CH3.

Analysis of statically
determinate Trusses

Prepared by: Teng Chhay

1
 Common Type of Trusses
• A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at
their end points. The member commonly used in construction consist of
wooden struts, metal bars, angles, or channels. The joint connections
are usually formed by bolting or welding the ends of the member to a
common plate, called a gusset plate.

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 Roof Trusses
Roof trusses are used as part of an industrial building frame. The roof load is
transmitted to the truss at the joints by means of a series of purlins. The roof truss
along with its supporting columns is termed a bent. Roof trusses are supported either
by columns of wood, steel, or reinforced concrete, or by masonry walls. To keep the
bent rigid, and thereby capable of resisting horizontal wind forces, knee braces are
sometimes used at the supporting columns. The space between adjacent bents is
called a bay. Bays are economically spaced at about 4.6 m for spans around 18 m
and about 6.1 m for spans of 30 m. Bays are tied together using diagonal bracing in
order to maintain rigidity of the building’s structure.

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 Types of Roof Trusses
• The scissors truss is used for short spans that require overhead clearance.

• The Howe and Pratt trusses are used for roofs of moderate span, about 18m to 30m.

• If larger spans are required to support the roof, the fan truss or Fink truss may be
used, These trusses may be built with a cambered bottom cord such as cambered
Fink truss.

4
 Types of Roof Trusses (cont.)
• If a flat roof or nearly flat roof is to be selected, the Warren truss is used. Also, the
Howe and Pratt trusses may be modified for flat roofs. Sawtooth trusses are used
where column spacing is not objectionable and uniform lighting is important.

• The bowstring truss is selected for garages and small airplane hangars; and the
arched truss, although relatively expensive, can be used for high rises and long
spans such as field houses, gymnasiums, and so on.

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 Bridge Trusses
The load on the deck is first
transmitted to stringers, then to floor
beams, and finally to the joints of the
two supporting side trusses. The top
and bottom cords of these side trusses
are connected by top and bottom
lateral bracing, which serves to resist
the lateral forces caused by wind and
the sidesway caused by moving
vehicles on the bridge. Additional
stability is provided by the portal and
sway bracing. As in the case of many
long-span trusses, a roller is provided
at one end of a bridge truss to allow for
thermal expansion.

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 Types of Bridge Trusses
The Pratt, Howe, and Warren trusses are used for spans
up to 61 m in length. The most common form is the
Warren truss with verticals.
For larger spans, a truss with a polygonal upper cord,
such as the Parker truss is used for some savings in
material. The Warren truss with verticals can also be
fabricated in this manner for spans up to 91 m.
The greatest economy of material is obtained if the
diagonals have a slope between 45° and 60° with the
horizontal. If this rule is maintained, then for spans
greater than 91 m, the depth of the truss must increase
and consequently the panels will get longer.
This results in a heavy deck system and, to keep the
weight of the deck within tolerable limits, subdivided
trusses have been developed. Typical examples include
the Baltimore and subdivided Warren trusses. Finally,
the K-truss can also be used in place of a subdivided
truss, since it accomplishes the same purpose.
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 Assumptions for Design
To design both the members and the connections of a truss, it is first necessary to
determine the force developed in each member when the truss is subjected to a given
loading. In this regard, two important assumptions will be made in order to idealize
the truss.
1. The members are joined together by smooth pins.
2. All loadings are applied at the joints.
Because of these two assumptions, each truss member acts as an axial force member,
and therefore the forces acting at the ends of the member must be directed along the
axis of the member. If the force tends to elongate the member, it is a tensile force
(T); whereas if the force tends to shorten the member, it is a compressive force (C).
In the actual design of a truss it is important to state whether the force is tensile or
compressive. Most often, compression members must be made thicker than tension
members, because of the buckling or sudden instability that may occur in
compression members.

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 Simple Truss

To prevent collapse, the framework of a truss must be

rigid. Obviously, the four-bar frame ABCD will collapse
unless a diagonal, such as AC, is added for support. The
simplest framework that is rigid or stable is a triangle.

Consequently, a simple truss is constructed by starting

with a basic triangular element, such as ABC, and
connecting two members AD and BD to form an
additional element. Thus it is seen that as each additional
element of two members is placed on the truss, the
number of joints is increased by one.

