0

A Strong Partner for Sustainable Development

Module
In
CE 103

STRUCTURAL THEORY

College of Engineering and Technology

Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering
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Module No. 3

Analysis of Statically Determinate

Trusses

First Semester AY 2021 - 2022

Ryan A. Limco
Instructor II

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Table of Contents

Content Page

Title Page 1
Table of Contents 2
Instruction to User 3
Introduction 4
Chapter 3
Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses 5
Overview 5
Learning Outcomes 5
Pretest 6
Lesson 1: Trusses: Definition; Types, Assumptions, and
Classifications of Trusses; Determinacy and Stability of Trusses 7
Specific Learning Outcomes 7
Time Allotment 7
Discussion 7
1.1 Definitions 7
1.2 Common types of Trusses 8
1.3 Assumptions for Truss Design 16
1.4 Classification of Coplanar Trusses 19
1.5 Determinacy and Stability of Coplanar Trusses 19
Lesson 2: Analysis of Coplanar Trusses 22
Specific Learning Outcomes 22
Time Allotment 22
Discussion 23
2.1 Analysis of Simple Truss 23
2.2 Analysis of Compound Truss 52
2.3 Analysis of Complex Truss 56
Lesson 3: Analysis of Space Truss 58
Specific Learning Outcomes 58
Time Allotment 58
Discussion 59
3.1 Determinacy and Stability of Space Truss 59
3.2 Support Reactions in Space Truss 60
3.3 x, y, z Force Components 60
3.4 Zero Force Members 61
Exercises/Activities 65
Evaluation/Post-test 67
References 70

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INSTRUCTION TO THE USER

This module would provide you an educational experience while

independently accomplishing the task at your own pace or time. It aims as
well to ensure that learning is unhampered by health and other challenges. It
covers the topic about the Analysis of Statically Determinate Structures.

Reminders in using this module:

1. Keep this material neat and intact.

2. Answer the pretest first to measure what you know and what to be
learned about the topic discussed in this module.
3. Accomplish the activities and exercises as aids and reinforcement for
better understanding of the lessons.
4. Answer the post-test to evaluate your learning.
5. Do not take pictures in any parts of this module nor post it to social
media platforms.
6. Value this module for your own learning by heartily and honestly
answering and doing the exercises and activities. Time and effort were
spent in the preparation in order that learning will still continue amidst
this Covid-19 pandemic.
7. Observe health protocols: wear mask, sanitize and maintain physical
distancing.

Hi! I’m Blue Bee, your WPU Mascot.

Welcome to Western Philippines University!

Shape your dreams with quality learning experience.

STAY SAFE AND HEALTHY!

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INTRODUCTION

Structural Theory is a professional course common to all civil engineering

students designed to provide fundamental concepts, principles, and theories of
structures and structural analysis for internal actions in a structure and its
deformations under load.
This course is vital in building foundation needed to perform analysis of
structure and to prepare the students in structural design courses.
This module focuses on the background on structural engineering and theories
of structural analysis of determinate and indeterminate structures.
The module includes discussions as input about the topic. Problems with
detailed solutions are also included. Enhancement activities and exercise problems are
also provided to reinforce the understanding of the topics.
As user, you are expected to read the discussions carefully, solve the sample
problems and follow instructions provided while performing the activities and
exercises. You may use books, internet and other references to further your knowledge
on the topics.

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Chapter 3

Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses

Overview

Module 3 covers the definition, assumptions, classifications of coplanar trusses,

analysis of coplanar and space trusses. The module includes three lessons: Lesson 1 –
Trusses: Definition, Types, Assumptions and Classifications of Trusses, Lesson 2 –
Analysis of Coplanar Trusses and Lesson 3 – Analysis of Space Truss.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the module, you can:

1. Identify common types of trusses.
2. Classify coplanar trusses.
3. Identify the determinacy and stability of coplanar and space trusses.
4. Analyze stress on members of the simple truss by method of joints,
method of section, and Graphical method (Maxwell diagram).
5. Analyze compound trusses.
6. Analyze complex trusses.
7. Analyze space trusses.

