STATICS 1

STATICS OF RIGID BODIES Note: The conditions of equilibrium for concurrent force
RESULTANT OF FORCE SYSTEMS systems are obtained by determining the equations that
produce a zero resultant
A. Forces and Components
C. Three Coplanar Forces in Equilibrium are Concurrent

Fx = horizontal component of the force F

Fx = F cos θ
Fy = vertical component of the force F
Fy = F sin θ

F = √(Fx )2 + (Fy )2
Fy
tan θ =
Fx
θ = direction of the force F from the horizontal
CE BOARD May 2012 The hook is subjected to three

B. Equilibrium of Concurrent Forces forces A, B and C as shown. A = 35 kN, B = 45 kN

a. If the resultant of the forces is 80 kN and is acting

along the positive x-axis, find the angle α
b. If α=60°, what is the value of force C such that the
resultant of forces A, B and C acts along the x-
axis?
c. For the forces A, B and C to be in equilibrium,
what is the magnitude of the resulting force C?

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0 (1)
Solution:
𝐹1 cos 𝛽 − 𝐹2 cos 𝜃 = 0 a. Angle α so that the resultant of the forces is 80 kN
and is acting along the positive x-axis
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0 (2)
𝐹1 sin 𝛽 − 𝐹2 sin 𝜃 − 𝐹3 = 0

𝑅 = √(∑ 𝐹𝑥 )2 + (∑ 𝐹𝑦 )2 (3)
 STATICS 2

C cos α + 45 cos 60° − 35 = 80 CE BOARD May 2010 A load W is to be lifted using the
C cos α = 92.5 crane which is hinged at B as shown in the figure. The
value of x1 is 10 m, x2 is 8 m and h is 18 m, Neglecting the
C sin α = 45 sin 60° weight if the crane.
C sin α = 38.97

38.97
tan α =
92.5
𝛂 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟖𝟓°
b. Value of C if α=60°

a. Determine the force of cable AC

b. Determine the resultant reaction at B
c. Determine the largest load that can be lifted if the
maximum force of cable AC is 50 kN
C sin 60° = 45 sin 60°
𝐂 = 𝟒𝟓 𝐤𝐍 Solution:

c. Value of C for A, B and C to be in equilibrium a. Tensile force of cable AC

C cos α + 45 cos 60° = 35 18

C cos α = 12.5 tan θ =
18
θ = 45°
C sin α = 45 sin 60°
C sin α = 38.97 18
tan α =
8
38.97 α = 66.04°
tan α =
12.5
α = 72.2°

∑ Fh = 0
C sin 72.2° = 38.97
𝐂 = 𝟒𝟎. 𝟗 𝐤𝐍 AC cos 45° = BC sin 23.96°
BC = 1.74 AC
 STATICS 3

∑ Fv = 0 a. Tension in each wire

BC cos 23.96° = 20 + AC sin 45°

1.74 (AC) cos 23.96° = 20 + (AC) sin 45°
𝐀𝐂 = 𝟐𝟐. 𝟔𝟓 𝐤𝐍

b. Resultant reaction at B

BC = 1.74 AC
BC = 1.74 (22.65)
BC = 39.4 kN
𝐑𝐞𝐚𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐚𝐭 𝐁 = 𝟑𝟗. 𝟒 𝐤𝐍

c. Largest load that can be lifted if maximum force of

AC = 50 kN

BC = 1.74 AC
BC = 1.74 (50)
BC = 87 kN
Total load = 2.5π (2) = 15.71 kN
∑ Fv = 0
∑ Fv = 0
6T sin θ = 15.71
AC sin 45° + W = BC cos 23.96° 6T(3)
W = 87 cos 23.96° − 50 sin 45° = 15.71
√10
𝐖 = 𝟒𝟒. 𝟏𝟒 𝐤𝐍 𝐓 = 𝟐. 𝟕𝟔 𝐤𝐍
CE BOARD November 2010 Six steel cables are
supporting a circular heavy moulding of diameter 2 m b. Diameter of wire so that it will not exceed the
from an overhead point. If the moulding weighs 2.5kN/m allowable stress of 124 MPa
and the attachment point is 3m above it

