Tutorial to Solve Truss by

Method of Sections
Tutorial: How to Solve a Truss Structure using Method of Sections
• The method of Sections is used to solve larger truss structures in a
fast, simple manner. It involves taking a ‘cut’ through a number of
members to evaluate their axial forces, and use this as our basis to
solve the rest of the truss structure.
Question: Using the method of sections,
determine the forces in members 10, 11 and 13 of
the following truss structure:
Step 1: Calculate the Reactions at the
Supports
• Like most static structural analysis, we must first start by locating and
solving the reactions at supports. This will give us the boundary
conditions we need to progress in solving the structure. Simplifying
the structure to just include the loads and supports:
• Without spending too much time on calculating the reactions, you
generally start by taking the sum of moments about a point. Taking
the sum of moments about the left support gets us:
• So the reaction at the right support (RB) is 17.5 kN in an upward
direction. Now, taking the sum of forces in the y gives us the reaction
RA as 7.5kN in an upward direction:
Step 2: Make a cut along the members of interest

• Here comes the most important part of solving a truss using the
method of Sections. It involves making a slice through the members
you wish to solve. This method of structural analysis is extremely
useful when trying to solve some of the members without having to
solve the entire structure using method of joints. So, in our example
here would be our slice:
• Focusing on the left side only, you are left with the following
structure:
•
• Now think of this structure as single standing structure. The laws of
statics still apply – so the sum of moments and forces must all equal
zero. The members with arrows (F13, F10, F11) are what stabalise the
reaction and forces applied to the structure. Note that the sum of
moments is taken about node 7 – as would exclude the forces of
members 13 and 10 – leaving F11 to be isolated
• Using the above Free Body Diagram, we can obtain the following
formulae:
• Sum of forces in the y direction:
• Sum of moments about node 7
• Sum of forces in the x direction:
Final Solution
• We can use these results to solve the remaining members in the truss
structure.
Simple Steps

• Always Start by calculating reactions at supports

• Make a slice through the members you wish to solve
• Treat the half structure as its own static truss
• Solve the truss by taking the sum of forces = 0
• Take the moment about a node of more than one unknown member