280 CHAPTER 6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

6.4 The Method of Sections

T When we need to find the force in only a few members of a truss, we can
analyze the truss using the method of sections. It is based on the principle
T that if the truss is in equilibrium then any segment of the truss is also in
equilibrium. For example, consider the two truss members shown on the
left in Fig. 6–14. If the forces within the members are to be determined, then
an imaginary section, indicated by the blue line, can be used to cut each
T member into two parts and thereby “expose” each internal force as
Internal T “external” to the free-body diagrams shown on the right. Clearly, it can be
tensile seen that equilibrium requires that the member in tension (T) be subjected
forces
to a “pull,” whereas the member in compression (C) is subjected to a “push.”
The method of sections can also be used to “cut” or section the members
T of an entire truss. If the section passes through the truss and the free-body
Tension diagram of either of its two parts is drawn, we can then apply the equations
T of equilibrium to that part to determine the member forces at the “cut
section.” Since only three independent equilibrium equations ( ⌺Fx = 0,
⌺Fy = 0, ⌺MO = 0) can be applied to the free-body diagram of any
C segment, then we should try to select a section that, in general, passes
through not more than three members in which the forces are unknown.
C
For example, consider the truss in Fig. 6–15a. If the forces in members BC,
6
GC, and GF are to be determined, then section aa would be appropriate.
The free-body diagrams of the two segments are shown in Figs. 6–15b and
C
6–15c. Note that the line of action of each member force is specified from
the geometry of the truss, since the force in a member is along its axis. Also,
Internal
compressive C the member forces acting on one part of the truss are equal but opposite to
forces those acting on the other part—Newton’s third law. Members BC and GC
are assumed to be in tension since they are subjected to a “pull,” whereas
C
GF in compression since it is subjected to a “push.”
The three unknown member forces FBC, FGC, and FGF can be obtained by
Compression
C applying the three equilibrium equations to the free-body diagram in
Fig. 6–15b. If, however, the free-body diagram in Fig. 6–15c is considered,
the three support reactions Dx, Dy and Ex will have to be known, because
only three equations of equilibrium are available. (This, of course, is done in
Fig. 6–14 the usual manner by considering a free-body diagram of the entire truss.)

a
B C D

2m

A
G a F E
2m 2m 2m
1000 N

Fig. 6–15
 6.4 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS 281

When applying the equilibrium equations, we should carefully

consider ways of writing the equations so as to yield a direct solution for
each of the unknowns, rather than having to solve simultaneous
equations. For example, using the truss segment in Fig. 6–15b and
summing moments about C would yield a direct solution for FGF since
FBC and FGC create zero moment about C. Likewise, FBC can be directly
obtained by summing moments about G. Finally, FGC can be found
directly from a force summation in the vertical direction since FGF and
FBC have no vertical components. This ability to determine directly the
force in a particular truss member is one of the main advantages of
The forces in selected members of this
using the method of sections.* Pratt truss can readily be determined
As in the method of joints, there are two ways in which we can using the method of sections.
determine the correct sense of an unknown member force:

• The correct sense of an unknown member force can in many cases

be determined “by inspection.” For example, FBC is a tensile force as
represented in Fig. 6–15b since moment equilibrium about G
requires that FBC create a moment opposite to that of the 1000-N
force. Also, FGC is tensile since its vertical component must balance
the 1000-N force which acts downward. In more complicated cases,
the sense of an unknown member force may be assumed. If the
solution yields a negative scalar, it indicates that the force’s sense is
opposite to that shown on the free-body diagram. 6

• Always assume that the unknown member forces at the cut section
are tensile forces, i.e., “pulling” on the member. By doing this, the
numerical solution of the equilibrium equations will yield positive
scalars for members in tension and negative scalars for members in
compression.

*Notice that if the method of joints were used to determine, say, the force in member
GC, it would be necessary to analyze joints A, B, and G in sequence.

2m
FBC C Dy

FGC FBC C 2m
2m
45⬚ Dx
45⬚
2m
G FGF FGC

2m G Ex
FGF
1000 N
(b) (c)

Fig. 6–15 (cont.)

