A structure in which the laws of statics are not sufficient to determine all the unknown forces or moments is said to be

statically indeterminate. Such structures are analyzed by writing the appropriate equations of static equilibrium and
additional equations pertaining to the deformation and constraints known as compatibility condition.

The statically indeterminate structures are frequently used for several advantages. They are relatively more
economical in the requirement of material as the maximum bending moments in the structure are reduced. The
statically indeterminate are more rigid leading to smaller deflections. The disadvantage of the indeterminate structure
is that they are subjected to stresses when subjected to temperature changes and settlements of the support. The
construction of indeterminate structure is more difficult if there are dimensional errors in the length of members or
location of the supports.
INTRODUCTION

STATICALLY DETERMINATE AND INDETERMINATE TRUSS

A truss is considered statically determinate if all of its support reactions and member forces can
be calculated using only the equations of static equilibrium. For a planar truss to be statically
determinate, the number of members plus the number of support reactions must not exceed the
number of joints times 2. This condition is the same as that used previously as a stability
criterion.

The truss shown in Fig. a has 11 members, 7 joints, and 3 support reactions. Since 11 + 3 =
(2)(7), the truss is statically determinate.

The truss in Fig. b is the same as that in Fig. a with the exception that it is pin supported at joints
1 and 5. Therefore, there are 4 unknown reactions. The number of members plus reactions is 15,
which is larger than 2 times the number of joint. Therefore, this is a statically indeterminate
truss. In this case, the truss has one redundant support reaction.

The truss in Fig. c is the same as that in Fig. a with the extra member between joints 1 and 5. 12
members plus 3 reactions is greater than 2 times the number of joints, making this a statically
 indeterminate truss in terms of member forces. We can solve for the reaction forces, but not the
force in all the members.

Key Observation

Since a statically determinate truss cannot have more members than the number required for stability, it
is not a fail-safe structure. This means that if one member of the truss were to fail, then the truss
will collapse. This is a major reason for introducing redundant members in truss structures,
especially when public safety is of primary concern.