Structural Analysis - I

Equilibrium, Reactions, Truss

 Principle of Superposition

The total displacement or internal loadings (stress) at

a point in a structure subjected to several external
loadings can be determined by adding together the
displacements or internal loadings (stress) caused by
each of the external loads acting separately.

For this statement to be valid it is necessary that a

linear relationship exist among the loads, stresses,
and displacements.
 Principle of Superposition
Two requirements must be met:

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, i.e.,
small displacement theory applies. Large
displacements will significantly change the position
and orientation of the loads. An example would be a
cantilevered thin rod subjected to a force at its end.
Structural Analysis
By C. Hibbeler
 Symmetry and Antisymmetry
Symmetry or antisymmetry in a structural system can be
effectively exploited for the purpose of analyzing structural
systems. Symmetry and antisymmetry can be found in many
real-life structural systems (or, in the idealized model of a real-
life structural system).

It is very important to remember that when we say symmetry in

a structural system, it implies the existence of symmetry both in
the structure itself including the support conditions and also in
the loading on that structure.
Symmetric Structure
Examples
Asymmetric Structure
Examples
Antisymmetric Structure
Examples
 Equilibrium
The concept of equilibrium is the most central one in the subject
of Statics. When the net effect or the resultant of all the forces
(and couples) acting on a system is zero, the system is said to
be in equilibrium.
Equilibrium
 Equilibrium
These equations provide the necessary and sufficient
forces to keep a system in equilibrium.

A system is a body or a combination of connected

bodies. The bodies can be either rigid or deformable
(even fluids can be treated as body).

For the important task of identifying the forces (and

couples) acting on a system, we take the help of Free
Body Diagrams. Thus, drawing a free body diagram
becomes the first and foremost task in solution of
problems in mechanics.
 Equilibrium
The free body diagram of a body (or its part, or a
connected system of bodies) is obtained by isolating it
from the all other surrounding bodies. The diagram
detaches the system in consideration from all
mechanical contacts with other bodies and sets it free.
The other bodies are not shown in the diagram, but
they are replaced by the forces (and couples) that they
apply on the system for which we are drawing a free
body diagram.
Applications of Eqns of Equilibrium
 Lets have some fun!
Determine the reactions at the supports A, B, D, and F.
Determine the reactions at the supports A and B of
the compound beam. There is a pin at C.
TRUSSES
 Assumptions
• Bars are pin-connected.

• Joints are frictionless hinges.

• Loads are applied at the joints only.

Truss with Parallel Chords
Types of Roof Truss

Structural Analysis
By C. Hibbeler
Types of Bridge Truss

Structural Analysis
By C. Hibbeler
 Classification of Coplanar Truss

• Simple
• Compound
• Complex
 Sign Convention

Tension +ve
Compression -ve

Remember, a member in compression “pushes” on

the joint and a member in tension “pulls” on the joint.
 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.
• σ 𝐹𝑥 = 0, σ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

• 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.
• Since direction of the force is known, the remaining
unknown is the magnitude of the force.
 Method of Joints… Procedure
• If possible, determine the support reactions
• 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 members).
• Write the equations of equilibrium for each joint,
• σ 𝐹𝑥 = 0, σ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

• 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 joint using the criterion of two
unknown reactions.

• Solve the joint equations of equilibrium simultaneously,

typically using a computer or an advanced calculator.
Example
 Example
Determine the force in each member of the truss.
Indicate if the members are in tension or compression.
Assume all members are pin connected.
 Zero Force Members
• Truss analysis may be simplified by determining
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
Zero Force Members
Zero Force Members
If a joint has only two non-
collinear members and there
is no external load or support
reaction at that joint, then
those two members are zero-
force members. Therefore,
members DE, DC, AF, and AB
are zero force members.

You can easily prove these

results by
applying the equations of
equilibrium to joints D and A.
Zero-force members can be
removed (as shown in the
figure) when analyzing the
truss.
If three members form a truss joint
for which two of the members are
collinear and there is no external
load or reaction at that joint, then
the third non-collinear member is a
zero force member.

Again, this can easily be proven.

One can also remove the zero-
force member, as shown for
analyzing the truss further.

Please note that zero-force

members are used to increase
stability and rigidity of the truss,
and to provide support for various
different loading conditions.