6.

2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 1 of 3
1. Determine the force in each member of the truss and
state whether the force is tension or compression.

10 kN
C

3m

A B

5m

1 Free-body diagram of entire truss. Calculating the reactions

is a good place to start because they are usually easy to
compute, and they can be used in the equilibrium equations
for the joints where the reactions act. 2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss
10 kN
C + Fx = 0: Ax + 10 kN = 0 (1)

Fy = 0: Ay + By = 0 (2)
3m +
MA = 0: (10 kN)(3 m) + By(5 m) = 0 (3)
+

A B
Ax Solving these equations simultaneously gives
Ay By
Ax = 10 kN, Ay = 6 kN, and By = 6 kN
5m
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 2 of 3
3 Free-body diagram of joint C 5 Geometry C

= tan-1( 5 ) = 59.04
10 kN 3
C
3m
FAC
FBC A B
5m

4 Equilibrium equations for joint C. It is a good idea

to assume all members in tension (forces point away 6 Using = 59.04 in Eqs. 4 and 5 and solving
from the joint, not towards it). Then, after solving simultaneously gives
the equilibrium equations, you will know
immediately that any member force found to be FAC = 11.66 kN (T) Ans.
negative must be compression.
and
+ Fx = 0: 10 kN FAC sin =0 (4)
FBC = 6.0 kN = 6.0 kN (C) Ans.
Fy = 0: FAC cos FBC = 0 (5)
+

Writing "(T)" after the numerical value shows that

the member is in tension. We had arbitrarily
assumed member BC to be in tension. We then
found that the member force was negative, so we
know that our assumption was wrong. Member BC
is in compression, and we show this by writing a
positive "6.0" followed by "(C)".
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 3 of 3
7 Free-body diagram of joint B

FBC = 6 kN 8 The force FBCis directed toward

the joint because member BC is
known to be in compression.
B
FAB
By = 6 kN

9 Equilibrium equation for joint B 10 An "Answer diagram" summarizes the analysis

of the entire truss (All forces are in kN).
+ Fx = 0: FAB = 0
C
Solving gives 10 kN
( T)
FAB = 0 Ans. .66
11 6.0 (C)

A 0 B
10

6 6
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 1 of 7
2. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state
whether the force is tension or compression.
F G H

14 ft

A E
B C D

2 kip 4 kip 2 kip

10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 2 of 7
1 Free-body diagram of entire truss.
F G H
Calculating the reactions is usually a
good way to start the analysis.

14 ft

A E
Ax B C D
Ay Ey

2 kip 4 kip 2 kip

10 ft 10 ft 10 ft 10 ft
2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss

+ Fx = 0: Ax = 0 (1)

Fy = 0: Ay + Ey kip kip kip = 0 (2)

+

MA = 0: 2 kip)(10 ft) (4 kip)(20 ft) (2 kip)(30 ft) + Ey(40 ft) = 0 (3)

+

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0, Ay = 4.0 kip, and Ey = 4.0 kip.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 3 of 7
3 Free-body diagram of joint E. This joint is 5 Geometry
chosen because only two unknown forces are
present. Thus we know that we can solve for = tan-1( 14 ) = 54.46
H 10
these forces because two equations of
equilibrium are available for the joint. Note
also that we assume that both unknown forces
are in tension (directed away from the joint).
14 ft
FEH

E
E
FDE D
10 ft
Ey = 4 kip

6 Using = 54.46 in Eqs. 4 and 5 and solving

simultaneously gives
4 Equilibrium equations for joint E
FDE = 2.857 kip (T) Ans.
+ Fx = 0: FDE FEH cos =0 (4)
FEH = 4.916 kip = 4.916 kip (C) Ans.
Fy = 0: FEH sin 4 kip = 0 (5)
+

7 We arbitrarily assumed member EH to be in tension. We

then found that the member force was negative, so we
know that our assumption was wrong. Member EH is in
compression, and we show this by writing a positive
"4.916" followed by "(C)".
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 4 of 7
8 Use a free-body diagram of joint H next because only 9 Free-body diagram of joint H
two member forces are unknown. H 10 As before, we assume
FGH that the unknown
FEH = 4.916 kip (C) FEH = 4.916 kip (C) member forces (GH and
DH in this instance) are
F G H FDH = 54.46 tension, so are directed
away from the joint.
The force in member
EH has already been
found to be 4.916 kip
compression, so it is
directed towards the
A E joint, not away from it.
B C D

