CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 17-18

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
EQUILIBRIUM OF A RIGID BODY
&
FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS
Today’s Objectives:
a) To identify support reactions,
In-Class Activities:
b) To draw a free-body diagram.
• Check Homework
• Reading Quiz
• Applications
• Support Reactions
• Free-Body Diagrams
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz
 READING QUIZ
1. If a support prevents translation of a body, then the support exerts a
___________ on the body.
A) Couple moment
B) Force
C) Both A and B.
D) None of the above

2. Internal forces are _________ shown on the free body diagram of a

whole body.
A) Always
B) Often
C) Rarely
D) Never
 APPLICATIONS

The truck ramps have a weight of 400 lb each.

Each ramp is pinned to the body of the truck and held in the
position by a cable. How can we determine the cable tension
and support reactions?
How are the idealized model and the free body diagram used to
do this?
Which diagram above is the idealized model?
 APPLICATIONS (continued)

Two smooth pipes, each having a mass of 300 kg, are

supported by the tines of the tractor fork attachment.
How can we determine all the reactive forces?

Again, how can we make use of an idealized model and a

free body diagram to answer this question?
 CONDITIONS FOR RIGID-BODY EQUILIBRIUM
(Section 5.1)

In contrast to the forces on a particle, the

forces on a rigid-body are not usually
concurrent and may cause rotation of the
body (due to the moments created by the
forces).
Forces on a particle
For a rigid body to be in equilibrium, the
net force as well as the net moment
about any arbitrary point O must be
equal to zero.
 F = 0 (no translation)
and  MO = 0 (no rotation)
Forces on a rigid body
 THE PROCESS OF SOLVING RIGID BODY
EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS

For analyzing an actual physical system, first we need to

create an idealized model (above right).

Then we need to draw a free-body diagram

(FBD) showing all the external (active and
reactive) forces.
Finally, we need to apply the equations of
equilibrium to solve for any unknowns.
 FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS (Section 5.2)

Idealized model Free-body diagram (FBD)

1. Draw an outlined shape. Imagine the body to be isolated
or cut “free” from its constraints and draw its outlined
shape.
2. Show all the external forces and couple moments. These
typically include: a) applied loads, b) support reactions,
and, c) the weight of the body.
 FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS
(continued)

Idealized model Free-body diagram

3. Label loads and dimensions on the FBD: All known

forces and couple moments should be labeled with
their magnitudes and directions. For the unknown
forces and couple moments, use letters like Ax, Ay,
MA. Indicate any necessary dimensions.
 SUPPORT REACTIONS IN 2-D

A few example sets of diagrams are shown above. Other

support reactions are given in your textbook (Table 5-1).

As a general rule, if a support prevents translation of a body in a

given direction, then a force is developed on the body in the
opposite direction.
Similarly, if rotation is prevented, a couple moment is exerted on
the body in the opposite direction.
Support Reactions
Support Reactions
Support Reactions
Support Reactions
EXAMPLE
Given: The operator applies a vertical
force to the pedal so that the spring is
stretched 1.5 in. and the force in the
short link at B is
20 lb.
Draw: A an idealized model and free-
body diagram of the foot pedal.
 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. The beam and the cable (with a frictionless

pulley at D) support an 80 kg load at C.
In a FBD of only the beam, there are how
many unknowns?
A) 2 forces and 1 couple moment
B) 3 forces and 1 couple moment
C) 3 forces
D) 4 forces
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

2. If the directions of the force and the couple moments are

both reversed, what will happen to the beam?
A) The beam will lift from A.
B) The beam will lift at B.
C) The beam will be restrained.
D) The beam will break.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given:

Draw:
A FBD of the crane boom, which is supported by a pin at
A and cable BC. The load of 1250 lb is suspended at B
and the boom weighs 650 lb.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

FBD

Idealized model
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

Given:

Draw: Draw a FBD of member ABC, which is supported

by a smooth collar at A, rocker at B, and link CD.
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

Idealized model

FBD
 ATTENTION QUIZ
1. Internal forces are not shown on a free-body diagram because the
internal forces are _____. (Choose the most appropriate answer.)
A) Equal to zero B) Equal and opposite and they do not
affect the calculations
C) Negligibly small D) Not important