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C. Pre Test

Hello learner! Before we begin with our discussion, please try to answer the
following test. Don’t worry about your performance. This test aims to assess your
prior knowledge on the topic and your score will not be recorded.

Test I. Identification.

Directions: Name the following roof and bridge trusses.

1. __________________ 2. __________________ 3.
___________________

4. _____________________ 5. ________________
6.____________________

7. _____________________ 8. _________________ 9.
___________________

10. ____________________ 11. ___________________ 12.________________

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Lesson 1

Trusses: Definition; Types, Assumptions, and Classifications of

Trusses; Determinacy and Stability of Trusses

A. Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Define truss.
2. Explain the assumptions in the analysis of statically determinate truss.
3. Identify common types of truss.
4. Classify coplanar truss.
5. Solve for the determinacy and identify stability of coplanar trusses.

B. Time allotment: 3 hours

C. Discussion

1.1 Definitions

A truss is one of the major types of engineering structures which

provides a practical and economical solution for may engineering constructions,
especially in the design of bridges and buildings that demand large spans.
They consist of straight members i. e. bars, connected at their extremities
through joints. Therefore, no member is continuous through a joint.
All the members lie on a plane, while the loads carried by the truss, are only
concentrated forces that act on the joints and lie on the same plane.
When a concentrated load is to be applied between two joints, or a distributed
load is to be supported by the truss – as in the case of a bridge truss – a floor system
must be provided, in order to transmit the load to the joints.
Although the members are actually joined together by means of bolted or
welded connections, it is assumed that they are pinned together. So, the forces acting
at each end of a member are only axial, without the existence of bending moments or
shear forces.
Each member can be treated as a two-force member, in which the two forces
are applied at the ends of it. These forces are necessary equal, opposite and collinear
for equilibrium.
The entire truss can therefore be considered as a group of pins and two-force
members, which obviously are either in tension or in compression.

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The basic element of a plane truss is the triangle. Three joined by pins at their
ends constitute a rigid frame. The structure may be may be extended by additional
bars through a joint to form a rigid, i.e. non-collapsible structure.

1.2 Common Types of Trusses

1.2.1 Roof Trusses. In general, the roof load is transmitted to the truss by a series
of purlins. The roof truss along with its supporting columns

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Pratt Truss – This truss was patented in 1844 by two Boston railway engineers; Caleb
Pratt and his son Thomas Willis Pratt. The design uses vertical beams
for compression and horizontal beams to respond to tension. What is
remarkable about this style is that it remained popular even as wood
gave way to iron, and even still as iron gave way to steel.
Howe Truss –This is relatively rare Howe truss, patented in 1840 by Massachusetts
millwright William Howe. It includes vertical members and diagonals
that slope up towards the center, the opposite of the Pratt truss. In
contrast to the Pratt Truss, the diagonal web members are in
compression and the vertical web members are in tension.
Warren Truss -The Warren truss was patented in 1848 by its designers James
Warren and Willoughby Theobald Monzani. This truss and consists of
longitudinal members joined only by angled cross-members, forming
alternately inverted equilateral triangle-shaped spaces along its length,
ensuring that no individual strut, beam, or tie is subject to bending or
torsional

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Parts of Timber Truss

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Pratt Truss Fink Truss

Howe Truss Belgian Truss

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X – truss Scissor Truss

K – truss Bowstring Truss

Warren Truss Bowstring Truss (Alternate)

Warren Truss with Vertical Bars Bowstring K-truss

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1.2.2 Bridge Trusses

The load is transmitted by the deck to a

series of stringers and then to a set of floor beams.
The floor beams are supported by two parallel
trusses. The supporting trusses are connected top
and bottom by lateral bracing. Additional stability
may be provided by portal and sway bracing.