11 Equilibrium equations for joint H

2 kip 4 kip 2 kip
+ Fx = 0: FGH (4.916 kip) cos 54.46 = 0 (6)
FDE = 2.857 kip (T)
Fy = 0: FDH + (4.916 kip) sin 54.46 = 0 (7)

+
Solving simultaneously gives

FGH = 2.858 kip = 2.858 kip (C) Ans.

and

FDH = 4.0 kip (T) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 5 of 7
FGH = 2.858 kip(C) 13 Free-body diagram of joint D
FEH = 4.916 kip (C)
F G H
FDG FDH = 4.0 kip
= 54.46
FCD
FDE = 2.857 kip
2 kip
A E 14 As before, we assume that the unknown
B C D member forces are tension, so are directed away
FDE = 2.857 kip (T) from the joint. The forces in members DH and
DE have already been found to be tension and
2 kip 4 kip 2 kip so are directed away from the joint.
12 Use a free-body
diagram of joint 15 Equilibrium equations for joint D
D because only
two member + Fx = 0: FCD FDG cos(54.46) + 2.857 kip = 0 (8)
forces are
unknown. Fy = 0: FDG sin(54.46) + 4.0 kip 2 kip = 0 (9)
+

Solving simultaneously gives

FCD = 4.286 kip (T) Ans.

and

FDG = 2.458 kip = 2.458 kip (C) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 6 of 7
FGH = 2.857 kip(C)
FEH = 4.916 kip (C)
F G H
FDH = 4.0 kip (T)
FDG= 2.458 kip (C)

A E
B C D

2 kip 4 kip 2 kip

FCD = 4.286 kip (T) FDE = 2.857 kip (T)

19 Equilibrium equations for joint C.
16 Use a free-body diagram of
joint C because only two + Fx = 0: FBC + 4.286 kip = 0 (10)
member forces are
unknown.
Fy = 0: FCG 4 kip = 0 (11)

+
17 Free-body diagram of joint C 18 The unknown forces in
members CG and BC are Solving gives
FCG assumed to be tension, so
are directed away from FBC = 4.286 kip (T) Ans.
the joint. The force in
FBC C FCD = 4.286 kip (T) member CD has already and
been found to be 4.286
kip (T). FCG = 4 kip (T) Ans.
4 kip
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 7 of 7
20 All remaining bar forces follow from symmetry.

Answer diagram All forces in kips.

F G H
2.86 (C) 2.86 (C)

2.4

4.9
6(
C)

4.0 (T)
C)

4.00 (T)

2(
6(

C)
4.0 (T)
2(

C)
2.4
4.9

A 2.86 (T) 4.29 (T) 4.29 (T) 2.86 (T) E

B C D

4 2 4 2 4
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 1 of 4
3. Determine the force in each member of
the truss and state whether the force is
tension or compression.
900 lb
30
B C

A
60

12 ft

E
D

400 lb

10 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 2 of 4
1 Free body-diagram of entire truss 2 Because AB is a two-force member, the line of
action of FAB must pass through A and B.
900 lb
30
B C
FAB

60

12 ft 3 Equilibrium equations for entire truss

+ Fx = 0: FAB sin 60 + Ex + (900 lb) cos 30 = 0 (1)

E Fy = 0: FAB cos 60 + Ey + (900 lb) sin 30 400 lb = 0 (2)

+
D
Ex
MC = 0: (400 lb)(10 ft + FAB cos 60(10 ft) + Ex(12 ft) = 0 (3)

+
Ey
400 lb
Solving simultaneously gives
10 ft
FAB = 347.8 lb

Ex = 478.2 lb,

Ey = 123.9 lb
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 3 of 4
4 Free-body diagram of joint D. Joint D is chosen 7 Free-body diagram of joint C. Joint C is chosen because
because only two member forces are unknown there. only two member forces are unknown there.
(900 lb) sin 30 = 450.0 lb
FBD
5 The unknown forces C
have been assumed to FBC
FDE 8 (900 lb) cos 30= 779.4 lb
D be tension. The unknown
forces have
been assumed
to be tension. FCE
400 lb