 282 CHAPTER 6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

Simple trusses are often used in the construction of large

cranes in order to reduce the weight of the boom and tower.

6 Procedure for Analysis

The forces in the members of a truss may be determined by the

method of sections using the following procedure.
Free-Body Diagram.
• Make a decision on how to “cut” or section the truss through the
members where forces are to be determined.
• Before isolating the appropriate section, it may first be necessary
to determine the truss’s support reactions. If this is done then the
three equilibrium equations will be available to solve for member
forces at the section.
• Draw the free-body diagram of that segment of the sectioned
truss which has the least number of forces acting on it.
• Use one of the two methods described above for establishing the
sense of the unknown member forces.
Equations of Equilibrium.
• Moments should be summed about a point that lies at the
intersection of the lines of action of two unknown forces, so that
the third unknown force can be determined directly from the
moment equation.
• If two of the unknown forces are parallel, forces may be summed
perpendicular to the direction of these unknowns to determine
directly the third unknown force.
 6.4 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS 283

EXAMPLE 6.5
Determine the force in members GE, GC, and BC of the truss shown G a E
in Fig. 6–16a. Indicate whether the members are in tension or 400 N
compression. 3m
A B C
D
a
SOLUTION
4m 4m 4m
Section aa in Fig. 6–16a has been chosen since it cuts through the
1200 N
three members whose forces are to be determined. In order to use the
(a)
method of sections, however, it is first necessary to determine the
external reactions at A or D. Why? A free-body diagram of the entire
truss is shown in Fig. 6–16b. Applying the equations of equilibrium,
we have
+ ⌺Fx = 0;
S 400 N - Ax = 0 Ax = 400 N
a+ ⌺MA = 0; -1200 N(8 m) - 400 N(3 m) + Dy(12 m) = 0 400 N

Dy = 900 N 3m
A
+ c ⌺Fy = 0; Ay - 1200 N + 900 N = 0 Ay = 300 N Ax
D

Free-Body Diagram. For the analysis the free-body diagram of the 8m 4m

Ay Dy
left portion of the sectioned truss will be used, since it involves the least 1200 N
(b)
6
number of forces, Fig. 6–16c.

Equations of Equilibrium. Summing moments about point G

eliminates FGE and FGC and yields a direct solution for FBC.

a+ ⌺MG = 0; -300 N(4 m) - 400 N(3 m) + FBC(3 m) = 0

FBC = 800 N (T) Ans. G FGE
In the same manner, by summing moments about point C we obtain 3
5
3m FGC
a direct solution for FGE. 4
A
C
a+ ⌺MC = 0; -300 N(8 m) + FGE (3 m) = 0 400 N FBC
4m 4m
FGE = 800 N (C) Ans.
300 N
Since FBC and FGE have no vertical components, summing forces in (c)
the y direction directly yields FGC, i.e.,
Fig. 6–16
+ c ⌺Fy = 0; 300 N - 3
5 FGC = 0
FGC = 500 N (T) Ans.

NOTE: Here it is possible to tell, by inspection, the proper direction

for each unknown member force. For example, ⌺MC = 0 requires FGE
to be compressive because it must balance the moment of the 300-N
force about C.
 284 CHAPTER 6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

EXAMPLE 6.6
Determine the force in member CF of the truss shown in Fig. 6–17a.
Indicate whether the member is in tension or compression. Assume
each member is pin connected.
G
a
2m
H F

4m

A D E
B C a
8m 4m 4m
4m 4m 4m 4m

5 kN 3 kN 3.25 kN 5 kN 3 kN 4.75 kN
(a) (b)

Fig. 6–17

SOLUTION
Free-Body Diagram. Section aa in Fig. 6–17a will be used since
this section will “expose” the internal force in member CF as
6 “external” on the free-body diagram of either the right or left portion
of the truss. It is first necessary, however, to determine the support
reactions on either the left or right side. Verify the results shown on
the free-body diagram in Fig. 6–17b.

