Analysis of Trusses and Frames – Part 2

Dr. Prasun Jana

Assistant Professor
Aerospace Engineering
IIT Kharagpur

ME11003: Basic Engineering Mechanics

Reference:
Engineering Mechanics: Statics by J. L. Meriam and L. G. Kraige
Vector Mechanics for Engineers - Statics and Dynamics by F.P. Beer, E. R. Johnston Jr., et al.
Analysis of Truss using Method of Joints
Method of Joints

Each member (two-force) is acted

upon by two forces, one at each end;
these forces have the same magnitude,
same line of action, and opposite
sense.

Newton’s third law indicates that the

FBD of the entire structure
forces of action and reaction between
a member and a pin are equal and
opposite.

Since the entire truss is in equilibrium,

each pin must be in equilibrium.

Therefore, we can find the member

forces by considering equilibrium
(σ 𝑭𝒙 = 𝟎, σ 𝑭𝒚 = 𝟎) of the connecting
pins. FBD of members and pins 3
Method of Joints

Example 1:
Compute the force in each member of the loaded
cantilever truss by method of joints.

Solution: Check; m +r = 2j, where r= no. of constraints=4.

The truss structure is statically determinate even
though it is indeterminate externally.

FBD of entire truss

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Method of Joints

Solution continued….: 1

4
3
5
Method of Joints

Special cases:
There may be some special conditions arising while solving truss problems.

Identification of zero-force members Choice of axis for writing

equilibrium equations

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Method of Joints

Zero-force members by inspection:

Can you identify the zero-force members, in
the trusses shown, by visual inspection?

Zero-force members Zero-force members

are BF and AE. are BC, CF, and AE.

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Method of Joints

Zero-force members continued….:

Zero-force members are BC, IJ, and JK

How many are zero-force

members in above truss?
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Method of Joints

Method of joints; solution strategy:

1). Find the support reactions using FBD of the entire structures (not mandatory,
sometimes advantageous).

2). You may assume all members are in tension (i.e. arrow pointing outward from the pin).

3). Identify zero-force members (if any).

4). Select joints having two unknowns. Apply equilibrium equations to find the unknowns.

5). Use previous results for solving unknowns in other joints.

6). If any value of a pin reaction is found to be negative, it implies that the assumed
direction was incorrect and the assumed direction of that reaction must be reversed.

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Method of Joints

Example 2:
Determine the force in each member of the roof
truss as shown. State whether the members are
in tension or compression. The reactions at the
supports are given.

Solution:
Only the forces in half the members have to be
determined as the truss is symmetric with
respect to both loading & geometry.

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Method of Joints
Solution continued….:

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Method of Joints

Example 3:

Compute the force in each member of the

loaded cantilever truss by method of joints.
Solution:

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Method of Joints

Solution (continued):

Similarly, solve joint C, F, B, E and determine the unknown forces.

Question: Did we use the support reactions for finding the member forces? 13