STRUCTURAL
ANALYSIS
ENGR. ATIQ UR REHMAN AWAN
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 0 of 25
Department of Engineering & Technology, The University of Lahore
4
Analysis of Statically
Determinate Trusses
Truss
A truss is one of the major types of engineering structures which provides a practical
and economical solution for many engineering constructions, especially in the design
of bridges and buildings that demand large spans. A truss 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.
There are two types of truss mostly used in construction industry.
Planar trusses lie in a single plane and are often used to support roofs and bridges.
Space truss A space truss consists of members joined together at their ends to
form a stable three-dimensional structure.
Roof trusses are often used as part of an industrial building frame, the roof load is
transmitted to the truss at the joints by means of a series of purlins. Roof trusses are
supported either by columns of wood, steel, or
reinforced concrete, or by masonry walls. 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.
Trusses used to support roofs are selected on
the basis of the span, the slope, and the roof
material. Some of the more common types of
trusses used are shown.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 1 of 25
Common types of trusses used in Roof Truss:
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 2 of 25
Bridge Truss
In case of bridge truss load on the deck is first transmitted to stringers, then to
floor beams, and finally to the joints of the two supporting side trusses. Stringers
are longitudinal bridge deck beams spanning between the transverse floor beams
and placed parallel to the roadway. Floor beams are the main girders of the bridge
deck spanning between trusses or plate girders and running perpendicular to the
roadway. 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 side sway caused by moving vehicles on the bridge. Additional stability is
provided by the portal and sway bracing.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 3 of 25
Common types of trusses used in Bridge Truss:
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 4 of 25
Assumptions for design of truss
To design both the members and the connections of a truss, it is first necessary to
determine the force developed in each member when the truss is subjected to a
given loading. There are two important assumptions which will be made in order to
idealize the truss.
The members are joined together by smooth pins.
All loadings are applied at the joints.
Because of these two assumptions, each truss member acts as an axial force
member, and therefore the forces acting at the ends of the member must be directed
along the axis of the member. If the force tends to elongate the member, it is a
tensile force (T), and if the force tends to shorten the member, it is a compressive
force (C). Compression members must be made thicker than tension members,
because of the buckling or sudden instability that may occur in compression
members.
Determinacy & Stability of truss
Determinacy of the truss:
In a truss if the total number of external support reactions are “r”, “m” number of
members and total number of joints are “j” then,
m+r=2j Statically Determinate truss
m+r> 2J Statically indeterminate truss
The degree of indeterminacy is specified as
Degree of indeterminacy =(m+r)-2j
Stability of the truss:If m+r<2j a truss will be unstable, that is, it will collapse, since
there will be an insufficient number of bars or reactions to constrain all the joints.
Also, a truss can be unstable if it is statically determinate or statically indeterminate.
The stability of the truss is checked by two ways:
External Stability: A structure (or truss) is externally unstable if all of its reactions
are concurrent or parallel. For example, the two trusses as shown are externally
unstable since the support reactions have lines of action that are concurrent and
parallel.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 5 of 25
Internal Stability: The internal stability of a truss can often be checked by careful
inspection of the arrangement of its members. If each joint is held fixed so that it
cannot move in a “rigid body” sense with respect to the other joints, then the truss
will be stable. If a truss is constructed so that it does not hold its joints in a fixed
position, it will be unstable or have a “critical form.”
Method for analysis of statically determinate truss
An ideal truss is a structure which is composed completely of axial members that
are assumed to be weightless. Members are connected by pinned joints, forming
triangular substructures within the main structure and with the external loads
applied only at the joints. Our primary interest is to know the forces acting in the
bars and upon the pins of the structure. Each member of the truss is either in
tension or compression. A member in tension causes forces which pull away from
its end joints whereas a member in compression causes forces which push towards
the end joints.
1- Method of joints:
The method of joints is a way to find unknown forces in a truss structure. The
principle behind this method is that all forces acting on a joint must add to zero. If
there were a net force, the joint would move. 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 Σ and Σ for the forces exerted
on the pin at each joint of the truss. 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.
2- Method of Section:
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.
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.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 6 of 25
Sample Problems
Example-1 Classify the truss as statically determinate, indeterminate, stable or
unstable. If it is unstable then determine the degree of indeterminacy.
M=19 R=3 J=11
m+r=2J
19+3=2(11)
22=22
Statically determine. Externally stable, since the reactions are not concurrent
or parallel. By inspection the truss is internally stable.
