Chapter IV

Analysis of Structures

4-4 Method of Section

We have seen that the method of joints consist of analyzing trusses by applying the
principles of equilibrium to the concurrent force systems acting at each joint. The
principles of equilibrium of non-concurrent force systems may also be applied to truss
analysis; the procedure is known as the method of sections. Its use permits us to
determine directly the force in almost any member instead of proceeding to that
member by a joint analysis.

In the method of sections, a cutting plane is passed through the entire truss,
separating it into two parts without cutting more than three members . If this plane
actually severed the members, the truss would collapse. But suppose, at the instant
of severing the members, that an external force is applied to each side of the cut
members exactly equivalent to the load being transmitted by the members. We shall
then have two parts of the truss, each constituting a non-concurrent system of forces
in equilibrium under the action of the known loads that act on each part and the
unknown forces (stresses) that the members of one part exert on the other.

Available equation
∑𝐹𝑣 = 0 ∑𝐹ℎ = 0 ∑𝑀 = 0
On this case we will be applying the principles of transmissibility and the
Varignon’s theorem

If we want to solve directly the force on BC, pass cutting section that includes BC

To find for the value of the 1st load (BC), find the intersection of the 2nd and 3rd force
EF and EC; that is at point E. and take moment at that point E

∑𝑀𝐸 = 0 (note: all force that pass thru E are not included, since the distance is zero)
-3.33(4) + BC (3) = 0
BC = 4.44 KN tension
For EF,
To find for the value of the 2nd load (EF), find the intersection of the 1st and 3rd force
BC and EC; that is at point C. and take moment at that point C
∑𝑀𝐶 = 0
80(3) - 3.33(8) – EF(3) = 0 EF = 71.12 kN tension
∑𝐹𝑉 = 0
-3.33 + (EC/5)*3= 0 EC= 5.55 kN Tension

Problem 001

Determine the force acting on members BC, EC and EF

Fig P-01

Solve for Reactions

∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 80(4) +50(8) + 80(3) – RD(12)= 0
RD = 80 kN

∑𝑀𝐷 = 0 RAV( 12) - 80(8) -50(4) + 80(3) = 0

RAV = 50 kN
Check ∑𝐹𝑣 = 0 RAV= 50 + RD=80 = 80 +50

∑𝐹𝐻 = 0 - RAH + 80 =0

RAH = 80 kN
For BC, take moment at the intersection of EC and EF; that is at point E

∑𝑀𝐸 = 0 50(4) + BC(3) =0

BC = - 66.67 kN Compression
For EF, take moment at the intersection of BC and EC; that is at point C

∑𝑀𝐶 = 0 50(8) +80(3) -80(4) –EF(3) = 0

EF = 106.67 kN Tension
∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 80(4) – 66.67(3) – [ECV](4)=0
80(4) – 66.67(3) – [(EC/5)*3](4)=0
EC= 50 kN Tension

For BE, take moment at A

∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 80(4) -66.67(3) + BE(4) =0
BE= -30 kN Compression
For AE, ∑𝐹𝐻 = 0
-80 + AE – 66.67 =0
AE = 146.67 kN Tension
∑𝐹𝐻 = 0 -106.67 + FD = 0
FD= 106.67 kN Tension

∑𝐹𝑉 = 0 FC – 0=0
FC= 0

Problem 002

The roof truss shown in Fig. P-02 is pinned at point A, and supported by a roller at point H.
Determine the force in member DG.

Fig. P-02

RA RH

Solve for Reaction

∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 55(2) + 90(4) + 45(6) – RH(8)=0
RH = 92.5 kN

∑𝐹𝑉 = 0 RA + 92.5 = 55 +90 +45

RA= 97.5 kN

√5
To solve for DG, find the intersection of the two other unknown EG and DF
By ratio and proportion

1 1.5

2 2 +x

𝐵 𝑏
=
𝑯 ℎ

2+𝑥 2
=
1.5 1
𝟐+𝒙= 3

X=1

∑𝑀𝑜 = 0 (DG/3.2)(2.5)[3] -45(3) + 92.5(1) =0

DG = 18.11 kN Tension

To solve for DF, Find the intersection of DG and EG, that is at G, then take moment at G

∑𝑀𝐺 = 0 -(DF/√5 ) (2)[1.5] − 92.5(2) = 0

DF= - 68.95 kN Compression

For EG, find the intersection of the other two unknown DF and DG, that is at D

∑𝑀𝐷 = 0 EG(2.5) + 45 ( 2) -92.5(4)=0

EG= 112 kN Tension

Problem 003

The truss in Fig. P-03 is pinned to the wall at point F, and supported by a roller at point C.
Calculate the force (tension or compression) in members BC, BE, and DE.

Fig P-03

To solve for BC, find the intersection of the two other unknown DE and BE that is
at E

∑𝑀𝐸 = 0 -80(6) - 60(2) – BC(5)=0

BC = -120 kN compression

To solve for DE, find the intersection of the two other unknown BC and BE that is
at B

∑𝑀𝐵 = 0 −80(4) + 𝐷𝐸(5) = 0

DE = 64 kN Tension
To solve for BE

∑𝑀𝐴 = 0 64(5) – (BE/√29)(5)[ 4] + 60[4] = 0

BE= 150.78 kN Tension

Problem 004
Determine the force in members DF, DG, and EG of the Howe truss shown in Fig. P-004.

Fig. P-004

Problem 005
The Warren truss loaded as shown in Fig. P-005 is supported by a roller at C and a hinge at G.
By the method of sections, compute the force in the members BC, DF, and CE.

Fig. P-005

Problem 006

For the truss shown in Fig. P-006, compute the force in members BD, CD, and CE by the method
of sections.
Fig P-006