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1.3 Assumptions for Truss Design

To design both the members and connections of a truss, the force in each member
for a given loading must be determined.

Two important assumptions were made in truss analysis:

1. All members are connected at both ends by smooth frictionless pins.
 The stress produced in these elements is called the primary stress.
 The pin assumption is valid for bolted or welded connections if the
members are concurrent.
 However, since the connection does provide some rigidity, the bending
introduced in the members is called secondary stress.
 Secondary stress analysis is not commonly performed
2. All loads are applied at joints (member weight is negligible).
 Since the weight of each member is small compared to the member force,
the member weight is often neglected.
 However, when the member weight is considered, it is applied at the end of
each member.
 Because of these two assumptions, each truss member is a two-force
member with either a compressive (C) or a tensile (T) axial force.
 In general, compression members are bigger to help with instability due to
buckling.

Notes: Centroids of all joint members coincide at the joint.

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All members are straight.

All load conditions satisfy Hooke’s law.

1.4 Classification of Coplanar Trusses

There are three classifications of coplanar trusses: the Simple Truss, Compound
Truss, and Complex Truss.

1.4.1 Simple Truss

The simplest framework that is rigid or stable is a triangle.

 Therefore, a simple truss is constructed starting with a basic triangular
element and connecting two members to form additional elements.
 As each additional element of two members is placed on a truss, the number
of joints is increased by one.

1.4.2 Compound Truss

 This truss is formed by connecting two or more simple trusses together.

 This type of truss is often used for large spans.

There are three ways in which simple trusses may be connected to form a compound
truss:

1. Truss may be connected by a common joint and a bar.

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2. Trusses may be joined by three bars.

3. Trusses may be joined where bars of a large simple truss, called the main
truss, have been substituted by simple trusses, called secondary trusses.

1.4.3 Complex Truss

This truss cannot be classified as being either simple or compound.

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1.5 Determinacy and Stability of Coplanar Trusses

1.5.1 Determinacy of Coplanar Trusses

 Since all the elements of a truss are two-force members, the moment
equilibrium is automatically satisfied.
 Therefore, there are two equations of equilibrium for each joint, j, in a truss. If
r is the number of reactions and b is the number of bar members in the truss,
determinacy is obtained by

𝑏 + 𝑟 = 2𝑗 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒
𝑏 + 𝑟 > 2𝑗 𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑚𝑖𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑒

 In particular the degree of indeterminacy is specified by the difference in the

numbers (𝑏 + 𝑟) − 2𝑗.

1.5.2 Stability of Coplanar Trusses

 If b + r < 2j, a truss will be unstable, which means the structure will
collapse since there are not enough reactions to constrain all the joints.
 A truss may also be unstable if b + r ≥ 2j. In this case, stability will be
determined by inspection.

𝑏 + 𝑟 < 2𝑗 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒
𝑏 + 𝑟 ≥ 2𝑗 𝑢𝑛𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒 𝑖𝑓 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑠 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑟𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑠 𝑎𝑟𝑒
𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑟 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑜𝑟 𝑖𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒
𝑐𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑠𝑠 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚 𝑎 𝑐𝑜𝑙𝑙𝑎𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑏𝑙𝑒
𝑚𝑒𝑐ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑖𝑠𝑚

1.5.3 External Stability

 A structure (truss) is externally unstable if its reactions are concurrent or

parallel.

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1.5.4 Internal Stability

Internal stability may be determined by inspection of the arrangement of the

truss members.

 A simple truss will always be internally stable.

 The stability of a compound truss is determined by examining how the simple
trusses are connected.
 The stability of a complex truss can often be difficult to determine by
inspection.
 In general, the stability of any truss may be checked by performing a complete
analysis of the structure. If a unique solution can be found for the set of
equilibrium equations, then the truss is stable.