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 Compound Truss
A compound truss is formed by connecting two or more simple trusses together. This
type of truss is used to support loads acting over a large span, since it is cheaper to
construct a somewhat lighter compound truss than to use a heavier single simple truss.
There are three ways in which simple trusses are joined together to form a compound
truss.
1. The trusses are connected by a common joint and bar. The shaded
truss ABC is connected to the shaded truss CDE in this manner.

2. The trusses are joined by three bars, as in the case of

the shaded truss ABC connected to the larger truss DEF

3. The trusses are joined where bars of a large simple truss, called the main
truss, have been substituted by simple trusses, called secondary trusses.
The dashed members of the main truss ABCDE have been replaced by the
secondary shaded trusses. If this truss carried roof loads, the use of the
secondary trusses might be more economical, since the dashed members
may be subjected to excessive bending, whereas the secondary trusses can
better transfer the load. 10
Complex Truss

A complex truss is one that cannot be classified as being either simple or

compound

11
 Determinacy
For any problem in truss analysis, it should be realized that the total number of
unknowns includes the forces in b number of bars of the truss and the total number of
external support reactions r. Since the truss members are all straight axial force
members lying in the same plane, the force system acting at each joint is coplanar
and concurrent. Consequently, rotational or moment equilibrium is automatically
satisfied at the joint (or pin), and it is only necessary to satisfy ∑𝐹𝐹𝑥𝑥 = 0 and ∑𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0
to ensure translational or force equilibrium. Therefore, only two equations of
equilibrium can be written for each joint, and if there are j number of joints, the total
number of equations available for solution is 2j. By simply comparing the total
number of unknowns (𝑏𝑏 + 𝑟𝑟) with the total number of available equilibrium
equations, it is therefore possible to specify the determinacy for either a simple,
compound, or complex truss. We have

In particular, the degree of indeterminacy is specified by the difference in the numbers

𝑏𝑏 + 𝑟𝑟 − 2𝑗𝑗 12
 Stability
If 𝑏𝑏 + 𝑟𝑟 < 2𝑗𝑗, a truss will be unstable, that is, it will collapse, since there will be an
insufficient number of bars or reactions to constrain all the joints. Also, a truss can be
unstable if it is statically determinate or statically indeterminate. In this case the
stability will have to be determined either by inspection or by a force analysis.

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External Stability
A structure (or truss) is externally unstable if all of its reactions are concurrent
or parallel.

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 Internal Stability
• A simple truss will always be internally stable, since by the nature of its construction
it requires starting from a basic triangular element and adding successive “rigid
element” each containing two additional members and a joint.

• If a truss is constructed so that it does not hold its joints in a fixed position,
it will be unstable or have a “critical form”. The truss below will collapse
under load since there is no restraint or fixity is provided between joints C
and F or B and E.

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 Internal stability for compound
truss
To determine the internal stability of a compound truss, it is necessary to identify
the way in which the simple trusses are connected together.

This compound truss is unstable since the inner simple truss ABC is connected to
the outer simple truss DEF using three bars, AD, BE, and CF, which are concurrent
at point O. Thus an external load can be applied to joint A, B, or C and cause the
truss ABC to rotate slightly.

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 Internal stability for complex truss
If a truss is identified as complex, it may not be possible to tell by inspection if it is
stable.

This complex truss is unstable or has a “critical

form” only if the dimension d = d’. If d ≠ d’ it is
stable.

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 Example 1
Classify each of the trusses as stable, unstable, statically determinate, or
statically indeterminate. The trusses are subjected to arbitrary external
loadings that are assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the trusses.

a) Externally stable, since the reactions are not

concurrent or parallel. Since b=19, r=3, j=11
then b+r=2j or 19+3=2x11.
Therefore, the truss is statically determinate.
By inspection the truss is internally stable.

b) Externally stable. Since b=15, r=4, j=9

then b+r>2j or 19>18. The truss is statically
indeterminate to the first degree.
By inspection the truss is internally stable.

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Example 1 (cont.)
Classify each of the trusses as stable, unstable, statically determinate, or
statically indeterminate. The trusses are subjected to arbitrary external
loadings that are assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the trusses.

c) Externally stable. Since b=9, r=3, j=6

then b+r=2j or 9+3=2x6.
The truss is statically determinate.
By inspection the truss is internally stable.

d) Externally stable. Since b=12, r=3, j=8

then b + r < 2j or 15 < 16.
The truss is internally unstable.

