Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss

shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
ic
SOLUTION
Free body: Entire truss:
ΣFy = 0: By = 0 By = 0

ΣM C = 0: − Bx (3.2 m) − (48 kN)(7.2 m) = 0

Free body: Joint B:

Bx = −108 kN B x = 108 kN

ΣFx = 0: C − 108 kN + 48 kN = 0
C = 60 kN C = 60 kN
at
FAB FBC 108 kN
= =
5 4 3
FAB = 180.0 kN T 

FBC = 144.0 kN T 

Free body: Joint C:

st
FAC FBC 60 kN
= =
13 12 5
FAC = 156.0 kN C 

FBC = 144 kN (checks)

 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the
truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION
Reactions:
ΣM A = 0: C = 1260 lb

Joint B:

ic ΣFx = 0: A x = 0

ΣFy = 0: A y = 960 lb

FAB FBC 300 lb

12
=
13
=
5
FAB = 720 lb T 

FBC = 780 lb C 
at
Joint A:
4
ΣFy = 0: − 960 lb − FAC = 0
5
FAC = 1200 lb FAC = 1200 lb C 

3
ΣFx = 0: 720 lb − (1200 lb) = 0 (checks)
5
st
 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss
shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Reactions:
AB = 32 + 1.252 = 3.25 m
BC = 32 + 42 = 5 m

ΣM A = 0: (84 kN)(3 m) − C (5.25 m) = 0

ΣFx = 0: Ax − C = 0

A x = 48 kN
C = 48 kN
at
ΣFy = 0: Ay = 84 kN = 0

A y = 84 kN

Joint A:
12
ΣFx = 0: 48 kN − FAB = 0
13
FAB = +52 kN FAB = 52.0 kN T 

5
ΣFy = 0: 84 kN − (52 kN) − FAC = 0
13
FAC = +64.0 kN FAC = 64.0 kN T 
st
Joint C:

FBC 48 kN
= FBC = 80.0 kN C 
5 3
 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member
of the truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

s
SOLUTION
Free body: Truss:
From the symmetry of the truss and loading, we find C = D = 600 lb

ic
Free body: Joint B:

Free body: Joint C:

FAB
5
=

ΣFy = 0:
FBC 300 lb
2

3
=
1

FAC + 600 lb = 0
FAB = 671 lb T FBC = 600 lb C 
at
5
FAC = −1000 lb FAC = 1000 lb C 

4
ΣFx = 0: ( −1000 lb) + 600 lb + FCD = 0 FCD = 200 lb T 
5
From symmetry:
FAD = FAC = 1000 lb C , FAE = FAB = 671 lb T , FDE = FBC = 600 lb C 
st
 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each
member of the truss shown. State whether each member is
in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Reactions:

ΣM D = 0: Fy (24) − (4 + 2.4)(12) − (1)(24) = 0

at
Fy = 4.2 kips
ΣFx = 0: Fx = 0

ΣFy = 0: D − (1 + 4 + 1 + 2.4) + 4.2 = 0

D = 4.2 kips
Joint A:
ΣFx = 0: FAB = 0 FAB = 0 

ΣFy = 0 : −1 − FAD = 0

FAD = −1 kip FAD = 1.000 kip C 

st
8
Joint D: ΣFy = 0: − 1 + 4.2 + FBD = 0
17
FBD = −6.8 kips FBD = 6.80 kips C 

15
ΣFx = 0: (−6.8) + FDE = 0
17
FDE = +6 kips FDE = 6.00 kips T 
 PROBLEM (Continued)

Joint E:

s
ΣFy = 0 : FBE − 2.4 = 0
FBE = +2.4 kips FBE = 2.40 kips T 
Truss and loading symmetrical about cL.

ic
at
st
 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of
the truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic AD = 52 + 122 = 13 ft
BCD = 122 + 162 = 20 ft
at
Reactions: ΣFx = 0: Dx = 0

ΣM E = 0: D y (21 ft) − (693 lb)(5 ft) = 0 D y = 165 lb

ΣFy = 0: 165 lb − 693 lb + E = 0 E = 528 lb

5 4
Joint D: ΣFx = 0: FAD + FDC = 0 (1)
13 5
12 3
ΣFy = 0: FAD + FDC + 165 lb = 0 (2)
13 5
st
Solving Eqs. (1) and (2) simultaneously,
FAD = −260 lb FAD = 260 lb C 