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Example 1. Classify each of the trusses in the figure below as stable, unstable,
statically determinate, or statically indeterminate. The trusses are subjected to
arbitrary external loadings that are assumed to be known and can act anywhere on the
trusses.

Solution:

Externally stable, since the reactions are not concurrent or parallel. Since b = 19, r =
3, j = 11, then b + r = 2j or 22 = 22. Therefore, the truss is statically determinate.
By inspection the truss is internally stable.

Externally stable. Since b = 15, r = 4, j = 9, then b + r > 2j or 19 > 18. The truss is
statically indeterminate to the first degree. By inspection the truss is internally stable.

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Externally stable. Since b = 9, r = 3, j = 6, then b + r = 2j or 12 = 12. The truss is

statically determinate. By inspection the truss is internally stable.

Externally stable. Since b = 12, r = 3, j = 8, then b + r < 2j or 15 < 16. The truss is
internally unstable.

Lesson 2

Analysis of Plane Trusses

A. Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Analyze simple truss using method of joints.

2. Analyze simple truss using method of section.
3. Analyze simple truss using graphical method (Maxwell Diagram).
4. Analyze compound truss.
5. Analyze complex truss.

B. Time allotment: 9 hours

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C. Discussion

2.1 Analysis of Simple Truss

The analysis of trusses is usually based on the following simplifying assumptions:

 The centroidal axis of each member coincides with the line connecting the
centers of the adjacent members and the members only carry axial force.

 All members are connected only at their ends by frictionless hinges in plane
trusses.

 All loads and support reactions are applied only at the joints.

The reason for making these assumptions is to obtain an ideal truss, i.e., a truss
whose members are subjected only to axial forces.

Primary Forces - member axial forces determined from the analysis of an ideal
truss

Secondary Forces - deviations from the idealized forces, i.e., shear and bending
forces in a truss member.

Our focus will be on primary forces. If large secondary forces are anticipated, the truss
should be analyzed as a frame.

2.1.1 Method of Joints

Method of Joints - the axial forces in the members of a statically

determinate truss are determined by considering the equilibrium of its
joints.

Tensile(T) axial member force is indicated on the joint by an arrow pulling

away from the joint.

Compressive(C) axial member force is indicated by an arrow pushing toward the joint.

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Example 2. Solve for the stresses in the members of the truss shown using methods
of joints.

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2.1.2 Zero - Force Members

(a) If only two noncollinear members are connected to a joint that has no
external loads or reactions applied to it, then the force in both members is
zero.
(b) If three members, two of which are collinear, are connected to a joint that has no
external loads or reactions applied to it, then the force in the member that is not
collinear is zero.

Example 3. Using the method of joints, indicate all the members of the truss shown
in the figure below that have zero force.

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Solution:

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Example 4. Determine all the member forces and identify the zero – force
members.

Solution:

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2.1.3 Method of Sections

The method of sections enables one to determine forces in specific truss

members directly.

Method of Sections involves cutting the truss into two portions (free body
diagrams, FBD) by passing an imaginary section through the members whose forces
are desired. Desired member forces are determined by considering equilibrium of one
of the two FBD of the truss.

Method of sections can be used to determine three unknown member forces

per FBD since all three equilibrium equations can be used.

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Example 5. Solve for the member force BC, GC and GF.

Example 6. Determine members force CD, ID and IH.

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Example 7. Determine the force in members GF and GD of the truss shown in the
figure below. State whether the members are in tension or compression. The reactions
at the supports have been calculated.

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Solution:

Example 8. Determine the force in members BC and MC of the K-truss shown in the
figure below. State whether the members are in tension or compression. The reactions
at the supports have been calculated.

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2.1.4 Graphical Method (Maxwell Diagram)

Assign letter between the forces acting on the truss in a clockwise manner and
numbers inside the truss from left to right.

The name of the member will be based on the designated letters or numbers
that includes it, i.e., members A1, 12, H1, 23, 2G, B3, 34, C4, 45, F5, 56, E6 and D6.

