CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 1/5

Method of Joints Method of Joints

If a truss is in equilibrium, then each of its joints
must be in equilibrium.
The method of joints consists of satisfying the
equilibrium equations for forces acting on each
joint.
Recall, that the line of action of a force acting on
a joint is determined by the geometry of the truss
member.
The line of action is formed by connecting the
two ends of each member with a straight line.

F F
Since direction of the force is known, the
x 0 y 0 remaining unknown is the magnitude of the
force.

Method of Joints Method of Joints

Upper chord members

Joint A Joint B
Verticals

Tension Force

Joint A Joint B Diagonals Lower chord members

Compression Force

Method of Joints Method of Joints

gusset plate Upper chord in compression

weld

Idealized joint
members connected by Lower chord in tension
a frictionless pin
This is a Pratt truss
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 2/5

Method of Joints Method of Joints

Upper chord in compression Procedure for analysis - the following is a

procedure for analyzing a truss using the method
of joints:

1. If possible, determine the support reactions

2. Draw the free body diagram for each joint. In

general, assume all the force member reactions are
tension (this is not a rule, however, it is helpful in
keeping track of tension and compression
Lower chord in tension
members).

This is a Howe truss

Method of Joints Method of Joints

Procedure for analysis - the following is a Procedure for analysis - the following is a
procedure for analyzing a truss using the method procedure for analyzing a truss using the method
of joints: of joints:

3. Write the equations of equilibrium for each joint, 4. If possible, begin solving the equilibrium equations
at a joint where only two unknown reactions exist.
Work your way from joint to joint, selecting the new
F x 0 F y 0 joint using the criterion of two unknown reactions.

5. Solve the joint equations of equilibrium

simultaneously, typically using a computer or an
advanced calculator.

Method of Joints Method of Joints

Example - Consider the following truss Example - Consider the following truss
First, determine the support reactions for the truss First, determine the support reactions for the truss

500 lb. 500 lb. M A 0 500 lb.(10 ft.) Cy (10 ft.)

500 lb. 500 lb.
Cy = 500 lb.
10 ft. 10 ft.

Ax F y 0 Ay Cy Ay = -500 lb. Ax

10 ft.
Ay Cy F x 0 Ax 500 lb.
10 ft.
Ax = -500 lb. Ay Cy
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 3/5

Method of Joints Method of Joints

The equations of equilibrium for Joint A The equations of equilibrium for Joint B

F
500 lb.
FAB x 0 FBC cos 45 500 lb.

500 lb. FAC

F
x 0 FAC 500 lb. FAC = 500 lb. FAB
FBC FBC = -707.2 lb.

The forces in the truss can be summarized as:

500 lb. F y 0 FAB 500 lb. FAB = 500 lb.
FAB = 500 lb. (T) FBC = 707.2 lb. (C)

FAC = 500 lb. (T)

Method of Joints Method of Joints

Problem Determine the force in each member of the truss Problem Determine the force in each member of the truss
shown below shown below

B 4 ft. C

E
A 60 60 D

4 ft. 4 ft.

800 lb.

Method of Joints Zero Force Members

Problem Determine the force in each member of the truss Truss analysis may be simplified by determining
shown below members with no loading or zero-force.

These members may provide stability or be useful if the

loading changes.

Zero-force members may be determined by inspection

of the joints
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Zero Force Members Zero Force Members

Case 1: If two members are connected at a joint and there is Case 2: If three members are connected at a joint and there
no external force applied to the joint is no external force applied to the joint and two of the
members are colinear
y
F1 F y 0 F1 sin F1 = 0
y
F1

F x 0 F1 cos F2 F2 = 0

F3 F2
F2
x

x
F y 0 F1 sin F1 = 0

Zero Force Members Zero Force Members

Determine the force in each member of the truss shown Determine the force in each member of the truss shown
below: below:

800 lb. 800 lb. Using Case 1 FEF and FCF

Using Case 2 FBG and FDF Using Case 1 FAG and FCG are zero-force members
are zero-force members C are zero-force members C

B D B D

E E
A A

G F G F

8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.

Zero Force Members Method of Joints

Determine the force in each member of the truss shown The equations of equilibrium for Joint C
below: 800 lb.

F
4 4
x 0 FBC FCD FBC = FCD
The remaining non-zero 800 lb. 5 5
4 4
forces can be found using 3 3
the method of joints C
F
3 3
FBC FCD y 0 FBC FCD 800 lb.
5 5
B D FBC = -666.7 lb.

E
A FBC = 666.7 lb. (C)
G F

8 ft. 8 ft.