Mindanao State University

Iligan Institute of Technology

College of Engineering & Technology

Structural Analysis

Andrew Jay N. Mugot

 Structural Analysis

Simple Truss
Truss – a structure composed of slender members joined together
at their end points.
 Structural Analysis

Assumptions for Design:

1. All loadings are applied at the joints.
2. The member are joined together by smooth pins.
Structural Analysis

Tension:
If the force is pulling on the pin.
Forces tend to elongate the member.

Compression:
If the force is pushing on the pin.
Forces tend to shorten the member.
 Mindanao State University
Iligan Institute of Technology
College of Engineering & Technology

Methods of Joints
Structural Analysis
Andrew Jay N. Mugot
 Structural Analysis

Procedure for Analysis:

1. Draw the FBD of the truss, with external loads and reaction at the
supports.

2. Get reactions at the supports by applying equilibrium equations.

3. Analyze the free body diagram of each joint. (∑Fx = 0 and ∑Fy = 0)
Establish the sense of the unknown forces by assumption and
inspection. Always assume the unknown forces on the joint to be
in tension. A positive answer indicates that the force member is
TENSION, whereas a negative answer indicates that it is
COMPRESSION.

4. Once the correct magnitude and sense (T or C) has been

determined, use it in subsequent joint FBD’s.
 Structural Analysis
Example 1. Determine the force in each member of the truss and indicate
whether the members are in tension or compression.
 Structural Analysis

Example 2. Determine the forces acting in all the members of the truss.
 Mindanao State University
Iligan Institute of Technology
College of Engineering & Technology

Zero-Force Members
Structural Analysis
Andrew Jay N. Mugot
 Structural Analysis

Zero-Force Members

Members without loading and only add stability

 Structural Analysis

1. If only two non-collinear members form a truss joint and no

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

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 support reaction is applied to the joint.
 Structural Analysis

Example 4. Identify the zero-force members in the truss.

 Mindanao State University
Iligan Institute of Technology
College of Engineering & Technology

Methods of Sections
Structural Analysis
Andrew Jay N. Mugot
 Structural Analysis

Method of Sections:
 is based on the principle that if a body is in
equilibrium then any part of the body is in equilibrium.
 is used to find only few of the member of the truss
by cutting or sectioning the unknown truss member.
 Structural Analysis
Procedure for Analysis:

1. Determine the truss external reactions.

2. Cut the truss into sections where forces are to be
determined.
3. Isolate the appropriate section and draw the FBD of
the part of the sectioned truss which has the least
member of forces acting on it.
4. Apply equilibrium equations. Always assume that the
unknown member forces at the cut section are in
tension.
5. Once the correct magnitude and sense (T or C) has
been determined, use it in subsequent joint FBD’s.
 Structural Analysis

Example 3. Determine the force in members GE, GC and BC of

the truss. Indicate whether the members are in tension or
compression.
 Structural Analysis

Example 4. Determine the force in members EF, CF and BC of

the truss. State if the members are in tension or compression.