T = A s fs
π
2760 = d2 (124)
4
d = 5.32 mm
Use 𝐝 = 𝟔 𝐦𝐦

c. Vertical displacement of the molder

a. Find the tension in each steel wire

b. What is the diameter of the wire that will not exceed
he allowable stress if 124 MPa
c. If the wire is 10 mm Ø, find the vertical displacement
of the molder

Solution:
 STATICS 4

Solution:

a. Tension in the rope

TL
δ=
AE
∑ MA = 0
2760(√10)(1000)
δ= π 245(2.4) + 883(3) + T sin 20° (2.8)
(10)2 (200,000)
4 = T(4.8) + T cos 20° (4.8)
δ = 0.56 mm
𝐓 = 𝟑𝟖𝟕. 𝟓 𝐍

0.56 = δV sin θ
b. Horizontal reaction at A
3
0.56 = δV
√10
𝛅𝐕 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟗 𝐦𝐦 ∑ Fh = 0
Ax = T sin 20°
TOPIC Ax = 387.50 sin 20°
𝐀 𝐱 = 𝟏𝟑𝟐. 𝟓 𝐍
Problem A man supports himself and the uniform
horizontal bean by pulling on the rope with a force T. The c. Vertical reaction at A
weight if the man and the beam are 883 N and 245 N
respectively. ∑ Fv = 0
Ay + T + T cos 20° = 245 + 883
Ay + 387.5 + 387.5 cos 20° = 245 + 883
𝐀 𝐲 = 𝟑𝟕𝟔. 𝟒 𝐍

a. Compute the tension in the rope

b. Compute the horizontal reaction at A
c. Compute the vertical reaction at A
 STATICS 5

PROBLEM From the given figure of a cable connection ∑ Fy = 0

shown
6.79(3)
BC sin β + =8
5
BC sin β = 2.568

2.568
tan β = = 0.6303
4.074
𝛃 = 𝟑𝟐. 𝟐°

c. Tension of the segment AB

∑ Fx = 0
a. Which of the following gives the tension of the
segment CD AB cos θ = 4.82 cos 32.2°
b. Which of the following gives the value of β AB cos θ = 4.075
c. Which of the following gives the tension of the
segment AB
∑ Fy = 0
Solution: AB sin θ = 3 + 4.82 sin 32.2°
AB sin θ = 5.56
a. Tension of the segment CD
5.56
tan θ = = 1.366
4.074
θ = 53.8°

AB sin 53.8° = 5.56

𝐀𝐁 = 𝟔. 𝟖𝟗 𝐤𝐍

CE BOARD December 2014 To transfer loads from frame

A to one end of the river to frame C at the other end, high
strength cables are used. When the load W is at a
∑ MA = 0 distance x1 = 10 m and x2 = 15 m, the sag in the cable at
CD (3) CD (4) B=3m
(2) + (5.5) = 3(2) + 8(4)
5 5
𝐂𝐃 = 𝟔. 𝟕𝟗 𝐤𝐍

b. Angle β

∑ Fx = 0
6.79(3)
BC cos β =
5
BC cos β = 4.074
 STATICS 6

a. What maximum load W (kN) can be transported L1 = 10.44

if the maximum tensile strength of the cable is
195 kN? L2 cos 78.69° = 3
L2 = 15.30
b. What is the total length (m) of the cable at the
given location of the load W?
L = L1 + L2
c. Find the tension (kN) in the cable of segment DC L = 10.44 + 15.30
if W = 40 kN 𝐋 = 𝟐𝟓. 𝟖 𝐦

Solution: c. Tension in cable at segment DC if W = 40 kN

a. Maximum load W if the maximum tensile strength of

the cable is 195 kN

T2 sin 73.3° = T1 sin 78.69°

T2 = 1.024T1
T1 cos 73.3° + T2 cos 78.69° = 40
T1 cos 73.3° + 1.024T1 cos 78.69° = 40
10 𝐓𝟏 = 𝟖𝟏. 𝟗 𝐤
tan θ =
3
θ = 73.3° EQUILIBRIUM OF CONCURRENY SPACE FORCES