6 Equilibrium equations for joint D

9 Equilibrium equations for joint C
+ Fx = 0: FDE = 0 (4)
+ Fx = 0: FBC +779.4 lb = 0 (6)
Fy = 0: FBD 400 lb = 0 (5)
+

Fy = 0: FCE + 450 lb = 0 (7)

+
Solving gives
Solving gives
FBD = 400 lb (T) Ans.
FBC = 779.4 lb (T) Ans.
FDE = 0 Ans.
FCE = 450.0 lb (T) Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 4 of 4
10 Free-body diagram of joint B. Only one
member force is unknown at this joint.

B
FBC = 779.4 lb
FAB = 347.8 lb
60
FBE 13 Using = 50.19 in Eq. 8 and then solving gives
FBD = 400 lb
FBE = 746.9 lb = 747 lb (C) Ans.

11 Equilibrium equations for joint B 14 Answer diagram (all forces in lb)

+ Fx =0: FBE cos (347.8 lb) sin 60 900 lb

+ 779.4 lb = 0 (8) 30
B 779 (T) C
12 Geometry B 10 ft C
= tan-1( 12 ) 347.8 lb 60
10
747 (C)
= 50.19 450 (T)
12 ft
400 (T)

0 E
D
478
E
124
400
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 1 of 9
4. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state whether
the force is tension or compression. The truss is symmetric.

6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft

2 kip

2 kip 2 kip
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
60
E F G H
30 60
A D
B C
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 2 of 9

1 Free-body diagram of entire truss

6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft 6 ft

2 kip

2 kip 2 kip
K 2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss
2 kip 2 kip
+ Fx = 0: Ax = 0
I J
60 Fy = 0: Ay + Dy 2 kip

+
E F G H 2 kip 2 kip 2 kip 2 kip = 0
30 60
A D MA = 0: 2(kip)(6 ft) 2 kip(12 ft)

+
Ax B C 2(kip)(18 ft) 2 kip(24 ft)
Ay
Dy 2(kip)(30 ft) + Dy(36 ft) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0

Ay = 5 kip

Dy = 5 kip
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 3 of 9
2 kip

2 kip 2 kip
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
60
E F G H
30 60
A D
Ax = 0 B C
Ay = 5 kip
Dy = 5 kip

3 Use a free-body diagram of joint A because

only two unknown member forces are
present.
5 Equilibrium equations for joint A

+ Fx = 0: FAB + FAE cos 30 = 0

4 Free-body diagram of joint A.

Fy = 0: FAE sin 30 + 5 kip = 0

+

FAE
30
A Solving simultaneously gives
FAB
FAB = 8.660 kip (T) Ans.
Ay = 5 kip FAE = 10 kip = 10 kip (C) Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 4 of 9
6 Three unknown member forces are present at joint I, but 2 kip
two of them, FEI and FIK , are collinear, so summing
forces perpendicular to FEI and FIK would give an 2 kip 2 kip
equation with FFI as the only unknown.
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
7 Free-body diagram of joint I
60
2 kip x E G H
y F
30 60
A D
FIK Ax = 0 B C
Ay = 5 kip
Dy = 5 kip
I
FEI
FFI

8 Geometry of members at joint I

y x
= 60
9 Equilibrium equations for joint I
30 Fy = 0: FFI sin 90 (2 kip) sin 60 = 0

+
I
= 30 + 60
60 E 60 60 Solving gives
= 90
F So member FI is
A 30 FFI = 1.732 = 1.732 kip (C) Ans.
perpendicular to the x axis.
Thus the member force FFI
lies on the y axis.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 5 of 9
2 kip FFI = 1.732 kip (C)
(already known)
2 kip 2 kip
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
60
E G H 12 Free-body diagram of joint F
F
A 30 60
D FFI = 1.732 kip (C)
Ax = 0 B C x
Ay = 5 kip
Dy = 5 kip
10 Use the same technique at y 60 FFK
joint F as was used at joint I:
sum forces perpendicular to
collinear members BF and FK. FEF F
60
11 Geometry of members at joint F
I FBF
= 180 (60 + 60)
60 = 60 13 Equilibrium equations for joint F
E F
60 60 Fy = 0: FEF sin 60 (1.732 kip) sin 60 = 0
+
B Solving simultaneously gives

