7

STATICALLY DETERMINATE
PLANE TRUSSES

OBJECTIVES:
This chapter starts with the definition of a truss and briefly explains
various types of plane truss. The determinancy and stability of a
truss also will be discussed. The procedures of analyzing statically
determinate trusses will be developed using the method of joints
and the method of sections. For advance, the alternative
computation using joint equilibrium method will be included in this
topic.

6.1 Introduction

A truss is defined as a structure composed of slender elements joined

together at their end points. The members commonly used in
construction consist of wooden struts, metal bars, angles or channels.
Plane or planar truss composed of members that lie in the same plane
and frequently used for bridge and roof support.
Loads that cause the entire truss to bend are converted into tensile and
compressive forces in the members.

compression
Loading causes bending of
truss, which is develops
compression in top
members, tension in
bottom members.
tension

Fig. 7-1

Mechanics of Materials 203

6.2 Types of trusses and its application

6.2.1 Roof trusses

Often used as part of an industrial building frame as shown in Fig.
7-2.

Fig. 7-2

The roof load is transmitted to the truss at the joints by series of

purlins.
Generally, the roof trusses are supported either by columns of
wood, steel or reinforced concrete.
The roof truss along with its supporting columns called as a bent.
To keep the bent rigid and capable of resisting horizontal wind
forces, knee braces are sometimes used at the supporting columns.
The space between adjacent bents is called a bay. Bays are often
tied together using diagonal bracing to maintain rigidity of the
structure.
The gusset plate is the connections which formed by bolting or
welding at the ends of the members to a common plate.

Fig. 7-3 : Gusset plate

Trusses used to support roofs are selected on the basis of the span,
the slope and the roof material.
Some of common types of trusses are displayed in the Fig. 7-4.

Mechanics of Materials 204

 Fig. 7-4: Common types of plane trusses

1.2.2 Bridge trusses

The main structural elements of a typical bridge truss are shown in
Fig. 7-5.

Fig. 7-5 : The structure elements of typical bridge truss

The load on the deck is first transmitted to stringers then to floor

beam and finally to the joints of the two supporting side trusses.
The top and bottom cords are connected by top and bottom lateral
bracing which serves to resist the lateral forces caused by wind and
the sidesway caused by moving vehicles.
Additional stability is provided by the portal and sway bracing.

Mechanics of Materials 205

 The typical forms of bridge trusses currently used for single span
are shown in Fig. 7-6.

Fig. 7-6 : The forms of bridge trusses

6.3 Assumptions in analysis

The assumptions are necessary to determine the force developed in
each member when the truss is subjected to a given loading.

C A to C, the connection
C to B, between them
B to A is called as
truss member

Fig. 7-7 : Truss member

the assumptions are;

i) All members are connected at both ends by smooth
frictionless pins.

Mechanics of Materials 206

 ii) All loads are applied at joints (member weight is
negligible).

ASK STUDENTS:
Why the analysis assume that the smooth pin is frictionless?
Why the analysis assume that the member weight is negligible?

Because of these two assumptions, each truss acts as an axial force

member and the forces acting at the ends of the member must be
directed along axis of the member.
If the force tends to elongate the member, it is tensile force (T) as
shown in Fig. 7-8.
If the force tends to shorten the member, it is compressive force
(C).
In analysis it is important to state whether the force is tensile or
compressive.

T T

The forces inside the member and outside should opposite

C C

Smooth pin

Fig. 7-8 : The tensile and compressive force

6.4 Stability and Determinancy

6.4.1 General
The structures mechanics involves determination of unknown forces
on the structures.
Some of these structures can be completely analyzed by using the
equations of equilibrium.

Fx = 0 (F = F)
Fy = 0 (F = F ) The structures are known as statically determinate.
Mz =0 (M = M)

On the other hand, if there exist extra redundant reaction

components, then the structure is said to be statically indeterminate.

Mechanics of Materials 207

 6.4.2 Determinancy Criteria for Structures
To be in a state of static equilibrium, a structure must meet the
requirements of stability.
A statically indeterminate structure is a structure that had more
unknown forces.

