Analysis of Trusses

Roof support Bridge

Cranes Electric Tower

 A framework composed of members joined at their ends to form a
rigid structure is called a truss.
 Rigid Structure

Axially Loaded Members

Rigid Non-collapsible and deformation of

the members due to induced internal strains is
negligible.
 Types of Trusses
Plane Trusses
Bridge Trusses Roof Trusses

Space Trusses
 Internal and External Redundancy
External Redundancy More additional supports

Internal Redundancy
If m + 3 = 2j, then the truss is statically determinate structure

If m + 3 > 2j, then the truss is redundant structure (statically

indeterminate structure)
[more members than independent equations]

If m + 3 < 2j, then the truss is unstable structure (will collapse under
external load)
[deficiency of internal members]

For statically determinate trusses, 2j equations for a truss with j joints is equal to
m+3 (m two force members and having the maximum of three unknown support
reactions)
Method of Joints
Q. Compute the force in each member of the loaded
cantilever truss by the method of joints.
 Zero Force Members

These members are not useless.

They do not carry any loads under the loading conditions shown,
but the same members would probably carry loads if the loading
conditions were changed.

These members are needed to support the weight of the truss and
to maintain the truss in the desired shape.
Method of sections
Determine the force in members FH, GH, and GI of the roof truss
Calculate the forces in members BC, BE, and EF. Solve for each
force from an equilibrium equation which contains that force
as the only unknown