ENS 161

(Statics of Rigid Bodies)

Lecture 6: Structural Analysis

Truss
It is a structure composed of slender members joined together at
their end points. In particular, planar trusses lie in a single plane and
are often used to support roofs and bridges.

Assumptions for Trusses

• All loadings are applied at the joints.
• The members are joined together by smooth pins.
Important Note:
Each truss member has only two forces, each directed along the
member axis. If the force tends to elongate the member, it is tensile
(T); whereas if it tends to shorten the member, it is compressive (C).
The Method of Joints
▸ This method is used to determine the force in each truss member.
▸ This method is based on the fact that if the entire truss is in
equilibrium, then each of its joints is also in equilibrium.
▸ The force equilibrium equations (𝜮𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎 and 𝜮𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎) can be
used to obtain the member forces acting on each joint.
▸ When using the method of joints, always start at a joint having at
least one known force and at most two unknown forces.
▸ The sense of direction of an unknown member force can be
assumed ([i] do some inspection first before assuming, or [ii] always
assume a tension force); then, after applying the equilibrium
equations, the assumed sense can be verified from the numerical
results. A positive answer indicates that the sense is correct,
whereas a negative answer indicates that the sense shown on the
free-body diagram must be reversed.
Procedure
for The
Method of
Joints
 Sample Problem The angle here
is equal to
Determine the force in each member of the truss 90-45 = 450.
shown and indicate whether the members are in
tension or compression.
Solution:
(1) At Joint B:

(2) At Joint C:
(FBC is assumed that
direction because its leftward (The sense of direction of the unknown
y-component should counter forces are assumed the same way it
the rightward 500 N force.) was assumed at the previous joint B.)
(FBA is assumed downward
because it has to counter the 𝐹 ↓ = 𝐹 ↑ (The 707.1 N is the FBC which is in
upward x-component of FBC.) 𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶,𝑦 compression as has been solved.
Thus, it should point towards the
𝐹 ← =𝐹 → 𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶 cos 450 joint C.)
𝐹𝐵𝐶,𝑥 = 500 𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 500 2 cos 450 𝐹 ← =𝐹 →
𝐹𝐵𝐶 sin 450 = 500 𝐹𝐶𝐴 = 707.1 cos 450
𝐹𝐵𝐴 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻) (FCA is in tension since
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 500 2 (FBA is in tension since 𝐹𝐶𝐴 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻) the arrow points away
the arrow points away from joint C.)
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝟕𝟎𝟕. 𝟏 𝑵 (𝑪) from joint B.) 𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
(FBc is in compression since the 𝐶𝑦 = 707.1 sin 450
arrow points towards the joint B.)
(Since the answer is positive for FBc, 𝐶𝑦 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↑
the assumed direction is correct.)

Sample Problem
Determine the force in each member of the
truss shown and indicate if the members are
in tension or compression.
Solution:
(1) At Joint C:
(We choose C because
it has 1 known force
and at most 2 unknown
forces)
(The sense of direction of the
unknown forces are assumed
after it has been inspected. A
force should be countered in
the opposite direction)
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝐹𝐵𝐶 sin 450 = 400
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 400 2
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝟓𝟔𝟓. 𝟕 𝑵 (𝑪)
𝐹 → =𝐹 ←
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶 cos 450
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 565.7 cos 450
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑪)
The angle here
is equal to
90-45 = 450.
(2) At Joint D:
(We can use the conventional x-y axes, or we can use
another orientation. Here, we use a new orientation.)
(With regards to the direction of the unknowns, it’s either
(The shown angles we directly assume them to be in tension, or we inspect
can easily be solved them first. Here, we assume them as tension directly.)
by geometry.)
(3) At Joint A:
𝐹−𝑦′ 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝐹+𝑦′𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐹𝐴𝐷 sin 15 + 400 sin 30 = 0
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = −772.7 = 𝟕𝟕𝟐. 𝟕 𝑵 (𝑪)
𝐹+𝑥 ′ 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝐹−𝑥 ′ 𝑑𝑖𝑟𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 cos 30 + 𝐹𝐴𝐷 cos 15
𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 400 cos 30 + 772.7 cos 15 𝐹 ← =𝐹 →
𝐹𝐵𝐷 = 𝟏𝟎𝟗𝟑 𝑵 (𝑻) 𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝐹𝐴𝐷 cos 450
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 772.7 cos 450
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝟓𝟒𝟔. 𝟒 𝑵 (𝑪)
Sample Problem
Determine the force in each member of the truss shown.
Indicate whether the members are in tension or
compression. (2) At Joint A:
Solution:
(1) Support Reactions

𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑ (4) At Joint C:
𝐹𝐴𝐵 (4 5) = 600
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝟕𝟓𝟎 𝑵 (𝑪)
𝐹 → =𝐹 ← 𝐹 → =𝐹 ←
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵 (3 5)
𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 750 3 5 𝐹𝐶𝐵 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑪)

𝑀𝐶 ↻ = 𝑀𝐶 ↺ 𝐹𝐴𝐷 = 𝟒𝟓𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻)

𝐴𝑦 6 = 400 3 + 600 (4)
(3) At Joint D: 𝐹 → =𝐹 ←
𝐴𝑦 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↑
𝐹𝐷𝐵 3 5 + 600 = 450
𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑
𝐹𝐷𝐵 = −250 = 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻)
𝐶𝑦 + 400 = 600
𝐶𝑦 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↓ 𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑
𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 𝐹𝐷𝐵 (4 5)
𝐹 ← =𝐹 →
𝐶𝑥 = 𝟔𝟎𝟎 𝑵 𝐹𝐷𝐶 = 250(4 5) = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑪)
Zero-Force Members
▸ They are truss members which support no loading. These zero-
force members are used to increase the stability of the truss during
construction and to provide added support if the loading is changed.
▸ They can generally be identified by inspection. The following two
rules can be used.

[Rule # 1] If only two members form a truss joint and no external

load or support reaction is applied to the joint, the two members
must be zero-force members.

[Rule # 2] If three members form a truss joint for which two of

the members are collinear, the third member is a zero-force
member provided no external force or support reaction is
applied to the joint.
Zero-Force Members
▸These two members (DE and
CD) are zero-force members by
the rule # 1.

▸These two members

(AD and AC) are zero-
force members by the
rule # 2.

▸These two members (AB and

AF) are zero-force members by
the rule # 1.
Sample Problem
Determine all the zero-force members of the Fink roof truss shown. Assume
all joints are pin connected.
Solution/Answer: ▸Member DF is a zero-
force member by the
rule # 2. (when analysed
at joint D)

▸Member CG is a zero-
force member by the
▸Member CF is a zero-force member
rule # 2. (when analysed
by the rule # 2. (when analysed at
at joint G)
joint F after disregarding zero-force
member DF)
The Method of Sections
▸ This method is used when only few members of the truss are to
be analysed.
▸ This method is based on the principle that if the truss is in
equilibrium then any segment of the truss is also in equilibrium.
▸ The 3 equilibrium equations (𝜮𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎, 𝜮𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎 and 𝜮𝑴 = 𝟎) can
be applied to any cut segment/section of the truss.

