MECHANICS OF SOLIDS

Tutorial 2 : Trusses
1.

2.

3.

4.
5.

Classify each of the given truss system shown in Figure 1 as completely, partially or
improperly constrained system. If completely constrained, further classify as determinate
or indeterminate system. Assume that all the truss members can act both in tension and in
compression.
Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss shown in
Figure 2. State whether each member is in tension or in compression.
A planar truss is composed of equilateral triangles of sides a = 0.3 m and is supported
and loaded as shown in Figure 3. Determine the forces in members DE, DF and EF using
the method of joints.
Find the force in the members CF, CG, CH and FG of the truss shown in Figure 4 using
the method of sections. State the nature of each member force.
Using the method of sections, determine the forces in the members FG and FJ of the truss
shown in Figure 5.

(a)

(d)

2m

20o
A

a = 0.3 m P = 15 kN
G

10o

F
4m
Figure 2

(f)

Figure 1

120 kN
E

B
2m
A

(c)

(e)

75 kN
D

(b)

F
E

B
C
Figure 3
J
E

10 m

E 2.5 kN

F 2.5 kN

G 2.5 kN

5m
A

H 2.5 kN

6m
D

F 5 kN
5m

6m

5m

6m

5 kN

B
H

6m
A

I
8m

Figure 5

Figure 4

40o

6.

7.

8.
9.

10.

The guide-ways for a large overhanging crane are suspended from the joints M, K and J,G
of the truss shown in Figure 6. Neglecting the weight of the truss members and the
guide-ways, determine the forces in the members BC, BK, DE, DI and EF. Note that the
guide-ways only transmit the supported loads to the pins at their ends and are not
considered as part of the truss structurally.
Determine the nature and magnitude of the forces in the members DE, EM and KN of the
Fink truss shown in Figure 7.
Show that the bridge truss shown in Figure 8 is a just-rigid simple truss. Determine the
nature and magnitude of the forces in the members CD and KM of the truss.
Show that the bridge truss shown in Figure 9 is a just-rigid simple truss. Determine the
nature and magnitude of the forces in the members CJ, DI, HI and IJ of the truss using
the method of sections. Check whether there is any zero-force-member in this truss.
Check whether the space truss supported by a ball-and-socket joint at D and by rollers at
A, B and C as shown in Figure 10, is a simple just-rigid truss. Further, determine the
support reactions and the internal forces in all the members of the truss under the action
of a load given as P = (20 i 12 j 24 k) kN acting at the joint E as shown.

1.53 m

Figure 6
C

3m B

F
L
J
20 kN
20 kN
3m A
20 kN a
G
20 kN
M
N
K
I
H
E
20 kN a
20
kN
40 kN
F
D
20 kN a
40
kN
40
kN
a
a
C
G
M
L
6 Panels @ 4 m = 24 m
B
H
Figure 8
A
I
30o
K
O
N
J
6m
3m
3m
3m 3m
y
18 m
D
E
Figure 7
P
C
2.5 m

5m

2.5 m
A
K

E
J I

A x

5m

10 kN 20 kN 50 kN 20 kN

B
C

6 Panels @ 3 m = 18 m

10 m
Figure 10

Figure 9
2