FDC = +125 lb FDC = 125 lb T 

 PROBLEM (Continued)

Joint E:
5 4
ΣFx = 0: FBE + FCE = 0 (3)
13 5

s
12 3
ΣFy = 0: FBE + FCE + 528 lb = 0 (4)
13 5

Solving Eqs. (3) and (4) simultaneously,

FBE = −832 lb FBE = 832 lb C 

FCE = +400 lb FCE = 400 lb T 

Joint C:

ic
Force polygon is a parallelogram (see Fig. 6.11, p. 209).
FAC = 400 lb T 

FBC = 125.0 lb T 
at
5 4
Joint A: ΣFx = 0: (260 lb) + (400 lb) + FAB = 0
13 5
FAB = −420 lb FAB = 420 lb C 

12 3
ΣFy = 0: (260 lb) − (400 lb) = 0
13 5
0 = 0 (Checks)
st
 Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss shown.
State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free body: Entire truss:
ΣFx = 0: Cx + 2(5 kN) = 0

Cx = −10 kN

C x = 10 kN
ΣM C = 0: D(2 m) − (5 kN)(8 m) − (5 kN)(4 m) = 0
D = +30 kN

D = 30 kN

ΣFy = 0: C y + 30 kN = 0 C y = −30 kN C y = 30 kN
at
Free body: Joint A:
FAB FAD 5 kN
= =
4 17 1

FAB = 20.0 kN T 
  FAD = 20.6 kN C 

Free body: Joint B:

1
ΣFx = 0: 5 kN + FBD = 0
st
5
FBD = −5 5 kN FBD = 11.18 kN C 
2
ΣFy = 0: 20 kN − FBC − (−5 5 kN) = 0
5
FBC = +30 kN FBC = 30.0 kN T 

 PROBLEM(Continued)

Free body: Joint C:

s
ΣFx = 0: FCD − 10 kN = 0
FCD = +10 kN FCD = 10.00 kN T 
ΣFy = 0: 30 kN − 30 kN = 0 (checks)

ic
at
st
 PROBLEM 6.8

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member of the
truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION
Reactions:
ΣM C = 0: A x = 16 kN
ΣFy = 0: A y = 9 kN

ic
Joint E:
ΣFx = 0: C = 16 kN

FBE FDE 3 kN
5
=
4
=
3
FBE = 5.00 kN T 
FDE = 4.00 kN C 
at
Joint B:
4
ΣFx = 0: (5 kN) − FAB = 0
5
FAB = +4 kN FAB = 4.00 kN T 

3
ΣFy = 0: − 6 kN − (5 kN) − FBD = 0
5
FBD = −9 kN FBD = 9.00 kN C 
Joint D:
3
ΣFy = 0: − 9 kN + FAD = 0
5
FAD = +15 kN FAD = 15.00 kN T 
st
4
ΣFx = 0: − 4 kN − (15 kN) − FCD = 0
5
FCD = −16 kN FCD = 16.00 kN C 
 Determine the force in each member of the Gambrel roof
truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

s
SOLUTION
Free body: Truss:

ΣFx = 0: H x = 0

ic
Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading,

Free body: Joint A:

A = Hy =

FAB FAC 900 lb

5
=
4
=
3
1
2
total load

A = H y = 1200 lb

FAB = 1500 lb C 

FAC = 1200 lb T 
at
Free body: Joint C:
BC is a zero-force member.
FBC = 0 FCE = 1200 lb T 
Free body: Joint B:

24 4 4
ΣFx = 0: FBD + FBE + (1500 lb) = 0
25 5 5
st
or 24 FBD + 20 FBE = −30, 000 lb (1)

7 3 3
ΣFy = 0: FBD − FBE + (1500) − 600 = 0
25 5 5
or 7 FBD − 15FBE = −7,500 lb (2)
 PROBLEM 6.9 (Continued)

Multiply Eq. (1) by 3, Eq. (2) by 4, and add:

100 FBD = −120, 000 lb FBD = 1200 lb C 

s
Multiply Eq. (1) by 7, Eq. (2) by –24, and add:

500 FBE = −30,000 lb FBE = 60.0 lb C 

Free body: Joint D:

24 24
ΣFx = 0: (1200 lb) + FDF = 0
25 25

ic ΣFy = 0:

Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading, we deduce that

FEF = FBE
7
25
FDF = −1200 lb

7
(1200 lb) − (−1200 lb) − 600 lb − FDE = 0
25

FDE = 72.0 lb
FDF = 1200 lb C 

FDE = 72.0 lb T 

FEF = 60.0 lb C 
at
FEG = FCE FEG = 1200 lb T 

FFG = FBC FFG = 0 

FFH = FAB FFH = 1500 lb C 

FGH = FAC FGH = 1200 lb T 

Note: Compare results with those of Problem 6.11.

st

PROPRIETARY MATERIAL. © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this Manual may be displayed,
reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, or used beyond the limited
distribution to teachers and educators permitted by McGraw-Hill for their individual course preparation. If you are a student using this Manual,
you are using it without permission.

755
 Determine the force in each member of the Howe roof
truss shown. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free body: Truss:

ΣFx = 0: H x = 0
at
Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading,
1
A = Hy = total load
2
A = H y = 1200 lb

Free body: Joint A:

FAB FAC 900 lb

= = FAB = 1500 lb C 
5 4 3

FAC = 1200 lb T 
st
Free body: Joint C:

BC is a zero-force member.

FBC = 0 FCE = 1200 lb T 

 PROBLEM 6.10 (Continued)

Free body: Joint B:

4 4 4
ΣFx = 0: FBD + FBC + (1500 lb) = 0
5 5 5

s
or FBD + FBE = −1500 lb (1)

3 3 3
ΣFy = 0: FBD − FBE + (1500 lb) − 600 lb = 0
5 5 5
or FBD − FBE = −500 lb (2)

ic
Add Eqs. (1) and (2):

Subtract Eq. (2) from Eq. (1):

Free Body: Joint D:
2 FBD = −2000 lb

2 FBE = −1000 lb

ΣFx = 0:

ΣFy = 0:
4
5
FDF = −1000 lb

3
5
4
(1000 lb) + FDF = 0
5

3
FBD = 1000 lb C 

FBE = 500 lb C 

FDF = 1000 lb C 

(1000 lb) − ( −1000 lb) − 600 lb − FDE = 0

5
at
FDE = +600 lb FDE = 600 lb T 
Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading, we deduce that
FEF = FBE FEF = 500 lb C 

FEG = FCE FEG = 1200 lb T 

FFG = FBC FFG = 0 

FFH = FAB FFH = 1500 lb C 

FGH = FAC FGH = 1200 lb T 

st
 Determine the force in each member of the Pratt roof
truss shown. State whether each member is in tension
or compression.

s
SOLUTION
Free body: Truss:

ic
Due to symmetry of truss and load,

Ay = H =
1
2
ΣFx = 0: Ax = 0

total load = 21 kN
at
Free body: Joint A:

FAB FAC 15.3 kN

= =
37 35 12
FAB = 47.175 kN FAC = 44.625 kN FAB = 47.2 kN C 

FAC = 44.6 kN T 
Free body: Joint B:
st

From force polygon: FBD = 47.175 kN, FBC = 10.5 kN FBC = 10.50 kN C 

FBD = 47.2 kN C 
 PROBLEM 6.11 (Continued)

3
Free body: Joint C: ΣFy = 0: FCD − 10.5 = 0 FCD = 17.50 kN T 
5
4
ΣFx = 0: FCE + (17.50) − 44.625 = 0

s
5
FCE = 30.625 kN FCE = 30.6 kN T 

Free body: Joint E: DE is a zero-force member. FDE = 0 

ic
Truss and loading symmetrical about cL .
at
st

PROPRIETARY MATERIAL. © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this Manual may be displayed,
reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, or used beyond the limited
distribution to teachers and educators permitted by McGraw-Hill for their individual course preparation. If you are a student using this Manual,
you are using it without permission.