Important Notes:

[i] The line of action of each member force is specified from

the geometry of the truss, since the force in a member is along
its axis.
[ii] The member forces acting on one part of the truss are
equal but opposite to those acting on the other part—Newton’s
third law.
Procedure
for The
Method of
Sections
Sample Problem
Determine the force in members GE,
GC, and BC of the truss shown. Indicate
whether the members are in tension or
compression.
Solution:
(1) Support Reactions: (2) Analyze the right section after
cutting the truss at a-a (The sense of direction of
the unknown forces are
assumed after it has been
inspected. If there’s an
upward force, there should
be downward force. If
there’s leftward force,
there should be rightward
force. If there’s a force
𝑀𝐴 ↺ = 𝑀𝐴 ↻ that tend to rotate the
𝐷𝑦 12 = 400 3 + 1200(8) system clockwise, then
there should be a counter.)
𝐷𝑦 = 𝟗𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↑
𝑀𝐶 ↺ = 𝑀𝐶 ↻ 𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ 𝐹𝐺𝐸 3 = 300 (8) 𝐹𝐺𝐶 (3 5) = 300
𝐴𝑦 + 𝐷𝑦 = 1200
𝐹𝐺𝐸 = 𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑪) 𝐹𝐺𝐶 = 𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻)
𝐴𝑦 + 900 = 1200
𝐴𝑦 = 𝟑𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↑ 𝑀𝐺 ↺ = 𝑀𝐺 ↻ (Force that pushes the
𝐹 ← =𝐹 → 𝐹𝐵𝐶 3 = 300 4 + 400(3) member is compressive,
while that pulls it is tensile.)
𝐴𝑥 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝑵 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝑵 (𝑻)
Frames and Machines
▸ Frames and machines are structures that contain one or more
multi-force members, that is, members with three or more forces or
couples acting on them. Frames are designed to support loads, and
machines transmit and alter the effect of forces.
▸ The forces acting at the joints of a frame or machine can be
determined by drawing the free-body diagrams of each of its
members or parts. The principle of action–reaction should be
carefully observed when indicating these forces on the free-body
diagram of each adjacent member or pin.

▸ For a coplanar force system, there are three equilibrium

equations available for each member (𝜮𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎, 𝜮𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎 and
𝜮𝑴 = 𝟎).
▸ To simplify the analysis, be sure to recognize all two-force
members. They have equal but opposite collinear forces at their
ends.
Procedure
of
Analysis
Procedure
of
Analysis
(cont.)
Sample Problem
Determine the horizontal and vertical components
of force which the pin at C exerts on member BC
of the frame shown.
Solution:
(1) FBD:
(2) Eq’ns of Equilibrium:
Σ 𝑀𝐶 = 0 𝑀𝐶 (↻) = 𝑀𝐶 ↺
𝐹𝐴𝐵,𝑦 4 = 2000 2
𝐹𝐴𝐵 sin 600 4 = 2000 2
𝐹𝐴𝐵 = 𝟏𝟏𝟓𝟒. 𝟕 𝑵

▸ By inspection, the 𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ 𝐹 ← =𝐹 →
member AB is clearly a
𝐶𝑦 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵 sin 60 = 2000 𝐶𝑥 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵 cos 60
two force member
𝐶𝑦 + 1154.7 sin 60 = 2000 𝐶𝑥 = 1154.7 cos 60

𝐶𝑦 = 𝟏𝟎𝟎𝟎 𝑵 ↑ 𝐶𝑥 = 𝟓𝟕𝟕. 𝟑 𝑵 ←
Sample Problem
The compound beam shown is pin
connected at B. Determine the
components of reaction at its supports.
Neglect its weight and thickness.
Solution:
(1) FBD (member BC): (2) FBD (whole beam):
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝐴𝑦 + 𝐶𝑦 = 10 4 5 + 8
𝐴𝑦 + 4 = 10 4 5 + 8
𝐴𝑦 = 𝟏𝟐 𝒌𝑵 ↑