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 The Method of Joints
• Draw the free-body diagram of a joint having at least one known force and at
most two unknown forces. (If this joint is at one of the supports, it may be
necessary to calculate the external reactions at the supports by drawing a free-
body diagram of the entire truss.)
• Use one of the two methods previously described for establishing the sense of an
unknown force.
• The x and y axes should be oriented such that the forces on the free-body
diagram can be easily resolved into their x and y components. Apply the two force
equilibrium equations ∑𝐹𝐹𝑥𝑥 = 0 and ∑𝐹𝐹𝑦𝑦 = 0, solve for the two unknown member
forces, and verify their correct directional sense.
• Continue to analyze each of the other joints, where again it is necessary to choose
a joint having at most two unknowns and at least one known force.
• Once the force in a member is found from the analysis of a joint at one of its ends,
the result can be used to analyze the forces acting on the joint at its other end.
Remember, a member in compression “pushes” on the joint and a member in
tension “pulls” on the joint.

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 Example 2
Determine the force in each member of the roof truss. State whether the members
are in tension or compression.

Solution
Only the forces in half the members
have to be determined, since the
truss is symmetric with respect to
both loading and geometry.
Joint A,

Joint G,

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 Example 2 (cont.)
Determine the force in each member of the roof truss. State whether the members
are in tension or compression.

Joint A,

Joint G,

Joint B,

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 Example 3
Determine the force in each member of the scissors truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports are given

Solution
The truss will be analyzed in the following
sequence:
Note that simultaneous solution of equation is
avoided by the x, y axes orientation.
Joint E,

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 Example 3 (cont.)
Determine the force in each member of the scissors truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports are given

Joint E,

Joint D,

Joint C,

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 Example 3 (cont.)
Determine the force in each member of the scissors truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports are given

Joint E, Joint D,

Joint C,

Joint B,

Joint A,

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 Zero-Force Members
Truss analysis using the method of joints is greatly simplified if one is able to first
determine those members that support no loading. These zero-force members may be
necessary for the stability of the truss during construction and to provide support if
the applied loading is changed. The zero-force members of a truss can generally be
determined by inspection of the joints, and they occur in two cases.
Case 1. The two Case 2. Zero-force members
members at joint C are also occur at joints having a
connected together at a geometry as joint D. Here no
right angle and there is external load acts on the
no external load on the joint, so that a force
joint. summation in the y
The free-body diagram of direction, which is
joint C, indicates that the perpendicular to the two
force in each member collinear members, requires
must be zero in order to that FDF = 0. Using this result,
maintain equilibrium. FC is also a zero-force
Furthermore, as in the member, as indicated by the
case of joint A, this must force analysis of joint F.
be true regardless of the Furthermore, as in the case
angle, say θ between the of joint A, this must be true
members. regardless of the angle, say θ
between the members. 26
 Example 4
Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss shown have zero
force.

Solution
Joint D,

Joint E,

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 Example 4
Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss shown have zero
force.

Joint H,

Joint G,

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 The method of Sections
Free-Body Diagram
• Make a decision as to how to “cut” or section the truss through the members
where forces are to be determined.
• Before isolating the appropriate section, it may first be necessary to determine
the truss’s external reactions, so that the three equilibrium equations are used
only to solve for member forces at the cut section.
• Draw the free-body diagram of that part of the sectioned truss which has the
least number of forces on it.
• Use one of the two methods described above for establishing the sense of an
unknown force.
Equations of Equilibrium
• Moments should be summed about a point that lies at the intersection of the
lines of action of two unknown forces; in this way, the third unknown force is
determined directly from the equation.
• If two of the unknown forces are parallel, forces may be summed
perpendicular to the direction of these unknowns to determine directly the third
unknown force. 29
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 Example 5
Determine the force in members GJ and CO of the roof truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports have been
calculated.
Solution
Section a-a

Section b-b

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 Example 6
Determine the force in members GF and GD of the roof truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports have been
calculated.
Solution
Section a-a

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 Example 7
Determine the force in members BC and MC of the K-truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression. The reactions at the supports have been
calculated.
Solution
Section a-a,

Joint B,

Joint M,

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 Example 8 (compound truss)
Indicate how to analyze the compound truss. The reactions at the supports have been
calculated.
Solution
The truss is a compound
truss since the simple
trusses ACH and CEG are
connected by the pin at C
and the bar HG.