15
tan α =
3
α = 78.69°

∑ Fh = 0
195 sin 73.3° = T1 sin 78.69°
T1 = 190.47

W = 195 cos 73.3° + 190.47 cos 78.69°

𝐖 = 𝟗𝟑. 𝟒 𝐤𝐍

b. Total length of cable at the given location of W

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

∑ 𝐹𝑧 = 0

∑ 𝑀𝑥 = 0
L1 cos 73.3° = 3
 STATICS 7

∑ 𝑀𝑦 = 0
∑ MBD = 0
∑ 𝑀𝑧 = 0
375(1.575) = P cos 45° (4) + P sin 45° (3.15)
5.055P = 590.625
Note: Equilibrium of concurrent space forces is 𝐏 = 𝟏𝟏𝟔. 𝟖 𝐤𝐍
determined by applying either set of the following
equations or a combination of them. However, since b. Reaction of wall at A
there are only three independent conditions of
equilibrium no more than three unknown quantities
∑ MBC = 0
maybe determined.
4R A + 116.8 sin 45° (3.15) = 375(1.575)
𝐑 𝐀 = 𝟖𝟐. 𝟔 𝐍
CE BOARD November 2013 A force P acting at an
angle, α = 45° from the x-axis, along the xy plane,
c. Vertical reaction at B
prevents the pole weighing 375 N from falling. The
pole leans against a frictionless wall at A. By + P sin 45° = 375
Given: x = 3.15 m, z = 3.15 m, y = 4 m By = 375 − 116.8 sin 45°
𝐁𝐲 = 𝟐𝟗𝟐. 𝟒 𝐍

CE BOARD May 2011, May 2012 A tripod supports the

load W as shown in the figure.

a. What is the force P (N)?

b. Determine the reacion at the wall at A (N)
c. Calculate the vertical reaction at B (N)

a. Determine the maximum load “W” that can be

Solution: supported by the tripod if the capacity of each leg
a. Value of force P is limited to 10 kN
b. If the load W = 50 kN, calculate the force in the
leg AD
c. If the load W = 50 kN, calculate the force in the
leg AB
Solution:
a. Maximum load “W” that can be supported by the
tripod if the capacity of each leg is limited to 10 Kn
 STATICS 8

∑ MOX = 0
BZ (1.8) = AZ (1.8)
BZ = AZ
W
BZ =
3
∑ MOY = 0 50
BZ =
BZ (0.9) + AZ (0.9) = DZ (1.8) 3
BZ = 16.67 kN
2BZ (0.9) = 1.8DZ
AZ = 16.67 kN
BZ = DZ
DZ = 16.67 kN

∑ FV = 0 d22 = (1.8)2 + (2.4)2

BZ + AZ + DZ = W d2 = 3
3BZ = W
W AD 3
BZ = =
3 16.67 2.4
𝐀𝐃 = 𝟐𝟎. 𝟖𝟒 𝐤𝐍
d12 = (2.4)2 + (0.9)2 + (1.8)2
d1 = 3.13 c. If the load W = 50 kN, calculate the force in the leg
AB
10 3.13
=
BZ 2.4
BZ = 7.668

W
7.668 =
3
𝐖 = 𝟐𝟑 𝐤𝐍
BZ = 16.67 kN
b. If the load W = 50 kN, caluclate the force in the leg AB
=
3.13
AD 16.67 2.4
 STATICS 9

𝐀𝐁 = 𝟐𝟏. 𝟕𝟒 𝐤𝐍

ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

A. Method of Joints

This is based on the assumption that all members of any

joint is a concurrent force system in equilibrium. At no
time should there be more than two unknown fores at a
joint. Indicate the forces by means of an arrow. When in
compression the arrow is directed toward the joint being
analyzed and for tension the direction of the arrow is
away from the joint as shown in the figure.
B. Method of Sections
One advantage of the metjos of sections is that you could
immediately determine directly the stresses or fprces in
any member without passing through different joints, but
when you cut a section through the entire truss, the parts
cut off should not exceed 3 members.