2. How many unknown support reactions

are there in this problem?
A) 2 forces and 2 couple moments
B) 1 force and 2 couple moments
C) 3 forces
D) 3 forces and 1 couple moment
 Recommended Problems
(Sections 5.1-5.2)

5-4

5-5

5-7

5-9
 CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 19-20

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM & TWO- AND THREE-
FORCE MEMEBERS
Today’s Objectives:
In-Class Activities:
a) To apply equations of
• Check Homework, if
equilibrium to solve for
unknowns, and, any
• Reading Quiz
b) To recognize two-force
members. • Applications
• Equations of
Equilibrium
• Two-Force Members
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem
Solving
 READING QUIZ

1. The three scalar equations,  FX =  FY =  MO = 0, are

____ equations of equilibrium in two dimensions.
A) Incorrect B) The only correct
C) The most commonly used D) Not sufficient

2. A rigid body is subjected to

forces as shown. This body can
be considered as a ______
member.
A) Single-force B) Two-
force
C) Three-force D) Six-force
 APPLICATIONS

The uniform truck ramp has a weight of 400 lb.

The ramp is pinned at A and held in the position by the cables.
How can we determine the forces acting at the pin A and the
force in the cables?
 APPLICATIONS (continued)

An 850 lb engine is supported by three chains, which are

attached to the spreader bar of a hoist.
You need to check to see if the breaking strength of any of the
chains is going to be exceeded. How can you determine the
force acting in each of the chains?
 EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
(Section 5.3)
A body is subjected to a system of forces
that lie in the x-y plane. When in
equilibrium, the net force and net moment
acting on the body are zero (as discussed
earlier in Section 5.1). This 2-D condition
can be represented by the three scalar
equations:
 Fx = 0  Fy = 0  M O = 0
where point O is any arbitrary point.
Please note that these equations are the ones most commonly
used for solving 2-D equilibrium problems. There are two
other sets of equilibrium equations that are rarely used. For
your reference, they are described in the textbook.
EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
(Section 5.3)

The above three equilibrium equations may be used to

determine the values of unknown forces and reactions.
Alternative Sets of Equilibrium Equations
TWO-FORCE MEMBERS & THREE FORCE-MEMBERS
(Section 5.4)
The solution to some equilibrium problems can be simplified if we recognize
members that are subjected to forces at only two points (e.g., at points A and B in
the figure below).

If we apply the equations of equilibrium to such a member, we can quickly determine

that the resultant forces at A and B must be equal in magnitude and act in the opposite
directions along the line joining points A and B.
 EXAMPLES OF TWO-FORCE MEMBERS

In the cases above, members AB can be considered as two-force

members, provided that their weight is neglected.
This fact simplifies the equilibrium
analysis of some rigid bodies since the
directions of the resultant forces at A and B
are thus known (along the line joining
points A and B).
 THREE-FORCE MEMBERS
If a member is subjected to only three forces, as
shown in the following figure, then it is necessary
that the forces be either concurrent or parallel
for the member to be in equilibrium.
STEPS FOR SOLVING 2-D EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS

1. If not given, establish a suitable x - y coordinate system.

2. Draw a free-body diagram (FBD) of the object under

analysis.

3. Apply the three equations of equilibrium (E-of-E) to

solve for the unknowns.
 IMPORTANT NOTES

1. If there are more unknowns than the number of independent

equations, then we have a statically indeterminate situation.
We cannot solve these problems using just statics.

2. The order in which we apply equations may affect the

simplicity of the solution. For example, if we have two
unknown vertical forces and one unknown horizontal force,
then solving  FX = 0 first allows us to find the horizontal
unknown quickly.

