Engr210 Fall 2010 Instructor: Ahmed Abdel-Rahim

Lesson # 18: Truss Introduction and Joint Method Page 1 of 2

Todays Objectives:
1. Define a Truss
2. List all assumptions required to
Analyze a truss
3. Analyze a truss using the joint
method
4. Identify zero-force members

Trusses
Structure elements commonly used in
covering long spans and railroad bridges.
Load carrying capacity will depend on the
type of material used [Steel, aluminum, or
wood]












Solution Plan
1. If the support reactions are not
given, draw a FBD of the entire
truss and determine all the support
reactions using the 3 equations of
equilibrium.
2. Draw the free-body diagram of a
joint with one or two unknowns.
Assume that all unknown member
forces act in tension (pulling the
pin) unless you can determine by
inspection that the forces are
compression loads.
Trusses; general assumptions:
a) Two-force members
b) Members connected at joints through
frictionless pins
c) Load are applied at joints ONLY
d) Weights of the members are neglected
e) Truss members are loaded in either
tension or compression.

Analyzing Trusses using the method of
Joints
a) Forces applied at each joints are
concurrent forces [in the direction of
members and intersects at the joint]
b) Each Joint is under equilibrium, thus
two equations can be applied: Sum
Fx=0 and Sum Fy=0


3. Apply the scalar equations of
equilibrium, ! Fx = 0 and ! Fy =
0, to determine the unknown(s). If
the answer is positive, then the
assumed direction (tension) is
correct, otherwise it is in the opposite
direction (compression).
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at each joint in
succession until all the required
forces are determined.


















Engr210 Fall 2010 Instructor: Ahmed Abdel-Rahim
Lesson # 18: Truss Introduction and Joint Method Page 2 of 2












m + r = 2 j [Truss equilibrium equation]




Zrero Force Members
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.


Why Do we use zero force members?
Stability (especially for truss members
under compression)
Different Loading conditions

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. In this example
members DE, CD, 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.


Example




Determine the number of Zero Force
members

Two-Group Activities