CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 1/5
Method of Joints Method of Joints
If a truss is in equilibrium, then each of its joints Recall, that the line of action of a force acting on
must be in equilibrium. a joint is determined by the geometry of the truss
member.
The method of joints consists of satisfying the
equilibrium equations for forces acting on each The line of action is formed by connecting the
joint. two ends of each member with a straight line.
F F
Since direction of the force is known, the
x 0 y 0 remaining unknown is the magnitude of the
force.
Method of Joints Method of Joints
Upper chord members
Joint A Joint B
Verticals
Tension Force
Joint A Joint B Diagonals Lower chord members
Compression Force
Method of Joints Method of Joints
gusset plate Upper chord in compression
weld
Idealized joint –
members connected by Lower chord in tension
a frictionless pin
This is a Pratt truss
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 2/5
Method of Joints Method of Joints
Upper chord in compression Procedure for analysis - the following is a
procedure for analyzing a truss using the method
of joints:
1. If possible, determine the support reactions
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
Lower chord in tension
members).
This is a Howe truss
Method of Joints Method of Joints
Procedure for analysis - the following is a Procedure for analysis - the following is a
procedure for analyzing a truss using the method procedure for analyzing a truss using the method
of joints: of joints:
3. Write the equations of equilibrium for each joint, 4. If possible, begin solving the equilibrium equations
at a joint where only two unknown reactions exist.
F F
Work your way from joint to joint, selecting the new
x 0 y 0 joint using the criterion of two unknown reactions.
5. Solve the joint equations of equilibrium
simultaneously, typically using a computer or an
advanced calculator.
Method of Joints Method of Joints
Example - Consider the following truss Example - Consider the following truss
First, determine the support reactions for the truss First, determine the support reactions for the truss
500 lb. M A 0 500 lb.(10 ft.) Cy (10 ft.)
500 lb.
500 lb. 500 lb.
Cy = 500 lb.
10 ft. 10 ft.
Ax
Fy 0 Ay Cy Ay = -500 lb. Ax
10 ft.
Ay Cy Fx 0 Ax 500 lb. Ax = -500 lb.
10 ft.
Ay Cy
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 3/5
Method of Joints Method of Joints
The equations of equilibrium for Joint A The equations of equilibrium for Joint B
Fx 0 FBC cos 45 500 lb.
500 lb.
FAB
Fx 0 FAC 500 lb. FAC = 500 lb. FAB
FBC FBC = -707.2 lb.
500 lb. FAC
The forces in the truss can be summarized as:
500 lb.
Fy 0 FAB 500 lb. FAB = 500 lb.
FAB = 500 lb. (T) FBC = 707.2 lb. (C)
FAC = 500 lb. (T)
Method of Joints Method of Joints
Problem – Determine the force in each member of the truss Problem – Determine the force in each member of the truss
shown below shown below
B 4 ft. C
E
A 60 60 D
4 ft. 4 ft.
800 lb.
Method of Joints Zero Force Members
Problem – Determine the force in each member of the truss Truss analysis may be simplified by determining
shown below members with no loading or zero-force.
These members may provide stability or be useful if the
loading changes.
Zero-force members may be determined by inspection
of the joints
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 4/5
Zero Force Members Zero Force Members
Case 1: If two members are connected at a joint and there is Case 2: If three members are connected at a joint and there
no external force applied to the joint is no external force applied to the joint and two of the
members are colinear
y
Fy 0 F1 sin
y
F1 F1 = 0 F1
Fx 0 F1 cos F2 F2 = 0
F3 F2
F2
x
x
Fy 0 F1 sin F1 = 0
Zero Force Members Zero Force Members
Determine the force in each member of the truss shown Determine the force in each member of the truss shown
below: below:
800 lb. 800 lb. Using Case 1 FEF and FCF
Using Case 2 FBG and FDF Using Case 1 FAG and FCG are zero-force members
are zero-force members C are zero-force members C
B D B D
E E
A A
G F G F
8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft. 8 ft.
Zero Force Members Method of Joints
Determine the force in each member of the truss shown The equations of equilibrium for Joint C
below: 800 lb.
Fx 0 FBC FCD
4 4
The remaining non-zero
FBC = FCD
800 lb. 5 5
4 4
forces can be found using 3 3
the method of joints C
Fy 0 FBC FCD 800 lb.
3 3
FBC FCD
5 5
B D FBC = -666.7 lb.
E
A FBC = 666.7 lb. (C)
G F
8 ft. 8 ft.
CIVL 3121 Trusses - Method of Joints 5/5
End of Trusses - Part 2
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