ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

A. METHOD OF JOINTS
The free-body diagram of any joint is a concurrent force system in which the summation of
moment will be of no help. Recall that only two equilibrium equations can be written
 
ΣFx=0   and   ΣFy=0

This means that to solve completely for the forces acting on a joint, we must select a joint with
no more than two unknown forces involved. This can be started by selecting a joint acted on by
only two members. We can assume any unknown member to be either tension or
compression. If negative value is obtained, this means that the force is opposite in action to
that of the assumed direction. Once the forces in one joint are determined, their effects on
adjacent joints are known. We then continue solving on successive joints until all members
have been found.

PROBLEM 1
Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown

Solution
ΣMD=0
3AV+50(1)=80(0.75)
AV=3.33 kN

ΣFH=0
AH=80 kN

ΣMA=0ΣMA=0
3RD=50(2)+80(0.75)3RD=50(2)+80(0.75)
RD=53.33 kN
At joint A
ΣFV=0
35FAB=3.33
FAB=5.56 kN tension
 

ΣFH=0
FAE+45FAB=80
FAE+45(5.56)=80
FAE=75.56 kN tension
 
At joint B
ΣFH=0
FBC=45FABF
FBC=45(5.56)
FBC=4.45 kN tension
 
ΣFV=0
FBE=35FAB
FBE=35(5.56)
FBE=3.34 kN compression

At joint E
ΣFV=0
35FCE=FAE
35FCE=3.34
FCE=5.57 kN tension
 
ΣFH=0
FFE+45FCE=FAE
FFE+45(5.57)=75.56
FFE=71.11 kN tension
 
At joint F
ΣFV=0
FCF=50 kN tension
 
  
ΣFH=0ΣFH=0
FDF=FFE
FDF=71.11 kN tension
 

At joint C
ΣFH=0
45FCD+45FCE+FBC=80
45FCD+45(5.57)+4.45=80
FCD=88.87 kN compression
  
ΣFV=0
35FCD=35FCE+FCF
35(88.87)=35(5.57)+50
53.3=53.3check
 
At joint D
ΣFH=0ΣFH=0
45FCD=FDF45FCD=FDF
45(88.87)=71.1145(88.87)=71.11
71.1=71.171.1=71.1       check
  
ΣFV=0ΣFV=0
RD=35FCDRD=35FCD
53.33=35(88.87)53.33=35(88.87)
53.3=53.353.3=53.3       check
 
 Summary

 
FAB=5.56 kN tensionFAB=5.56 kN tension
FAE=75.56 kN FAE=75.56 kN tension
FBC=4.45 kN tension
FBE=3.34 kN compression
FCD=88.87 kN compression
FCE=5.57 kN tension
FCF=50 kN tension
FDF=71.11 kN tension
FFE=71.11 kN tension

PROBLEM 2
Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown
At joint C
ΣFV=0
529√FCD=80
FCD=86.16 kN tension
 
ΣFH=0
FBC=229√FCDF
FBC=229√(86.16)
FBC=32 kN compression
 
At joint D
ΣFV=0
529√FBD=529√FCD
FBD=FCD
FBD=86.16 kN compression
 
ΣFH=0
FDE=229√FCD+229√FBD
FDE=229√(86.16)+229√(86.16)
FDE=64 kN tension
 
At joint B
ΣFV=0
529√FBE=529√FBD+60
529√FBE=529√(86.16)+60
FBE=150.78 kN tension
 
ΣFH=0
FAB=FBC+229√FBD+229√FBE
FAB=32+229√(86.16)+229√(150.78)
FAB=120 kN compression 

At joint E
ΣFV=0
529√FAE=529√FBE
FAE=FBE
FAE=150.78 kN compression
 
ΣFH=0
FEF=FDE+229√FBE+229√FAE
FEF=64+229√(150.78)+229√(150.78)
FEF=176 kN tension
 