𝐹 → =𝐹 ←
𝐴𝑥 = 10 (3 5)
𝐴𝑥 = 𝟔 𝒌𝑵 ←
Σ 𝑀𝐵 = 0 (since it’s pin-connected at B)
𝑀𝐴 (↺) = 𝑀𝐴 ↻
𝑀𝐵 ↺ = 𝑀𝐵 ↻
𝑀𝐴 + 𝐶𝑦 6 = 8 5 + 10 4 5 2
𝐶𝑦 2 = 8 (1) (It’s better to use the resultant
force, R, of the rectangular load 𝑀𝐴 + 4 6 = 8 5 + 10 4 5 2
𝐶𝑦 = 𝟒 𝒌𝑵 ↑ for simplicity)▸R = 4x 2 = 8 kN
𝑀𝐴 = 𝟑𝟐 𝒌𝑵 ∙ 𝒎
Sample Problem
A 500-kg elevator car in the figure is being hoisted by motor A using the
pulley system shown. If the car is traveling with a constant speed, determine
the force developed in the two cables. Neglect the mass of the cable and
pulleys. Solution: Notes:
(1) FBD’s: 1) Since the system is moving at constant
speed, the equations of equilibrium can be
used without modification.
2) The tension in one rope is considered
constant. This can be proved by summing
moment at the center of the pulley.
(2) Eq’ns of Equilibrium:
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ (considering the FBD of pulley C)

𝑇2 = 2𝑇1
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ (considering the FBD of the car)

2 𝑇2 + 3 𝑇1 = 4905 𝑁
2 (2𝑇1 ) + 3 𝑇1 = 4905 𝑁 (substituting the 1st eq’n)

𝑇1 = 𝟕𝟎𝟕. 𝟕 𝑵

𝑇2 = 𝟏𝟒𝟎𝟏. 𝟒 𝑵
Sample Problem
The smooth disk shown is pinned at D and has a
weight of 20 lb. Neglecting the weights of the other
members, determine the horizontal and vertical
components of reaction at pins B and D.
(2) FBD (each member):
Solution: N stands for normal force which is
(1) FBD (whole frame): present whenever an object is simply
attached to another object. Its direction is
always perpendicular to the surface.
▸Consider member AB first
𝑀𝐵 ↺ = 𝑀𝐵 ↻
𝑁𝐷 3 = 20 (6) 𝑁𝐷 = 𝟒𝟎 𝒍𝒃 ↓
𝐹 ← =𝐹 →
𝐵𝑥 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟏𝟒 𝒍𝒃
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝑀𝐴 ↺ = 𝑀𝐴 ↻ 𝐵𝑦 + 20 = 40 𝐵𝑦 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒍𝒃
𝐶𝑥 3.5 = 20 (3)
𝐶𝑥 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟏𝟒 𝒍𝒃 ← ▸Consider FBD of disk D
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ 𝐹 ← =𝐹 → 𝐷𝑥 = 𝟎
𝐴𝑦 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒍𝒃 𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑
𝐹 → =𝐹 ← 𝐷𝑦 + 20 = 𝑁𝐷
𝐴𝑥 = 𝟏𝟕. 𝟏𝟒 𝒍𝒃 𝐷𝑦 + 20 = 40 𝐷𝑦 = 𝟐𝟎 𝒍𝒃
Sample Problem
Determine the tension in the cables and also the force P required to support
the 600-N force using the frictionless pulley system shown.
Solution: Note:
(1) FBD’s: ▸ Since the cable is continuous, it has a constant tension P
acting throughout its length.

(2) Eq’ns of Equilibrium:

▸Consider FBD of pulley A first
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
3𝑃 = 600 𝑃 = 𝟐𝟎𝟎 𝑵

▸Consider FBD of pulley B

𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝑇 = 2𝑃 𝑇 = 2 200 𝑇 = 𝟒𝟎𝟎 𝑵