∑ MG = 0
9R1 = 200(6) + 104(7.5)
R1 = 220 ∑ MD = 0
18R A = 180(6)
Considering joint A: R A = 60 𝑘𝑁
∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0
Cut a section passing through members EF, BF and BC as
𝐴𝐶 − 𝐴𝐵 cos 𝜃 = 0
shown.
∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0
𝐴𝐵 sin 𝜃 = 220 Select a joint where
thereare 2 unknowns,
Note: At A, there are only two unknowns, so it would be
then sum up moments
convenient to solve the two unknowns, since there are 2
at that joint
equations formulated

At joint B, there are only two unknown values since the

magnitude of AB was already computed at joint A
∑ MB = 0
60(6) = EF(6)
EF = 60 kN (Compression)
 STATICS 10

Note: In computing the force in member EF, we did not ∑ MB = 0

passed through joint A
Ay (2.55)(2) = 3(5.4) + 5(3.6) + 7(1.8)
Ay = 9.18 kN
CE BOARD May 2013 The transmission tower is Ax = 0
subjected to lateral forces as shown

R A = √(9.18)2 + (0)2
𝐑 𝐀 = 𝟗. 𝟏𝟖 𝐤𝐍

b. Resultant reaction at support B

∑ Fv = 0
Ay = By
By = 9.18 𝑘𝑁
Bx = 3 + 5 + 7
Bx = 15 kN
Given:
a = 2.55 m F1 = 3 kN
R B = √(15)2 + (9.18)2
b = 1.8 m F2 = 5 kN
𝐑 𝐁 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟓𝟗 𝐤𝐍
c = 1.8 m F3 = 7 kN
d = 1.5 m
c. Force in member FJ

a. Find the resultant reaction at support A

b. What is the resultant reaction at support B
c. What is the force in member FJ?

Solution:
a. Resultant reaction at support A

At Section A – A:

∑ MC = 0
 STATICS 11

DF sin θ (3.9) + 9.18(0.6 + 3.9) − 15(1.8) + 9.18(0.6)

=0
DF sin 71.57° (3.9) = −19.818
DF = −5.36 kN
DF = 5.36 kN (C)

At Section B – B:

a. What load “W” can seat safely carry?

b. If W = 1500 N, what is the reaction at C
c. If W = 1500 N, what is the reaction at A

Solution:
1.35 a. Maximum weight W that can be supported
tan α =
1.8
α = 36.87 ∑ ME = 0
0.6R A = W(0.4)
β = 90 − θ
2
β = 90 − 71.57° RA = W
3
β = 18.43°

∑ ME = 0
FJ cos α (2.7) + FD cos β (2.7) + 3(1.8) = 0 ∑ 𝐹𝑉 = 0
FJ cos 36.87° (2.7) + (−5.36) cos 18.43° (2.7) + 3(1.8)
𝑅𝐴 + 𝑅𝐸 = 𝑊
=0
2
𝐅𝐉 = 𝟑. 𝟖𝟓 𝐤𝐍 (𝐓) 𝑊 + 𝑅𝐸 = 𝑊
3
1
𝑅𝐸 = 𝑊
FRAMES CONTAINING THREE FORCE MEMBERS 3

If all the members of a pin-connected structure are ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

subjected to forces which produces bending action, the 𝐶𝑦 (0.3) + 𝑅𝐴 (0.3) = 1800(0.2)
structure is called a frame. Avoid cutting sections through 2
0.3𝐶𝑦 + 𝑊(0.3) = 360
members of frames, they are analyzed by considering the 3
force body diagrams of each three force member. 360 − 0.2𝑊
𝐶𝑦 =
0.3
Therefore, free body diagrams should carefully be drawn
to obtained accurate results.
∑ MD = 0

CE BOARD May 2013 The figures shows a portable seat 0.2W = Cy (0.6)
braced by a cable FG. The permissible tension in the cable 360 − 0.2W
0.2W = (0.6)
0.3
is 1800 kN. Surface C, A and E are frictionless
0.10W = 350 − 0.2W
0.3W = 360
 STATICS 12

