HOLY ANGEL UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND ARCHITECTURE

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

MODULE 1-PRELIM
Lesson 4: Analysis of Truss
 MODULE 1-PRELIM
LESSON #4: Analysis of Truss

In this lesson, you will be able to solve the internal force acting on the truss members.

All concepts sample problems and figures are from the followings books,

 Hibbeler, R. C.(2017). Structural analysis 9th ed. Boston, Pearson

 Leet, Kenneth M. (2011). Fundamentals of structural analysis, McGraw-Hill, Boston

 Kassimali, Aslam (2010). Structural analysis, Cengage Learning, Stamford, CT USA

 J Rungamornrat (2011). Fundamental of Structural Analysis, Rungamornrat, Bangkok Thailand

You can also refer to the following online pages for additional information.

 HAU BOOKs 24x7

 http://www.civilengineering.com

 CE 474 Structural Analysis II Homepage.https://engineering.purdue.edu/~ce474/

 NPTEL Phase II::Civil Engineering-Structural Analysis I .nptel.ac.in/downloads/105101085/

Truss;

Is a structure that "consists of two-force members only, where the members are organized so that the
assemblage as a whole behaves as a single object".

A "two-force member" is a structural component where force is applied to only two points.

Trusses are used in a broad range of buildings, mainly where there is a requirement for very long spans, such
as in airport terminals, aircraft hangers, sports stadia roofs, auditoriums and other leisure buildings.

Trusses are also used to carry heavy loads and are sometimes used as transfer structures.

CLASSIFICATION OF TRUSSES

SIMPLE TRUSS

Simple Truss is constructed starting with a basic triangular element and connecting two members to form
additional elements. As each additional element of two members is placed on a truss, the number of joints is
increased by one.

COMPOUND TRUSS

This truss is formed by connecting two or more simple trusses together. This type of truss is often used for large
spans.

Complex Truss

This is a truss that cannot be classified as being either simple or compound.

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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LESSON 4: ANALYSIS OF TRUSS
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Determinacy of Coplanar Trusses

• Since all the elements of a truss are two-force members, the moment equilibrium is automatically
satisfied.

Determinate
Note:
b + r = 2j
There are two equations of equilibrium for each joint, j, in a truss.
Indeterminate
Where: r is the number of reactions and b is the number of bar members
b + r > 2j

Problem #1:

Identify if the determinacy of the given trusses

Stability of Coplanar Trusses

Bear in mind, however, that if a truss is unstable,

it does not matter whether it is statically
determinate or indeterminate.

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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Problem #2:

Determine the stability of the following trusses

Stability of Coplanar Trusses

Internal stability

may be determined by inspection of the arrangement of the truss members.

⬗ A simple truss will always be internally stable

⬗ The stability of a compound truss is determined by examining how the simple trusses are connected

⬗ The stability of a complex truss can often be difficult to determine by inspection.

⬗ In general, the stability of any truss may be checked by performing a complete analysis of the
structure. If a unique solution can be found for the set of equilibrium equations, then the truss is
stable

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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Identification of ZERO-Force Member

⬗ Zero Force member are added to trusses to brace compression members against buckling and slender
tension members against vibrating

⬗ The analysis of trusses can be expedited if we can identify zero force member by inspection.

⬗ If only two non collinear members are connected to a joint that has no external loads or reactions
applied to it, then the force in both members is zero.

⬗ If three members, two of which are collinear, are connected to a joint that has no external loads or
reactions applied to it, then the force in the member that is not collinear is zero.

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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Analysis of TRUSS

Assumptions

⬗ The centroidal axis of each member coincides with the line connecting the centers of the adjacent
members and the members only carry axial force.

⬗ All members are connected only at their ends by frictionless hinges in plane trusses.

⬗ All loads and support reactions are applied only at the joints

Method of Joints

The axial forces in the members of a statically determinate truss are determined by considering the equilibrium
of its joints.

Tensile(T) axial member force is indicated on the joint by an arrow pulling away from the joint.

Compressive(C) axial member force is indicated by an arrow pushing toward the joint.

Method of Sections:

Enables one to determine forces in specific truss members directly.

⬗ Involves cutting the truss into two portions (free body diagrams, FBD) by passing an imaginary section
through the members whose forces are desired. Desired member forces are determined by considering
equilibrium of one of the two FBD of the truss.

⬗ Method of sections can be used to determine three unknown member forces per FBD since all three
equilibrium equations can be used.

Problem #3: (E. 4.6, Structural Analysis, Aslama 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑠 𝐶𝐸 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐷𝐺 𝑖𝑠 𝑍𝑒𝑟𝑜 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟
Kassimali, 4th ed.)

Determine all the forces acting in each member of

the truss by method of joint.

Solution:

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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Problem#4: (P4.40, Structural Analysis, Aslam

Kassimali, 4th ed.)

Determine the forces at members JK,JE, and CD.

by Method of SECTION.

Solution:

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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𝑺𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓𝒄𝒆 𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒓 𝑪𝑫

𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝐽𝐸

𝑆𝑜𝑙𝑣𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑎𝑡 𝑀𝑒𝑚𝑏𝑒𝑟 𝐽𝐾 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝐽𝐸

ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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ENGR. CAROLINA E. DUNGCA

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LESSON 4: ANALYSIS OF TRUSS