▸Consider FBD of pulley C

𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝑅 = 2𝑃 + 𝑇
𝑅 = 2 200 + 400 𝑅 = 𝟖𝟎𝟎 𝑵
Sample Problem
The two planks in the figure are connected together by cable BC and a smooth
spacer DE. Determine the reactions at the smooth supports A and F, and also
find the force developed in the cable and spacer.
(2) Eq’ns of Equilibrium:
▸Consider FBD of span AD first
Σ 𝑀𝐴 = 0 𝐹𝐷𝐸 6 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 4 − 100 2 = 0
3𝐹𝐷𝐸 − 2𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 100 (eq’n 1)
▸Consider FBD of span CF
Solution: Σ 𝑀𝐹 = 0 𝐹𝐷𝐸 4 + 200 2 − 𝐹𝐵𝐶 6 = 0
(1) FBD’s: 2𝐹𝐷𝐸 − 3𝐹𝐵𝐶 = −200 (eq’n 2)
▸Solving the 2 eq’ns simultaneously:
𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 𝟏𝟒𝟎 𝒍𝒃 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝟏𝟔𝟎 𝒍𝒃
▸Consider FBD of span AD again
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝑁𝐴 + 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 100
𝑁𝐴 + 140 = 160 + 100 𝑁𝐴 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝒍𝒃
▸Consider FBD of span CF again
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝑁𝐹 + 𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝐹𝐷𝐸 + 200
𝑁𝐹 + 160 = 140 + 200 𝑁𝐹 = 𝟏𝟖𝟎 𝒍𝒃
Sample Problem
The 75-kg man in the figure attempts to lift the 40-kg
uniform beam off the roller support at B. Determine the
tension developed in the cable attached to B and the
normal reaction of the man on the beam when this is
about to occur.
Solution:
𝑻𝟐 (2) FBD of
(1) FBD of the beam
pulley E and the man (2) FBD of
the man
alone
= 735.75 𝑁 𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝐹 ↓ =𝐹 ↑ 𝑁𝑚 + 2𝑇1 = 735.75
𝑇2 = 2𝑇1 𝑁𝑚 + 2(255.9) = 735.75
(eq’n 1)
𝑁𝑚 = 𝟐𝟐𝟑. 𝟗 𝑵

= 392.4 𝑁 = 735.75 𝑁
𝑀𝐴 ↺ = 𝑀𝐴 ↻
▸ The reaction at B (normal
𝑇1 3 + 𝑇2 0.8 = 392.4 1.5 + 735.75 0.8
force) when the beam is
𝑇1 3 + (2𝑇1 ) 0.8 = 1177.2 (substituting eq’n 1) about to be lifted is equal
𝑇1 = 𝟐𝟓𝟓. 𝟗 𝑵 to zero (0).
Sample Problem
The frame in the figure supports the 50-kg
cylinder. Determine the horizontal and vertical
components of reaction at A and the force at C.
Solution: (2) FBD of member BC
(1) FBD of
pulley D
▸ Member BC is a two-force member.
Thus, the reaction at C, Cx = FBC

(3) FBD of
member ABD 𝑀𝐴 ↺ = 𝑀𝐴 ↻
𝐹𝐵𝐶 0.6 + 490.5 0.9 = 490.5 1.2
𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 𝟐𝟒𝟓. 𝟐𝟓 𝑵
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓
𝐴𝑦 = 𝟒𝟗𝟎. 𝟓 𝑵

= 490.5 𝑁 𝐹 → =𝐹 ←
𝐹 ↑ =𝐹 ↓ 𝐴𝑥 = 𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 490.5
𝐷𝑦 = 𝟒𝟗𝟎. 𝟓 𝑵 𝐴𝑥 = 245.25 + 490.5
𝐹 → =𝐹 ← 𝐴𝑥 = 𝟕𝟑𝟓. 𝟕𝟓 𝑵
𝐷𝑥 = 𝟒𝟗𝟎. 𝟓 𝑵
 “The most effective way of learning the
principles of engineering mechanics is to
solve problems.”
ASSIGNMENT!
Answer the following problems from the Chapter 6 review
problems of our textbook in page 326-327: Problems 6-127, 6-
128, 6-129, and 6-133.

Write the solutions neatly and in an organized manner on short

bond papers (Do not encode). Scan them and save them to one
file as PDF.

Due date: December 12, 2021 (for both sections Ff and Uu1)