759
 Determine the force in each member of the Fink roof truss shown.
State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION
Free body: Truss:
ΣFx = 0: A x = 0

ic
Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading,

Free body: Joint A:

Ay = G =

FAB
1
2
total load

A y = G = 6.00 kN

F
= AC =
2.462 2.25
4.50 kN
1
FAB = 11.08 kN C 
at
FAC = 10.125 kN FAC = 10.13 kN T 

Free body: Joint B:

3 2.25 2.25
ΣFx = 0: FBC + FBD + (11.08 kN) = 0 (1)
5 2.462 2.462
4 F 11.08 kN
ΣFy = 0: − FBC + BD + − 3 kN = 0 (2)
5 2.462 2.462

Multiply Eq. (2) by –2.25 and add to Eq. (1):

12
FBC + 6.75 kN = 0 FBC = −2.8125 FBC = 2.81 kN C 
st
5
Multiply Eq. (1) by 4, Eq. (2) by 3, and add:
12 12
FBD + (11.08 kN) − 9 kN = 0
2.462 2.462
FBD = −9.2335 kN FBD = 9.23 kN C 
 PROBLEM (Continued)

4 4
Free body: Joint C: ΣFy = 0: FCD − (2.8125 kN) = 0
5 5
FCD = 2.8125 kN, FCD = 2.81 kN T 

s
3 3
ΣFx = 0: FCE − 10.125 kN + (2.8125 kN) + (2.8125 kN) = 0
5 5
FCE = +6.7500 kN FCE = 6.75 kN T 
Because of the symmetry of the truss and loading, we deduce that
FDE = FCD FCD = 2.81 kN T 
FDF = FBD FDF = 9.23 kN C 

ic FEF = FBC
FEG = FAC
FFG = FAB
FEF = 2.81 kN C 
FEG = 10.13 kN T 
FFG = 11.08 kN C 
at
st
 PROBLEM 6.13

Using the method of joints, determine the force in each member

of the double-pitch roof truss shown. State whether each member
is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free body: Truss:
at
ΣM A = 0: H (18 m) − (2 kN)(4 m) − (2 kN)(8 m) − (1.75 kN)(12 m)
− (1.5 kN)(15 m) − (0.75 kN)(18 m) = 0
H = 4.50 kN
ΣFx = 0: Ax = 0
ΣFy = 0: Ay + H − 9 = 0
Ay = 9 − 4.50 A y = 4.50 kN

Free body: Joint A:

st
FAB FAC 3.50 kN
= =
5 2 1
FAB = 7.8262 kN C FAB = 7.83 kN C 

FAC = 7.00 kN T 
 PROBLEM 6.13 (Continued)

Free body: Joint B:

2 2 1
ΣFx = 0: FBD + (7.8262 kN) + FBC = 0
5 5 2

s
or FBD + 0.79057 FBC = −7.8262 kN (1)
1 1 1
ΣFy = 0: FBD + (7.8262 kN) − FBC − 2 kN = 0
5 5 2
or FBD − 1.58114 FBC = −3.3541 (2)
Multiply Eq. (1) by 2 and add Eq. (2):
3FBD = −19.0065

ic
Subtract Eq. (2) from Eq. (1):

Free body: Joint C:

ΣFy = 0:
FBD = −6.3355 kN

2.37111FBC = −4.4721
FBC = −1.8861 kN

2
5
FCD −
1
2
FCD = +1.4911 kN
(1.8861 kN) = 0

1 1
FBD = 6.34 kN C 

FBC = 1.886 kN C 

FCD = 1.491 kN T 
at
ΣFx = 0: FCE − 7.00 kN + (1.8861 kN) + (1.4911 kN) = 0
2 5
FCE = +5.000 kN FCE = 5.00 kN T 

Free body: Joint D:

2 1 2 1
ΣFx = 0: FDF + FDE + (6.3355 kN) − (1.4911 kN) = 0
5 2 5 5
or FDF + 0.79057 FDE = −5.5900 kN (1)
1 1 1 2
ΣFy = 0: FDF − FDE + (6.3355 kN) − (1.4911 kN) − 2 kN = 0
5 2 5 5
st
or FDF − 0.79057 FDE = −1.1188 kN (2)
Add Eqs. (1) and (2): 2 FDF = −6.7088 kN
FDF = −3.3544 kN FDF = 3.35 kN C 
Subtract Eq. (2) from Eq. (1): 1.58114 FDE = −4.4712 kN
FDE = −2.8278 kN FDE = 2.83 kN C 
 PROBLEM 6.13 (Continued)

Free body: Joint F:

1 2
ΣFx = 0: FFG + (3.3544 kN) = 0
2 5

s
FFG = −4.243 kN FFG = 4.24 kN C 

1 1
ΣFy = 0: −FEF − 1.75 kN + (3.3544 kN) − (−4.243 kN) = 0
5 2
FEF = 2.750 kN FEF = 2.75 kN T 

or

or ic
Free body: Joint G:

