CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 22-23

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
 SIMPLE TRUSSES, THE METHOD OF JOINTS,
& ZERO-FORCE MEMBERS
Today’s Objectives:
In-Class Activities:
a) To define a simple truss. • Check Homework, if
any
b) To determine the forces in members of
a simple truss. • Reading Quiz
c) To identify zero-force members. • Applications
• Simple Trusses
• Method of Joints
• Zero-force Members
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz
 READING QUIZ

1. One of the assumptions used when analyzing a simple truss is that

the members are joined together by __________.
A) Welding B) Bolting C) Riveting
D) Smooth pins E) Super glue

2. When using the method of joints, typically _________ equations of

equilibrium are applied at every joint.
A) Two B) Three
C) Four D) Six
APPLICATIONS

Trusses are commonly used to support

roofs.

For a given truss geometry and load, how

can you determine the forces in the truss
members and thus be able to select their
sizes?
A more challenging question is, that for
a given load, how can we design the
trusses’ geometry to minimize cost?
 APPLICATIONS (continued)

Trusses are also used in a variety of

structures like cranes and the frames
of aircraft or the space station.

How can you design a light weight

structure satisfying load, safety, cost
specifications, that is simple to
manufacture, and allows easy
inspection over its lifespan?
 SIMPLE TRUSSES (Section 6.1)

A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined together at

their end points.
If a truss, along with the imposed load, lies in a single plane
(as shown at the top right), then it is called a planar truss.

A simple truss is a planar truss which begins with a

triangular element and can be expanded by adding
two members and a joint. For these trusses, the
number of members (M) and the number of joints
(J) are related by the equation
M = 2 J – 3.
 ANALYSIS & DESIGN ASSUMPTIONS
When designing the members and joints of a truss, first it is necessary
to determine the forces in each truss member. This is called the force
analysis of a truss. When doing this, two assumptions are made:
1. All loads are applied at the joints. The weight of the truss
members is often neglected as the weight is usually small as
compared to the forces supported by the members.
2. The members are joined together by smooth pins. This
assumption is satisfied in most practical cases where the joints
are formed by bolting the ends together.

With these two assumptions, the members act as

two-force members. They are loaded in either
tension or compression. Often compressive
members are made thicker to prevent buckling.
 SIMPLE TRUSSES

When bridge or roof trusses extend over large distances, a rocker or roller is commonly used
for supporting one end, for example, joint A in Figs. 6–1 a and 6–2 a .
 THE METHOD OF JOINTS
(Section 6.2)

A free-body diagram of Joint B

When using the method of joints to solve for the forces in truss
members, the equilibrium of a joint (pin) is considered. All
forces acting at the joint are shown in a FBD. This includes all
external forces (including support reactions) as well as the forces
acting in the members. Equations of equilibrium ( FX= 0 and
 FY = 0) are used to solve for the unknown forces acting at the
joints.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
1. If the truss’s support reactions are not given, draw a FBD of
the entire truss and determine the support reactions (typically
using scalar equations of equilibrium).
2. Draw the free-body diagram of a joint with one or two
unknowns. Assume that all unknown member forces act in
tension (pulling on the pin) unless you can determine by
inspection that the forces are compression loads.
3. Apply the scalar equations of equilibrium,  FX = 0 and
 FY = 0, to determine the unknown(s). If the answer is
positive, then the assumed direction (tension) is correct,
otherwise it is in the opposite direction (compression).
4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 at each joint in succession until all the
required forces are determined.
ZERO-FORCE MEMBERS (Section 6.3)

If a joint has only two non-collinear

members and there is no external
load or support reaction at that joint,
then those two members are zero-
force members. In this example
members DE, DC, AF, and AB are
zero force members.
You can easily prove these results by
applying the equations of
equilibrium to joints D and A.
Zero-force members can be
removed (as shown in the
figure) when analyzing the
truss.
ZERO – FORCE MEMBERS (continued)

If three members form a truss joint for

which two of the members are collinear
and there is no external load or reaction at
that joint, then the third non-collinear
member is a zero force member, e.g., DA.
Again, this can easily be proven. One can
also remove the zero-force member, as
shown, on the left, for analyzing the truss
further.
Please note that zero-force members
are used to increase stability and
rigidity of the truss, and to provide
support for various different loading
conditions.
 EXAMPLE

Given: Loads as shown on the truss

Find: The forces in each member
of the truss.

