Republic of the Philippines

ISABELA STATE UNIVERSITY

City of Ilagan, Isabela

Title:

Chapter 4 – Analysis of Structures

Overview/Introduction

The analysis of structure is the process by which we determine how the loads
applied to a structure are distributed throughout the structure. Although there are
many types of structures, we limit ourselves here to pin-connected types (those that
consist of assemblages of bars fastened together by smooth bolts. After we learned
how these types of structures are constructed, we shall see that the internal forces
holding their various members in equilibrium create concurrent and non-concurrent
force systems. Consequently a force analysis of a structure consists of applying the
conditions of equilibrium studied in the preceding chapter to determine the internal
forces that act in or upon its various members.

Learning Outcome/Objective

At the end of this chapter, students are expected to be able to:

1. Determine whether the member of a structure is a two-force or three-force
member;
2. Solve for the internal force that acts on the member of structure by method
of joints; and
3. Solve for the internal force that acts on the member of structure by method
of sections.

Learning Content/Topic

Lesson 4-1 – Method of Joints

The assumption that all members of a truss are two-force members carrying
axial loads means that the free body diagram of any joint is a concurrent force
system in equilibrium. Two force members are members of trusses or
structures that are subjected to only either tension or compression forces.
 Steps involved in analysis of structure by method of joints:
1. Draw the FBD of the structure. (simply substitute the supports with their
equivalent direction of reaction forces)
2. Solve for the reactions on the supports.
3. Choose a pin on which no more than two members act. (we normally
start with the pin on the supports)
4. Draw the FBD of the chosen pin.
5. Solve for the forces acting on the chosen pin.
6. Choose another pin on which no more than two members act. (we
normally choose the pin adjacent to the first pin)
7. Repeat step 4 to 6 until all the pin have been solve or until the force
that acts on the desired pin was computed.

Example: Solve for the forces acting on the members of the truss shown
below.

1120lb

C 10ft G 2000lb

A B
10ft D 10ft F 10ft H 10ft

2000lb

Solution
1. FBD of the Truss:
E

1120lb

C 10ft G 2000lb

A 26.57° B
R
10ft D 10ft F 10ft H 10ft BX

R R
A BY

2000lb
 *For the remaining members of the given truss, we simply repeat the
process until we are able to solve for the forces acting on all members
of the truss.

Note: Redundant members are members that do not support

compression or tension. These are members that are not carrying any
load on the truss. Thus, these members are safe to be remove on the
truss. However, redundant members are normally place for aesthetics
purposes only.

Lesson 4-2 – Method of Sections

Unlike the method of joints, that utilizes only two conditions of equilibrium (for
concurrent forces), method of sections utilizes the “conditions of equilibrium of
non-concurrent force system” to easily solve directly to the member in
question. Meaning, that in method of sections, we do not need to solve pin-
by-pin to solve for the force acting on a member place at the middle of the
structure.

Steps involved in analysis of structure by method of joints:

1. Draw the FBD of the structure. (simply substitute the supports with their
equivalent direction of reaction forces)
2. Solve for the reactions on the supports.
3. Cut the structure into two sections, such that the members in question
are also cut.
4. Draw the FBD of the section where the unknown members are part.
5. Solve for the forces on the members in question by applying the
conditions of equilibrium of non-concurrent force system.
 Example: Solve for the forces acting on members DF and CF of the truss
shown below.

1120lb

C 10ft G 2000lb

A B
10ft D 10ft F 10ft H 10ft

2000lb

Solution
1. FBD of the Truss:
E

1120lb

C 10ft G 2000lb

A 26.57° B
R
10ft D 10ft F 10ft H 10ft BX

R
RA BY
2000lb
 3. Cut the truss into two sections such that members CE, CF, and DF are
also cut. Then draw the FBD of the sections.

1120lb CE

CF
A 26.57°
DF
10ft D

RA=1513.53lb
 Note:
the discrepancy on the answers with the use of this method is a result of
rounding-off numbers. But, it is clearly shown that the answers are
considerably equal.

Teaching and Learning Activities

From the example given above, Solve for the forces acting on the members
EG, FG, and FH by method of joints and check your answers by method of
members.

Flexible Teaching Learning Modality (FTLM) adapted

Online (asynchronous)
TelEducation moodle, Facebook messenger, google classroom,
zoom, google meet, etc.
 Remote (asynchronous)
module, activities, problems sets, etc.

Assessment Task

References
1. Engineering Mechanics by Ferdinand L. Singer
2. Breer, Ferdinand P. and Johnston, E. Russel Jr., Mechanics for Engineers,
McGraw Hill, latest edition
3. Hibbeler, R.C., Engineering Mechanics, Statics, , Amazon, 14th Edition
4. Other Physics and Engineering Mechanics Books
5. Mathematics and Allied Science Reviewers’ Books

Online:
http://ecoursesonline.iasri.res.in/mod/page/view.php?id=125330