At joint A
ΣFV=0
FAF=529√FAE
FAF=529√(150.78)
FAF=140 kN tension
 
ΣFH=0
RA=FAB+229√FAE
RA=120+229√(150.78)
RA=176 kN to the left
 
At joint F
ΣFH=0
FH=FEF
FH=176 kN to the right
 
ΣFV=0ΣFV=0
FV=FAFFV=FAF
FV=140 kN upwardFV=140 kN upward
 
Checking
ΣMF=0
5RA=8(80)+4(60)
RA=176 kN to the left check
 
ΣFH=0
FH=RA
FH=176 kN to the right check
 
ΣFV=0
FV=80+60
FV=140 kN upward        check
 
Summary
 
Top chords
FDE = 64 kN tension
FEF = 176 kN tension
 
Bottom chords
FAB = 120 kN compression
FBC = 32 kN compression
 
Web members
FAF = 140 kN tension
FAE = 150.78 kN compression
FBE = 150.78 kN tension
FBD = 86.16 kN compression
FCD = 86.16 kN tension

PROBLEM 3
Find the force acting in all members of the truss shown
Solving for force in members AB, BD, and CD
ΣMH=0
12RA=9(30)+6(30)+3(90)
RA=60kN
 

 
At Joint A
ΣFV=0
12√FAB=60
FAB=84.85kN   compression       answer
 
 
 
 
 
 
At Joint B
ΣFH=0
310√FBD=12√(84.85)
FBD=63.24kN compression       answer
 
ΣFV=0
FBC+110√FBD=12√(84.85)
FBC+110√(63.24)=12√(84.85)
FBC=40kN   tension
 
At Joint C
ΣFV=0
45FCD+30=40
FCD=12.5kN   compression       answer
 
Summary
AB = 84.85 kN compression
BD = 63.24 kN compression
CD = 12.5 kN compression
 
Solving for force in members FH, DF, and DG
ΣMA=0
12RH=3(30)+6(30)+9(90)
RH=90kN
 

 
At Joint H
ΣFV=0
12√FFH=90
FFH=127.28kN compression       answer
 
 
 

 
 
At Joint F
ΣFH=0
310√FDF=12√(127.28)
FDF=94.87kN   compression       answer
 
ΣFH=0
FFG+110√FDF=12√(127.28)
FFG+110√(94.87)=12√(127.28)
FFG=60kN   tension
 
At Joint G
ΣFV=0
45FDG+60=904
FDG=37.5kN   tension       answer
 

Summary
FH = 127.28 kN compression
DF = 94.87 kN compression
DG = 37.5 kN tension

B. METHOD OF SECTIONS
In this method, we will cut the truss into two sections by passing a cutting plane through the
members whose internal forces we wish to determine. This method permits us to solve directly
any member by analyzing the left or the right section of the cutting plane.
 
To remain each section in equilibrium, the cut members will be replaced by forces equivalent
to the internal load transmitted to the members. Each section may constitute of non-concurrent
force system from which three equilibrium equations can be written.
 
ΣFH=0ΣFH=0,   ΣFV=0ΣFV=0,   and   ΣMO=0ΣMO=0
 
 Because we can only solve up to three unknowns, it is important not to cut more than three
members of the truss. Depending on the type of truss and which members to solve, one may have
to repeat Method of Sections more than once to determine all the desired forces.

PROBLEM 1
The truss in Fig. T-04 is pinned to the wall at point F, and supported by a roller at point C.
Calculate the force (tension or compression) in members BC, BE, and DE.

From section to the left of a-a

ΣFV=0
529√FBE=80+60
FBE=150.78 kN tension          answer
 
 
ΣME=0
5FBC=6(80)+2(60)
FBC=120 kN compression compression           answer
 
ΣMB=0
5FDE=4(80)
FDE=64 kN tension tension           answer

PROBLEM 2
In the Fink truss shown in Fig. P-425, the web members BC and EF are perpendicular to the inclined
members at their midpoints. Use the method of sections to determine the force in members DF, DE,
and CE.
ΣMA=0
12RG=6(80)
RG=40 kN
 
From the section to the right of M-N
ΣMD=0
3FCE+3(20)+6(10)=6(40)
FCE=40 kN tension           answer
 