FEF = 1.732 kip (T) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 6 of 9
FAE = 10.0 kip (C) 2 kip
(already known)
2 kip 2 kip
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
60
E F G H
30 60
A D
Ax = 0 B C
Ay = 5 kip
Dy = 5 kip
FEF = 1.732 kip (T)
(already known)
14 At joint E, now only two member
forces, FEI and FEB, are unknown.

15 Free-body diagram of joint E 16 Equilibrium equations for joint E

2 kip + Fx = 0: (10 kip) cos 30 + FEI cos 30 + FBE cos 30 + 1.732 kip = 0
60 FEI
Fy = 0: (10 kip) sin 30 + FEI sin 30 FBE sin 30 2 kip = 0
+

E 30
FEF = 1.732 kip (T) Solving simultaneously gives
30 30
FAE = 10 kip(C) FBE
FEI = 9.0 kip = 9.0 kip (C) Ans.

FBE = 3.0 kip = 3.0 kip (C) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 7 of 9
2 kip

FBE = 3 kip (C) 2 kip 2 kip

(already known)
K
2 kip 2 kip
I J
60
E F G H
A 30 60
D
Ax = 0 B C
Dy = 5 kip
FAB = 8.660 kip (T)
Ay = 5 kip (already known)

17 At joint B, now only two member forces, FBF and 19 Equilibrium equations for joint B
FBC, are unknown.
+ Fx = 0: 3 kip) cos 30 8.660 kip + FBF cos 60 + FBC = 0
18 Free-body diagram of joint B
Fy = 0: 3 kip) sin 30 + FBF sin 60 = 0
+
FBF
FBE = 3 kip(C) Solving simultaneously gives
30 60
B FBC FBF = 1.732 kip (T) Ans.
FAB = 8.660 kip (T)
FBC = 5.196 kip (T) Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 8 of 9
20 The remaining unknown member forces, FIK and FFK,
can be found by re-using the free-body diagrams of 23 Free-body diagram of joint F
joints I and F.
x
21 Free-body diagram of joint I FFI = 1.732 kip (C)

y y
2 kip FFK
x

FIK FEF = 1.732 kip (T) F

60
FEI = 9.0 kip (C) I
FBF = 1.732 kip (T)
FFI = 1.732 kip (C)

24 Equilibrium equation for joint F

22 Equilibrium equations for joint I
Fx = 0: FFK 1.732 kip (1.732 kip) cos 60

+
Fx = 0: 9.0 kip (2 kip) cos 60 + FIK = 0 (1.732 kip) cos 60 = 0
+

Solving gives Solving gives

FIK = 8.0 kip = 8.0 kip (C) Ans. FFK = 3.464 kip (T) Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 9 of 9
25 By symmetry, all forces on the right half of
the truss are also known.
Answer diagram

2
All forces in kips

2 K 2
8.0
0 (C
C)
0( )
8.0

3.4
T)
2 2

6(
6(
I J

T)
3.4

(T)
9.0
1.7

(C) 0 (C
.00
32

32
9 )

1.7
T)(

E 1.732 (T) 1.732 (T) H

F G
C)

1.7
0( 10.
(T)

0 3.0 00
10. 0(

32
(C) (C)
32

C) 0

(T)
3.0
1.7

A
D
8.66 (T) B 5.20 (T) C 8.66 (T)

5 5
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 1 of 8
5. Determine the force in each member of the truss and
state whether the force is tension or compression.

