Statics of Rigid Bodies

Learning Module 04

Analysis of
Structures
Learning Packet 03

Analysis of
Pin-Jointed Frames;
Method of Members

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Learning Packet 03

Analysis of Pin-Jointed Frames;

Method of Members
Introduction
The analysis of structure is one of the fundamentals in designing proper and safe dimensions
of materials for the required structure. In this learning packet, we will study the analysis of pin-
jointed frames by use of method of members, we can determine the hinge force acting in each
pin connection of the frame, these hinge forces are needed in designing the structure in
subsequent engineering subjects.

Objectives
The objective of this learning packet is to develop understanding in pin-jointed frames. To
calculate problems in analysis of structures using method of members.

Duration
• Topic 01: Definition and Characteristics of Three-Force Members = 30 minutes
• Topic 02: Analysis of pin-jointed frames; method of members = 2.5 hours

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Introduction
The analysis of structure using method of members is Key Points:
• Frames
applicable on pin-jointed frames. If some or all members of a pin- • Bending Action
connected structure are subjected to bending action, the • Method of Members
structure is called a frame. In this learning packet, we will discuss • Free-Body Diagram
• Hinge Force or
how to determine the hinge force in each pin connection of the Pin Pressure
frame using method of members. Also, we will discuss the • Three-Force Member
definition and characteristics of three-force members. Hazard Alerts:
• All inclined notes on
solution are just notes
The principles and techniques developed in this course
or reminders on that
packet, regarding the method of members, are based in free-body part of solution.
diagram of each member of the frame and equilibrium of non-
concurrent force system. Later on, we will understand that the
free-body diagram and equilibrium of non-concurrent force
system is the main idea of the analysis of structure using method
of members.

Pre-Assessment
Instructions:
A. Answer the following questions.
B. After answering the pre-assessment, don’t immediately determine the correct solutions
and answers.
C. Proceed to the lesson proper and study the learning packet topics.
D. After studying the topics, answer these questions again – this will also serve as post-
assessment.
E. You may check – compare and evaluate your answers as you go along with the learning
packet.

Pre and Post Assessment Problems:

1. For the frame loaded as shown in Figure 4-
41, determine the horizontal and vertical
components of the pin pressure at B.
Specify directions (up or down; left or right)
of the force as it acts upon member CD.

Figure 4-41

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

2. Each member of the frame shown in Figure 4-42 weighs 50 lb per ft. Compute the
horizontal and vertical components of the pin pressure at C, D, and F.

Figure 4-42

Definition and Characteristics of Three-Force Members

A three-force member is one subjected to three or more forces applied at different
positions. It is essentially subjected to bending loads; in fact, according to the above definition,
any beam is a three- force member.

Figure 4-43. – Beam supported by roller and hinge.

Consider the beam shown in Figure 4-43 which is supported by a hinge at one end and
a roller at the other. It is easy to see that the reactions are vertical, since the roller permits the
ends of the beam to approach each other as the beam flexes. If both ends of the beam are hinged
to rigid supports as in Figure 4-44, the flexing action of the bending load will be restrained,
thereby causing the horizontal components of the end reactions shown. This effect occurs in all
members which are hinged at both ends and subjected to bending loads.

In Figure 4-44 the total force at A is shown by the red marked force R A inclined at an
unknown angle θA with the horizontal. A similar force and angle exist at B. Therefore, there are
four unknown elements. They may be represented by the two unknown forces R A and R B plus
the two unknown angles θA and θB , or by the unknown magnitudes of their components, i.e.,

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Ax , Ay , Bx , and By . The three equations of equilibrium are not sufficient to solve for all of these
unknowns.

Figure 4-44. – Beam hinged to rigid supports.

It is important to note that in the characteristic action of a three-force member, the end
forces are not directed along the axis of the member as Figure 4-43 and 4-44 show.
Consequently, a section passed through a three-force member will disclose that the member
is subjected not only to an axial tension or compression but also to a bending action whose
effect varies with the location of the section. Therefore, it is not convenient to analyze a
structure containing three-force members by passing a section through the members as was
done in course packet 02 (method of sections) of this learning module; instead, we must
disconnect the members and draw a free-body diagram of each member.
(Source: Engineering Mechanics Second Edition by Ferdinand L. Singer)

Method of Members Applied to Frames Containing Three-Force Members

If some or all members of a pin-connected structure are subjected to bending action,
the structure is called a frame. Since it is not feasible to pass a section through the members of
such structures, they are analyzed by considering the separate free-body diagram of each three-
force member; the procedure is called method of members.