Plan:

1. Check if there are any zero-force members.

2. First analyze pin D and then pin A
3. Note that member BD is zero-force member. FBD = 0
4. Why, for this problem, do you not have to find the external
reactions before solving the problem?
 EXAMPLE (continued)

D 450 lb
45 º
45 º
FAD FCD
FBD of pin D

+   FX = – 450 + FCD cos 45° – FAD cos 45° = 0

+   FY = – FCD sin 45° – FAD sin 45° = 0
FCD = 318 lb (Tension) or (T)
and FAD = – 318 lb (Compression) or (C)
 EXAMPLE (continued)
Analyzing pin A:
FAD
45 º
A
FAB
AY
FBD of pin A

+   FX = FAB + (– 318) cos 45° = 0; FAB = 225 lb (T)

Could you have analyzed Joint C instead of A?

 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. Truss ABC is changed by decreasing its P

height from H to 0.9 H. Width W and load
A
P are kept the same. Which one of the
following statements is true for the revised H
B
truss as compared to the original truss? C
A) Force in all its members have decreased. W
B) Force in all its members have increased.
C) Force in all its members have remained
the same.
D) None of the above.
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

F F
F

2. For this truss, determine the number of zero-force

members.
A) 0 B) 1 C) 2
D) 3 E) 4
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING
Given: Loads as shown on the truss
Find: Determine the force in all the truss
members (do not forget to mention
whether they are in T or C).
Plan:

a) Check if there are any zero-force members.

Is member CE zero-force member?
b) Draw FBDs of pins D, C, and E, and then apply E-of-E at those
pins to solve for the unknowns.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
FBD of pin D
Y

D 600N
X
5
4
3
FDE FCD

Analyzing pin D:
 +  FX = FDE (3/5) – 600 = 0
FDE = 1000 N = 1.00 kN (C)

+  FY = 1000 (4/5) – FCD = 0

FCD = 800 N = 0.8 kN (T)
GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
FBD of pin C
Y
FCD = 800 N

FCE C 900 N
X

FBC
Analyzing pin C:
→ +  FX = FCE – 900 = 0
FCE = 900 N = 0.90 kN (C)

+  FY = 800 – FBC = 0
FBC = 800 N = 0.80 kN (T)
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
FBD of pin E
Y
3
FDE = 1000 N
4 5
E FCE = 900 N
3
4 5 4 5 X
FAE 3 FBE

Analyzing pin E:
→ +  FX = FAE (3/5) + FBE (3/5) – 1000 (3/5) – 900 = 0
 +  FY = FAE (4/5) – FBE (4/5) – 1000 (4/5) = 0
Solving these two equations, we get
FAE = 1750 N = 1.75 kN (C)
FBE = 750 N = 0.75 kN (T)
 ATTENTION QUIZ
1. Using this FBD, you find that FBC = – 500 N. FBC
Member BC must be in __________.
A) Tension B FBD
B) Compression
C) Cannot be determined BY

2. When supporting the same magnitude of

force, truss members in compression are
generally made _______ as compared to
members in tension.
A) Thicker
B) Thinner
C) The same size
 Recommended Problems
(Section 6.1 - 6.3)

6-4

6-8

6-13

6-17

6-18
 CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 24-25

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS
Today’s Objectives:
Students will be able to determine:
1. To determine forces in truss
members by method of sections. In-Class Activities:
• Check Homework, if any
• Reading Quiz
• Applications
• Method of Sections
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz
 READING QUIZ

1. In the method of sections, generally a “cut” passes through no more

than _____ members in which the forces are unknown.
A) 1 B) 2
C) 3 D) 4

2. If a simple truss member carries a tensile force of T along its length,

then the internal force in the member is ______ .
A) Tensile with magnitude of T/2
B) Compressive with magnitude of T/2
C) Compressive with magnitude of T
D) Tensile with magnitude of T
 APPLICATIONS

Long trusses are often used to construct large cranes and large
electrical transmission towers.

