Calculating Truss Forces

Principles of Engineering © 2012 Project Lead The Way, Inc.

 Forces
Compression

A body being squeezed

Tension

A body being stretched

 Truss
A truss is composed of slender members
joined together at their end points.
They are usually joined by welds or
gusset plates.
 Simple Truss
A simple truss is composed of triangles,
which will retain their shape even when
removed from supports.
 Pinned and Roller
Supports
A pinned support can
support a structure in two
dimensions.

A roller support can

support a structure
in only one
dimension.
 Solving Truss
Forces
Assumptions:

All members are perfectly straight.

All loads are applied at the joints.
All joints are pinned and frictionless.
Each member has no weight.
Members can only experience
tension or compression forces.

What risks might these assumptions pose

if we were designing an actual bridge?
 Static
Determinacy
A statically determinate structure is one
that can be mathematically solved.

2J = M + R
J = Number of Joints
M = Number of Members
R = Number of Reactions
 Statically Indeterminate
B
Each pin
connection
contributes
A C TWO reaction
forces
D

FD = 500 lb
A truss is considered statically indeterminate
when the static equilibrium equations are not
sufficient to find the reactions on that structure.
There are simply too many unknowns.
2J = M + R
Try It

2(4) ≠ 5 + 4
 Statically Determinate
B
Is the truss
statically
determinate
now?
A C
D

FD = 500 lb

A truss is considered statically determinate when

the static equilibrium equations can be used to find
the reactions on that structure.
2J = M + R
Try It

2(4) = 5 + 3
 Static Determinacy
Example

Each side of the main street bridge in Brockport, NY has

19 joints, 35 members, and three reaction forces (pin
and roller), making it a statically determinate truss.

2 J M  R What if these
numbers
2 19  35  3 were
different?

38 38
 Equilibrium Equations
How PLTW likes to express the equations of equilibrium:

Linear Equilibrium: 𝜮Fy = 0 𝜮Fx = 0

Rotational Equilibrium: 𝜮M = 0

How I like to express the equations of equilibrium:

Linear Equilibrium:

𝜮Fup = 𝜮Fdown 𝜮Fleft

= 𝜮Fright
Rotational Equilibrium:
 Let’s do an
example: B

4 ft

A C
D
FD = 500 lb

3 ft 7 ft

Consider the above truss, pinned at point A, resting on a roller at point C,

and with an downward applied force of 500 lb at point D.

Our task: Determine all reaction forces at the pins/rollers and all internal forces
within each member.
 Shefler’s Recipe for solving
trusses
(My version of the “Method
of Joints”)
Step 0: Confirm that the truss is statically determinate. If it’s not,
you can stop.

Step 1: Consider the truss as a single object. Use the given applied
forces and the equations of equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ; 𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ;
𝝨Mcw = 𝝨Mccw ) to determine the direction and magnitude of all
reaction forces at any pins or rollers.

Step 2: Use basic trig (sin, cos, tan) to determine the angles of
triangles in your truss.

Step 3: One joint at a time, consider each joint as its own separate
object, use the known applied and reaction forces and the equations
of linear equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ; 𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ) to determine
internal forces within each member.
Step 0: Confirm that the truss is statically determinate.

There are 5 members:

B AB, AD, BD, BC, an DC,
so M = 5

4 ft There are 4 joints:

A, B, C, and D,
so J = 4.

A C
D The pin can have
two reaction forces,
FD = 500 lb
one vertical and
one horizontal. The
3 ft
roller can have one
7 ft
vertical reaction
force. So R = 3

Does 2J = M + R?
2(4) = 5 + 3?
Yes! 👍
Step 1: Consider the truss as a single object. Use the given applied
forces and the equations of equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ; 𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ; 𝝨Mcw
= 𝝨Mccw ) to determine the direction and magnitude of all reaction forces
at any pins or rollers. B Imagine if the
truss could pivot
about Point A. If
the applied force
4 ft FD were the only
force acting on
RCY the truss, the it
A C would be rotating
clockwise due to
D this force.
FD = 500 lb
There must be a
force causing a
3 ft 7 ft counter-clockwise
moment.

This force is the

𝝨Mcw = 𝝨Mccw reaction force RCY.