 
ΣMG=0
4FDEv=3(20)
4FDE(313√)=60
FDE=513−−√  kN=18.03 kN tension          answer
 
ΣME=0
4FDFv+(3−2)(20)+4(10)=4(40)
4FDF(15√)=100
FDF=255–√  kN=55.90 kN compression         answer
PROBLEM 3
For the transmission tower shown , determine the force in member CJ.
 
a=1/2[2(8.5)−5]=6 ma=12[2(8.5)−5]=6 m
b=1/3a=13(6)=2 mb=13a=13(6)=2 m
c=1/2(5)+b=2.5+2=4.5 mc=12(5)+b=2.5+2=4.5 m
 
Section Through M-M

 
ΣMG=0
2(4.5+2)(310√FBC)=12(7.8)
FBC=12/5√ 10kN tension
 
Section Through N-N

 
ΣMF=0
9(45)FCJ+9(310√)(12510−−√)=6(7.8)
FCJ=−2.5 kN=2.5 kN compression answer
 C. METHOD OF MEMBERS

A three-force member is in general a non-axial member that is not simply in tension or compression.

A member of this kind has shear forces perpendicular to the member and subjected to bending loads.
If forces are applied to more than two positions on the member, it is three-force member. Any beam is
a three-force member according to the above definition.
 
Frames are pin-connected structures with some or all members are three-force members. To analyze
a frame, we can disconnect the three-force member from the structure and draw the free-body
diagram of the member. This approach is called the method of members.
 
In this method, three equilibrium equations can be written
 
ΣFH=0ΣFH=0,   ΣFV=0ΣFV=0,   and   ΣMO=0ΣMO=0
 
Below is a figure that shows the difference between axial and non-axial (three-force) members.
PROBLEM 1
For the structure shown in Fig. (MM)-P003 below, determine the reactions at A and D and the internal
force in member CF.

From the FBD of the whole system

ΣMD=0
2Ax=3(60)+6(30)
Ax=180 kN
 

 
ΣMA=0
2Dx=3(60)+6(30)
Dx=180 kN
 
From the FBD of member ABC
ΣFx=0
35FCF=Ax
35FCF=180
FCF=300 kN

 
ΣMB=0
3Ay=1.5(45FCF)
3Ay=1.2(300)
Ay=120 kN
 
From FBD of the whole system
ΣFV=0
Dy=Ay+60+30
Dy=120+60+30
Dy=210 kN
 
Summary
Ax=180 kN leftward
Ay=120 kN downward
Dx=180 kN rightward
Dy=210 kN upward
FCF=300 kN tension
Problem 2
Members AB and BC shown in Fig. F-002(MM) are pinned together at point B, and are pinned to the
floor at points A and C. The structure supports a pulley at point B with which, a person is hoisting a
2.0 kN load. Member BC has a weight of 1.6 kN, which may be considered to act at its center, while
AB is made of strong-light material and has negligible weight. Determine the value of the external
support reactions at A and C.

AB is an axial member while BC is a three-force member. Thus,

Ax=RAcos37∘
Ay=RAsin37∘
 
ΣMC=0
Ax(1)+Ay(8)=4.0(4)+1.6(2)A
RAcos37∘+(RAsin37∘)(8)=19.2
5.6132RA=19.2
RA=3.42 kN           answer
 
ΣFH=0
Cx=Ax
Cx=RAcos37∘
Cx=3.42cos37∘
Cx=2.73 kN          answer
 
ΣFV=0
 Cy+Ay=4.0+1.6
Cy+RAsin37∘=5.6
Cy+3.42sin37∘=5.6
Cy=3.54 kN          answer

PROBLEM 3

In the structure shown in Fig. P-006(FR-H), all members are assumed to be solid rigid members. The
system is pinned to the wall at point A and supported by a roller at point E. Calculate the force on
member BD and the reactions at A and E.
 

ΣMA=0
4RE=6(120)
RE=180 kN          answer
 

 
ΣFH=0
AH=RE
AH=180 kN           answer
 
ΣFV=0
AV=120 kN          answer
 

 
ΣMA=0
3(213√FBD)=6(120)
FBD=432.67 kN          answer
PROBLEM 4

The frame shown in Figure P-444 is supported by a hinge at A and a roller at E. Compute the
horizontal and vertical components of the hinge forces at B and C as they act upon member AC.
 