B D
100 lb
1 ft
C E

2.5 ft

A F

4 ft 2 ft 4 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 2 of 8
1 Free-body diagram of entire truss.
B D
100 lb 1 ft

C E

2.5 ft

A
Ax F
Ay Fy
4 ft 2 ft 4 ft

2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss

+ Fx = 0: Ax + 100 lb = 0

Fy = 0: Ay + Fy = 0
+

MA = 0: 100 lb)(1 ft + 2.5 ft) + Fy(4 ft +2 ft + 4 ft) = 0

+

Solving these equations simultaneously gives

Ax = 100 lb

Ay = 35 lb

Fy = 35 lb
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 3 of 8
3 Free-body diagram
of entire truss. B D
100 lb 1 ft
7 Geometry
C E

2.5 ft 4 ft
D
4 Only two unknown member
Ax = 100 lb forces act at joint F. F
A E
3.5 ft
Ay = 35 lb Fy = 35 lb
4 ft 2 ft 4 ft 2.5 ft

F
5 Free-body diagram of joint F.
4 ft
FDF
FEF 2.5 ft
= tan-1( ) = 32.01
F 4 ft
= tan-1( 4 ft ) = 48.81
3.5 ft
Fy = 35 lb

6 Equilibrium equations for joint F 8 Solving the equilibrium equations with

= 32.01 and = 48.81 gives
+ Fx = 0: FEF cos FDF sin =0
FEF = 165.10 lb (T) Ans.
Fy = 0: FEF sin + FDF cos + 35 lb = 0
+

FDF = 186.03 lb = 186.03 lb (C) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 4 of 8

9 Free-body diagram
of entire truss. B D
100 lb 1 ft

C E

2.5 ft
Only two unknown member
Ax = 100 lb forces act at joint A. F
A
Ay = 35 lb Fy = 35 lb
4 ft 2 ft 4 ft

10 Free-body diagram of joint A

FAB
11 Equilibrium equations for joint A
FAC
Ax = 100 lb + Fx = 0: 100 lb + FAC cos + FAB sin =0
A
Ay = 35 lb Fy = 0: FAC sin + FAB cos 35 lb = 0

By symmetry, the angles and at joint A are the + Solving the above equations with = 32.01
same as we calculated at joint F. Thus and = 48.81 gives

= 32.01 FAC = 247.70 lb (T) Ans.

= 48.81 FAB = 146.23 lb = 146.23 lb (C) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 5 of 8
12 Free-body diagram of entire truss
13 Only two unknown member
B D forces act at joint D.
100 lb
FDF = 186.03 lb (C)
C E (already known)

48.81

Ax = 100 lb
A F
Ay = 35 lb Fy = 35 lb

14 Free-body diagram of joint D

15 Equilibrium equations for joint D.
D + Fx = 0: FBD (186.03 lb) sin 48.81 = 0
FBD
48.81
Fy = 0: FDE + (186.03 lb) cos 48.81 = 0
FDF = 186.03 lb (C) +
Solving these equations gives
FDE
FBD = 139.99 lb = 139.99 lb (C) Ans.

FDE = 122.51 lb (T) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 6 of 8
16 Free-body diagram of entire truss
B D
100 lb

FAC = 247.70 lb (T) C E

(already known)

Ax = 100 lb 17 Only two unknown member F

A forces act at joint C
Ay = 35 lb
Fy = 35 lb

18 Free-body diagram of joint C. 19 Equilibrium equations for joint C.

FBC + Fx = 0: (247.70 lb) cos 32.01 + FCE = 0

Fy = 0: (247.70 lb) sin 32.01 + FBC = 0

+

FCE
C
FAC = 247.70 lb (T) 32.01 Solving these equations gives

FCE = 210.04 lb (T) Ans.

FBC = 131.23 lb (T) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 7 of 8
20 Free-body diagram of entire truss FDE = 122.51 lb (T)
(already known)
B D
FEF = 165.10 lb (T)
100 lb (already known)
C E

FCE = 210.04 lb (T)

Ax = 100 lb 32.01
(already known)
A F
Ay = 35 lb 21 At joint E, member BE
is the only unknown Fy = 35 lb
member force.