Eg; ( to determine whether the truss is determinate or

indeterminate)
For a pinned joint frame (trusses);

i) m+r = 2j just stiff (statically determinate)

ii) m+r < 2j under stiff (form a mechanism)unstable

(it will collapse since there will be an insufficient number of bars
@ reactions to constraint all the joints).

iii) m+r > 2j over stiff (statically indeterminate)

-A truss can be unstable if it is statically determinate or statically

indeterminate.
-A truss is externally unstable if all of its reaction is concurrent or parallel.

Mechanics of Materials 208

 EXAMPLE 7.1
Determine number of redundant and state the determinancy criteria for the
truss as shown below;

a)
m=10
r =3
j =6

n= m + r 2j
= 10 + 3 2(6)
m + r = 13 = 1..has a redundancy of 1th
degree
2j = 12
=m+r > 2j .over stiff (statically indeterminate)

b)

EXAMPLE 7.2
Define whether the truss is statically determinate or indeterminate

m=7 m+r = 2j
r=3 7 + 3 = 2(5)
j=5 10 = 10 .statically determinate truss

But this truss is unstable since the support reactions are parallel.

Mechanics of Materials 209

 m=7 m+r = 2j
r=3 7 + 3 = 2(5)
j=5 10 = 10 .statically determinate truss

But this truss unstable since the support reactions are concurrent.

EXERCISE 7.1

(a) (c)

(b)
(d)

6.5 Method of Joints

EXAMPLE 7.3
Calculate all member forces
by using method of joints.

HA

VA VC

Mechanics of Materials 210

Determine whether the truss is determinate or indeterminate.

m= 3
r =3
j =3
m+r =2j
3+3 = 2(3)
6 = 6 the truss is determinate and stable.

Calculate the support reactions.

F = F H = H
0 kN = VA + VC 500 N = HA

+M=0
MA = VC ( 2) + 500 (2)=0
VC = - 500N ( )
VA -500 = 0
VA = 500N( )

-ve sign indicated that the original direction is upward

VC = 500N ( )

change the direction;

Calculate all member forces

Joint A
FAB Fx = Fx

Fy = Fy

FAB = 500N (T)

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Joint C
FCB
Fy = Fy

500 + FCB sin 45 = 0

500 = - 707 N (C)
500

NOTES:
-ve sign indicated the force tends to shorten the member,
so the force is compression.
How? All loads are assumed moved outward from the
joint.

B The calculation shows the force is

compression, so;

Change the direction;

To stabilize inside the member;

To stabilize inside and outside the member;

The loads should be

opposite at joint

CHECKING :
Joint B:
(707) Fx = Fx
500 500 =707 sin 45
0 = 0 (BALANCE)

500

Mechanics of Materials 212

Procedure for Analysis:

The following procedures can be used as the guidance to solve the problems using
the method of joints.

Determine the truss is determinate or indeterminate by using the stability

and determinancy equation.

Calculate the support reactions if necessary.

Draw the free-body diagram of a joint having at least one known force and
at most two unknown forces. If the joint is located at the supports, it may
be necessary to find the external reactions at the support.

All loads are assumed moved outward from the joint.

The x and y axes can be resolved into their x and y components. Two force
equilibrium equations Fx =0 and Fy =0 are applied.

Continue to analyze the member forces at the other joints where again it is
necessary to choose a joint having at most two unknowns and at least one
known force.

Indicate whether the member in compression or tension.

Mechanics of Materials 213

EXAMPLE 7.4

Determine the support reactions and member forces using method of joints. All members
are connected at both ends by smooth frictionless pins.

C D
6 kN

5m

A
B
HA F E
VA VB
8 kN
4m 5m 4m

Solution;

Determine the truss is determinate.

Calculate the support reactions.