3. If the answer for an unknown comes out as negative number,

then the sense (direction) of the unknown force is opposite to
that assumed when starting the problem.
 EXAMPLE
Given: The 4kN load at B of
the beam is supported
by pins at A and C .
Find: The support reactions
at A and C.
Plan:

1. Put the x and y axes in the horizontal and vertical directions,

respectively.
2. Determine if there are any two-force members.
3. Draw a complete FBD of the boom.
4. Apply the E-of-E to solve for the unknowns.
 EXAMPLE (continued)
FBD of the beam:
AY 4 kN
1.5 m 1.5 m
AX
A 45° C B
FC

Note: Upon recognizing CD as a two-force member, the number of

unknowns at C are reduced from two to one. Now, using E-o-f E, we
get,
+ MA = FC sin 45  1.5 – 4  3 = 0
Fc = 11.31 kN or 11.3 kN
 + FX = AX + 11.31 cos 45 = 0; AX = – 8.00 kN
 + FY = AY + 11.31 sin 45 – 4 = 0; AY = – 4.00 kN
Note that the negative signs means that the reactions have the
opposite directions to that shown on FBD.
 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. For this beam, how many

support reactions are there and is F F F F
the problem statically
determinate?
A) (2, Yes) B) (2, No)
C) (3, Yes) D) (3, No)
2. The beam AB is loaded and supported
as shown: a) how many support Fixed
F
support
reactions are there on the beam, b) is
A B
this problem statically determinate,
and c) is the structure stable?
A) (4, Yes, No) B) (4, No, Yes)
C) (5, Yes, No) D) (5, No, Yes)
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING
Given: The overhanging beam is
supported by a pin at A and the
strut BC. What is “special” about
strut BC?
Find: The horizontal and vertical
components of reaction at A
and the reaction at B on the beam.

Plan:
a) Establish the x–y axes.
b) Draw a complete FBD of the beam.
c) Apply the E-of-E to solve for the unknowns.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

600 N 800 N
1m 1m 2m
AX
A B
3 900 Nm
AY 4
FBC
FBD of the beam

First, write a moment equation about Point A. Why point A?

+  MA = (3 / 5) FBC  2 – 600  1 – 800  4 – 900 = 0

FBC = 3196.66 N = 3.20 kN (corrected in notes)
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
600 N 800 N
1m 1m 2m
AX
A B
3 900 Nm
AY 4
FBC
FBD of the beam
Recall FBC = 3196.66 N = 3.20 kN
Now solve the FX and FY equations.
 + FX = Ax + 3196.7 (4/5) = 0
 + FY = Ay + 3196.7 (3/5) – 600 – 800 = 0
Solving these two equations, we get
Ax = - 3133.33 N or 3.13 kN 
Ay = - 518 N or 0.518 kN 
 ATTENTION QUIZ

1. Which equation of equilibrium allows 100 lb

you to determine FB right away? AX A B

A)  FX = 0 B)  FY = 0
AY FB
C)  MA = 0 D) Any one of the
above.
2. A beam is supported by a pin
joint and a roller. How many
support reactions are there and is
the structure stable for all types
of loadings?
A) (3, Yes) B) (3, No)
C) (4, Yes) D) (4, No)
 Recommended Problems
(Section 5.3-5.4)
5-5

5-11

5-18

5-25

5-30

5-36

5-38

5-61

5-60
 CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 20-21

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
3-D FREE-BODY DIAGRAMS, EQUILIBRIUM EQUATIONS,
CONSTRAINTS AND STATICAL DETERMINACY
Today’s Objective:
a) To Identify support reactions in
3-D and draw a free-body In-Class Activities:
diagram, and, • Check Homework, if any
b) To apply the equations of • Reading Quiz
equilibrium. • Applications
• Support Reactions in 3-
D
• Equations of Equilibrium
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention quiz
 READING QUIZ
1. If a support prevents rotation of a body about an axis, then
the support exerts a ________ on the body about that axis.
A) Couple moment B) Force
C) Both A and B. D) None of the above.

2. When doing a 3-D problem analysis, you have ________

scalar equations of equilibrium.

A) 3 B) 4

C) 5 D) 6
 APPLICATIONS

Ball-and-socket joints and journal bearings are often used in

mechanical systems. To design the joints or bearings, the
support reactions at these joints and the loads must be
determined.
APPLICATIONS (continued)

The tie rod from point A is used to

support the overhang at the entrance of
a building. It is pin connected to the
wall at A and to the center of the
overhang B.

