Method of Members | Frames Containing Three-Force Members

A three-force member is in general a non-axial member that is not simply in tension or

compression. A member of this kind has shear forces perpendicular to the member and subjected
to bending loads. If forces are applied to more than two positions on the member, it is three-force
member. Any beam is a three-force member according to the above definition.

Frames are pin-connected structures with some or all members are three-force members. To
analyze a frame, we can disconnect the three-force member from the structure and draw the freebody diagram of the member. This approach is called the method of members.

In this method, three equilibrium equations can be written

, and

Below is a figure that shows the difference between axial and non-axial (three-force) members.

Problem 001-mm
The structure shown in Fig F-001(MM) is pinned together at points A, B, and C and held in
equilibrium by the cable CD. A load of 12,000 lb is acting at the midpoint of member AB, and a load
of 8000 lb is applied at point C. Determine the reaction at A, the internal force in member BC, and
the tension on cable CD.

Solution 001-mm

Tension on cable CD

answer
Reaction at A

Thus, RA = 16 021.38 lb at Ax = 57.47 with the horizontal.

Force on member CD

answer

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Problem 002-mm
Members AB and BC shown in Fig. F-002(MM) are pinned together at point B, and are pinned to the
floor at points A and C. The structure supports a pulley at point B with which, a person is hoisting a
2.0 kN load. Member BC has a weight of 1.6 kN, which may be considered to act at its center, while
AB is made of strong-light material and has negligible weight. Determine the value of the external
support reactions at A and C.

Solution 002-mm

AB is an axial member while BC is a three-force member. Thus,

answer

answer

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Problem 003-mm
For the structure shown in Fig. (MM)-P003 below, determine the reactions at A and D and the
internal force in member CF.

Solution 003-mm

From the FBD of the whole system

From the FBD of member ABC

From FBD of the whole system

Summary

Problem 004-mm
For the structure shown in Fig. FR-004(MM), members AD, DC, and ABC are assumed to be solid
rigid members; member ED is a cable. For this structure, determine the reaction at A, the tension on
cable ED, and the force in member DC.

Solution 004-mm

answer

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answer
From FBD of member ABC

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Problem 005-cb
For the cabled structure in Fig. 005(FR-CB), member ABC which is assumed to be rigid is
pinned at A and held in equilibrium by cable CD. For this structure, determine the reaction at A
and the tension in the cable.

Solution 005-cb

answer

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Problem 006-fr
In the structure shown in Fig. P-006(FR-H), all members are assumed to be solid rigid members.
The system is pinned to the wall at point A and supported by a roller at point E. Calculate the force
on member BD and the reactions at A and E.

Solution 006-fr

answer

answer

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Problem 007-cb
In the structure shown in Fig. CB-007(FR), members BCE, and CD are assumed to be solid rigid
members. Members AE and DE are cables. For this structure, determine the
reaction at B.

Solution 007-cb

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