[Ans: VA = 3.2 kN( ), VB = 4.8kN( ), HA = 6 kN( )]

Calculate the member forces

Joint A
Fy = Fy
FAC
3.2 + FAC sin 51.34 = 0
6 FAC = - 4.1 kN (C)
FAF
Fx = Fx
3.2 FAF + FAC cos 51.34 = 6
tan = 5/4 FAF = 8.6 kN (T)
= 51.34 -4.1

Mechanics of Materials 214

Joint F

FFC
FFE = 8.6 kN (T)
FFC = 8 kN (T)
8.6
FFE
Joint C 8

6 Fy = Fy
FCD
1
2 0 = 8 + FCE sin 45 + (-4.1) cos 38.66
FCE 0.707 FCE = -4.8
FCE = -6.8 kN (C)
-4.1 8
Fx = Fx
tan 2 = 4/5 tan 1 = 5/5 -6.8
= 38.66 = 45
FCD + FCE cos 45 + 6 = (-4.1) sin 38.66
FCD + 1.19 = -2.56
FCD = -3.75 kN (C)

Joint B

FBD Fy = Fy
tan = 5/4 4.8 + FBD sin 51.34 = 0
= 51.34 FBD = - 6.15 kN (C)

FBE Fx = Fx
-6.15
4.8 0 = FBE + FBD cos 51.34
FBE = 3.84 kN (T)

Joint D

-3.75 Fy = Fy
0 = FDE + (-6.15) cos 38.66
FDE = 4.8 kN (T)
= 180-90
-51.34
=38.66 -6.15
CHECKING: FDE

Mechanics of Materials 215

 C (3.75) D Checking:
6 kN
Joint E
(6.8) Fx = Fx
(4.1) (6.15)

8 3.84 + 6.8 cos 45 = 8.6

4.8 8.6 = 8.6
A
B
F (BALANCE)
8.6 8.6 E 3.84

8 kN

EXERCISE 7.2

HK Determine the support

reactions and member forces
of GF, EF, GE, HG, HD, GD
VK and HI. The method of joints
is selected to solve the
15 problem.
HA 6
VA
5 15 = 6
HD: ? 5 ?

? = 2m

[VK = 0kN, VA = 7kN (), HK = 9.6kN (), HA = 9.6kN ()]

Mechanics of Materials 216

EXERCISE 7.3

A pin-connected truss is loaded and supported as shown in figure;

a) prove that the plane truss is a statically determinate structure.
b) determine all member forces by using Method of Joint.

3m

[Ans: FAC = 33.33kN (T), FAB = 6.66kN (C), FDC =26.67kN (T), FBC = 20kN (T)]

6.6 Method of Sections

EXAMPLE 7.6

Determine the forces of member BC, CG and FG by using method of section. Prove
the truss is statically determinate. State whether the members are in tension or
compression.

2m

Mechanics of Materials 217

Solution;

Prove the truss is statically determinate.

Calculate the support reaction if necessary.

Cut the section of the truss through the members where forces are to be
determined.

Choose one section whether left or right sections. If choose right section, the
external reactions at support have to calculate.

FBC
C
All member loads
FGC are assumed
moved outward
from the cut.
FGF

Calculate the member forces.

+ MG = 0

FBC (2) 100 (2) = 0

FBC = 100 N (T)

Fy = Fy
FGC sin 45 = 100
FGC = 141.42 N (T) Checking:
Fy = Fy
+ MC = 0 FGC sin 45 = 100
141.42
-FGF (2) 100 (4) = 0
FGF = - 200 N (C) 100 = 100 (BALANCE)

Mechanics of Materials 218

Procedure for Analysis:

The following procedure provides the guidance to determine the forces in the
members of a truss by using the method of sections.

Determine the truss is determinate or indeterminate by using the stability

and determinancy equation.

Calculate the support reactions if necessary.

Make a decision as to how to cut the truss through the members where
forces are to be determined.

Draw the free-body diagram of the part of the section truss whether left or
right section which has the least number of forces on it.

Moments should be summed about a point that lies at the intersection of

the lines of action of two unknown forces. The third unknown force is
determined directly from the equation.

