MECH 223 Unit 2
MECH 223 Unit 2
MECH 223 Unit 2
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:
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Lesson Proper
2. The weights of the members are negligible compared to the forces acting on them.
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.
The first step in solving this type of problems is solving for the reactions at points A and F
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∑ 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
∑ 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
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.
At joint A,
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
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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∑ 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.
∑ F y =0
F B E =80 kN + 60 kN
y
F BE ( 295 )=140 kN
F BE=150.78 kN ( tension )
∑ M E=0
F BC (5 m )= ( 80 kN ) ( 6 m ) + ( 60 kN ) ( 2 m )
F BC =120 kN (compression)
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∑ M B=0
F DE ( 5 m )=( 80 kN )( 4 m )
F DE =64 kN (tension)
Summary:
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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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.
∑ M E=0
R D ( 4 m) =( 24 kN )( 1.5 m )
R D=9 kN
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∑ M A =0
( 24 kN ) ( 2m )=BV ( 3 m )
BV =16 kN
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∑ F y =0
R D +C V =BV
9 kN +CV =16 kN
C V =7 kN
∑ M B=0
R D ( 3.5 m )+C V ( 1.5 m )=C H (1.5 m)
C H =28 kN
C=√ ( 28 kN ) + ( 7 kN )
2 2
C=28.86 kN
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