If A is moved to a lower position D,

will the force in the rod change or
remain the same? By making such a
change without understanding if there is
a change in forces, failure might occur.
APPLICATIONS (continued)

The crane, which weighs 350 lb, is

supporting an oil drum.

How do you determine the largest oil

drum weight that the crane can support
without overturning ?
 SUPPORT REACTIONS IN 3-D (Table 5-2)

A few examples are shown above. Other support

reactions are given in your text book (Table 5-2).
As a general rule, if a support prevents translation of a body in a
given direction, then a reaction force acting in the opposite
direction is developed on the body. Similarly, if rotation is
prevented, a couple moment is exerted on the body by the support.
 IMPORTANT NOTE

A single bearing or hinge can prevent rotation by providing a

resistive couple moment. However, it is usually preferred to use
two or more properly aligned bearings or hinges. Thus, in these
cases, only force reactions are generated and there are no
moment reactions created.
 EQUATIONS OF EQUILIBRIUM
(Section 5.6)
As stated earlier, when a body is in equilibrium, the net force
and the net moment equal zero, i.e.,  F = 0 and  MO = 0
.
These two vector equations can be written as six scalar
equations of equilibrium (E-of-E). These are
å FX =  FY =  FZ = 0
å MX =  MY =  MZ = 0
The moment equations can be determined about any point.
Usually, choosing the point where the maximum number of
unknown forces are present simplifies the solution. Any forces
occurring at the point where moments are taken do not appear in
the moment equation since they pass through the point.
 CONSTRAINTS AND STATICAL DETERMINACY
(Section 5.7)

Redundant Constraints: When a body has more supports than

necessary to hold it in equilibrium, it becomes statically
indeterminate.
A problem that is statically indeterminate has more unknowns
than equations of equilibrium.
Are statically indeterminate structures used in practice? Why
or why not?
 Statically indeterminate structures occur more frequently in practice than those that are
statically determinate and are generally more economical in that they are stiffer and
stronger.

 For example, a fixed beam carrying a concentrated load at mid-span has a central
displacement that is one-quarter of that of a simply supported beam of the same span
and carrying the same load, while the maximum bending moment is reduced by half.

 It follows that a smaller beam section would be required in the fixed beam case,
resulting in savings in material.

 A disadvantage of statically indeterminate structures is that their analysis requires the

calculation of displacements so that their cross-sectional dimensions are required at the
outset. The design of such structures therefore becomes a matter of trial and error,
whereas the forces in the members of a statically determinate structure are independent
of member size.

 On the other hand, failure of, say, a member in a statically indeterminate frame would
not necessarily be catastrophic since alternative load paths would be available, at least
temporarily. However, the failure of a member in, say, a statically determinate truss
would lead, almost certainly, to a rapid collapse.

(http://www.globalspec.com/reference/46804/203279/html-head-chapter-16-analysis-of-statically-indeterminate-structures)
 IMPROPER CONSTRAINTS

Here, while we have 6 unknowns, there is nothing restricting

rotation about the AB axis!
In some cases, there may be as many
unknown reactions as there are
equations of equilibrium.
M A 0
However, if the supports are not
properly constrained, the body may
become unstable for some loading cases.
 IMPROPER CONSTRAINTS

Another way in which improper constraining leads to

instability occurs when the reactive forces are all parallel .
Two- and three-dimensional examples of this are shown in
Fig. 5–26 . In both cases, the summation of forces along the
x axis will not equal zero.
 EXAMPLE I
Given:The rod, supported by
thrust bearing at A and
cable BC, is subjected to
an 80 lb force.
Find: Reactions at the thrust
bearing A and cable BC.
Plan:

a) Use the established x, y and z axes.

b) Draw a FBD of the rod.
c) Write the forces using scalar equations.
d) Apply scalar equations of equilibrium to solve for the
unknown forces.
 EXAMPLE I (continued)
FBD of the rod:

Applying scalar equations of equilibrium in appropriate order,

we get
å F X = AX = 0; AX = 0
å F Z = AZ + FBC – 80 = 0;
å M Y = – 80 ( 1.5 ) + FBC ( 3.0 ) = 0;
Solving the last two equations: FBC = 40 lb, AZ = 40 lb
 EXAMPLE I (continued)
FBD of the rod

= 40 lb

Now write scalar moment equations about what point? Point A!