The method of joints requires that many joints be analyzed before we

can determine the forces in the middle of a large truss.

So another method to determine those forces is helpful.

 THE METHOD OF SECTIONS

In the method of sections, a truss is divided into two parts by taking an

imaginary “cut” (shown here as a-a) through the truss.

Since truss members are subjected to only tensile or compressive forces

along their length, the internal forces at the cut members will also be
either tensile or compressive with the same magnitude as the forces at
the joint. This result is based on the equilibrium principle and Newton’s
third law.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS

1. Decide how you need to “cut” the truss. This is based on:
a) where you need to determine forces, and, b) where the total
number of unknowns does not exceed three (in general).

2. Decide which side of the cut truss will be easier to work with
(minimize the number of external reactions).

3. If required, determine any necessary support reactions by drawing

the FBD of the entire truss and applying the E-of-E.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS (continued)

4. Draw the FBD of the selected part of the cut truss. You need to
indicate the unknown forces at the cut members. Initially, you may
assume all the members are in tension, as done when using the method
of joints. Upon solving, if the answer is positive, the member is in
tension as per the assumption. If the answer is negative, the member
must be in compression. (Please note that you can also assume forces
to be either tension or compression by inspection as was done in the
figures above.)
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS (continued)

5. Apply the scalar equations of equilibrium (E-of-E) to the selected cut

section of the truss to solve for the unknown member forces. Please
note, in most cases it is possible to write one equation to solve for one
unknown directly. So look for it and take advantage of such a
shortcut!
 EXAMPLE
Given: Loads as shown on the
truss.
Find: The force in members
KJ, KD, and CD.
Plan:

a) Take a cut through members KJ, KD and CD.

b) Work with the left part of the cut section. Why?
c) Determine the support reactions at A. What are they?
d) Apply the E-of-E to find the forces in KJ, KD and CD.
 EXAMPLE (continued)

56.7kN

Analyzing the entire truss for the reactions at A, we get

 FX = AX = 0. A moment equation about G to find AY results in:
∑MG = AY (18) – 20 (15) – 30 (12) – 40 (9) = 0; AY = 56.7 kN

Now take moments about point D. Why do this?

+ MD = – 56.7 (9) + 20 (6) + 30 (3) – FKJ (4) = 0
FKJ = − 75.1 kN or 75.1 kN ( C )
 EXAMPLE (continued)

56.7 kN

Now use the x and y-directions equations of equilibrium.

↑ +  FY = 56.7 – 20 – 30 – (4/5) FKD = 0;
FKD = 8.38 kN (T)

→ +  FX = (– 75.1) + (3/5) ( 8.38 ) + FCD = 0;

FCD = 70.1 kN (T)
 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. Can you determine the force in

member ED by making the cut at
section a-a? Explain your answer.
A) No, there are 4 unknowns.
B) Yes, using  MD = 0 .
C) Yes, using  ME = 0 .
D) Yes, using  MB = 0 .

Note or tip: 2 out of 3 or 3 out of 4 must pass through the point

where moment will be taken…..
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

2. If you know FED, how will you determine FEB?

A) By taking section b-b and using  ME = 0
B) By taking section b-b, and using  FX = 0 and  FY = 0
C) By taking section a-a and using  MB = 0
D) By taking section a-a and using  MD = 0
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: Loads as shown on the

truss.
Find: The force in members GB
and GF.
Plan:

a) Take the cut through members GF, GB and AB.

b) Analyze the left section. Determine the support reactions at A.
Why?
c) Draw the FBD of the left section.
d) Apply the equations of equilibrium (if possible, try to do it so that
every equation yields an answer to one unknown.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

1) Determine the support reactions at A by

drawing the FBD of the entire truss.