Figure 3.1

Draw the diagram to start with the Maxwell diagram by assigning a scale, e.g. 1
cm = 1 kN. (Note: You can use any scale convenient to you.) Start with letter A taking
a clockwise rotation. The diagram must close on the starting point. As we can see in
figure 1, between A and B the load is 10 kN downward force, meaning we have to draw

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10 units downward to represent the said load where point A on the starting point and
B at the terminal point.

Figure 3.2

Do the same for B to C and C to D. Refer the magnitude on figure 1.

Figure 3.3

In figure 1, there is 18 kN upward force reaction between D and E. In the diagram we

have to draw 18 units upward from D to E.

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Figure 3.4

There is 2 kN downward force to point E to F, 2 kN from F to G and another 2

kN from point G to H (See figure 1). Draw lines to represent equivalent forces.

Figure 3.5

Lastly, between point H to A there is 18 kN upward reaction (Refer to figure 1).

This will close the diagram. This will prove that the system is in equilibrium condition.

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Figure 3.6

Let us now find the location of point 1 in the diagram. As we can see in the truss
shown in figure 1, there are three members with 1 in its name; they are A1, H1 and 12.
In our Maxwell Diagram, it is possible to connect 1 from A and H as point 2 doesn’t
exist yet (see figure 3.6). Draw a line with the same inclination with the member A1
from point A.

Figure 3.7

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Then, draw another line with the same inclination with member H1 from point H.

Figure 3.8

Extend those two lines. The point of intersection is the location of point 1 in our
diagram.

Figure 3.9

To determine the reaction at member A1 measure the distance from Point A to

Point 1 in the Maxwell diagram. Do the same to determine the reaction of member H1.
(Note: you have to consider the assigned scale.)

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Figure 3.10

Member A1 measures 40.2492 units = 40.2492 kN and member H1 measures

36 units = 36 kN. To determine whether the reaction is tension or compression,
consider figure 3.11. At joint α as reference shown in figure 3.11, we shall name the
member in a clockwise manner, i.e. A1 and 1H. Now, compare in the figure 3.10. From
point A to 1 (referred from its name A1, take A as initial point and 1 as terminal point),
it is directed toward bottom left. This only means that member A1 has its reaction
directed to joint α in figure 3.11 and is considered COMPRESSION. For member 1H in
figure 3.10 (taking 1 as initial point and H as terminal point based on its name), it is
directed to the right. This means that member 1H in figure 3.11 has its reaction directed
to the right and is also directed away from point α is considered TENSION.

Figure 3.11

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Let us now connect point 1 to 2. Member 12 is a vertical member so there is a

tendency that 2 is above or below point 1. Furthermore, member 2G is horizontal.
Draw a horizontal line form G. Since, G is above point 1 then 2 is above point 1 not
below.

Figure 3.12

The point of intersection of the line drawn from 1 and the line drawn from G is
the location of point 2 shown in figure 3.13.

Figure 3.13

Consider Joint psi (Ψ) in naming the members shown in figure 3.13. Taking the
clockwise manner the members are as follows: 12, 2G, and H1. As shown in figure 3.13,

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member 12 is directed upward and is considered TENSION as 12 is directed away from

joint psi (Ψ) in figure 3.14. Member 2G is directed to the right in figure 3.13 and is
considered as TENSION as 2G is directed away from Joint psi (Ψ) in figure 3.14. H1 is
directed to the left in figure 3.13 and is considered TENSION as 1H is directed away
from Joint psi (Ψ) in figure 3.14, which also conforms to the findings in figure 3.11.

Figure 3.14

Member 12 measures 2 units = 2 kN (Tension) and member 2G measures 36

units = 36 kN (Tension) as shown in figure 3.15.

Figure 3.15

Draw a line with the same inclination as member B3 in figure 1. Draw a line that
will connect 2 to 3 with the same inclination with 23 in Figure 1.

