Chapter 2: Analysis of Determinate Structures

2.1 Idealize Structure

Support Connections - refer to the points where structural members (such as beams, columns, and trusses) are attached
to other structural elements or foundations. These connections determine the way forces and moments are transferred and
resisted within a structure.

(Source: Structural Analysis 10th Ed., R.C. Hibbeler)

Idealized Model - a simplified representation of a real-world structure that captures its essential behavior while ignoring
minor complexities.

Idealized Structure - a theoretical representation of a real-world structure where

simplifying assumptions are made to facilitate analysis and design.

Floor Systems

Girder – the main load-carrying element of the floor.

Beams – the smaller elements having a shorter span and connected to girders.

Floor Joist - a horizontal structural member that supports the floor load and transfers it
to the supporting beams, walls, or foundation. It is a key component in floor framing
systems, providing strength and stability to the structure.

Tributary Loadings

One-Way System - a structural system in which loads are primarily carried in one direction to the supporting elements. This
system is commonly used in floors and roofs, where the load transfer follows a single-axis path from the slab to the beams
or directly to the supports.
Two-Way System - a structural system in which loads are distributed in two perpendicular directions to the supporting
elements. This system is commonly used in floor and roof designs where loads are shared more efficiently across multiple
supports, improving structural performance.
2.2 Load Path

Load Path - the route through which applied loads travel from the point of application to the ground or foundation. It
represents how forces are transferred and distributed through structural elements, ensuring stability and safety.

2.3 Principle of Superposition

“The total displacement of the internal loadings at a point in a structure subjected to several external loadings can be
determined by adding together the displacements or internal loadings caused by each of the external loads acting
separately.”

Requirements of the Principle of Superposition:

1. The material must behave in a linear elastic manner, so that Hooke’s law is valid, and therefore the load will be
proportional to displacement.
2. The geometry of the structure must not undergo significant change when the loads are applied.

2.4 Equations of Equilibrium

Σ𝐹! = 0
Σ𝐹" = 0
Σ𝑀# = 0

2.5 Determinacy and Stability

Determinacy - refers to the ability to analyze a structure using only the equations of static equilibrium, without requiring
additional compatibility equations or deformation analysis. It determines whether a structure’s internal forces and reactions
can be solved purely through static methods.

𝑟 = 3𝑛, 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒

𝑟 > 3𝑛, 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒

Statically Determinate Structures – the structure’s support reactions and internal forces can be found using only the three
equations of equilibrium. No redundant supports or extra constraints exists.

Statically Indeterminate Structures – the number of unknown forces or reactions exceeds the number of available
equilibrium equations. This requires compatibility equations and material deformation principles to solve.

Degree of Determinacy – refers to the extent to which a structure is statically determinate or indeterminate based on the
number of unknown forces compared to the available equilibrium equations.
For Beams and Frames,
𝐷 =𝑟−3
If,
𝐷 = 0 ∴ 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝐷 > 0 ∴ 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝐷 < 0 ∴ 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒

2.6 Application of the Equations of Equilibrium

< 𝐹! = 0

< 𝐹$ = 0

< 𝑀% = 0

Three-member Frame FBD of each member FBD of the whole frame

Procedure for Analysis

Free-Body Diagrams
• Disassemble the structure and draw a free-body diagram of each member. Also, it may be convenient to supplement
a member free-body diagram with a free-body diagram of the entire structure. Some or all of the support reactions
can then be determined using this diagram.
• Recall that reactive forces common to two members act with equal magnitudes but opposite directions on the
respective free-body diagrams of the members.
• All two-force members should be identified. These members, regardless of their shape, have no external loads on
them, and therefore their free-body diagrams are represented with equal but opposite collinear forces acting on
their ends.
• In many cases it is possible to tell by inspection the proper arrowhead sense of direction of an unknown force or
couple moment; however, if this seems difficult, the directional sense can be assumed.

Equations of Equilibrium
• Count the total number of unknowns to make sure that an equivalent number of equilibrium equations can be written
for solution. Except for two-force members, recall that in general three equilibrium equations can be written for each
member.
• Many times, the solution for the unknowns will be straightforward if the moment equation ∑ 𝑀% = 0 is applied about
a point (O) that lies at the intersection of the lines of action of as many unknown forces as possible.
• When applying the force equations ∑ 𝐹! = 0 and ∑ 𝐹$ = 0, orient the x and y axes along lines that will provide the
simplest reduction of the forces into their x and y components.
• If the solution of the equilibrium equations yields a negative magnitude for an unknown force or couple moment, it
indicates that its arrowhead sense of direction is opposite to that which was assumed on the free-body diagram.
SAMPLE PROBLEMS
Example 2.1:
The floor of a classroom is to be supported by the bar
joists. Each joist is 4.5 m long and they are spaced 0.75
m apart. The floor itself is to be made from lightweight
concrete that is 100 mm thick. Neglect the weight of the
joists and the corrugated metal deck, and determine the
load that acts along each joist.

Example 2.2:
The flat roof of the steel-frame building shown in the photo
is intended to support a total load of 2 kN/m2 over its
surface. Determine the roof load within region ABCD that
is transmitted to beams BC and BD.

Example 2.5:
Classify each of the pin-connected structures shown as
statically determinate or statically indeterminate. If
statically indeterminate, report the number of degrees of
Example 2.3: indeterminacy. The structures are subjected to arbitrary
The concrete girders shown in the photo of the external loadings that are assumed to be known and can
passenger car parking garage span 10m and are spaced act anywhere on the structures.
5 m on center. If the floor slab is 125 mm thick and made
of reinforced stone concrete, and the specified live load
is 2.50 kN/m2, determine the distributed load the floor
system transmits to each interior girder.

Example 2.4:
Classify each of the beams as statically determinate or
statically indeterminate. If statically indeterminate, report
the number of degrees of indeterminacy. The beams are
subjected to external loadings that are assumed to be
known and can act anywhere on the beams.
 Example 2.7:
Determine the reactions on the beam shown.

Example 2.6:
Classify each of the frames as statically determinate or
Example 2.8:
statically indeterminate. If statically indeterminate, report
Determine the reactions on the beam shown. Assume A
the number of degrees of indeterminacy. The frames are
is a pin and the support at B is a roller (smooth surface).
subjected to external loadings that are assumed to be
known and can act anywhere on the frames.

Example 2.9:
The side of the building is subjected to a wind loading
that creates a uniform normal pressure of 15 kPa on the
windward side and a suction pressure of 5 kPa on the
leeward side. Determine the horizontal and vertical
components of reaction at the pin connections A, B, and
C of the supporting gable arch.