(500 lb)(3 ft) = (RCY)(10 ft)

So, RCY = 150 lb

Step 1: Consider the truss as a single object. Use the given applied
forces and the equations of equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ; 𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ; 𝝨Mcw
= 𝝨Mccw ) to determine the direction and magnitude of all reaction forces
at any pins or rollers. B We now know we
have 500 lb of
downward force
and 150 lb of
4 ft upward force.
RAY RCY =
150 But the upward
lb and downward
A C
forces must
D balance.
FD = 500 lb
The rest of the
upward force
3 ft 7 ft
must be reaction
force RAY.

𝝨Fdown = 𝝨Fup

500 lb = RAY + 150

lb

So, RAY = 350 lb

Step 1: Consider the truss as a single object. Use the given applied
forces and the equations of equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ; 𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ; 𝝨Mcw
= 𝝨Mccw ) to determine the direction and magnitude of all reaction forces
at any pins or rollers. B Since Point A is
pinned, it is
allowed to exert a
horizontal
4 ft RAY = reaction force in
RCY =
350 addition to a
150 vertical one.
lb
lb
A C
However, there
D are no left or right
applied forces to
FD = 500 lb
push or pull
against.
3 ft 7 ft
Therefore, for this
truss we can say
RAX = 0 lb.
So now, between the applied forces and the reaction forces, we know all
of the external forces acting on this truss, preventing it from moving up-
and-down, side-to-side, or twisting.
B

4 ft RAY =
RCY =
350
150
lb
lb
A C
D
FD = 500 lb

3 ft 7 ft

Our next steps will be to investigate the internal forces in each individual
member.
Step 2: Use basic trig (sin, cos, tan) to determine the angles of triangles
in your truss.

4 ft RAY =
RCY =
350
150
𝜽
lb
lb
A ɸ C
D
FD = 500 lb

3 ft 7 ft

tan 𝜽 = 4/3 tan ɸ = 4/7

𝜽 = tan-1 (4/3) = ɸ = tan-1 (4/7) =

53.13o 29.74o
Step 3: One joint at a time, consider each joint as its own separate object,
use the known applied and reaction forces and the equations of linear
equilibrium (𝝨Fup = 𝝨Fdown ;
𝝨Fleft = 𝝨Fright ) to determine internal forces within each member.
B

4 ft RAY =
RCY =
350
150
A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
D
FD = 500 lb

3 ft 7 ft
 B

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
D
FD = 500 lb

Let’s start considering Point A.

Since there is an upward force of 350 lb, there must also be a downward
force
of 350 lb or else the joint would not be in equilibrium.

This downward force must be an internal force exerted by one of the beam
members.
 B

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
D
BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

So the beam member between Points A and B must be pushing down and
to the left on Point A such that the vertical component of this force = 350
lb.

There must therefore also be a horizontal component to this force. We can

find this x-component of force BD by using trigonometry:

tan 𝜽 = (BAy)/(BAx)
 BA = 437 lb

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
D
BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

To determine the resultant force BA, you can use the Pythagorean
Theorem:

BA2 = (262 lb)2 + (350 lb)2

BA = 437 lb

Since the beam between points A and B is pushing outward at point A with
a force of 437 lb, it must also be pushing outward at point B with the same
 BA = 437 lb

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
AD = 262 lb D

BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

We’re almost done with Point A!

Since there’s a leftward push of 262 lb, there must also be a rightward pull
of equal magnitude to balance it.

This pull must be due to the beam member between Points A and D pulling
on Point A.

Thus AD must = 262 lb.

 BA = 437 lb

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15o
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
AD = 262 lb D

BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

Now we’re done with Part A!

Let’s pick a point adjacent to Point A to do next.

Point B has a lot of forces at different angles, making it difficult, so let’s

come back to that one.

Let’s do Point D next!

 BA = 437 lb

RAY =
RCY =
350
150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb

BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

Since the beam member between Points A and D is pulling inward at point
A, it must also be pulling inward at point D.

Since AD is pulling Point D to the left, the force from the beam member
between Points C and D must be pulling toward the right to balance things.
So CD must = 262 lb.

Since the beam member between Points C and d is pulling inward at Point
D, it must also be pulling inward at point C.
 BA = 437 lb

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb

BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb

We’ve balanced left and right at Point C. Now we need to balance up and
down.

Since there’s a downward pull of 500 lb due to the applied force, there must
be an upward force of 500 lb keeping Point D in balance.

That 500 lb force must an upward pull due to the beam member between
Points B and D.
 BA = 437 lb

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC
BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
= 150 lb
We’re all done with Point D! Let’s move on to Point C.

We know C is being pulled 262 lb to the left and pushed 150 lb. up.

