CVEE231 Theory of structure

Weeks 6-7-8: Analysis of statically determinate trusses

Outline:

Common types of trusses

Classification of coplanar trusses
The method of joints
Zero-force members
The method of sections
Compound trusses Dr. Nabil Sultan
Block B 3rd floor
O.H. : 2 to 4 p.m.
Mon, Tue and Wed
Common types of trusses
Roof trusses
Truss connections
Common types of trusses
Roof trusses
Common types of trusses
Bridge trusses
Common types of trusses
Assumptions for design

1. All members are connected at both ends by smooth frictionless pins.

2. All loads are applied at joints (member weight is negligible).

Notes:

Centroids of all joint members coincide at the joint.

All members are straight.
All load conditions satisfy Hookes law
Classification of coplanar trusses
Simple truss

To prevent collapse, the framework of a truss must be rigid.

A simple truss is constructed by starting with a basic triangular element and connecting
two members to form an additional element.
Classification of coplanar trusses
Compound truss

Connected by a common joint and bar Connected by 3 bars

Bars of a large simple truss are substituted by simple trusses

Classification of coplanar trusses
Complex truss

A complex truss is one that cannot be classified as being either simple or compound.
Classification of coplanar trusses
Determinacy and stability

Determinacy

Stability

External unstable
Exercices

Classify each of the trusses in the figure below as stable, unstable, statically determinate, or
statically indeterminate. The trusses are subjected to arbitrary external loadings that are
assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the trusses.
Exercices
Solution
Exercices
Solution
The method of joints
Procedure for analysis

-Draw the free-body diagram of a joint

having at least one known force and at
most two unknown forces

-Try to establish the sense of unknown

force

- Apply the two force equilibrium

equations, solve for the two unknown
member forces and check directional
sense

- Continue to analyse each of the other

joints (with at least one known force and
at most two unknown forces)
The method of joints
Solution
The method of joints
Solution
Zero-force members

Zero-force members may be necessary for the truss during construction and to provide
support if the applied loading is changed.

The zero-force members of a truss can generally be determined by inspection of the joints
Zero-force members
Zero-force members
Exercise
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Exercise
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Solution
Zero-force members
Solution
The method of sections
Procedure for analysis

-Make a decision on how to cut the truss trough

the members where forces are to be determined

-Draw the free-body diagram of that part of the

sectioned truss which has the least number of
forces on it

- Equations of equilibrium
The method of sections
Solution
Exercices

Determine member force CD, ID, and IH

Exercices
Exercices

Determine the force in members GF and GD of the truss shown in the figure
below. State whether the members are in tension or compression. The reactions at
the supports have been calculated.
Exercices
Compound trusses
Procedure for analysis

Step 1. Identify the simple trusses

Step 2. Obtain external loading
Step 3. Solve for simple trusses separately
Compound trusses Type 1
Solution
Compound trusses
Solution

FCD=2.88 kN (T)
Compound trusses
Solution
Compound trusses Type 2
Ex 2

Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure below. The reactions at the
supports have been calculated.
Compound trusses
Ex 2: solution
Compound trusses
Ex 2: solution
Compound trusses Type 3
Ex

Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure below. The reactions at the
supports have been calculated.
Compound trusses Type 3
Solution
Compound trusses Type 3
Solution
Simple truss
Ex
Compound trusses Type 3
Ex

Determine the force in each member. State if the members are in tension or compression.