The free-body diagram of the right portion of the truss, which is the
easiest to analyze, is shown in Fig. 6–17c. There are three unknowns,
FFG, FCF, and FCD.
G

FFG F
2m Equations of Equilibrium. We will apply the moment equation
6 m FCF about point O in order to eliminate the two unknowns FFG and FCD.
4m The location of point O measured from E can be determined from
FCF cos 45⬚C O proportional triangles, i.e., 4>(4 + x) = 6>(8 + x), x = 4 m. Or, stated
45⬚ FCD D E in another manner, the slope of member GF has a drop of 2 m to a
4m 4m x
FCF sin 45⬚ horizontal distance of 4 m. Since FD is 4 m, Fig. 6–17c, then from D to
3 kN 4.75 kN O the distance must be 8 m.
(c)
An easy way to determine the moment of FCF about point O is to use
the principle of transmissibility and slide FCF to point C, and then
resolve FCF into its two rectangular components. We have

a+ ⌺MO = 0;
-FCF sin 45⬚ ( 12 m ) + ( 3 kN )( 8 m ) - ( 4.75 kN )( 4 m ) = 0
FCF = 0.589 kN (C) Ans.
 6.4 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS 285

EXAMPLE 6.7
Determine the force in member EB of the roof truss shown in 1000 N
Fig. 6–18a. Indicate whether the member is in tension or compression.
3000 N 1000 N
b E b
SOLUTION 1000 N a
Free-Body Diagrams. By the method of sections, any imaginary F D
section that cuts through EB, Fig. 6–18a, will also have to cut through
A 30⬚ C
three other members for which the forces are unknown. For example,
a B
section aa cuts through ED, EB, FB, and AB. If a free-body diagram of
the left side of this section is considered, Fig. 6–18b, it is possible to 2m 2m 2m 2m
obtain FED by summing moments about B to eliminate the other three 4000 N 2000 N
unknowns; however, FEB cannot be determined from the remaining two (a)
equilibrium equations. One possible way of obtaining FEB is first to
determine FED from section aa, then use this result on section bb,
Fig. 6–18a, which is shown in Fig. 6–18c. Here the force system is
concurrent and our sectioned free-body diagram is the same as the
free-body diagram for the joint at E.
1000 N
y
3000 N
E
6
1000 N 30⬚ 1000 N
FFB FED
FEB E
A 30⬚ C FED cos 30⬚ x
B 30⬚ 30⬚
FAB
FEF FED ⫽ 3000 N
2m 2m 4m
4000 N FED sin 30⬚ FEB
(b) (c)

Fig. 6–18

Equations of Equilibrium. In order to determine the moment of

FED about point B, Fig. 6–18b, we will use the principle of transmissibility
and slide the force to point C and then resolve it into its rectangular
components as shown. Therefore,
a+ ⌺MB = 0; 1000 N(4 m) + 3000 N(2 m) - 4000 N(4 m)
+ FED sin 30⬚(4 m) = 0
FED = 3000 N (C)
Considering now the free-body diagram of section bb, Fig. 6–18c, we have
S+ ⌺Fx = 0; FEF cos 30⬚ - 3000 cos 30⬚ N = 0
FEF = 3000 N (C)
+ c ⌺Fy = 0; 2 ( 3000 sin 30⬚ N ) - 1000 N - FEB = 0
FEB = 2000 N ( T ) Ans.
 286 CHAPTER 6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

FUNDAMENTAL PROBLEMS

All problem solutions must include FBDs. F6–10. Determine the force in members EF, CF, and BC
of the truss. State if the members are in tension or
F6–7. Determine the force in members BC, CF, and FE. compression.
State if the members are in tension or compression.
F
G F E
G E

4 ft 30⬚ f 30⬚
A D
B C
6 ft 6 ft 6 ft
A B C D
4 ft 4 ft 4 ft
300 lb 300 lb
600 lb 600 lb
800 lb F6–10

