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determinate-structure-graphical-method-for-truss

The document outlines the graphical method for analyzing plane trusses using force polygons to determine member forces. It details the steps involved, including solving reactions at supports, drawing force polygons, and measuring forces in members. Examples illustrate the application of these steps to calculate forces and their conditions in truss members.

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tahashatha3
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12 views

determinate-structure-graphical-method-for-truss

The document outlines the graphical method for analyzing plane trusses using force polygons to determine member forces. It details the steps involved, including solving reactions at supports, drawing force polygons, and measuring forces in members. Examples illustrate the application of these steps to calculate forces and their conditions in truss members.

Uploaded by

tahashatha3
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Topic 2 – Plane Truss

Graphical Method

The graphical analysis is developed by force


polygons drawn to scale for each joint, then
the force in member is measured from one of
these force polygons.
Steps
• In order to draw the Maxwell diagram directly the simple
guidelines are:
1. Solve the reactions at the supports by solving equations of
equilibrium for the entire truss
2. Move clockwise around the outside of the truss, draw to scale
the force polygon for the entire truss.
3. Take each joint in turn, draw a force polygon by treating
successively joints acted upon by only two unknown forces.
4. Measure the magnitude of the force in each member from the
Maxwell diagram.
5. Note that work proceed from one end of the truss to the
other.
Example 1

Step 1: Solve the reactions at the supports by solving equations of


equilibrium for the entire truss

H1

R1 R2

Solution:
Consider the whole structure
ƩM1+ =0 200(3)+200(6) – R2(12)= 0
R2 = 150kN
ƩFy+ ↑ = 0 R1 – 200 – 200 + 150 = 0
R1 = 250 kN
ƩFx +→ = 0 H1 = 0
Step 2: Move clockwise around the truss. Space between the force
and members are lettered.

250kn 150kn

• Space between reactions R1 (250kN) and R2 (150kN) is labeled as A.


• Space between reactions R2 (150kN) and load (200kN) is labeled as B.
• and so forth……
Step 3:Take each joint in turn, draw a force polygon by treating successively joints
acted upon by only two unknown forces.

250kn 150kn

• Moving clockwise around the truss from space A to space B we find a force of
150kN going upward. Choose a suitable scale, in this case 10kN : 1mm. Therefore,
translate the force of 150kN force from a to b in the vertical direction ( use lower
case letters to abbreviate.) Using the same process repeat for other external forces.
250kn 150kn

AB is 150kN upward – so draw ab 15mm upward,


BC is 200kN downward – so draw bc 20mm downward,
CD is 200kN downward – so draw cd 20mm downward,
DA is 250kN upward – so draw da 25mm upward.

Note: that this part of the diagram closes back to itself.

Next step is to find the member forces…


250kn 150kn

Now we begin to find the member forces.


Starting with the joint with just two members at
the left support, we have:

DE is a horizontal member – draw de horizontally,


AE is a vertical member – draw ae vertically.
de and ae will intersect at point e.

EF is at 450 – draw ef at 450


AF is horizontal – draw af horizontally,
Hence the point f
250kn 150kn

Again,

FG is a vertical member – draw fg vertically,


CG is a horizontal member – draw cg horizontally
fg and cg will intersect at point e

And so forth….
Trim the unnecessary lines.
Step 4:Measure the magnitude of the force in each member from the Maxwell
diagram.

•When the diagram (a,b,c,d, …..) is complete, the force is


found from the length of the appropriate line.
•For example EF has 350kN force in it since ef = 35mm.
•To find whether it is tension or compression: take one
end of the member and go around it clockwise noting
the order of the space as you cross the member.
•For the upper end of EF this will give FE.
•On the force diagram fe is downwards so the member is
pulling the top joint downwards.
•The member is therefore in tension.
•It is best to use common sense when it is reliable to do
so and use this method for the awkward members.
250kn 150kn

Member Force (kN) Condition +/-

AE 250 -
EF 350 +
DE 0
FA 250 -
FG 50 -
GC 250 +
GH 80 + Member Force (kN) Condition +/-
HA 300 -
JA 150 -
HI 150 +
JK 150 -
IJ 212 -
KL 212 -
IB 300 +
KB 150 +
LA 0
Example 2
6m 6m

20kN
20kN 10kN

4m

3m 6m 3m

Graphically, determine all member forces in the truss


Example 2
6m 6m

20kN
20kN 10kN
B 2 C 3
1 H3
D
F H
4m
G E
A R3
4

3m 6m 3m
R4
Graphically, determine all member forces in the truss
Step 1: Solve the reactions at the supports by solving equations of
equilibrium for the entire truss

ƩM3 + =0 -20(12)-10(6)+R4(3) = 0
R4 = 100kN

↑+ ƩFy= 0 -20 -10 +100 +R3 = 0


R3 = -70kN

→ + ƩFx = 0 H3 = 0
Member Force (kN) Condition (+/-)

BF 15 +
FA 25 -
FG 25 +
GA 30 -
HG 37.5 -
CH 52.5 +
HE 87.5 -

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