From the FBD of the whole system

ΣMA=0
5RE=5.5(24)
RE=26.4 kN
 

 
ΣME=0
5AV=0.5(24)
AV=2.4 kN
 
ΣFH=0
AH=0
 
From the FBD of the horizontal
member
 
ΣMD=0
3BV=1.5(24)
BV=12 kN
 
From the FBD of member
BC
 ΣFV=0
CV+2.4=12
CV=9.6 kN
 

 
ΣMB=0
3CH+1(2.4)=1.5CV
3CH+2.4=1.5(9.6)
CH=4 kN
 
ΣFH=0
BH=CH
BH=4 kN
 
Answer:
BH=4 kN to the right
BV=12 kN upward
CH=4 kN to the left
CV=9.6 kN downward

PROBLEM 5

The frame shown in Figure P-445 is supported by a hinge at E and a roller at D. Compute the
horizontal and vertical components of the hinge force at C as it acts upon BD.
 
From the FBD of the whole system

 
ΣME=0
4RD=1.5(24)
RD=9 kN
 

From the FBD of Member AB

 

 
 ΣMA=0
3BV=2(24)
BV=16 kN
 

From the FBD of Member BD

ΣFV=0
CV+9=16
CV=7 kN upward       answer
 

ΣMB=0
1.5CH=1.5CV+3.5RD
1.5CH=1.5(7)+3.5(9)
CH=28 kN to the right     answer

PROBLEM 6
The truss are joined as shown in Figure P-447 to form a three-hinged arch. Determine the horizontal
and vertical components of the hinge force at B and then determine the type and magnitude of force
in bars BD and BE.
 

From the FBD of the whole system

ΣMC=0
2AH+8AV=6(24)+2(72)
2AH+8AV=288
AH+4AV=144AH+4AV=144   ←   Equation (1)
 
 ΣMA=0
2CH+2(24)+6(72)=8CV
2CH+480=8CV
2CH−8CV=−480
CH−4CV=−240  ←   Equation (2)
 
From the FBD of the section to the left of B
ΣMB=0
4AH+2(24)=4AV
4AH−4AV=−48
AH−AV=−12  ←   Equation (3)
 
ΣMA=0
4BH=4BV+2(24)
4BH−4BV=48
BH−BV=12   ←   Equation (4)
 
From the FBD of the section to the right of B
ΣMB=0
6CH+2(72)=4CV
6CH−4CV=−144
3CH−2CV=−72  ←   Equation (5)
 
ΣMC=0
6BH+4BV=2(72)
6BH+4BV=144
3BH+2BV=72   ←   Equation (6)
 
From Equation (1) and Equation (3)
AH=19.2 kN
AV=31.2 kN
 
From Equation (2) and Equation (5)
CH=19.2 kN
CV=64.8 kN
 
From Equation (4) and Equation (6)
BH=19.2 kN
BV=7.2 kN
 
 Checking for Reactions:
ΣFH=0
19.2−19.2=0       (okay!)

ΣFV=0
31.2+64.8−24−72=0       (okay!)
 
From the FBD of the Section to the Left of M-M
ΣMA=0
4FBD=2(24)
FBD=12 kN compression
 ΣFV=0
FBEsin45∘+24=31.2
FBE=7.22–√ kN
FBE=10.182 kN compression 
Checking:
From the FBD of the Section to the
Right of N-N
ΣMC=0
6F1=2(72)
F1=24 kN

ΣFV=0ΣFV=0
313√F2+64.8=72313F2+64.8=72
F2=2.413−−√ kNF2=2.413 kN
F2=8.653 kN
tensionF2=8.653 kN tension
 
 From the FBD of Joint B
ΣFV=0
FBEsin45∘=313√F2
7.22–√sin45∘=313√(2.413−−√)
7.2=7.2      (okay!)

ΣFH=0
FBD+FBEcos45∘+213√F2=F1
12+7.22–√cos45∘+213√(2.413−−√)=24
24=2424=24       (okay!)
 
Answer Summary
BH=19.2 kN
BV=7.2 kN
FBD=12 kN compression
FBE=10.182 kN compression