Section a-a,

We can now proceed to determine the force in each member

of the simple trusses using the method of joints. The joints
of this truss can be analyzed in the following sequence:
• Joint A: Determine the force in AB and AI.
• Joint H: Determine the force in HI and HJ.
• Joint I: Determine the force in IJ and IB.
• Joint B: Determine the force in BC and BJ.
• Joint J: Determine the force in JC. 34
 Example 9 (compound truss)
Compound roof trusses are used in a garden center. Indicate how to analyze this
truss.

Solution
We can obtain the force in
EF by using section a-a

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 Example 10 (compound truss)
Indicate how to analyze the compound truss. The reactions at the supports have
been calculated.
Solution
The truss is classified as a type 2 compound
truss since the simple trusses ABCD and FEHG
are connected by three non parallel or
nonconcurrent bars, namely CE, BH and DG.

Using section a-a,

we can determine
the force in each
connecting bar.

Analysis of each connected simple truss can

now be performed using the method of joints.
This can be done in the following sequence.
• Joint A: Determine the force in AB and AD.
• Joint D: Determine the force in DC and DB.
• Joint C: Determine the force in CB.
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 • Reduction to Stable Simple Truss
Complex Trusses Determine the reactions at the supports.
The member forces in a If the joint is reached where there are three
complex truss can be unknown, remove one of the members at
determined using the the joint and replace it by an imaginary
member elsewhere in the truss.
method of joints;
however, the solution will • External Loading on Simple Truss
require writing the two Load the simple truss with the actual
equilibrium equations for loading P, then determine the force Si’ in
each member i.
each of the j joint of the
truss and then solving • Remove External Loading from Simple
Truss
the complete set of 2j
equations Consider the simple truss without the
external load P. Place equal but opposite
simultaneously. This collinear unit loads on the truss at the two
approach may be joints from which the member was
impractical for hand removed. If these forces develop a force si
calculations, especially in in the ith truss member, then by proportion
an unknown force x in the removed
the case of large trusses. member would exert a force xsi in the ith
Therefore, a more direct member.
method for analyzing a • Superposition
complex truss, referred If the effects of the above two loadings are
to as the method of combined, the force in the ith member of
substitute member, will the truss will be
be presented here. Si=Si’+xsi
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 Example 11 (complex truss)
Determine the force in each member of the complex truss shown.
Assume joints B, F, and D are on the same horizontal line. State
whether the members are in tension or compression.
Solution Remove External Loading
Superposition
from Simple Truss.
• Reduction to stable simple
We require
truss. The unit loads are place on ′
𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 + 𝑥𝑥𝑠𝑠𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 = 0
the truss at the two joints
By inspection, each joint has
from which the member Substituting the data for
three unknown member ′ ′
was removed. Using the 𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 and 𝑠𝑠𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 , where 𝑆𝑆𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 is
forces. A joint analysis can be
method of joints, the negative since the force is
performed by hand if member
member forces si are compressive, we have
CF is removed and member
recorded in column 3 of −10.0 + 𝑥𝑥 1.167 = 0
DB substituted.
Table 1. 𝑥𝑥 = 𝟖𝟖. 𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓𝟓
• External Loading on simple
truss. Member
𝑺𝑺′𝒊𝒊 𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒊 𝒙𝒙𝒔𝒔𝒊𝒊 𝑺𝑺𝒊𝒊

The support reactions on the 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 14.1 −0.707 −6.06 8.08 (𝑇𝑇)
truss have been determined. 𝐶𝐶𝐶𝐶 −14.1 −0.707 −6.06 20.2(𝐶𝐶)
Using the method of joints , 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 0 0.833 7.14 7.14(𝑇𝑇)
we can analyze the member 𝐹𝐹𝐹𝐹 0 0.833 7.14 7.14(𝑇𝑇)
forces. Considering tension as
𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 0 −0.712 −6.10 6.10(𝐶𝐶)
positive and compression as
negative, these Si’ forces are 𝐸𝐸𝐸𝐸 −17.5 −0.250 −2.14 19.6(𝐶𝐶)

recorded in column 2 of table 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 21.4 −0.712 −6.10 15.3(𝑇𝑇)

1. 𝐷𝐷𝐷𝐷 −10.0 1.167 10.0 0

𝐵𝐵𝐵𝐵 10.0 −0.250 −2.14 7.86(𝑇𝑇)

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Q&A

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