F6–7 F6–11. Determine the force in members GF, GD, and CD

of the truss. State if the members are in tension or
compression.
F6–8. Determine the force in members LK, KC, and CD
G
of the Pratt truss. State if the members are in tension or
compression. 1m F
H
6 L K J I H
2m
f
A E
3m
f B C D
A 2m 2m 2m 2m
G
B C D E F
10 kN
25 kN 15 kN
2m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m

20 kN 30 kN F6–11
40 kN
F6–12. Determine the force in members DC, HI, and JI of
F6–8 the truss. State if the members are in tension or compression.
Suggestion: Use the sections shown.
F6–9. Determine the force in members KJ, KD, and CD 9 ft 6 ft 6 ft 9 ft
of the Pratt truss. State if the members are in tension or G F
E
compression.
6 ft
1200 lb J
L K J I H s H D s 1600 lb
6 ft t t
K
3m C
I
A f
G
B C D E F 12 ft

2m 2m 2m 2m 2m 2m
A B
20 kN 30 kN
40 kN 6 ft 6 ft

F6–9 F6–12
 6.4 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS 287

PROBLEMS

All problem solutions must include FBDs. 6–31. Determine the force in members CD, CJ, KJ, and
DJ of the truss which serves to support the deck of a bridge.
6–27. Determine the force in members HG, HE, and DE State if these members are in tension or compression.
of the truss, and state if the members are in tension or *6–32. Determine the force in members EI and JI of the
compression. truss which serves to support the deck of a bridge. State if
*6–28. Determine the force in members CD, HI, and CJ of these members are in tension or compression.
the truss, and state if the members are in tension or
compression.

8000 lb
4000 lb 5000 lb
K J I H G
B C D E F
4 ft A G

A
F 12 ft
B C D E

3 ft 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft 3 ft
L K J I H
1500 lb 1500 lb 1500 lb 1500 lb 1500 lb 9 ft 9 ft 9 ft 9 ft 9 ft 9 ft

Probs. 6–27/28 6
Probs. 6–31/32

6–29. Determine the force in members GB and GF of the 6–33. Determine the force in member GJ of the truss and
bridge truss and state if these members are in tension or state if this member is in tension or compression.
compression. 6–34. Determine the force in member GC of the truss and
6–30. Determine the force in members EC, EF, and FC of state if this member is in tension or compression.
the bridge truss and state if these members are in tension or
compression.

1000 lb
10 ft 4 ft 4 ft 10 ft
G F E
1000 lb G

1000 lb H
J
10 ft

30
A D A E
B C B C D
10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft
600 lb
800 lb 1000 lb

Probs. 6–29/30 Probs. 6–33/34

 288 CHAPTER 6 STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

6–35. Determine the force in members BC, HC, and HG. 6–39. Determine the force in members IC and CG of the
After the truss is sectioned use a single equation of truss and state if these members are in tension or
equilibrium for the calculation of each force. State if these compression. Also, indicate all zero-force members.
members are in tension or compression. *6–40. Determine the force in members JE and GF of the
*6–36. Determine the force in members CD, CF, and CG truss and state if these members are in tension or
and state if these members are in tension or compression. compression. Also, indicate all zero-force members.

B C D

5 kN
4 kN 4 kN 2m
3 kN
2 kN I J

A B C D E

3m 2m

H F 2m A E
H G F
G
1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m
5m 5m 5m 5m

Probs. 6–35/36 6 kN 6 kN
6
Probs. 6–39/40

6–41. Determine the force in members FG, GC and CB of

6–37. Determine the force in members GF, FB, and BC of the truss used to support the sign, and state if the members
the Fink truss and state if the members are in tension or are in tension or compression.
compression.
6–38. Determine the force in members FE and EC of
the Fink truss and state if the members are in tension
or compression. 1.5 m 1.5 m 1.5 m
E 900 N

3m

F 1800 N
D
600 lb
3m
800 lb F 800 lb
G 900 N
G E C
3m
30 60 60 30
A D
B C A B
10 ft 10 ft 10 ft

Probs. 6–37/38 Prob. 6–41