𝐖 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐍
∑ MA = 0
b. Reaction at C when W = 1500 N 𝑥1
Hd1 = W𝑥1 ( )
2
360 − 0.2W Wx1 2
Cy = H=
0.3 1d1
360 − 0.2(1500)
Cy =
0.3
𝐂𝐲 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝐍 TA = √(W𝑥1 )2 + H 2

c. Reaction at A when W = 1500 N

2
RA = W
3
2
R A = (1500)
3
𝐑 𝐀 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝐍

CABLES

A. PARABOLIC CABLE
1. Same Level of Supports:

∑ MA = 0 ∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0
WL L 𝑥2
Hd = ( ) Hd2 = W𝑥2 ( )
2 4 2
WL2 Wx2 2
H= H=
8d 1d2

WL 2 TB = √H 2 +(W𝑥2 )2
TA = √( ) + H2
2
3. Length of Parabolic Cable
2. Different Level of Supports:

x
dy 2
S(x) = ∫ √1 + ( ) dx
0 dx
 STATICS 13

Wx 2 H Wx
y= y= [cosh − 1] (1)
2H W H
T = H + Wy (2)
H Wx
4. Approximate Length of the Cable S = [sinh ] (3)
W H

8d2 32d4
S=L+ − C. CABLES UNDER CONCENTRATED LOADS
3L 5L3

5. When the distance “d” from the lowest point of the

cable to the chord joining the supports

Use equilibrium equations:

WL2 ∑ Fx = 0 (1)
H=
8d
∑ Fy = 0 (2)
∑ MA = 0
WL2 ∑M = 0 (3)
Hh + = RBL
2

Solve for RB:

R A + R B = WL
TA = √(R A )2 + H 2
TB = √(R B )2 + H 2

B. CATENARY CABLE

Hd = M2 (1)
∑ MB = 0 (2)
R A (4)(x) = Hh + W1 (3x) + W2 (2x) + W3 (x)
 STATICS 14

Solve for RA 2R = 24(15)

𝐑 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝐤𝐍
∑ Fv = 0 (3)
R A + R B = W1 + W2 + W3
c. Maximum tension in the cable is 300 kN
𝑇𝐴 = √𝑅𝐴2 + 𝐻 2 (4)

𝑇𝐵 = √𝑅𝐵2 + 𝐻 2 (5)

CE BOARD May 2012, November 2012, November

2013 The suspended girder shown is supported by a
series of hangers, uniformly spaced along a parabolic
cable

H 2 = (300)2 − (150)2
H = 259.81 kN

a. What is the tension in the cable at mid-span,
point B, whose slope is zero
b. What is the vertical reaction at support A
c. What is the resulting sag, “y” if the maximum
tension in the cable is 300 kN?
Solution:
a. Tension in the cable at mid-span, point B, whose
slope is zero
∑ MA = 0
259.81y = 180(16)
𝐲 = 𝟒. 𝟏𝟓 𝐦
CE BOARD November 2013 The idealized model for a
suspension briddge is shown. The trusses are pin
connected at D, on hinged support at C and on roller
support at E. The parabolic cable is supported on towers
at AC and at BE

∑ MA = 0
a. Determine the tension in the cable at mid-length,
H(3) = 180(6)
𝐇 = 𝟑𝟔𝟎 𝐤𝐍 F wgere the slope is zero
b. Determine the vertical reaction at the pin at D
b. Vertical reaction at support A c. Determine the total vertical force at the tower at
AC
d. Determine the maximum force in the cable
 STATICS 15

Solution: c. Total vertical force at the tower at AC

a. Tension in the cable at mid-length, F where the slope = 99.13 kN
is zero d. Maximum force in the cable

∑ MC = 0
(Ay + Cy )(51.6) + H(12)
= 12H + 5.6(38.7) + 142.4(34.4)
(Ay + Cy ) = 99.13 kN ∑ MA = 0
25.8 W (12.9) = 315.4(4)
kN
W = 3.79
m
25.8 (3.79) = 97.782
T 2 = (315.2)2 + (97.78)2
𝐓 = 𝟑𝟑𝟎 𝐤𝐍