+→  FX = AX = 0

+  MD = – AY (28) + 600 (18) + 800 (10) = 0;

AY = 671.4 lb

Why is Ax equal zero by inspection?

 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)

2) Analyze the left section.

+  MB = – 671.4 (10) + FGF (10) = 0;

FGF = 671 lb (C)

↑ +  FY = 671.4 –FGB = 0;
FGB = 671 lb (T)
 ATTENTION QUIZ

1. As shown, a cut is made through

members GH, BG and BC to
determine the forces in them.
Which section will you choose
for analysis and why?
A) Right, fewer calculations.
B) Left, fewer calculations.
C) Either right or left, same
amount of work.
D) None of the above, too
many unknowns.

Hint: calculation of reactions is not required if right…

 ATTENTION QUIZ

2. When determining the force in

member HG in the previous question,
which one equation of equilibrium is
the best one to use?
A)  MH = 0
B)  MG = 0
C)  MB = 0
D)  MC = 0
 SPACE TRUSSES

 A space truss consists of members joined together at their ends to

form a stable three-dimensional structure

 The simplest form of a space truss is a tetrahedron, formed by

connecting six members together
 SPACE TRUSSES: ASSUMPTION FOR DESIGN

 The members of a space truss may be treated as two-force members

provided the external loading is applied at the joints and the joints
consist of ball-and-socket connections

 In cases where the weight of a member is to be included in the

analysis, it is generally satisfactory to apply it as a vertical force,
half of its magnitude applied at each end of the member
 Recommended Problems
(Section 6.4, 12th Edition: Ebook)
6-31

6-36

6-39

6-47

6-52

6-59

6-64
 CE 201: Statics

Lecture No. 26-27

Term 182

Instructor: Dr. Bashir Alhaji Labaran

Dept. of Civil Engineering,

College of Engineering
University of Hafr Al Batin
 FRAMES AND MACHINES
Today’s Objectives:
a) To draw the free body diagram of a
frame or machine and its members.
b) To determine the forces acting at the In-Class Activities:
joints and supports of a frame or
• Check Homework, if any
machine.
• Reading Quiz
• Applications
• Analysis of a Frame/Machine
• Concept Quiz
• Group Problem Solving
• Attention Quiz
 READING QUIZ
1. Frames and machines are different as compared to trusses since they
have ___________.
A) Only two-force members B) Only multiforce members
C) At least one force member D) At least one two-force
member

2. Forces common to any two contacting members act with _______

on the other member.
A) Equal magnitudes but opposite sense
B) Equal magnitudes and the same sense
C) Different magnitudes and the opposite sense
D) Different magnitudes and the same sense
APPLICATIONS
Frames are commonly used
to support various external
loads.

How is a frame different from a

truss?
To be able to design a frame,
you need to determine the
forces at the joints and
supports.
 APPLICATIONS (continued)

“Machines,” like those above, are used in a variety of

applications. How are they different from trusses and frames?

How can you determine the loads at the joints and supports?
These forces and moments are required when designing the
machine’s members.
 FRAMES AND MACHINES: DEFINITIONS

Frame

Machine

Frames and machines are two common types of structures that

have at least one multi-force member. (Recall that trusses have
nothing but two-force members).

Frames are generally stationary and support external loads.

Machines contain moving parts and are designed to alter the

effect of forces.
STEPS FOR ANALYZING A FRAME OR MACHINE
1. Draw a FBD of the frame or machine and its
members, as necessary.
Hints:
a) Identify any two-force members,

b) Note that forces on contacting surfaces

(usually between a pin and a member) are
equal and opposite, and,

c) For a joint with more than two

FAB members or an external force, it is
advisable to draw a FBD of the pin.
STEPS FOR ANALYZING A FRAME OR MACHINE

2. Develop a strategy to apply the equations

of equilibrium to solve for the
unknowns. Look for ways to form
single equations and single unknowns.