Mechanics of Materials 219

EXAMPLE 7.7

Determine the force in members CA, CF and FE of the bridge truss by using
method of section. State whether the members are in tension of compression. The
support reactions have been calculated.

C D
6 kN

5m

A
B
4m F 4m E 4m
8 kN
Solution:

C D
6

A
6kN B
F E
3.2kN 8 4.8kN
Choose the left section

C
+ MC = 0
FAC

FFC -FFE (5) + 3.2 (4)+ 6(5) = 0

FFE = 8.6kN (T)
6
+ MA = 0
A FFE
3.2 8
-FFC (4) + 8 (4) = 0
FFC = 8 kN (T)

Fy = Fy
3.2 + 8 + FAC sin 51.34 = 8
FAC = - 4.1 kN (C)

Mechanics of Materials 220

EXAMPLE 7.8

Determine the member forces of HI,

ID and CD by using the method of
sections.

15 = 6 = 9
5 HD IC
HD = 2m, IC = 3m
tan = 3/1
=71.6

Solution:

Choose right section

tan = 2/3
=33.7

+ MI = 0 FHI
I
FDC sin 18.43(9) + 1(6) + 2(3)= 0
FDC = -4.22 kN (C) FDI

Fy = Fy tan = 5/15
FDI cos 56.3 = 1+2 + FDC cos 71.6 FDC = 18.43
-4.22
0.55 FDI = 1.668
FDI = 3kN(T)

+ MD = 0

-FHI (2) + 1(3) = 0

FHI = 1.5 kN (T)

Mechanics of Materials 221

EXAMPLE 7.9

Determine the force in members HG, BC and BG of the truss. State whether the
members are in tension or compression.

6 kN 8 kN 2 kN

3m 3m 3m 3m

Solution;

Determine the truss is statically determinate.

Calculate the support reactions.

[Ans: VA = 9 kN (),VE = 7 kN ()]

Cut the section of the truss through the members where forces are to be
determined.

6 kN 8 kN 2 kN

3m 3m 3m 3m

Mechanics of Materials 222

Choose one section whether left or right sections.
FHG G
tan 1 = 4.5/3
2 = 56.3
FBG
3= 2 tan 2 = 1.5/3
FBC = 26.6
A B
1
9kN 6kN

Calculate the member forces.

+ MB = 0

(9) 3 + FHG cos 26.6(3) = 0

2.68 FHG = -27
FHG = - 10.1 kN (C)

Fy = Fy
9 + FHG sin 26.6 + FBG sin 56.3 = 0
-10.1
9-4.5-6 = -0.832 FBG
FBG = 1.8 kN(T)

+ MG = 0

9(6) 6(3) FBC (4.5) = 0

FBC = 8 kN (T)

Mechanics of Materials 223

EXERCISE 7.3

A pin-connected compound truss is loaded and supported shown in figure,

calculate the member forces of HG, JC and BC by using the method of section.

[Ans: FJC = 1.15kN (T), FBC = 2.9kN (T), FHG = 3.47kN (C)]

6.7 Alternative Computation using Joint Equilibrium Method

9 An alternative method can be applied to determine the member forces. The

purpose is to reduce the time calculation. If the problems stated need to
solve by using the method of joint or method of section, please follow the
instruction.

EXAMPLE 7.10

Calculate all member forces.

D
6 kN

5m

A
B
HA E
VA VB
8 kN
4m 5m 4m

Mechanics of Materials 224

 Solution;

The calculation can be started at joint A or B.