ΣFx = 0:

ΣFy = 0: −
1
2

1
2
FGH −

FGH −
1
2

1
FEG +

FGH − FEG = −4.243 kN

2
FEG −

FGH + FEG = −6.364 kN

1
2
(4.243 kN) = 0

1
2
(4.243 kN) − 1.5 kN = 0
(1)

(2)
at
Add Eqs. (1) and (2): 2 FGH = −10.607

FGH = −5.303 FGH = 5.30 kN C 

Subtract Eq. (1) from Eq. (2): 2 FEG = −2.121 kN

FEG = −1.0605 kN FEG = 1.061 kN C 

Free body: Joint H:
st
FEH 3.75 kN
= FEH = 3.75 kN T 
1 1
FGH 3.75 kN
We can also write = FGH = 5.30 kN C (Checks)
2 1
 PROBLEM 6.14

The truss shown is one of several supporting an advertising panel. Determine

the force in each member of the truss for a wind load equivalent to the two
forces shown. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
SOLUTION

ic
Free body: Entire truss:
ΣM F = 0: (800 N)(7.5 m) + (800 N)(3.75 m) − A(2 m) = 0
A = +2250 N
ΣFy = 0: 2250 N + Fy = 0
Fy = −2250 N Fy = 2250 N
A = 2250 N

ΣFx = 0: −800 N − 800 N + Fx = 0

Fx = +1600 N Fx = 1600 N
at
Joint D:
800 N FDE FBD
= =
8 15 17
FBD = 1700 N C 

FDE = 1500 N T 
Joint A:
2250 N FAB FAC
= =
15 17 8
FAB = 2250 N C 

FAC = 1200 N T 
st
Joint F:

ΣFx = 0: 1600 N − FCF = 0

FCF = +1600 N FCF = 1600 N T 

ΣFy = 0: FEF − 2250 N = 0

FEF = +2250 N FEF = 2250 N T 
 PROBLEM 6.14 (Continued)

8
Joint C: ΣFx = 0: FCE − 1200 N + 1600 N = 0
17
FCE = −850 N FCE = 850 N C 

s
15
ΣFy = 0: FBC + FCE = 0
17
15 15
FBC = − FCE = − ( −850 N)
17 17
FBC = +750 N FBC = 750 N T 

Joint E:

ic
ΣFx = 0: − FBE − 800 N +

ΣFy = 0: 1500 N − 2250 N +

8
17
(850 N) = 0

15
17
FBE = −400 N

(850 N) = 0
FBE = 400 N C 

0 = 0 (checks)
at
st
 PROBLEM 6.23

The portion of truss shown represents the upper part of

a power transmission line tower. For the given loading,
determine the force in each of the members located
above HJ. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

s
ic
SOLUTION
Free body: Joint A:
FAB F
= AC =
2.29 2.29
1.2 kN
1.2
FAB = 2.29 kN T 

FAC = 2.29 kN C 
at
Free body: Joint F:
FDF F 1.2 kN
= EF = FDF = 2.29 kN T 
2.29 2.29 2.1
FEF = 2.29 kN C 
Free body: Joint D:
FBD FDE 2.29 kN
= = FBD = 2.21 kN T 
2.21 0.6 2.29
FDE = 0.600 kN C 
Free body: Joint B:
st
4 2.21
ΣFx = 0: FBE + 2.21 kN − (2.29 kN) = 0
5 2.29
FBE = 0 

3 0.6
ΣFy = 0: − FBC − (0) − (2.29 kN) = 0
5 2.29
FBC = − 0.600 kN FBC = 0.600 kN C 
 PROBLEM 6.23 (Continued)

Free body: Joint C:

2.21
ΣFx = 0: FCE + (2.29 kN) = 0
2.29

s
FCE = − 2.21 kN FCE = 2.21 kN C 

0.6
ΣFy = 0: − FCH − 0.600 kN − (2.29 kN) = 0
2.29
FCH = −1.200 kN FCH = 1.200 kN C 
Free body: Joint E:

ic ΣFx = 0: 2.21 kN −

ΣFy = 0: − FEJ − 0.600 kN −

2.21
2.29

FEJ = −1.200 kN
0.6
2.29
4
(2.29 kN) − FEH = 0
5

(2.29 kN) − 0 = 0
FEH = 0 

FEJ = 1.200 kN C 
at
st

PROPRIETARY MATERIAL. © 2013 The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved. No part of this Manual may be displayed,
reproduced or distributed in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, or used beyond the limited
distribution to teachers and educators permitted by McGraw-Hill for their individual course preparation. If you are a student using this Manual,
you are using it without permission.

