Chapter 6: Structural Analysis Engineering Mechanics: Statics

Chapter Outline
Two-force members Planar (Simple) Trusses The Method of Joints Zero-Force Members

The Method of Sections

Chapter Objectives
To show how to determine the forces in the members of a truss using the method of sections.

6.4 The Method of Sections

Used to determine the loadings within a body If a body is in equilibrium, any part of the body is in equilibrium To determine the forces within the members,

an imaginary section

indicated by the blue line

can be used to cut each member into two and expose each internal force as external

6.4 The Method of Sections

It can be seen that, equilibrium requires the member in: tension (T) be subjected to a pull compression (C) be subjected to a push Method of section can be used to cut (or section) members of an entire truss Apply equations of equilibrium on that part to determine the member forces

6.4 The Method of Sections

Determine the force in members GE, GC, and BC of the truss. Indicate whether the members are in tension or compression.

6.4 The Method of Sections

Consider the truss shown To determine the force in the member GE, GC, and BC, section a-a would be considered
a
G E

6.4 The Method of Sections Note the line of action of each member force is specified from the geometry of the truss
G E

All the three Members assumed to be in tension Apply equations of equilibrium

6.4 The Method of Sections

Always assume the unknown member forces in the cut section are in tension

Always assume the unknown member forces in the cut section are in tension. The numerical solution of the equilibrium will yield: . positive scalars for members in tension and . negative scalars for members in compression

Procedure for Analysis

Before isolating the appropriate section, determine the trusss external reactions, if necessary.
Decide how to cut (or section) the truss through the members where the required forces are to be determined. Note that, the working truss system is 2D so there will be 3 independent equations. Hence selected section should not contain more than 3 unknowns.

Procedure for Analysis

Depending on the asked members location within the truss, you may need to have more than 1 sections for the solution.

Draw Free-Body Diagram of that section that you want to work with. Use the equilibrium equations to solve for member forces at that specific cut section. For this purpose, you have 3 alternative sets of equilibrium equations that you can use.

Alternative Sets of Equilibrium Equations

3 sets of equilibrium equations set I set II set III

Fx = 0 Fy = 0 MO = 0

Fa = 0 MA = 0 MB = 0

MA = 0 MB = 0 MC = 0

Line passing through points A and B is not perpendicular to the a-a axis

Points A, B and C must not lie on the same line

6.4 The Method of Sections

Example
Determine the force in members 1, 2, and 3 of the bridge truss, and indicate whether the members are in tension or compression. Use method
of SECTIONS. Solve by 3 different (alternative) approaches.
1

6.4 The Method of Sections

a

Ex
a

Ay

Ey

6.4 The Method of Sections

F1 F2
C

F3 Ay

Example
a) Determine the forces in members 7, 8, 9 and 10 of the truss and state whether they are in tension (T) or compression (C). Use the method of sections.

b) Determine the zero-force members (give your reasoning) .

1.2 m P2 A 8 C

1.2 m

1.2 m P1

4 5 3

7 4.5 m 11

2 G

9
6 D 10 B

P1 = 108 kN P2 = 36 kN

6.4 The Method of Sections

Example Determine the force in members 1, 2 and 3 of the bridge truss. Indicate whether the member are in tension or compression. Assume each member is pin connected. Use Method of SECTIONS.

1 2 3

6.4 The Method of Sections

Solution FBD of the entire truss

6.4 The Method of Sections

Solution FBD of the sectioned truss Three unknowns F1, F2, F3
F1

F2 F3

Chapter Summary
Method of Sections

For the truss to be in equilibrium, each section is must be in equilibrium

Pass a section through the member whose force is to be determined.

Chapter Summary
Draw the FBD of the sectioned part having the least forces on it Forces pulling the section are in tension Forces pushing the section are in compression

Chapter Summary
For a coplanar force system, use the three equations of equilibrium for solving If possible, sum the force in a direction that is perpendicular to two of the three unknown forces Sum the moment about a point that passes through the line of action of two of the three unknown forces