Part 1: Normal Stress

A. ACTUAL STRESS. (In this section, the examples are about solving the actual stress acting on
the member).

Normal Stress, σ is the stress resulting from the load applied to the perpendicular cross-
sectional area. Normal stress is computed by:

P
σ=
A

If P is directed away from the body, then the normal stress is Tensile or “Tension”.
If P is directed towards the body, then the normal stress is Compressive or “Compression”.

SUPPLEMENTARY PROBLEMS:

Example 1a-1. The cross-sectional area of each member of the truss is 1000 mm 2. Calculate
the stresses in the members DF, CE and BD. Support A is hinged while support is a roller.

Solution:

Step 1. We have to determine the reactions present in the figure. The directions of the
reactions are assumed:
 ∑ M F=0 ;CW ¿ ¿
A y =¿120 kN
∑ M A =0 ; CCW ¿ ¿
F y =¿180 kN
Step 2. By method of joint or method ∑ Fx=0 ; A x =¿0
of section,

Step 2. By methods of joints or sections, determine the forces of members DF, CE and BD.

P DF=¿ -225 kN (negative - , denotes compression)

PCE =¿135 kN
PBD =¿-96.15 kN

Step 3. Since the cross-sectional area of ALL the members are already given at A = 1000 mm 2,
we can solve for the stresses for members DF, CE and BD:

P DF −225 kN
For member DF: σ = =
A DF 1000 mm2
Since the resulting unit is not standard, we have to convert it so that it would be expressed as
N
standard unit for stress which is MPa or
mm2

1000 N
Thus, : σ DF =
P DF −225 kN x
A DF
= (
1 kN
=−225
) N or MPa → 225MPa (C) Ans.
2 2
1000 mm mm

1000 N
For member CE: σ CE =
PCE 135 kN x
ACE
= 1 kN( )
N
=135 mm2
or MPa → 135MPa (T) Ans.
2
1000 mm
Example 1a-2. A simple pin-connected truss is loaded and supported as shown in the figure.
All members of the truss are aluminum pipes that have an outside diameter of 42 mm and a
wall thickness of 2.5 mm. Determine the normal stress in each truss member. Support A is
hinged and support B is roller.