Statics

87

Two supports are provided for the truss in Figure 2.58(a);

both are rollers. The FBD reveals that only two vertical
support reactions develop. Both Ay and By have the
capability for resisting the vertical force F1, but no horizontal reaction is provided to resist horizontal translation
caused by force F2.
Three equations of equilibrium
Two unknown support reactions
The minimum number of equilibrium conditions that must
be satisfied is three, but because only two support constraints exist, this truss is unstable (or partially constrained).

(a) Pictorial diagram.

A generalization that seems apparent from the three previous examples is that the number of support unknowns
must be equal to the number of equations of equilibrium
for a rigid body to be completely constrained and statically determinate. Note, however, that while this generalization is necessary, it is not sufficient. Consider, for
example, the truss shown in Figure 2.59(a) and 2.59(b),
which is supported by three rollers at A, B, and C.
Three equations of equilibrium
Three unknown support reactions
Although the number of unknowns is equal to the number
of equations of equilibrium, no support capability exists
that can restrain horizontal translation. These constraints
are improperly arranged, and this condition is referred to
as improperly constrained.

(b) Free-body diagram.

Figure 2.58 Two rollerspartially
constrained/unstable.

A rearrangement of the three rollers shown in Figure 2.60(a)

and 2.60(b) could easily make the truss stable as well as statically determinate.

(a) Pictorial diagram.

(a) Pictorial diagram.

(b) Free-body diagram.

Figure 2.59 Two rollerspartially
constrained/unstable.

(b) Free-body diagram.

Figure 2.60 Three supportsstable and determinate.