22 Free-body diagram of joint E. 24 Geometry

B
FDE = 122.51 lb (T) = tan-1( 1 ft ) = 26.57
FBE 2 ft
1 ft
FCE = 210.04 lb (T) E C 2 ft E
32.01 FEF = 165.10 lb (T)

25 Substituting = 26.57 in the equation for joint E

23 Equilibrium equation for joint E. and solving gives
+ Fx = 0: FBE cos 210.04 lb + (165.10 lb) cos 32.01 = 0 FBE = 78.31 lb = 78.31 lb (C) Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 8 of 8

26 Answer diagram
All forces in lb

B 140 (C) D
100

78 (
131 (T) C)
123 (T)

C 210 (T) E 18
) 6(
6 (C C)
14
16
5(
(T) T)
248

100
A F

35 35
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 1 of 9
6. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state
whether the force is tension or compression.
2 kip

I K

14 ft

H L

A G
B C D E F

16 ft 16 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 2 of 9
2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss
1 Free-body diagram of entire truss
+ Fx = 0: Ax = 0
2 kip
Fy = 0: Ay + Gy 2 kip = 0

+
MA = 0: 2 kip(16 ft) + Gy(16 ft + 16 ft) = 0

+
J

I Solving simultaneously gives

K
Ax = 0

14 ft Ay = 1 kip

H L Gy = 1 kip.

A G
Ay B C D E F
Gy
Ax

16 ft 16 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 3 of 9
2 kip
6 Geometry
J
= tan-1( 14 ft ) = 41.19
J 16 ft

I K
14 ft

14 ft

H L

A G D 16 ft G
B C D E F
Ay = 1 kip Gy = 1 kip
16 ft 16 ft

4 Free-body 3 Only two unknown member 7 Solving simultaneously gives

diagram of joint G forces act at joint G.
FFG = 1.143 kip (T) Ans.
FGL 5 Equilibrium equations for joint G
FGL = 1.518 kip = 1.518 kip (C) Ans.
G + Fx = 0: FFG FGL cos =0
FFG
Fy = 0: FGL sin + 1 kip = 0
+

Gy = 1 kip
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 4 of 9
2 kip

I K

14 ft
8 At joint F, no external forces
H L act, three members meet, and
two of these members are
collinear. So FL is a
A G zero-force member, as will
B C D F now be shown.
E
Ay = 1 kip Gy = 1 kip
16 ft 16 ft

9 Free-body diagram of joint F 10 Equilibrium equation for joint F

FFL Fy = 0: FFL sin =0

+
Since sin 0, it follows that
FEF FFG = 1.143 kip
F (already known) FFL = 0 Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 5 of 9
2 kip

J
12 At joint L, no external forces act, three
I members meet, and two of these
K
members are collinear. So EL is a
zero-force member:

14 ft FEL = 0 Ans.

H
L
11 Member LF has been omitted
A because it is a zero-force member.
G
B C D E F
Ay = 1 kip Gy = 1 kip
16 ft 16 ft
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 6 of 9
2 kip

I K

14 ft

H
L

A G
B C D E F
Ay = 1 kip Gy = 1 kip
16 ft 16 ft

14 Consideration of joint E shows that EK is a zero-force member: 13 Members EL and FL have been omitted
because they are zero-force members.
FEK = 0 Ans.

But then consideration of joint K shows that DK is also a

zero-force member:

FDK = 0 Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 7 of 9
2 kip
17 You cannot conclude that member
J DJ is a zero-force member by
looking at end J. (Instead, look at
end D.)
I
K
15 All zero-force members in the right
half of the truss have been omitted.

H
L

A
G
B C D E F
Ay = 1 kip Gy = 1 kip

16 Because of symmetry, the members in 18 Consideration of joint D shows that DJ

the left half of the truss must also be must be a zero-force member:
zero-force and so can be omitted, too.
FDJ = 0 Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 8 of 9
20 Free-body diagram of joint L
2 kip
FKL
L
19 Zero-force member DJ J
has been omitted. FKL = FGL
FGL
I K
21 We have previously shown that

FGL = 1.518 kip (C) Ans.

H L Consideration of free-body diagrams of K and L
show that
A FKL = FKJ = 1.518 kip (C) Ans.
G
B C D E F
Gy = 1 kip
Ay = 1 kip

24 By symmetry,

FAH = 1.518 kip = FHI = FIJ Ans 23 We have previously shown that

FFG = 1.143 kip (T) Ans.

