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Method of Joints Method of Joints

1) The method of joints involves satisfying equilibrium equations at each joint of a truss to determine the forces in each member. The direction of each force is determined by the geometry of the connecting members, leaving only the magnitude as unknown. 2) To analyze a truss using the method of joints, one first determines support reactions, draws free body diagrams at each joint, writes equilibrium equations, and solves the equations simultaneously to find member forces. 3) Zero-force members can be identified by inspection, such as members connected at a joint with no external loads where the members are collinear. Identifying zero-force members simplifies the analysis.

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Manoj Manoharan
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331 views5 pages

Method of Joints Method of Joints

1) The method of joints involves satisfying equilibrium equations at each joint of a truss to determine the forces in each member. The direction of each force is determined by the geometry of the connecting members, leaving only the magnitude as unknown. 2) To analyze a truss using the method of joints, one first determines support reactions, draws free body diagrams at each joint, writes equilibrium equations, and solves the equations simultaneously to find member forces. 3) Zero-force members can be identified by inspection, such as members connected at a joint with no external loads where the members are collinear. Identifying zero-force members simplifies the analysis.

Uploaded by

Manoj Manoharan
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

CIVL 3121

Trusses - Method of Joints

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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 th equilibrium the ilib i equations ti for f forces f acting ti on each joint.

Method of Joints
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 f action acti n is formed f rmed by c connecting nnectin 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.

Fx

Fy

Method of Joints
Joint A Joint B

Method of Joints
Verticals Upper chord members

Tension Force

Joint A

Joint B

Diagonals

Lower chord members

Compression Force

Method of Joints

Method of Joints
Upper chord in compression

gusset plate

weld

Idealized joint members connected by a frictionless pin

Lower chord in tension

CIVL 3121

Trusses - Method of Joints

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Method of Joints
Upper chord in compression

Method of Joints
Procedure for analysis - the following is a procedure for analyzing a truss using the method of joints:
1 1. If possible possible, determine the support reactions

Lower chord in tension

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 members).

Method of Joints
Procedure for analysis - the following is a procedure for analyzing a truss using the method of joints:
3. Write the equations of equilibrium for each joint,

Method of Joints
Procedure for analysis - the following is a procedure for analyzing a truss using the method of joints:
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 joint using the criterion of two unknown reactions. 5. Solve the joint equations of equilibrium simultaneously, typically using a computer or an advanced calculator.

Fx

Fy

Method of Joints
Example - Consider the following truss
First, determine the support reactions for the truss 500 lb 500 lb

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

(10ft MA 0 500 lb500 lb ) C y (10ft )

Cy = 500 lb

500 lb

10 ft Ax

Fy
Ay Cy

0 Ay C y 0 Ax 500 lb

10 ft

Ay = -500 lb
10 ft

Ax

10 ft

Fx

Ax = -500 lb

Ay

Cy

CIVL 3121

Trusses - Method of Joints

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Method of Joints
The equations of equilibrium for Joint A
FAB 500 lb FAC

Method of Joints
The equations of equilibrium for Joint B
500 lb

Fx

0 FBC cos 45 500 lb

Fx Fy

0 FAC 500 lb 0 FAB 500 lb

FAC = 500 lb FAB = 500 lb

FAB

FBC

FBC = -707.2 707.2 lb

The forces in the truss can be summarized as: FAB = 500 lb (T) FAC = 500 lb (T) FBC = 707.2 lb (C)

500 lb

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

Method of Joints
Problem Determine the force in each member of the truss shown below
B 4 ft C

60
4 ft

E
60

4 ft 800 lb

In the notes on page 10

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

Zero Force Members


Truss analysis may be simplified by determining members with no loading or zeroforce. These members may provide stability or be useful if th loading the l di changes. h Zeroforce members may be determined by inspection of the joints

CIVL 3121

Trusses - Method of Joints

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Zero Force Members

Zero Force Members


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

Case 1: If two members are connected at a joint and there is no external force applied to the joint
F1

Fy Fx

0 F1 sin 0 F1 cos F2

F1 = 0 F2 = 0

F3

0 F1 sin

F2 x

F2 x

Fy

F1 = 0

Zero Force Members


Determine the force in each member of the truss shown below:
800 lb C

Zero Force Members


Determine the force in each member of the truss shown below:
800 lb C

In the notes on page 11


Using g Case 1 FAG G and FCG G are zero-force members
D E B

Using g Case 2 FBG and FDF are zero-force members


B

Using Case 1 FEF and FCF are zero zero-force force members

D E G F

A G F

8 ft

8 ft

8 ft

8 ft

Zero Force Members


Determine the force in each member of the truss shown below:
800 lb C FBC B D E G F
3

Method of Joints
The equations of equilibrium for Joint C
800 lb
4 4 3

The remaining non-zero forces can be found using th method the th d of f joints j i t

Fx
FCD

0 FBC FCD
3 5 3 5

4 5

4 5

FBC = FCD

Fy

0 FBC FCD 800 lb

FBC = -666.7 lb FBC = 666.7 lb (C)

8 ft

8 ft

CIVL 3121

Trusses - Method of Joints

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End of Trusses - Part 2

Any questions?

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