M X = ( MA) X + 40 (6) – 80 (6) = 0 ; (MA ) X= 240 lb ft

CCW
å M Z = ( MA) Z = 0 ; (MA ) Z= 0
 EXAMPLE II
Given:The uniform plate has a
weight of 500 lb,
supported by three
cables.
Find: The tension in each of
the supporting cables.
Plan:

a) Use established x, y and z axes.

b) Draw a FBD of the plate.
c) Write the forces using scalar equations.
d) Apply scalar equations of equilibrium to solve for the
unknown forces.
 EXAMPLE II (continued)
FBD of the plate:

500 lb
TA
TB TC
200 lb

1.5 ft

Applying scalar equations of equilibrium :

 Fz = TA + TB + TC – 200 – 500 = 0 (1)

 Mx = TA (3) + TC (3) – 500 (1.5) – 200 (3) = 0 (2)

 My = -TB (4) – TC (4) + 500 (2) + 200 (2) = 0 (3)

 EXAMPLE II (continued)

 Fz = TA + TB + TC – 200 – 500 = 0 (1)

 Mx = TA (3) + TC (3) – 500 (1.5) – 200 (3) = 0 (2)

 My Eqs.
Using = -TB(2)
(4)and
– T(3),
C (4) + 500 (2)
express TA + 200
and TB(2) = 0 of T (3)
in terms C:

Eq. (2)  TA = 450 – TC

Eq. (3)  TB = 350 – TC
Substituting the results into Eq. (1) & solving for TC:
Eq. (1)  (450 – TC ) + (350 – TC) + TC – 200 – 500 = 0
TC = 100 lb
TA = 350 lb and TA = 250 lb
 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. The rod AB is supported using two

cables at B and a ball-and-socket
joint at A. How many unknown
support reactions exist in this
problem?
A) 5 force and 1 moment reaction
B) 5 force reactions
C) 3 force and 3 moment
reactions
D) 4 force and 2 moment
reactions
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)
2. If an additional couple moment in the
vertical direction is applied to rod AB
at point C, then what will happen to the
rod?
A) The rod remains in equilibrium as the
cables provide the necessary support
reactions.
B) The rod remains in equilibrium as the
ball-and-socket joint will provide the
necessary resistive reactions.
C) The rod becomes unstable as the
cables cannot support compressive
forces.
D) The rod becomes unstable since a
moment about AB cannot be restricted.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: A bent rod is supported

by the roller at B, and the
smooth collar at A. Assume
the rod is properly aligned.
Find: The reactions at all the
supports for the loading
shown.
Plan:

a) Draw a FBD of the rod.

b) Apply scalar equations of equilibrium to solve for the
unknowns.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
A FBD of the rod

Applying scalar equations of equilibrium in appropriate order,

we get
å Fy = Ay = 0 ; Ay = 0 N
å Mx = NB (0.8+0.8) – 800 (0.8) – 600 (0.8+0.8) = 0 ; NB =
1000 N
å Mz = (MA)z= 0 ; (MA)z = 0 Nm
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
A FBD of the rod:

1000 N

Applying scalar equations of equilibrium in appropriate order, we get

å Fz = Az + 1000 – 800 – 600 = 0 ; Az = 400 N
å My = (MA)y – 600 (0.4) + 1000 (0.8) = 0 ; (MA)y = -560 Nm
or 560 Nm CW
 ATTENTION QUIZ

1. A plate is supported by a ball-and-

socket joint at A, a roller joint at B,
and a cable at C. How many
unknown support reactions are there
in this problem?
A) 4 forces and 2 moments
B) 6 forces
C) 5 forces
D) 4 forces and 1 moment
 ATTENTION QUIZ

2. What will be the easiest way to determine the force

reaction BZ ?
A) Scalar equation  FZ = 0
B) Vector equation  MA = 0
C) Scalar equation  MZ = 0
D) Scalar equation  MY = 0
 Recommended Problems
(Section 5.5 - 5.7)

5-65

5-67

5-68

5-77

5-78

5-80