Problems are going to be challenging since

there are usually several unknowns. A lot
of practice is needed to develop good
strategies and ease of solving these
FAB problems.
 EXAMPLE
Given: The frame supports an
external load and moment as
shown.
Find: The horizontal and vertical
components of the pin
reactions at C and the magnitude of
reaction at B.
Plan:

a) Draw FBDs of the frame member BC. Why pick this

part of the frame?
b) Apply the equations of equilibrium and solve for the
unknowns at C and B.
 EXAMPLE (continued)
800 N m 400 N
CX

1m CY
1m 2m
B
45° FBD of member BC
FAB (Note AB is a 2-force member!)

Please note that member AB is a two-force member.

Equations of Equilibrium: Start with  MC since it yields one unknown.

+  MC = FAB sin45° (1) – FAB cos45° (3) + 800 N m + 400 (2) = 0

FAB = 1131 N
 EXAMPLE (continued)
800 N m 400 N
CX

1m CY
1m 2m
B
45° FBD of member BC
FAB
Now use the x and y-direction Equations of Equilibrium:
® +  FX = – CX + 1131 sin 45° = 0
CX = 800 N
 +  FY = – CY + 1131 cos 45° – 400 = 0
CY = 400 N
 CONCEPT QUIZ

1. The figures show a frame and its FBDs. If an additional couple

moment is applied at C, how will you change the FBD of member
BC at B?
A) No change, still just one force (FAB) at B.
B) Will have two forces, BX and BY, at B.
C) Will have two forces and a moment at B.
D) Will add one moment at B.
 CONCEPT QUIZ (continued)

D

2. The figures show a frame and its FBDs. If an additional force is

applied at D, then how will you change the FBD of member BC
at B?
A) No change, still just one force (FAB) at B.
B) Will have two forces, BX and BY, at B.
C) Will have two forces and a moment at B.
D) Will add one moment at B.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING

Given: A frame supports a

50 lb load as shown.
Find: The reactions exerted
by the pins on the frame
members at B and C.
Plan:

a) Draw a FBD of member BC and another one for AC.

b) Apply the equations of equilibrium to each FBD to solve for
the four unknowns. Think about a strategy to easily solve for
the unknowns.
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
FBDs of members BC and AC CY
CX
50 lb

3.5 ft
6 ft

AX 8 ft

AY
Applying E-of-E to member AC:

+  MA = – CY (8) + CX (6) + 50 (3.5) = 0 (1)

® +  FX = CX – AX = 0
+  FY = 50 – AY – CY = 0
 GROUP PROBLEM SOLVING (continued)
FBDs of members BC and AC CY
CX
50 lb

3.5 ft
6 ft

AX 8 ft

Applying E-of-E to member BC: AY

+  MB = – 50 (2) – 50 (3.5) + CY (8) = 0 ; CY = 34.38 = 34.4 lb

From Eq (1), CX can be determined; CX = 16.67 = 16.7 lb

® +  FX = 16.67 + 50 – BX = 0 ; BX = 66.7 lb
+  FY = BY – 50 + 34.38 = 0 ; BY = 15.6 lb
 ATTENTION QUIZ

1. When determining the reactions

at joints A, B and C, what is the
minimum number of unknowns
in solving this problem?
A) 6 B) 5
C) 4 D) 3

2. For the above problem, imagine that you have drawn a FBD
of member BC. What will be the easiest way to write an
equation involving unknowns at B?
A)  MC = 0 B)  MB = 0
C)  MA = 0 D)  FY = 0
 Recommended Problems
(Section 6.5 - 6.6)

6-61
6-66
6-67
6-71
6-75
6-81
6-84
6-100
6-108
6-112