LAW OF FRICTION

Friction is a contact resistance exerted by one body upon

a second body when the second body tends to move past
the forst body. The frictional resistance is assumed to be
∑ MD = 0 proportional to the normal pressure and is expressed as
(Ay + Cy )(25.8) + 8H F~N which is simplified by using a constant of
= 12H + 5.6(12.9) + 142.4(8.6) proportionality equal to µ which depends on the
99.13 (25.8) = 4H + 1296.88 roughness of the contact surfaces. This constant is called
𝐇 = 𝟑𝟏𝟓. 𝟐 𝐤𝐍 as the coefficient of friction and is rewritten as F = µN.

b. Vertical reaction at the pin at D From the figure shown, a body having a weight W will
have a normal force equal to N. The frictional resisting
∑ Fv = 0 force is equal to F = µN
(Ay + Cy ) + Dy = 5.6 + 142.4
Dy = 5.6 + 142.4 − 99.13
𝐃𝐲 = 𝟒𝟖. 𝟖𝟕 𝐤𝐍
 STATICS 16

CE BOARD May 2013 To prevent the ladder weighing

600 N from sliding down, the man exerts a horizontal
W=N force at C. The coefficient of friction at A = 0.2 while
F = μN surface B is frictionless

N = W cos 𝜃
F = μN
F = μW cos 𝜃

a. Find the vertical reaction at A

b. Find the horizontal reaction at A
c. Find the horizontal force exerted by the man at
C
Solution:
a. Vertical reaction at A

A. Angle of static friction

𝐹
tan 𝜃𝑠 =
𝑁
F = tan θs N
F = μs N
tan θs = μs

Θs = angle of the static friction

µs = coefficient of static friction (when Θs is reached
at impending sliding
∑ Fv = 0

B. When sliding occurs 𝐑 𝐀 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝐍

tan θk = μk b. Horizontal reaction at A

F = μk N
R h = 0.2R A
µk = coefficient of kinetic friction R h = 0.2(600)
𝐑 𝐡 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝐍
θk = angle of kinetic friction

c. Horizontal force exerted by the man at C

𝑃 + 0.2𝑅𝐴 = 𝑅𝐵
 STATICS 17

𝑃 + 120 = 𝑅𝐵

∑ MA = 0
600(5.2)
3R B = + P(1.5) sin 30°
2
3(P + 120) = 1560 + 0.75P
2.25P = 1200
𝐏 = 𝟓𝟑𝟑. 𝟑 𝐍

Solve for µ:
PROBLEM The uniform semi-cylinder of radius R = 13 π
β=
cm weighs 27 N. It is supported by a pin at O and the 2
T2
cable AB. The weight W – 7 N is attached to the free end = eμβ
T1
of the cable.

∑ Mo = 0
4(13)
7(13) + 27 ( ) = T2 (26)
3π
T2 = 9.23 N

From:
T2
= eμβ
T1
9.23
ln [ = eμβ ]
7
9.23 π
ln [ ] = μ( )
a. Determine the smallest coefficient of friction 7 2
𝛍 = 𝟎. 𝟏𝟕𝟔
between the cable and the cylinder that is
necessary to maintain equilibrium
b. Maximum eight that can be suspended if µ= 0.25
b. If µ = 0.25, what is the maximum weight that can
be suspended
T2
c. What is the value of the reaction at pin O, = eμβ
T1
considering part b
Solve T2 in terms of T1:
Solution: 4(13) π
0.25( )
a. Smallest coefficient of friction between the cable T2 (26) = 27 ( )=e 2
3π
and the cylinder that is necessary to maintain T2 = 5.73 + 0.5T1
equilibrium T2
= eμβ
T1
(5.73 + 0.5T1 ) π
0.25( )
=e 2
T1
𝐓𝟏 = 𝟓. 𝟖𝟒 𝐍
 STATICS 18

c. Value of the reaction at pin O, considering part b

∑ Fx = 0
Ox = T2
T2 = 5.73 + 0.5T1
T2 = 5.73 + 0.5(5.84)
T2 = 8.65 N
Ox = 8.65 N

∑ Fy = 0
Oy = 27 + 5.84
Oy = 32.84 N

R O = √(8.65)2 + (32.84)2
𝐑 𝐎 = 𝟑𝟑. 𝟗𝟔 𝐍