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Figure 3.15

Locate the intersection of those lines to locate point 3.

Figure 3.16

Consider Joint β in figure 3.17. The members names are: B3, 32, 21, and 1A. In
figure 3.16 member B3 is pointing on bottom left and is directed towards joint β in
figure 3.17, will be considered as COMPRESSION. Member 32 is directed towards
upper left in figure 3.16 and is directed towards joint β in figure 3.17, will be considered
COMPRESSION. Member 21 is directed downward in figure 3.16 and is directed
towards joint β in figure 3.17, will be considered COMPRESSION. Member 1A is

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directed upper right in figure 3.16 and is directed towards joint β in figure 3.17, will be
considered COMPRESSION.

Figure 3.17

Member B3 measures 26.8328 units = 26.8328 kN (Compression) and

member 32 measures 13.4164 units = 13.4164 kN (Compression).

Figure 3.18

To locate point 4, draw a line with the same inclination of member C4 from
point C and a vertical line from point 3 as member 34 is vertical member in figure 1.

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Figure 3.19

Extend those lines. The point of intersection is the location of point 4.

Figure 3.20

The members on figure 3.21 are C4, 43 and 3B with joint zeta (ζ) as reference.
Considering figure 3.20, member C4 is directed upper left and is directed towards zeta
(ζ) in figure 3.21, will be considered COMPRESSION. Member 43 is directed upward
and is directed towards zeta (ζ) in figure 3.21, will be considered COMPRESSION.
Member 3B is directed upper right and is directed towards zeta (ζ) in figure 3.21, will
be considered COMPRESSION.

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Figure 3.21

Member 43 measures 14 units = 14 kN (Compression) and member C4 measures

26.8328 units = 26.8328 kN (Compression) as shown in figure 3.22.

Figure 3.22

To locate point 5, draw a line from point 4 with the same inclination as member
45 in figure 1 and a horizontal line from point F as it is horizontal member shown in
figure 1.

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Figure 3.23

Extend those lines. The point of intersection is the location of point 5.

Figure 3.24

The members on figure 3.24 are 34, 45, 5F, 2G and 23 with joint mu (μ) as
reference. Considering figure 3.24, member 34 is directed upward and is directed away
from joint mu (μ) in figure 3.25, will be considered TENSION. Member 45 is directed
bottom left and is directed towards joint mu (μ) in figure 3.25, will be considered
COMPRESSION. Member 5F is directed to the right and is directed away from joint
mu (μ) in figure 3.25, will be considered TENSION. Member 23 is directed bottom
right and is directed towards joint mu (μ) in figure 3.25, will be considered
COMPRESSION.

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Figure 3.25

Member 45 measures 13.4164 units = 13.4164 kN (Compression) and member

5F measures 36 units = 36 kN (Tension) as shown in figure 3.26.

Figure 3.26

To locate point 6, draw a vertical line from point 5 and a horizontal line from
point E as member 56 is vertical and member 6E is horizontal shown in figure 1.

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Figure 3.27
Extend those lines. The point of intersection is the location of point 5.

Figure 3.28
The members on figure 3.28 are 56, 6E, and F5 with joint phi (ϕ) as reference.
Considering figure 3.28, member 56 is directed upward and is directed away from joint
phi (ϕ) in figure 3.29, will be considered TENSION. Member 6E is directed to the right
and is directed away from joint phi (ϕ) in figure 3.29, will be considered TENSION.
Member F5 is directed to the left and is directed away from joint phi (ϕ) in figure 3.29,
will be considered TENSION.

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Figure 3.28
Member 56 measures 2 units = 2 kN (Tension) and member 6E measures
36 units = 36 kN (Tension) as shown in figure 3.28.

Figure 3.28
Draw a line from point D with the same inclination of the member D6 shown in
figure 1.

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Figure 3.29
This line should intersect point 6.

