Forces in structures Notes

The definition of a truss is that it is a frame where the joints are assumed to be frictionless and pin-jointed, and that all external loads are applied to the pin joints.

Pin-jointed truss Where the externally applied loads are assumed to act at the pin-joints, the internal members of the framework resist the externally applied loads in tension or in compression. Members of the framework that resist the externally applied loads in tension are called ties and members of the framework which resist the externally applied loads in compression are called struts.

The internal resisting forces in the ties and struts will act in the opposite direction to the externally applied loads.

Internal resisting forces in ties and struts Three methods of analysis rae be used to solve for forces in trussesone graphical and two analytical methods. 1) Graphical method:Determine the internal forces that occur in the plane pin-jointed truss of of the figure shown, due to the externally applied vertical load of 3 kN.

Bows notation of representing forces is used. To analyse the truss, we must first consider the joint ABD; this is because this joint has only two unknown forces, namely the internal forces in the two members that meet at the joint ABD. Neither joints BCD and CAD can be considered first, because each of these joints has more than two unknown forces. Now the 3 kN load is between the spaces A and B, so that it can be represented by the lower case letters ab, point from a to b and of magnitude 3 kN, as shown in the figure.

Similarly, the force in the truss between the spaces B and D, namely the vector bd, lies at 60 to the horizontal and the force in the truss between the spaces D and A, namely the vector da, lies at 30 to the horizontal. Thus, in Figure 4.9, if the vectors bd and ad are drawn, they will cross at the point d, where the point d will obviously lie to the left of the vector ab, as shown. Hence, if the vector ab is drawn to scale, the magnitudes of the vectors bd and da can be measured from the scaled drawing. The direction of the force in the member between the spaces B and D at the joint ABD point upwards because the vector from b to d points upwards. Similarly, the direction of the force in the member between the spaces D and A at the joint ABD is also upwards because the vector from d to a points upwards. These directions at the joint ABD are shown in Figure 4.10. Now as the framework is in equilibrium, the internal forces in the members BD and DA at the joints (2) and (1) respectively, will be equal and opposite to the internal forces at the joint ABD; these are shown.

It can be seen that the members BD and DA are in compression and are defined as struts. It should also be noted that when a member of the framework, say, BD, is so defined, we are referring to the top joint, because we must always work around a joint in a clockwise manner; Now the unknown force between the spaces D and C, namely the vector dc is horizontal and the unknown force between the spaces C and A, namely the vector ca is vertical, hence, by drawing to scale and direction, the point c can be found. This is because the point c lies below the point a and to the right of d. The vector ca represents the magnitude and direction of the unknown reaction R1 and the vector dc represents the magnitude and direction of the force in the horizontal member at joint (1); these forces are shown, where R1 = 0.82 kN and dc = 1.25 kN. It can be seen that the bottom of the horizontal member is in tension and therefore, it is a tie. The reaction R2 can be determined by considering joint (2), i.e. joint BCD, as shown, where the vector bc represents the unknown reaction R2 which is measured as 2.18 kN. Experience will enable this problem to be solved more quickly by producing the vector diagram directly as shown below.

2) Determine the internal forces in the following pin-jointed trusses using graphical and analytical methods: a)

b)

c)

Method of joints (a mathematical method) In this method, all unknown internal member forces are initially assumed to be in tension. Next, an imaginary cut is made around a joint that has two or less unknown forces, so that a
4

free body diagram is obtained for this joint. Next, by resolving forces in respective vertical and horizontal directions at this joint, the unknown forces can be calculated. To continue the analysis, another joint is selected with two or less unknowns and the process repeated, remembering that this may only be possible because some of the unknown member forces have been previously calculated. By selecting, in turn, other joints where there are two or less unknown forces, the entire framework can be analyzed. It must be remembered that if the calculated force in a member is negative, then that member is in compression. Vice-versa is true for a member in tension. Using the above solved example:

Considering joint ABD and resolving forces vertically and horizontally, we get

F1 = 1.5 kN (compressive) and F2 = 2.6 kN (compressive) as before. Considering joint ACD and resolving forces vertically and horizontally, we get

F3 = 1.25 kN(tensile) and R1 =0.82 KN as before;by considering joint BCD R2 can similarly be obtained.

The method of sections (a mathematical method) In this method, an imaginary cut is made through the framework and the equilibrium of this part of the structure is considered through a free body diagram. No more than three unknown forces can be determined through any cut section, as only three equilibrium considerations can be made, namely (a) Resolve forces horizontally (b) Resolve forces vertically (c) Take moments about a convenient point. Determine the internal forces in the pin-jointed truss shown below using method of sections.

Firstly, all members will be assumed to be in tension and an imaginary cut will be made through the framework, as shown below.

In this case, there are more than two unknowns at every joint; hence it will first be necessary to calculate the unknown reactions R1 and R2. To determine R1, take moments about joint (2): Clockwise moments about joint (2) = counter-clockwise (or anti-clockwise) moments about joint (2) i.e. R1 8 m = 4 kN6 m+ 3 kN4 m + 5 kN2 m = 24 + 12 + 10 = 46 kN m Therefore, R1 = (46 kN m)/8 m = 5.75 kN Resolving forces vertically: Upward forces = downward forces i.e. R1 + R2 = 4 + 3 + 5 = 12 kN However, R1 = 5.75 kN, from above, hence, 5.75 kN + R2 = 12 kN from which, R2 = 12 5.75 = 6.25 KN Placing these reactions on the figure, together with the spaces between the lines of action of the forces, we can now begin to analyse the structure.

Taking moments about B; Clockwise moments = anti-clockwise moments; Hence, 5.75 kN 2 m = F2 1.155 m where 2 tan 30 = 1.155 m i.e. F2 = (5.75 2)/1.155 = 9.96 kN (tensile) Resolving forces vertically: 5.75 kN + F6 sin 30 = F5 sin 30 + 4 kN i.e. F5 = F6 + 5.75/0.5 4/0.5 i.e. F5 = F6 + 3.5 .(i) Resolving forces horizontally: 0 = F2 + F5 cos 30 + F6 cos 30; from which, F5 cos 30 = F2 F6 cos 30 and F5 = F2/ cos 30 F6; Substituting into equation (above) gives: F5 = 9.96/0.866 F6 or F5 = 11.5 F6 (ii) Equating equation (i) to equation (ii) gives: F6 + 3.5 = 11.5 F6; from which, 2 F6 = 11.5 3.5 = 15 and F6 = 15/2 = 7.5 kN (compressive) (iii) Substituting equation (iii) into equation (ii) gives: F5 = 11.5 (7.5) = 4 kN(compressive)