Structural Analysis2
Structural Analysis2
10/11/23
Structure: a device that is made up of several
connected parts and whose function is to support load
Ideally structures are designed to be in equilibrium at
rest
Bridges
Cranes
Method of Joints
Method of sections
Method of Joints
involves the consideration of equilibrium of each joint in a
truss in a systematic manner and determining the forces in
the members of the truss
Check if truss is statically determinate, i.e. b + r - 2j =0.
Calculate the support reactions by considering equilibrium
of the entire truss.
Select a joint with not more than two unknowns and
determine the forces at the joint by using equilibrium
equations: SFx = 0; SFy = 1
Repeat step (c) until all the member forces have been
determined.
Clearly identify the member forces by using negative sign
for compression and the positive sign for tension.
Method of Joints
Note:
that while statically determinate simple trusses can be easily
analyzed using the method of joints,
CASE 1:
• 4 members lying in two
intersecting straight lines.
• No force on joint.
FAB = FAD
FAC = FAE
Case 2:
FAB = FAC
Case 4:
AB and AC must be zero force members. Joint connecting two
members which do not lie on a straight line. No force acting on
joint. Joint A can only be in
equilibrium if it is acted upon by
two forces of equal magnitude,
same lines of action and opposite
sense. This is not possible the
way the members are joined at
A; hence, for equilibrium, both
members must be zero force
members.
Example
Required: Determine the force exerted on the bolt by the bolt cutters and the
magnitude of the force the members exert on each other at the pin
connection A.
Problem 6.76 (Beer & Johnston Page 310)
Required:
Considering only the
weight of the
disabled automobile,
determine the force
which must be
exerted by the
hydraulic cylinder to
maintain a position
with a = 0.
Problem 6.59
output force .
Note that Q = R
Free-body diagrams of
the two parts that make up the plier
Example 6.10 (B&F Page 314)
Required: For the frame shown, determine the reactions at the built-in
support A and the force exerted on the structure by the smooth floor
at C.
Example Problem 6.68 (B&F Page 317)
Required:
Determine the
axial force in the
actuator BD and
magnitude of the
reaction at A.
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