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Chapter 6 – TRUSSES, FRAMES, AND MACHINES

Objectives:
At the end of the chapter, the students should be able to:
1. identify zero-force members in a truss.
2. classify a truss as simple or complex.
3. apply the method of joints and the method of sections to determine the forces in the members of a truss.
4. use the method of members in the analysis of frames and machines.

6.a. Plane Trusses

Truss – a structure composed of straight members connected together with pin joints at their ends and loaded
only at their joints. Trusses are assumed to be of negligible weight (compared to the loads they carry)
and every member of a truss is a two-force member; i.e., members acted upon by two equal and
opposite forces directed along the member.
Truss analysis involves determining the external reactions and determining the internal forces in
each of the members (tension or compression).
Plane truss – a truss that lie in a single plane which is used to support roofs and bridges.
Simple Truss – constructed from a "base" triangle by adding two members at a time that meet at a new joint.

Compound Truss – consists of two or more simple trusses

6.b. Zero-force Members

Zero-force members in a truss usually arise in one of two general ways:
1. When only two members form a non-collinear truss joint and no external load or support reaction is
applied to the joint, then the members must be zero-force members.
2. When three members form a truss joint for which two of the members are collinear and the third forms
an angle with the first two, then the non-collinear member is a zero-force member provided no external
force or support reactions applied to that joint. The two collinear members carry equal loads.