Example -2 Classify the truss as statically determinate, indeterminate, stable or
unstable. If it is unstable then determine the degree of indeterminacy.
M=15 R=4 J=9
m+r=2J
15+4=2(9)
19=18
m+r >2J
Degree of indeterminacy= 19-18=1
Statically indeterminate to the first degree. Externally stable, since the
reactions are not concurrent or parallel. By inspection the truss is internally
stable.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 7 of 25
Example -3 Classify the truss as statically determinate, indeterminate, stable or
unstable. If it is unstable then determine the degree of indeterminacy.
M=10 R=3 J=6
m+r=2J
10+3=2(6)
13=12
m+r >2J
Degree of indeterminacy= 13-12=1
Statically indeterminate to the first degree. Externally stable, since the
reactions are not concurrent or parallel. By inspection the truss is internally
stable.
Example -4 Classify the truss as statically determinate, indeterminate, stable or
unstable. If it is unstable then determine the degree of indeterminacy.
M=10 R=3 J=7
m+r=2J
10+3=2(7)
13=14
m+r <2J
As m+r <2J truss is unstable
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 8 of 25
Example -5 Determine the force in each member of the truss shown in the figure.
The dimensions and loadings are shown. State whether the members are in
tension or compression.
FA
RA RE
SOLUTION
Calculation of Support Reaction:
,
+
+ ,
+
Σ , ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
1000N
1000N
Joint-A
+
45
A 𝑭𝑨𝑩
……………1
𝑹𝑨 =1000N
+
( ) Ans.
By inserting in eq-1
( )
1000KN (T) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 9 of 25
Joint-H
+
H
𝑭𝑯𝑮
( )
-1000N (c) Ans.
𝑭𝑩𝑯
( )
( )Ans.
Joint-B
+
𝑭𝑩𝑯
……………2
𝑭𝑨𝑩 𝑭𝑩𝑪
+ B
600N
( ) Ans.
By inserting in eq-2
( )
( ) Ans.
Joint-C
+
𝑭𝑪𝑮
=0
( ) Ans.
𝑭𝑩𝑪 𝑭𝑪𝑫
C
+
800N
( ) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 10 of 25
Joint-G G
𝑭𝑯𝑮 𝑭𝑮𝑭
+
45 45
=0
( ) ( )=0 𝑭𝑪𝑮
……………3
( ) Ans.
By inserting in eq-3
( )
( ) Ans.
Joint-D
+
𝑭𝑫𝑭
=0
( ) =0
( )
𝑭𝑫𝑪 𝑭𝑫𝑬
D
+ 600N
( )
( )
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 11 of 25
Joint-F
+
F
𝑭𝑭𝑮
-1414.2N (c) Ans.
𝑭𝑫𝑭
( )Ans.
Final Result
= 1414.2N (C) ( )
= 1000N (T) = 1414.2N (C)
( ) ( )
1000N (c) ( )
( ) ( )
= 565.7N (C) = 565.7N (C)
( )
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 12 of 25
Example -6 Determine the force in each member of the truss shown in the figure.
The dimensions and loadings are shown. State whether the members are in
tension or compression.
FA
RA RD
SOLUTION
Calculation of Support Reaction:
,
+
+ ,
+
Σ , ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
3.5k 2k
Joint-A
+
……………1
26.56
A 𝑭𝑨𝑩
+
𝑹𝑨 =2K
( ) Ans.
By inserting in eq 1
( )
4K (T) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 13 of 25
Joint-B
𝑭𝑩𝑯
+
=4K (T) Ans.
𝑭𝑨𝑩 𝑭𝑩𝑪
B
+
0K Ans.
Joint-H
𝟐𝑲 𝑭𝑯𝑮
+
=0
H
0.89 0.89 ( )=0
0.89 0.89
+ 𝑭𝑩𝑯
=0
0.45 0.45 ( ) =0
0.45 0.45 =0 2
By solving eq-1 & eq-2
( ) Ans.
( ) Ans.
Joint-C
+
=0 𝑭𝑪𝑮
( ) =0
3 26.56
26.56 𝑭𝑪𝑫
𝑭𝑩𝑪
+
C
=0
( )=0
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 14 of 25
Joint-G
+
𝟐𝑲 𝑭𝑮𝑭
=0
0.89 0.89 ( )=0 G
0.89 0.89 5
+
𝑭𝑮𝑪
=0
0.45 0.45 ( ) =0
0.45 0.45 =1 6
Joint-F
+
𝟏 𝟓𝑲
=0 Ans. F
0
𝑭𝑬𝑭
K (C) Ans.