22 Free-body diagram joint F
Consideration of free-body diagrams of all joints in the lower
F chord, B, C, D, E, and F, shows that all member forces there
must equal 1.143 kip (T).
FEF = FFG
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 9 of 9

25 Answer diagram

2
All forces in kips

I K
1.518 (C) 1.518 (C)

0
0 0 0
0
H L
0 0
0 0
A G
B C D E F

1 1
1.143 (T)
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 1 of 7
7. Determine the force in each member and 1 Free-body diagram 4 kN
state whether the force is tension or of entire truss
compression.
4 kN H I J
60
H I J
60
D E F G

D E F G

Ax C
A B
Ay 2m 2m Cy
A C
B 2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss
2m 2m
+ Fx = 0: Ax = 0

Fy = 0: Ay + Cy 4 kN = 0

+
MA = 0: ( 4 kN)(2 m) + Cy(2 m + 2 m) = 0

+ Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0, Ay = 2 kN, and Cy = 2 kN.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 2 of 7
3 Free-body diagram of entire truss. 4 Two members meet at joint J, they are not collinear,
and no external force acts at the joint, so members IJ
and FJ must be zero-force members.
4 kN

H I J Free-body diagram of joint J

60 J
FIJ
60

D E F G
FFJ

5 Equilibrium equations for joint J

+ Fx = 0: FIJ FFJ cos 60 = 0

Ax C
A B Fy = 0: FFJ sin 60 = 0

+
Ay = 2 kN Cy = 2 kN Solving simultaneously gives

FIJ = 0 Ans.

FFJ = 0 Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 3 of 7
7 Two members meet at the joint, they are not 6 Members IJ and FJ have been omitted
collinear, and no external forces act, so the because they are zero-force members.
members carry zero force.

4 kN

H I J
8 The same argument at G shows FG and
CG are zero-force members.

E F
D
G

Ax C
A B

Ay = 2 kN Cy = 2 kN
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 4 of 7
4 kN 10 Free-body diagram of joint C
FCF
I 9 All members identified
as zero-force have been 60
omitted. FBC C

E F
Cy = 2 kN

11 Equilibrium equations for joint C

+ Fx = 0: FBC FCF cos 60 = 0
A C
B
Fy = 0: FCF sin 60 + 2 kN = 0

+
Cy = 2 kN
Ay = 2 kN Solving simultaneously gives

FCF = 2.309 kN = 2.309 kN (C) Ans.

12 By symmetry,
FBC = 1.155 kN (T) Ans.
FAE = 2.309 kN (C)

FAB = 1.155 kN (T)

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 5 of 7
4 kN

E F

14 Free-body diagram of joint B

FBE FBF

A C
B 60 60
Cy = 2 kN FAB = 1.155 kN (T) FBC = 1.155 kN (T)
B
Ay = 2 kN
13
Equilibrium equations for joint B
FBC = 1.155 kN (T)
FAB = 1.155 kN (T)
(already known) + Fx = 0: FBE cos 60 + FBF cos 60 1.155 kN + 1.155 kN = 0
(already known)

Fy = 0: FBE sin 60 + FBF sin 60 = 0

+

Solving simultaneously gives

FBE = 0 Ans

FBF = 0 Ans.
6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 6 of 7
15 Zero-force members 16 At joint F, no external force 17 Free-body diagram of joint F
BE and BF have acts, three members meet, and
been omitted. two of these members are y
4 kN
collinear, so member EF is a
zero-force member. FFI

I x
F

FEF = 0
(zero-force member)
E F
FCF = 2.309 kN (C)

A C 18 Equilibrium equations for joint F

B
Fy = 0: FFI + 2.309 kN (C) = 0
+
Ay = 2 kN Cy = 2 kN
Solving gives

FFI = 2.309 kN = 2.309 kN (C) Ans.

Then by symmetry

FEI = FFI = 2.309 kN (C) Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 7 of 7
19 Answer diagram
All forces in kN
4

H 0 I 0 J

2.3
)
(C

1
1

(C
2.3

D 0 E 0 F 2.3
0 G
C)

0 0
1(

0
1(

0
C)
2.3

C
A 1.155 (T) B 1.155 (T)

2 2