Figure 3.30
The Maxwell diagram of a symmetrically loaded truss is also symmetrical since
the reaction of the left side of truss is equal to the reaction of the corresponding
member on the right side.

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2.2 Analysis of Compound Trusses

2.2.1 Procedure for Analysis of Compound Truss

Step 1. Identify the simple trusses
Step 2. Obtain external loading
Step 3. Solve for simple trusses separately

Example 9. Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure below.
The reactions at the supports have been calculated.

Solution:

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Example 10. Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure
below. The reactions at the supports have been calculated.

Solution:

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Example 11. Indicate how to analyze the compound truss shown in the figure below.
The reactions at the supports have been calculated.

Solution:

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2.3 Analysis of Complex Truss

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Example 12. Determine the force in each member of the complex truss shown in
the figure below. Assume joints B, F, and D are on the same horizontal line. State
whether the members are in tension or compression.

Solution:

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Lesson 3

Space Truss

A. Specific Learning Outcomes

At the end of the lesson, you can:

1. Solve for the determinacy and stability of the space truss.

2. Analyze space truss.

B. Time allotment: 3 hours

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C. Discussion

3.1 Determinacy and Stability of Space Truss

b + r < 3j unstable truss

b + r = 3j statically determinate-check stability
b + r > 3j statically indeterminate-check stability

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3.2 Support Reactions in Space Truss

3.3 x, y, z Force Components

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3.4 Zero - Force Members

Example 3.13 Determine the force in each member of the space truss shown in the
figure below. The truss is supported by a ball-and-socket joint at A, a slotted roller
joint at B, and a cable at C.

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Solution:

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D. Activities/Exercises

Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses

Exercise 3
Directions: In an A4 size bond paper, analyze a symmetrically loaded simple truss. The
minimum number of members is 21. All joints must have a load.
Solve using the following methods:
3A: Method of Joints
3B: Method of Sections
3C: Graphical (Manual) – Maxwell Diagram
3D: Graphical (CAD) – Maxwell Diagram

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Exercise 4
Directions: In an A4 size bond paper, analyze an unsymmetrically loaded simple truss.
Use the same truss used in activity 3. The minimum number of members is 21. All
joints must have a load.
Solve using the following methods:
4A: Method of Joints
4B: Method of Sections
4C: Graphical (Manual) – Maxwell Diagram
4D: Graphical (CAD) – Maxwell Diagram

Exercise 5
Directions: In an A4 size bond paper, analyze a compound truss.

Exercise 6
Directions: In an A4 size bond paper, analyze a space truss.

Use the format available at (3) Structural Theory SEM1 2020-2021 | Facebook

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E. Evaluation/Post-test

Directions: Solve the following problems.

1. Classify each of the following trusses as statically determinate, statically

indeterminate (state its degree), and determine the stability.

2. Using method of joints, determine the force in each member of the truss and state
if the members are in tension or compression. Tabulate your answers.

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3. Determine the force in members JK, JN, and CD. State if the members are in
tension or compression. Identify all the zero-force members.

4. Determine the force in each member of the truss. State if the members are in
tension or compression.

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4. Determine the forces in all member of the complex truss. State if the members are
in tension or compression. Hint: Substitute member AD with one placed between E
and C.

5. Determine the forces in all member of the space truss. State if the members are in
tension or compression. The crate has a weight of 150 lb.

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F. References

Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses. Retrieved at

https://web.itu.edu.tr/~ustunda1/course/restlecturesys.pdf

Analysis of Statically Determinate Trusses. Retrieved at TrussAnalysis-

Tutorial2011.pdf (umd.edu)

Truss structures. Retrieved at

http://web.engr.uky.edu/~gebland/CE%20382/CE%20382%20PDF%20Lecture%2
0Slides/CE%20382%20L5%20-%20Truss%20Structures.pdf

Hibbeler, R. C. (2015) Structural Analysis (9th Ed.) Pearson Education Ltd.

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