MECH 223 Unit 2

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UNIT II. ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

Overview

In this unit, you will learn about the three methods of analyzing structures: the
method of joints, method of sections, and method of members. You will be using the
concepts of resultants, moments, and equilibrium, in order to solve problems involving
structures.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this unit, I am able to:


1. Identify the three methods of analysis of structures.
2. Identify which method to use when analyzing structures.

Introduction to Mechanics
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Lesson Proper

Assumptions in simple trusses:

1. The members of the trusses are connected using pins.

2. The weights of the members are negligible compared to the forces acting on them.

3. The forces of the members act axially.

A. Method of Joints

In this method, the concept of equilibrium of concurrent forces is used, by taking the free

body diagram of each joint of a structure to solve for the forces in each member. This

method is best used for solving for the forces of each member of a structure.

Example 1.

Solve for the force in each member of the truss below.

The first step in solving this type of problems is solving for the reactions at points A and F

using moment equations.

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Taking the moment about point F,

∑ M F=0
R A ( 11m )−( 50 kN )( 7 m )− (30 kN ) ( 3 m) =0
y

R A =40 kN
y

After solving for one of the reactions using a moment equation, we can now solve for the

other reaction using a summation of forces.

∑ F y =0
R A + R F −50 kN−30 kN=0
y

50 kN + R F −50 kN −30 kN =0

R F=40 kN

∑ F x =0
R A =0
x

Therefore, R A =√ R2A + R 2A =40 kN


x y

We can now start solving for the members by taking the FBD of the joints. When choosing a

joint to start with, find a joint with only one or two unknow forces.

Joints A and F both have only two unknown forces.

At joint A,

Using summation of forces, ∑ F y =0


40 kN=F A B y

F AB
( √541 )=40 kN
F AB=51.22 kN (compression)

∑ F x =0
F AC =F A B X

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F AC =F AB
( √441 )=( 51.22 kN ) ( √441 )=32 kN (tension)
Since we already solved for FAB, we can now go to point B since there are now only two

unknown forces.

At joint B,

∑ F x =0
F A B =F B D
x x

F AB
( )
4
√ 41
=F BD
( ) 4
√ 17

(51. 22 kN )
( √441 )=F ( √417 )
BD

F BD=32.98 kN (compression)

∑ F y =0
F BC + F A B + F B D =50 kN
y y

F BC + F AB
( √541 )+ F ( √117 )=50 kN
BD

F BC +(51.22 kN )
( √541 )+(32.98 kN )( √117 )=50 kN
F BC =2 kN (compression)

We can repeat the process of taking summation the vertical and horizontal forces of each

joint to solve for the remaining members.

At joint C,

∑ F y =0

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F C D =2 kN
y

F CD
( √12 )=2kN
F CD =2.83 kN (tension)

∑ F x =0
F CE + F C D =32 kN
x

F CE + F CD
( ) 1
√2
=32 kN

F CE +(2.83 kN )
( √12 )=32 kN
F CE=30 kN (tension)

At joint E,

∑ F y =0
F DE =0

∑ F x =0
F EF =FCE =30 kN (tension)

At joint D,

∑ F x =0
F B D =F C D + F D F
x x x

F BD
( √417 )=F ( √12 )+ F ( 45 )
CD DF

(32.98 kN )
( )
4
√ 17
=(2.83 kN )
1
√2 ( ) ()
+ F DF
4
5

F DF =50 kN ( compression )

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We can also check if the forces are correct at joint F,

∑ F y =0
R F=F D F y

40 kN=( 50 kN ) ( 45 )
40 kN=40 kN

∑ F x =0
F D F =F EF
x

( 50 kN ) ( 35 )=30 kN
30 kN =30 kN

Summary:

RA 40 kN upward
RF 40 kN upward
FAB 51.22 kN compression
FAC 32 kN tension
FBD 32.98 kN compression
FBC 2 kN compression
FCD 2.83 kN tension
FCE 30 kN tension
FDE 0 -
FDF 50 kN compression
FEF 30 kN tension

B. Method of Sections

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Method of Sections – in this method, the structure is divided into two sections using a

cutting plane and analyzing one section. This method is useful for solving for the force in a

specific member of a structure. The members that are cut will be replaced with external

forces that are equal to the force transmitted by the members. The external forces of the

other section will be neglected. It is recommended to avoid cutting more than three

members at a time.

Example 2.

Calculate the forces in members BC, BE, and DE in the truss shown below.

Since we have to solve for the forces in members BC, BE, and DE, we have to choose a
cutting plane that intersects these three members.

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By analyzing the left section of the truss that is cut by plane a-a, we can avoid having to
solve for the reactions in joints C and F.

We can choose use summation of forces or moment equations to solve for the unknown
forces in the members.

By summation of the vertical forces,

∑ F y =0
F B E =80 kN + 60 kN
y

F BE ( 295 )=140 kN
F BE=150.78 kN ( tension )

Solving for the total moment about point E,

∑ M E=0
F BC (5 m )= ( 80 kN ) ( 6 m ) + ( 60 kN ) ( 2 m )

F BC =120 kN (compression)

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Solving for the total moment about point B,

∑ M B=0
F DE ( 5 m )=( 80 kN )( 4 m )

F DE =64 kN (tension)

Summary:

FBC 120 kN compression


150.78 tension
FBE
kN
FDE 64 kN tension

In some cases, you might also have to use the method of joints when using the method of
sections when solving for members.

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C. Method of Members (Frames)

Method of Members – this method is used to analyze frames. Frames are pin-connected

structures with three-force members. Three-force members are members that are subjected

to bending loads and are not simply under tension or compression. The force in a three-

force member is non-axial. The FBD of each member of a frame are analyzed individually.

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Example 3.

Solve for the reaction force of the hinge at C as it acts upon member BD in the frame below.

Before analyzing the member BD, we need to solve for the reaction at pin C and B.

Solving for the total moment about point E,

∑ M E=0
R D ( 4 m) =( 24 kN )( 1.5 m )

R D=9 kN

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Analyzing the FBD of member AB,

Taking the moment about point A,

∑ M A =0
( 24 kN ) ( 2m )=BV ( 3 m )

BV =16 kN

Analyzing the FBD of member BD,

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By summation of the vertical forces,

∑ F y =0
R D +C V =BV

9 kN +CV =16 kN

C V =7 kN

Taking the moment about pin B,

∑ M B=0
R D ( 3.5 m )+C V ( 1.5 m )=C H (1.5 m)

( 9 kN )( 3.5 m ) + ( 7 kN )( 1.5 m )=C H ( 1.5 m )

C H =28 kN

Using the Pythagorean theorem,

C=√ C2H +C2V

C=√ ( 28 kN ) + ( 7 kN )
2 2

C=28.86 kN

Solving for the angle,

θ=tan
−1
( )
CV
CH
=tan
−1 7 kN
(
28 kN )
θ=14.04 °

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REFERENCES
Analysis of Structures. (n.d.). Retrieved from Mathalino:
https://mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-mechanics/analysis-structures

Singer, F. L. (1975). Engineering Mechanics Statics and Dynamics (Third ed.). New York: Harper &
Row.

Introduction to Mechanics

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