By inserting in eq-5 By inserting in eq-6
0.89( ) 0.89 0.45 0.45 =1
( ) Ans. 0.45( ) 0.45( ) =1
K Ans.
By inserting in eq-4 By inserting in eq-3
( ) Ans. ( )
Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 15 of 25
Joint-E 𝑭𝑬𝑭
+
( ) ( )
E
( )
𝑭𝑫𝑬
Final Result
= 4.47K (C)
= 4K (T) = 1.5K (C)
( )
2.25 (c) ( )
( )
= 2.25K (C) = 2.25K (C)
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 16 of 25
Example -7 Determine the force in each member of the roof truss shown in the
figure. The dimensions and loadings are shown. State whether the members are in
tension or compression.
2KN
30
30
3KN 3KN
G 60 60
E
30 30 60 60 30 30
FA A
B C D
4m 4m 4m RD
RA
SOLUTION
Calculation of Support Reaction:
,
+
+ ,
+
Σ , ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
4KN
4KN
Only the forces in half the members have to be determined, since the truss
is symmetric with respect to both loading and geometry.
Joint-A
+
……………1
30
A 𝑭𝑨𝑩
+
𝑹𝑨 =4KN
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 17 of 25
( ) Ans.
By inserting in eq 1
( )
6.93KN (T) Ans.
Joint-G
3KN 𝑭𝑮𝑭
+
60
=0
G
0.866 0.866 ( )=0
60 60
0.866 0.866 1
𝑭𝑨𝑮
𝑭𝑩𝑮
+
=0
0.5 0.5 ( ) =0
0.5 0.5 2
By solving eq-1 & eq-2
( ) Ans.
( ) Ans.
Joint-B
+
=0
( ) =0
+ 60
30
𝑭𝑨𝑩 𝑭𝑩𝑪
B
( ) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 18 of 25
By inserting in eq-3
( )
3.46 KN (T) Ans.
Final Result
6.93KN (T) 6.93KN (T)
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) ( )
3.46 KN (T) ( )
( )
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 19 of 25
Example -8 Determine the force in member CD, JH and IH. State if the members
are in tension or compression. The truss is pin supported at A and roller
supported at F. Assume all members are pin connected.
FA
RA RF
SOLUTION
Calculation of Support Reaction:
,
+
+ ,
+
Σ , ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
C D
2.87KN CD
3.63KN
J
B
°
JH
8.66’
IH
A I H
10’ 10’
3.63K 3K
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 20 of 25
+ , ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) Ans.
+ , ( ) ( )
( ) ( )
( ) Ans.
+
, ( ) ( ) {( ) )}
{( ) )}
( ) ( )
8.66 =( ) ( )
( ) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 21 of 25
Example -9 Determine the force in member BC, BD and ED. State if the members
are in tension or compression. The truss is pin supported at A and roller
supported at C. Assume all members are pin connected.
FA
RA RC
,
+
+
,
+
Σ , ( ) ( ) ( )
E D
7KN 1KN ED
2m
A °
BC
6KN
C
2m B 2m
1KN 8KN
+ , ( ) ( )
( ) Ans.
+ , ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
Ans.
+ , ( ) ( ) ( ) *( ) )+
( ) ( ) ( ) *( ) )+
( ) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 22 of 25
Example -10 Determine the force in member CF, and CG. State if the members
are in tension or compression. The truss is pin supported at A and roller
supported at E. Assume all members are pin connected.
FA
RA RE
SOLUTION
2.50KN
G
60 60
H F
2.31m
60 60
60 60 60 60
1.15m
1.15m
30 30 30 30
A E
2m B 2m C 2m 2m
3.2KN D 3.2KN
All Inclined forces makes an angle of 600
30
with the x-axis (horizontal axis) and 300
60
with the y-axis (vertical axis).
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 23 of 25
Calculation of Support Reaction:
+ ∑ ( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
+ ∑
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
+
∑
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
Section A-A
2.5KN
G
60
H
F
2.31m
1.15m
1.15m
30 CD
A
2m B 2m C 2m D
3.2KN
+
∑
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( )
4.06KN (T)
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 24 of 25
+
∑
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
1.74KN(C) Ans.
Section B-B
H
F
2.31m
60
CG
1.15m
1.15m
30 CD
A
2m B 2m C 2m D
3.2KN
+
∑
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( ) ( )
( ) ( ) ( )
( ) Ans.
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses-Page 25 of 25
