Problem 3. The frame shown in Figure 1 is supported by a hinge at A and a roller at E.

The frame is composed of 3

members (AC, CE, and BF) fastened together with the hinge and roller by pins at A, B, C, D, and E. The frame is subjected
to an external load of 240 lb at F. Determine the X and Y components of the reactions at pin B and C based on member AC.
Reference: Problem #444, page 109 of the blue textbook “Engineering Mechanics” by Ferdinand Singer
C

6’ 3’

B D F

240 lb
4’

A E

2’ 6’ 2’

Figure 1
Part 1 – The Reactions
The hinge and roller will react accordingly to the external load 240 lb to maintain equilibrium. Hence, it is necessary to
solve first for these reactions before solving for the forces asked by the problem.

Step 1. Try choosing pin A as the axis of rotation. Do a summation of moments about A. You should be able to solve for Ey.
Answer. Ey = 264 lb up
Step 2. Do a summation of Y-forces. You should be able to determine the force Ay. Together with the magnitude, state
what should be the correct direction (up or down) of Ay. Answer. Ay = 24 lb down
Step 3. Do a summation of X-forces. You should be able to determine the force Ax. Together with the magnitude, state
what should be the correct direction (left or right) of Ax. Answer. Ax = 0 lb neither left or right
Step 4. Draw the frame as shown in Figure 1 and put the solved reactions Ay and Ey.

Part 2 – The Forces

The method of joints and sections can only be used when all the following conditions are met:
1) external loads are applied directly towards a pin
2) the members are two-force members meaning there is no bending and that it is only either in tension or compression.
In problem 3, the member BF is clearly not a two-force member since the external load is causing it to bend. Member BF
is now called a three-force member (See page 104 of the blue textbook “Engineering Mechanics” by Ferdinand Singer).
With this, the method of joints and method of sections cannot be used to solve this problem. In these type of problems,
we apply the Method of Members.
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces
In the Method of Members, we isolate every member then create FBD then solve. We will not be determining whether
the member is in tension or compression but instead we determine the X and Y forces acting on each pin per member.

Step 5. Isolate member AC and create FBD as shown in Figure 2. Solve for d using your knowledge in Trigonometry.

C
Cx

Cy
6’ By

Bx B

Ay
4’

2’ d
Figure 2
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 6. Try choosing pin C as the axis of rotation. Do a summation of moments about C. You should be able to derive an
equation containing Bx and By. This will be your equation 1.
Answer. -120 + 6Bx + 3By = 0

Step 7. Do a summation of Y-forces. You should be able to derive an equation containing By and Cy. This will be your
equation 2.

Step 8. Do a summation of X-forces. You should be able to derive an equation containing Bx and Cx. This will be your
equation 3.
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 9. Isolate member BD and create FBD as shown in Figure 3. Take note that the force directions of Bx and By will be
reversed when compared to Figure 2.

6’ 3’

Bx Dx

By Dy 240 lb

Figure 3

Step 10. Try choosing pin D as the axis of rotation. Do a summation of moments about D. You should be able to solve for
By.
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 11. Do a summation of Y-forces. You should be able to solve for Dy.

Step 12. Do a summation of X-forces. You should be able to derive an equation containing Bx and Dx. This will be your
equation 4.
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 13. Isolate member CE and create FBD as shown in Figure 4. Solve for e using your knowledge in Trigonometry. Take
note that the force directions of Dx and Dy as well as Cx and Cy will be reversed when compared to Figures 2 and 3.
Cy

Cx

Dy
6’

Dx

4’

e 2’
Ey
Figure 4
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 14. Try choosing pin D as the axis of rotation. Do a summation of moments negative, D. You should be able to derive
an equation containing Cx and Cy. This will be your equation 5.
Answer. -528 + 3Cy – 6Cx = 0

Step 15. Do a summation of Y-forces. You should be able to solve for Cy.
Answer. Cy = 96 lb (Assumed direction is correct)

Step 16. Do a summation of X-forces. You should be able to derive an equation containing Cx and Dx. This will be your
equation 6.

Now that we have analyzed each member, since we still have unknowns, it is time to make use of your derived equations.

Step 17. Using equation 1, you should be able to solve for Bx. If it comes out negative, then that means the assumed
direction is wrong and that it should be corrected by reversing it.

Step 18. Using equation 3, you should be able to solve for Cx. If it comes out negative, then that means the assumed
direction is wrong and that it should be corrected by reversing it.

Step 19. Using equation 4, you should be able to solve for Dx. If it comes out negative, then that means the assumed
direction is wrong and that it should be corrected by reversing it.
Continuation to Part 2 – The Forces

Step 20. Since the problem asked you for the X and Y forces at pins B and C at member AC, you draw again the isolated
member AC like in step 5 but this time, you put the solved forces together with their corrected directions.
Answer. See Figure 5
Cx = 40 lb

Cy = 96 lb
6’ By = 120 lb

Bx = 40 lb B

Ay= 24 lb
4’

2’ 3’

Figure 5
Part 3 – Checking

In Method of Members, you do an equilibrium check per member. This means you apply the 3 fundamental equations of
equilibrium to each member since each member is a non-concurrent force system.

Step 21. Based on Figure 5, calculate the resultant force and moment. It should be equal to zero (value very close to zero
can be considered).

Step 22. Repeat the procedure in step 20 but using member BD instead of AC. Calculate the resultant force and moment.
It should be equal to zero (value very close to zero can be considered).

Step 23. Repeat the procedure in step 20 but using member CE instead of AC. Calculate the resultant force and moment. It
should be equal to zero (value very close to zero can be considered).