Statics Lecture 6 Pin Jointed Structures and the Method of Joints Dr JD Shephard

Pin Jointed Structures or trusses

Previously we have considered equilibrium of a single rigid body. We drew a FBD of this body showing all the external forces acting on the body and then used force and moment equilibrium conditions. Here we will consider the internal forces of a structure i.e. forces of action and reaction between connected bars or struts members.

What is a Pin Jointed Structure or Truss?

It is an Engineering term used to describe a structure composed of pin jointed members. Only two forces can act on the member (there are only two joints in a given member) Assumption: The mass of the members can be neglected; and a truss is only loaded or supported at the joints of its members.

Principle of analysis
To analyse we dismember the structure and look at separate FBDs of individual members or combinations of members. NB: Have to think carefully about Newtons 3rd law!
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Members and Joints (or Pins) Correct analysis requires that you distinguish between forces on joints and those on members. e.g. If the member shown below is pinned at A and B and is under Tension, T, or Compression, C, then the following force diagrams can be drawn: A Tensile force on member T A Tensile force on joints (or pins) T A Compressive force on member C C T B B T B

Compressive force on joints (or pins) C C

B
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Loading of a simple truss Simplest truss or pin jointed structure is a triangle.

B
Compression in member

Compression in member

A
Tension in member

F Isolating joint (or pin) B: Compression in member AB B Compression in member BC

Building structures from triangles

Structures are built from a basic triangle and are known as simple trusses. Some common bridge trusses

Howe

Pratt

Warren

K Type

Real example of Warren Truss

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Formal analysis of pin jointed structures or trusses

3 Key assumptions: All joints are frictionless pin joints therefore each member is subject ONLY to tensile or compressive forces. No bending. External loads are applied ONLY at joints. Members are light compared to applied loads or induced forces and therefore the weight of the member is negligible.

Two methods of analysis 1. Method of Joints (this lecture)

In this method we consider satisfying the conditions for equilibrium for the forces acting on the connecting pin of each joint. Equilibrium of concurrent forces at pins only two independent equilibrium equations are involved (force equilibrium)

2. Method of Sections (next week)

In this method we consider an entire section of the structure for the free body under equilibrium. Takes advantage of the third equilibrium equation (moment equilibrium) as well as the force equilibrium.
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The Method of Joints (example)

F
30o

1m
60o 30o

E
30o

60o

30o 60o

60o

1m

1m

1m

Structure loaded at B with a force F (= 10 kN).

Step 1: The FBD (for the whole structure)

We need this initial step to find reactions at A and D

F
60o 30o 30o

E
30o

60o

30o 60o

60o

B F =10 kN

C RD

RA
No other horizontal components

Roller can only can support vertical

Step 2: Find the reactions at supports

We need to use moment equilibrium first to help find reactions. (NB: This is the only use of moments in method of joints.) MD = 0: RA(3) 10(2) = 0 RA = 6.67 kN

Then use force equilibrium: FV = 0: RA + RD 10 = 0 RD = 3.33 kN

Step 3: Equilibrium at Joint A

Now use Method of Joints and start at Joint A: NB: Take an educated guess at direction of force (arrows). As long as you use same direction for equilibrium equations then the sign (+ or -) will reveal true direction! Force equilibrium (Joint A): FV = 0: RA AFsin60 = 0 Compressive
60o

AF AB

Tensile

RA = 6.67 kN AF = 6.67/sin60 AF = 7.70 kN

FH = 0:

AB AFcos60 = 0

AB = 7.70cos60
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AB = 3.85 kN

Step 4: Equilibrium at Joint F

Think about directions again (but dont worry!) F
30o

EF

Force equilibrium (Joint F): FV = 0: AFcos30 BF = 0

AF = 7.70 kN

BF

BF = 7.70cos30 BF = 6.67 kN

FH = 0:

AFsin30 EF = 0

EF = 7.70sin30 EF = 3.85 kN

Step 5: Equilibrium at Joint B

BF = 6.67 kN BE AB = 3.85 kN Force equilibrium (Joint B): FV = 0: BF + BEsin60 F = 0
30o 60o

BC

B F = 10 kN BE = (10 6.67)/sin60 BE = 3.85 kN FH = 0: BC + BEcos60 AB = 0 BC = 3.85 3.85cos60 BC = 1.93 kN

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Step 6: Equilibrium at Joint C

CE

BC = 1.93 kN Force equilibrium (Joint C): FV = 0: CE = 0 !!!!!

CD C

So in this load condition the force in member CE = 0. However, this would not be zero if a vertical load was applied to joint C. Think about a car travelling over a bridge? FH = 0: BC - CD = 0 CD = 1.93 kN

Step 7: Equilibrium at Joint E

EF = 3.85 kN
60o

E
o 30o 30

DE

BE = 3.85 kN CE = 0 Force equilibrium (Joint E): FV = 0: DEcos30 BEcos30 = 0 DE = BE DE = 3.85 kN

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Step 8: Equilibrium at Joint D

We have now found the forces in all members but lets use joint D to check: DE = 3.85 kN
60o

CD = 1.93 kN

RD = 3.33 kN Force equilibrium (Joint D): FV = 0: RD DEsin60 = 0 3.33 3.85sin60 = 0 3.33 3.33 = 0

Phew, it works!

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All the internal forces in the structure

A RA

B F

C RD

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Next week, the method of sections!