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UNIT II. ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

Overview

In this unit, you will learn about the three methods of analyzing structures: the
method of joints, method of sections, and method of members. You will be using the concepts
of resultants, moments, and equilibrium, in order to solve problems involving structures.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this unit, I am able to:

1. Identify the three methods of analysis of structures.
2. Identify which method to use when analyzing structures.

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Lesson Proper

Assumptions in simple trusses:

1. The members of the trusses are connected using pins.

2. The weights of the members are negligible compared to the forces acting on them.

3. The forces of the members act axially.

A. Method of Joints

In this method, the concept of equilibrium of concurrent forces is used, by taking the free

body diagram of each joint of a structure to solve for the forces in each member. This method

is best used for solving for the forces of each member of a structure.

Example 1.

Solve for the force in each member of the truss below.

The first step in solving this type of problems is solving for the reactions at points A and F

using moment equations.

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Taking the moment about point F,

∑ 𝑀𝐹 = 0

𝑅𝐴𝑦 (11 𝑚) − (50 𝑘𝑁)(7 𝑚) − (30 𝑘𝑁)(3 𝑚) = 0

𝑅𝐴𝑦 = 40 𝑘𝑁

After solving for one of the reactions using a moment equation, we can now solve for the

other reaction using a summation of forces.

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐴𝑦 + 𝑅𝐹 − 50 𝑘𝑁 − 30 𝑘𝑁 = 0

50 𝑘𝑁 + 𝑅𝐹 − 50 𝑘𝑁 − 30 𝑘𝑁 = 0

𝑹𝑭 = 𝟒𝟎 𝒌𝑵

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝑅𝐴𝑥 = 0

Therefore, 𝑹𝑨 = √𝑹𝟐𝑨𝒙 + 𝑹𝟐𝑨𝒚 = 𝟒𝟎𝒌𝑵

We can now start solving for the members by taking the FBD of the joints. When choosing a

joint to start with, find a joint with only one or two unknow forces.

Joints A and F both have only two unknown forces.

At joint A,

Using summation of forces,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

40 𝑘𝑁 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑦

5
𝐹𝐴𝐵 ( ) = 40 𝑘𝑁
√41

𝑭𝑨𝑩 = 𝟓𝟏. 𝟐𝟐 𝒌𝑵 (𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

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∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑋

𝟒 𝟒
𝑭𝑨𝑪 = 𝑭𝑨𝑩 ( ) = (𝟓𝟏. 𝟐𝟐 𝒌𝑵) ( ) = 𝟑𝟐 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)
√𝟒𝟏 √𝟒𝟏

Since we already solved for FAB, we can now go to point B since there are now only two

unknown forces.

At joint B,

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑥 = 𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑥

4 4
𝐹𝐴𝐵 ( ) = 𝐹𝐵𝐷 ( )
√41 √17

4 4
(51. 22 𝑘𝑁) ( ) = 𝐹𝐵𝐷 ( )
√41 √17

𝑭𝑩𝑫 = 𝟑𝟐. 𝟗𝟖 𝒌𝑵 (𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵𝑦 + 𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑦 = 50 𝑘𝑁

5 1
𝐹𝐵𝐶 + 𝐹𝐴𝐵 ( ) + 𝐹𝐵𝐷 ( ) = 50 𝑘𝑁
√41 √17

5 1
𝐹𝐵𝐶 + (51.22 𝑘𝑁) ( ) + (32.98 𝑘𝑁) ( ) = 50 𝑘𝑁
√41 √17

𝐹𝐵𝐶 = 2 𝑘𝑁 (𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛)

We can repeat the process of taking summation the vertical and horizontal forces of each

joint to solve for the remaining members.

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At joint C,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝐹𝐶𝐷𝑦 = 2 𝑘𝑁

1
𝐹𝐶𝐷 ( ) = 2 𝑘𝑁
√2

𝑭𝑪𝑫 = 𝟐. 𝟖𝟑 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝐹𝐶𝐸 + 𝐹𝐶𝐷𝑥 = 32 𝑘𝑁

1
𝐹𝐶𝐸 + 𝐹𝐶𝐷 ( ) = 32 𝑘𝑁
√2

1
𝐹𝐶𝐸 + (2.83 𝑘𝑁) ( ) = 32 𝑘𝑁
√2

𝑭𝑪𝑬 = 𝟑𝟎 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

At joint E,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑭𝑫𝑬 = 𝟎

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝑭𝑬𝑭 = 𝑭𝑪𝑬 = 𝟑𝟎 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

At joint D,

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝐹𝐵𝐷𝑥 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷𝑥 + 𝐹𝐷𝐹𝑥

4 1 4
𝐹𝐵𝐷 ( ) = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 ( ) + 𝐹𝐷𝐹 ( )
√17 √2 5

4 1 4
(32.98 𝑘𝑁) ( ) = (2.83 𝑘𝑁) ( ) + 𝐹𝐷𝐹 ( )
√17 √2 5

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𝑭𝑫𝑭 = 𝟓𝟎 𝒌𝑵 (𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

We can also check if the forces are correct at joint F,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐹 = 𝐹𝐷𝐹𝑦

