Support Reactions
the various types of reactions that occur at supports and points of contact between
bodies subjected to coplanar force systems.
As a general rule,
If a support prevents the translation of a body in a given direction, then a
force is developed on the body in that direction.
If rotation is prevented, a couple moment is exerted on the body.
For example, let us consider three ways in which a horizontal member, such as a
beam, is supported at its end.
One method consists of a roller or cylinder,
Fig. a . Since this support only prevents the beam from translating in the vertical
direction, the roller will only exert a force on the beam in this direction, Fig b
The beam can be supported in a more restrictive manner by using a pin, Fig. 5–3 c.
The pin passes through a hole in the beam and two leaves which are fixed to the
ground. Here the pin can prevent translation of the beam in any direction f, Fig. 5–3
d , and so the pin must exert a force F on the beam in this direction. For purposes of
analysis, it is generally easier to represent this resultant force F by its two
rectangular components Fx and Fy, Fig. 5–3 e.
Scalars and Vectors
Scalar - A scalar is any positive or negative physical quantity that can be completely
specified by its magnitude . Examples of scalar quantities include length, mass, and
time.
Vector. A vector is any physical quantity that requires both a magnitude and a
direction for its complete description. Examples of vectors encountered in statics are
force, position, and moment. A vector is shown graphically by an arrow.
Example 01
Example 2
Determine the magnitude of the component force and the magnitude of the resultant
force FR if FR is directed along the positive y axis.
Example 03
Determine the magnitude of the resultant force and its direction measured
counteclockwise from the positive x-axis.
TRUSS ANALYSIS
A truss structure is designed, fabricated and assembled such that its members carry
the loads in tension and compression.
The assumptions on which the analysis of trusses is based are as follows:
The members of the truss are connected at their ends by frictionless pins or
hinges. (Member ends are pin-connected)
The truss is loaded and supported only at its joints.
Member cross-sections are uniform
Member self-weight is negligible
Method of Joints
Procedure for Analysis
the method of joints.
This method is based on the fact that if the entire truss is in equilibrium, then each of
its joints is also in equilibrium. Therefore, if the free-body diagram of each joint is
drawn, the force equilibrium equations can then be used to obtain the member forces
acting on each joint.
Since the members of a plane truss are straight two-force members lying in a single
plane, each joint is subjected to a force system that is coplanar and concurrent. (
When all forces are acting in the same plane, they are called coplanar whereas
when forces act at the same time and at the same point, they are called
concurrent/forces.) As a result, only ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0 need to be satisfied for
equilibrium.
When using the method of joints, always 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 which can be solved for the two unknowns
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, then it may be
necessary first to calculate the external reactions at the support.)
2. Use one of the two methods described above for establishing the sense of an
unknown force.
3. Orient the x and y axes such that the forces on the free-body diagram can be
easily resolved into their x and y components and then apply the two force
equilibrium equations ∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0. Solve for the two unknown
member forces and verify their correct sense.
4. Using the calculated results, continue to analyze each of the other joints.
Remember that a member in compression “pushes” on the joint and a
member in tension “pulls” on the joint. Also, be sure to choose a joint having
at most two unknowns and at least one known.
Example 04
Determine the force in each member of the truss and state if the members are in
tension or compression. Set P1 = 20 kN, P2 = 10 kN
Example 05
Determine the force in each member of the truss, and state if the members are in
tension or compression. Set Ɵ = 0°
Group Work
1. Determine the force in each member of the truss, and state if the members are in
tension or compression.
Number 2
Determine the force in each member of the truss and state if the members are in
tension or compression. Set P1 = 3 kN, P2 = 6 kN
3. Determine the force in each member of the truss. State whether the members are in
tension or compression. Set P = 8 kN.