783
 PROBLEM 6.24

For the tower and loading of Problem 6.23 and knowing that
FCH = FEJ = 1.2 kN C and FEH = 0, determine the force in
member HJ and in each of the members located between HJ and
NO. State whether each member is in tension or compression.

s
PROBLEM 6.23 The portion of truss shown represents the
upper part of a power transmission line tower. For the given
loading, determine the force in each of the members located
above HJ. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

ic
SOLUTION
Free body: Joint G:
FGH F
= GI =
3.03 3.03

Free body: Joint L:

FJL F
1.2 kN
1.2
FGH = 3.03 kN T 

FGI = 3.03 kN C 
at
1.2 kN
= KL = FJL = 3.03 kN T 
3.03 3.03 1.2
FKL = 3.03 kN C 
Free body: Joint J:
2.97
ΣFx = 0: − FHJ + (3.03 kN) = 0
3.03
FHJ = 2.97 kN T 
0.6
Fy = 0: − FJK − 1.2 kN − (3.03 kN) = 0
3.03
FJK = −1.800 kN FJK = 1.800 kN C 
Free body: Joint H:
st
4 2.97
ΣFx = 0: FHK + 2.97 kN − (3.03 kN) = 0
5 3.03
FHK = 0 
0.6 3
ΣFy = 0: − FHI − 1.2 kN − (3.03) kN − (0) = 0
3.03 5
FHI = −1.800 kN FHI = 1.800 kN C 
 PROBLEM 6.24 (Continued)

Free body: Joint I:

2.97
ΣFx = 0: FIK + (3.03 kN) = 0
3.03

s
FIK = −2.97 kN FIK = 2.97 kN C 

0.6
ΣFy = 0: − FIN − 1.800 kN − (3.03 kN) = 0
3.03
FIN = −2.40 kN FIN = 2.40 kN C 
Free body: Joint K:

ic ΣFx = 0: −
4
5
FKN + 2.97 kN −

ΣFy = 0: − FKO −
0.6
3.03
2.97
3.03
(3.03 kN) = 0

3
(3.03 kN) − 1.800 kN − (0) = 0

FKO = −2.40 kN
5
FKN = 0 

FKO = 2.40 kN C 
at
st
 PROBLEM 6.25

Solve Problem 6.23 assuming that the cables hanging from the
right side of the tower have fallen to the ground.

PROBLEM 6.23 The portion of truss shown represents the

upper part of a power transmission line tower. For the given

s
loading, determine the force in each of the members located
above HJ. State whether each member is in tension or
compression.

ic
SOLUTION
Zero-Force Members:
Considering joint F, we note that DF and EF are zero-force members:
FDF = FEF = 0 
Considering next joint D, we note that BD and DE are zero-force
members:
at
FBD = FDE = 0 
Free body: Joint A:
FAB F 1.2 kN
= AC = FAB = 2.29 kN T 
2.29 2.29 1.2
FAC = 2.29 kN C 
Free body: Joint B:
4 2.21
ΣFx = 0: FBE − (2.29 kN) = 0
5 2.29
FBE = 2.7625 kN FBE = 2.76 kN T 
st
0.6 3
ΣFy = 0: − FBC − (2.29 kN) − (2.7625 kN) = 0
2.29 5
FBC = −2.2575 kN FBC = 2.26 kN C 
 PROBLEM 6.25 (Continued)

Free body: Joint C:

2.21
ΣFx = 0: FCE + (2.29 kN) = 0
2.29

s
FCE = 2.21 kN C 

0.6
ΣFy = 0: − FCH − 2.2575 kN − (2.29 kN) = 0
2.29
FCH = −2.8575 kN FCH = 2.86 kN C 
Free body: Joint E:

ic ΣFx = 0: −
4
5

3
5
4
FEH − (2.7625 kN) + 2.21 kN = 0
5

FEJ = +1.6575 kN
3
ΣFy = 0: − FEJ + (2.7625 kN) − (0) = 0
5
FEH = 0 

FEJ = 1.658 kN T 
at
st