4
40 𝑘𝑁 = (50 𝑘𝑁) ( )
5

𝟒𝟎 𝒌𝑵 = 𝟒𝟎 𝒌𝑵

∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0

𝐹𝐷𝐹𝑥 = 𝐹𝐸𝐹

3
(50 𝑘𝑁) ( ) = 30 𝑘𝑁
5

𝟑𝟎 𝒌𝑵 = 𝟑𝟎 𝒌𝑵

Summary:

RA 40 kN upward
RF 40 kN upward
FAB 51.22 kN compression
FAC 32 kN tension
FBD 32.98 kN compression
FBC 2 kN compression
FCD 2.83 kN tension
FCE 30 kN tension
FDE 0 -
FDF 50 kN compression
FEF 30 kN tension

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B. Method of Sections

Method of Sections – in this method, the structure is divided into two sections using a cutting

plane and analyzing one section. This method is useful for solving for the force in a specific

member of a structure. The members that are cut will be replaced with external forces that

are equal to the force transmitted by the members. The external forces of the other section

will be neglected. It is recommended to avoid cutting more than three members at a time.

Example 2.

Calculate the forces in members BC, BE, and DE in the truss shown below.

Since we have to solve for the forces in members BC, BE, and DE, we have to choose a
cutting plane that intersects these three members.

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By analyzing the left section of the truss that is cut by plane a-a, we can avoid having to
solve for the reactions in joints C and F.

We can choose use summation of forces or moment equations to solve for the unknown
forces in the members.

By summation of the vertical forces,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝐹𝐵𝐸𝑦 = 80 𝑘𝑁 + 60 𝑘𝑁

5
𝐹𝐵𝐸 ( ) = 140 𝑘𝑁
29

𝑭𝑩𝑬 = 𝟏𝟓𝟎. 𝟕𝟖 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

Solving for the total moment about point E,

∑ 𝑀𝐸 = 0

𝐹𝐵𝐶 (5 𝑚) = (80 𝑘𝑁)(6 𝑚) + (60 𝑘𝑁)(2 𝑚)

𝑭𝑩𝑪 = 𝟏𝟐𝟎 𝒌𝑵 (𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

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Solving for the total moment about point B,

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝐹𝐷𝐸 (5 𝑚) = (80 𝑘𝑁)(4 𝑚)

𝑭𝑫𝑬 = 𝟔𝟒 𝒌𝑵 (𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒔𝒊𝒐𝒏)

Summary:

FBC 120 kN compression

FBE 150.78 kN tension
FDE 64 kN tension

In some cases, you might also have to use the method of joints when using the method of
sections when solving for members.

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C. Method of Members (Frames)

Method of Members – this method is used to analyze frames. Frames are pin-connected

structures with three-force members. Three-force members are members that are subjected

to bending loads and are not simply under tension or compression. The force in a three-force

member is non-axial. The FBD of each member of a frame are analyzed individually.

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Example 3.

Solve for the reaction force of the hinge at C as it acts upon member BD in the frame below.

Before analyzing the member BD, we need to solve for the reaction at pin C and B.

Solving for the total moment about point E,

∑ 𝑀𝐸 = 0

𝑅𝐷 (4 𝑚) = (24 𝑘𝑁)(1.5 𝑚)

𝑅𝐷 = 9 𝑘𝑁

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Analyzing the FBD of member AB,

Taking the moment about point A,

∑ 𝑀𝐴 = 0

(24 𝑘𝑁)(2 𝑚) = 𝐵𝑉 (3 𝑚)

𝐵𝑉 = 16 𝑘𝑁

Analyzing the FBD of member BD,

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By summation of the vertical forces,

∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0

𝑅𝐷 + 𝐶𝑉 = 𝐵𝑉

9 𝑘𝑁 + 𝐶𝑉 = 16 𝑘𝑁

𝐶𝑉 = 7 𝑘𝑁

Taking the moment about pin B,

∑ 𝑀𝐵 = 0

𝑅𝐷 (3.5 𝑚) + 𝐶𝑉 (1.5 𝑚) = 𝐶𝐻 (1.5 𝑚)

(9 𝑘𝑁)(3.5 𝑚) + (7 𝑘𝑁)(1.5 𝑚) = 𝐶𝐻 (1.5 𝑚)

𝐶𝐻 = 28 𝑘𝑁

Using the Pythagorean theorem,

𝐶 = √𝐶𝐻2 + 𝐶𝑉2

𝐶 = √(28 𝑘𝑁)2 + (7 𝑘𝑁)2

𝑪 = 𝟐𝟖. 𝟖𝟔 𝒌𝑵

Solving for the angle,

𝐶𝑉 7 𝑘𝑁
𝜃 = tan−1 ( ) = tan−1 ( )
𝐶𝐻 28 𝑘𝑁

𝜽 = 𝟏𝟒. 𝟎𝟒°

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REFERENCES
Analysis of Structures. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mathalino:
https://mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-mechanics/analysis-structures

Singer, F. L. (1975). Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics (Third ed.). New York: Harper &
Row.

Analysis of Structures