4.8 x
=
DE EB
C D
6 kN 2nd
4.8 x
4.8 =
5 4
x = 3.84
3.84
x
6 A 4.8
FBBD
st
F E 1
3.2 4.8 Opposite direction
8 kN
FBD= 3.84 2 + 4.8 2
= 6.15 kN

5th C D
6 kN 3rd
4.8 4.8
4 .8 x
= 4th
DE FE x 3.84

4.8 x A 4.8
=
5 5 B
x = 4.8 F FECE
3.84
FCE= 4.82 + 4.8 2
8 kN
= 6.8 kN

Mechanics of Materials 225

 C D 6th
7th 6 kN
FEF= FFA =8.6kN 4.8

4.8 3.84
= (to balance)
4.8 FEF= 8.6kN
8 th A
B
F E 3.84

FCF =8 kN 8 kN

10th 2.6 + 6
4.8
10th C D
FCD
6 kN = (to balance)
FCD =3.8 kN

2.6 4.8
2.6
y
6 A
B
th 8.6
9 E
9th
6 3.2
8 kN
= 8.6
so 2.6 y
=
8.6 - 6 = 2.6 AF CF
2.6 y FAC= 3.252 + 2.6 2
= = 4.16 kN
4 5
y = 3.25

Mechanics of Materials 226

TUTORIAL 6

1)
The pin-jointed truss shown in figure is subjected to a uniformly distributed load
of 40kN/m along member CD and a vertical point load of 90kN at D.
a) Determine the reactions at A and F.
b) Determine the forces in member BC, BE and EF by using the
method of joint.
c) Calculate the forces in members CD and DE using the method of
section.
40kN/m

90kN

[Ans: VA = 98.89kN (),VF = 374.89kN (), FDE = 330 kN (C), FEF = 435 kN (C)]

2)
The truss shown in figure is loaded with concentrated loads at B, D, E and G. The
truss is pinned to the foundation at A and supported on rollers at F. Determine the
internal forces in members LK, LC and BC using the method of joint and checks
your answers using the method of section. State if the forces are tensile or
compressive.

30kN 30kN 30kN 30kN

[Ans: FBC = 36 kN (T)]

Mechanics of Materials 227

3)
Figure shows a pin-jointed plane truss pinned at A and supported on rollers at B.
Determine the forces in each member of the truss by using the method of joint.
Recalculate the force in member BC by using the method of section.

60kN
30kN

[Ans: FAC = 117.24kN (C), FAB = 38.14kN (T), FDE = 141.5 kN (T),
FBD = 88.8kN (T)]

4)
A pin-jointed is supported on roller support and pinned support at A and B
respectively as shown in figure. Determine the forces in each member of the truss
by using the method of joint. Recalculate the force in members AB and DE by
using the method of section.
20kN

30kN

[Ans: FAB= 5.3kN (C), FED = 20kN (C), FEB = 26.51 kN (C), FDC = 20kN (C)]

Mechanics of Materials 228

5)
(a) List two assumptions of analysis to determine the members force of the
truss.

(b) Identify each of the trusses in Figure Q5(a) to Q5(d) as a determinate or

statically indeterminate and stable or unstable.

c) In Figure Q5(e), a statically determinate pin-jointed plane truss is pinned

at A and supported on rollers at B. It carries two loads of 5000kg at joints
F and G.
(i) Prove that the plane truss is a statically determinate structure.

(ii) Using the method of joint determine all member forces.

(iii) Using the method of section, determine the member forces of

CD and FG.

L= 5m for each member.

Figure Q5(a) Figure Q5(b)

Figure Q5(c) Figure Q5(d)

Mechanics of Materials 229

 5000kg 5000kg

Figure Q5(e)

(FINAL EXAM SEM I 2007/2008 UTHM)

6)
The pin-jointed plane frame shown in figure carries a vertical load 10 kN at D.
The frame is supported by a hinge at support A and by a roller support at B. The
roller support at B is designed to ensure that the raction at B is in the direction
BC.

(a) Determine the reaction at support A and B.

(b) Determine the internal force in all member.

10kN
C

D
4m
2m
B
A

3m 2m 8m

(FINAL EXAM SEM II 2007/2008 UTHM)

Mechanics of Materials 230

 REFERENCES

1) R.C.Hibbeler, Mechanics of Materials, Sixth Edition, 2005.

2) Ferdinand P.Beer, Johnston Jr, T.Dewolf, Mechanics of Materials, Fourth
Edition, 2006

Mechanics of Materials 231