense of an unknown member force can be determined based on the assumed
direction and the sign of the magnitude of the forces in the result.

Figure 43a

Figure 43b Figure 43c

Suggested Procedure for Truss Analysis using Joint Method

The following procedure provides a means for analyzing a truss using the method of joints.
1. Draw the free-body diagram of a joint having at least one known force and at most two
unknown forces. (If this joint is at one of the supports, it may be necessary to calculate
the external reactions at the supports by drawing a free-body diagram of the entire
truss.)
2. The x and y axes should be oriented such that the forces on the free-body diagram can
be easily resolved into their x and y components.
3. Apply the two force equilibrium equations ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 and ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0, solve for the two
unknown member forces, and verify their correct directional sense.
4. Continue to analyze each of the other joints, where again it is necessary to choose a
joint having at most two unknowns and at least one known force.
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 5. Once the force in a member is found from the analysis of a joint at one of its ends, the
result can be used to analyze the forces acting on the joint at its other end.

Notes:
• If the result of the magnitude of a force is positive, the assumed direction
of the force is correct.
• A member in compression acts towards the joint and a member in tension
is directed away from the joint.
• All external forces must apply or act at the joints of the truss in order to
analyze. If the given loadings are uniform, convert this into equivalent
concentrated load acting at the joints of the members concerned.

Example 1. Determine the force in each member of the roof truss shown in the photo below.
The dimensions and loadings are shown in the 2D model in figure 44. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. Use method of joint in analyzing the truss.

Figure 44

Solution:
• Since the truss is symmetrical, just consider the half part of the truss in determining
the internal forces.
• Observe that the given loads are vertical, this signifies that no horizontal component of
forces to be supported.

1. Solve for the components of the reaction either at point A or at point G.

Considering the hinged support at point A.

𝐴𝑥 = 0; since no horizontal components of the given loads.

𝐴𝑦 = 𝑅𝐺 ; since the loads are symmetrical.

Considering the whole truss as free-body diagram

3+2+3
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0: 𝐴𝑦 = 𝑅𝐺 = 2 = 4 𝐾𝑁

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 2. Isolate joint A to solve for forces at members AB and AC.

Assume member AC as tension (away from point A), hence, to maintain static
equilibrium, member AB is compression (towards point A). Indicate all forces acting
at joint A showing their directions. Note: the isolated FBD is a concurrent force
system.

Solve the force at member AB:

(+ ↑) ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0; 𝐴𝑦 − 𝐴𝐵𝑦 = 0
4 − 𝐴𝐵 sin 30 = 0
4
Solving for 𝐴𝐵: 𝐴𝐵 = sin 30 = 8 𝐾𝑁

𝑨𝑩 = 𝟖 𝑲𝑵 (Compression) answer

Since, the magnitude of member AB is positive, it signifies that the assumed

direction for member AB is TRUE. 𝐴𝐵 = 𝐺𝐹 = 8 𝐾𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛, since, the truss is
symmetrical.

Solve the force at member AC:

(+ →) ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0; 𝐴𝑥 + 𝐴𝐶 − 𝐴𝐵𝑥 = 0
0 + 𝐴𝐶 − 𝐴𝐵 cos 30 = 0
𝐴𝐶 = 8 cos 30 = 6.93 𝐾𝑁

𝑨𝑪 = 𝟔. 𝟗𝟑 𝑲𝑵 (Tension) answer
Since, the magnitude of member AC is positive, it signifies that the assumed
direction for member AC is TRUE. 𝐴𝐶 = 𝐺𝐸 = 6.93 𝐾𝑁 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛, since, the truss is
symmetrical.

3. Isolate joint B to solve for the forces at members BD and BC.

Consider the TRUE direction of BA which is compression. Assume member BD as

compression (towards point B), and member BC as tension (away from point B).
Indicate all forces acting at joint B showing their directions.

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 (+ ↑) ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0; 𝐴𝐵𝑦 − 𝐵𝐷𝑦 − 𝐵𝐶𝑦 − 3 = 0
Substitute values and simplify:
8 sin 30 − 𝐵𝐷 cos 60 − 𝐵𝐶 sin 30 − 3 = 0

𝐵𝐷 cos 60 + 𝐵𝐶 sin 30 = 1 eq. 1

(+ →) ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0; 𝐴𝐵𝑥 − 𝐵𝐷𝑥 + 𝐵𝐶𝑥 = 0

Substitute values and simplify:
8 cos 30 − 𝐵𝐷 sin 60 + 𝐵𝐶 cos 30 − 3 = 0

𝐵𝐷 sin 60 − 𝐵𝐶 cos 30 = 6.93 eq. 2

Solve equations 1 and 2 simultaneously:

𝐵𝐷 = 5 𝐾𝑁, 𝐵𝐶 = −3 𝐾𝑁
Therefore,
𝑩𝑫 = 𝟓 𝑲𝑵 (Compression) answer
𝑩𝑪 = 𝟑 𝑲𝑵 (Compression) answer

The assumed direction of BD is TRUE since, its magnitude is positive. For member BC, the
magnitude is negative, it signifies that the assumed direction for member BC is NOT TRUE,
therefore, the correct direction for member BC is compression.

It is also noted that 𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐷 = 5 𝐾𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 and 𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐸 = 3 𝐾𝑁 𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛, since

the truss is symmetrical.

4. Isolate joint C to solve for the forces at members CE and CD.

Consider the TRUE direction of CA which is tension, and CB as compression.

Assume member CE as tension (away from point C), and member CD as tension
also (away from point C), to maintain static equilibrium at joint C. Indicate all forces
acting at joint C showing their directions.

Solve the force at member CD:

(+ ↑) ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0; 𝐶𝐷𝑦 − 𝐶𝐵𝑦 = 0
𝐶𝐷 sin 60 − 3 sin 30 = 0

3 sin 30
Solving for 𝐶𝐷: 𝐶𝐷 = sin 60
= 1.73 𝐾𝑁

𝑪𝑫 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑 𝑲𝑵 (Tension) answer

Since, the magnitude of member CD is positive, it signifies that the assumed

direction for member CD is TRUE. 𝐶𝐷 = 𝐷𝐸 = 1.73 𝐾𝑁 𝑡𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛, since, the truss is
symmetrical.
Solve the force at member CE:
(+ →) ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0; 𝐶𝐸 − 𝐶𝐴 + 𝐶𝐷𝑥 + 𝐶𝐵𝑥 = 0

𝐶𝐸 − 6.93 + 1.73 cos 60 + 3 cos 30 = 0

Solving for 𝐶𝐸: 𝐶𝐸 = 3.47 𝐾𝑁

𝑪𝑬 = 𝟑. 𝟒𝟕 𝑲𝑵 (Tension) answer
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 Since, the magnitude of member CE is positive, it signifies that the assumed
direction for member CE is TRUE.

Summary of the forces acting in each member of the truss:

REFERENCES:
A. BOOKS
• Hibbler, R.C., Structural Analysis, 9th Ed., Prentice Hall
• Rajan. S.D., Introduction to Structural Analysis and Design, John Wiley &
Sons, 2001

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