In order for there to be balance, there must be a 262 lb rightward force and
150 lb downward force.

These must be the x- and y-components of the force beam member BC is

exerting at Point C
 BA = 437 lb
BC = 302 lb
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC = 302 lb
BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
= 150 lb
We can use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the resultant force BC:

BC2 = (150 lb)2 + (262 lb)2

BC = 302 lb

Since beam member BC is pushing outward with a force of 302 lb at point

C, it must also be pushing outward with a force of 302 lb at point B.
 BA = 437 lb
BC = 302 lb
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC = 302 lb
BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
= 150 lb
Note: Not only are we done with Point C, but we’re done with Point B too!

Now all that remains is this:

Step 4: Based on whether each member is pushing outward or pulling

inward, determine whether each member is experiencing tension or
compression.)
Step 4: Based on whether each member is pushing outward or pulling
inward, determine whether each member is experiencing tension or
compression.) BA = 437 lb
BC = 302 lb
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC = 302 lb
BA = 437 lb BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
= 150 lb
Consider each beam member exerting forces outward. These beams are
pushing their endpoints away from them.

Imagine being trapped in a confined space, using your arms to try to push
against the walls of whatever is confining you.

Since these members are being squeezed and pushing outward, they are
experiencing compression.

The beams experiencing compression in this case are AB and BC.

Step 4: Based on whether each member is pushing outward or pulling
inward, determine whether each member is experiencing tension or
compression.) BA = 437 lb (C)
BC = 302 lb (C)
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC = 302 lb (C)
BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
BA = 437 lb (C) = 150 lb
Consider each beam member exerting forces outward. These beams are
pushing their endpoints away from them.

Imagine being trapped in a confined space, using your arms to try to push
against the walls of whatever is confining you.

Since these members are being squeezed and pushing outward, they are
experiencing compression.

The beams experiencing compression in this case are BA and BC.

Step 4: Based on whether each member is pushing outward or pulling
inward, determine whether each member is experiencing tension or
compression.) BA = 437 lb (C)
BC = 302 lb (C)
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb
RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb 150
BAx = 262 lb A 𝜽 = 53.15oCD = 262 lb
lb
lb
ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb D CD = 262 lb
BCy BC = 302 lb (C)
BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
BA = 437 lb (C) = 150 lb
Consider each beam member exerting forces inward. These beams are pulling their
endpoints toward them.

Imagine playing tug-of-war with two people. One of these people is to your left,
holding the other end of a rope you’re holding with your left hand. Other person is to
your right, holding the other end of a rope you’re holding with your right hand. They’re
pulling outwardly on you, and you’re pulling inwardly back on them.

Since these members are being stretched and pulling inward, they are experiencing
tension.
Step 4: Based on whether each member is pushing outward or pulling
inward, determine whether each member is experiencing tension or
compression.) BA = 437 lb (C)
BC = 302 lb (C)
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb (T)

RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb (T) 150

𝜽 = 53.15
lb
lb
BAx = 262 lb A CD
o = 262 lb (T)ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb (T)D CD = 262 lb
(T) BCy BC = 302 lb (C)
BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
BA = 437 lb (C) = 150 lb
Consider each beam member exerting forces inward. These beams are pulling their
endpoints toward them.

Imagine playing tug-of-war with two people. One of these people is to your left,
holding the other end of a rope you’re holding with your left hand. Other person is to
your right, holding the other end of a rope you’re holding with your right hand. They’re
pulling outwardly on you, and you’re pulling inwardly back on them

Since these members are being stretched and pulling inward, they are experiencing
tension.
AT LAST WE ARE DONE!!!!

BA = 437 lb (C)
BC = 302 lb (C)
B

RAY = BD = 500 lb (T)

RCY =
350
BD = 500 lb (T) 150

𝜽 = 53.15
lb
lb
BAx = 262 lb A CD
o = 262 lb (T)ɸ = 29.74 o C BCx = 262 lb
AD = 262 lb (T)D CD = 262 lb
(T) BCy BC = 302 lb (C)
BAy = 350 lb FD = 500 lb
BA = 437 lb (C) = 150 lb

REACTION FORCES: INTERNAL FORCES:

RAY = 0 lb BA = 437 lb (Compression)

RAY = 350 lb AD = 262 lb (Tension)
RCY = 150 lb BD = 500 lb (Tension)
CD = 262 lb (Tension)
BC = 302 lb (Compression)