The essential principle involved in drawing the free-body diagrams of the several
members of a frame is that of action and reaction. When separating the members for analysis,
the forces (usually represented by their components) exerted by the connecting pins must be
consistently represented as acting in opposite directions on the separated members. If either
component of a force is incorrectly assumed in direction, the solution will still give its correct
magnitude but with a negative sign. This would mean that the component of the force on both
separated members acts in the opposite direction to that originally assumed.
(Source: Engineering Mechanics Second Edition by Ferdinand L. Singer)

Examples (Problems from Engineering Mechanics Second Edition by Ferdinand L. Singer):

1. A-frame shown in Figure 4-45 supports a 900-lb load and has given dimensions. Neglecting
the weights of the members, compute the values of the forces acting on the pins B, C, and
D.

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Figure 4-45
Solution:
Solving for the reactions, R A and R E :
(Note that reaction at A is vertical only since there’s no
vertical load acting in the frame.)
↻+ ∑ ME = 0:
R A (20 ft) – 900 lb (12 ft) = 0
20R A = 10800 lb
R A = 540 lb ↑
∑ Fy = 0:
R A + R E – 900 lb =
R E = 900 lb – 540 lb
R E = 360 lb ↑

The free-body diagrams of the members of the A-frame are shown in Figure 4-46. From the
concept of three-force members, the forces acting on BD can be drawn as shown in part (b) of this figure.
Likewise, the FBD of AC is shown in part (a). AC is subjected to the reaction 𝑅𝐴 = 540 lb and also to
the forces 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 at B and to the forces 𝐶𝑥 and 𝐶𝑦 at C. Note that 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 acting on AC are
numerically equal but oppositely directed to 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 acting on BD. This is due to the fact that action
and reaction forces are equal but oppositely directed. Apply this principle carefully when setting up the
free-body diagrams. In similar way, the FBD of CE shown in part (c) is subjected to the reaction 𝑅𝐸 =
360 lb and the forces 𝐶𝑥 , 𝐶𝑦 , 𝐷𝑥 and 𝐷𝑦 . Note that the forces 𝐶𝑥 and 𝐶𝑦 acting on CE are numerically
equal but opposite in sense to the reactive forces acting at C of member AC. Similarly, 𝐷𝑥 and 𝐷𝑦 acting
on CE are numerically equal but opposite in sense to the reactive forces at D of member BD.

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

(a) (b) (c)

Figure 4-46. – Free-Body Diagrams

Each of the free-body diagrams represents a non-concurrent force system in equilibrium.

Hence, three equations of equilibrium may be written for each of the free-body diagrams. In member
AC, the horizontal distance from B to C can be determine from the given Figure 4-45 that is 6 feet, and
since the inclination of member AC is 45°, we can solve for the vertical distance from B to C by tangent
function, and the solved distance is 6 feet. In similar way, we can determine the unknown distances in
member CE. For members AC and BD, there is a total of six unknown quantities for which six
independent equations may be written. Therefore, this two FBD can solve all the unknown values. As
a general rule, it is best to solve first the unknown quantities common to both free-body diagrams, in
this case for𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 . So, we can start solving by evaluating the member BD, refer to Figure 4-46b.
Then, evaluate the member AC, refer to Figure 4-46a.

Consider FBD of Member BD:

↻+ ∑ MD = 0:
By (12 ft) – 900 lb (8 ft) = 0
12By = 7200 lb
𝐁𝐲 = 600 lb
∑ Fy = 0:
By + Dy – 900 lb = 0
Dy = 900 lb – 600 lb
𝐃𝐲 = 300 lb
∑ Fx = 0:
Dx – Bx = 0
∴ Dx = Bx

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Consider FBD of Member AC: In FBD of Member CE:

+
↻ ∑ MC = 0: (for check purposes, optional)
R A (10 ft) – Bx (6 ft) – By (6 ft) = 0 ↻+ ∑ 𝑀𝐶 = 0:
10R A – 6By = 6Bx 𝐷𝑥 (6 ft) + 𝐷𝑦 (6 ft) – 𝑅𝐸 (10 ft) = 0
10 (540) – 6 (600 lb) = 6Bx 6𝐷𝑥 = 10𝑅𝐸 – 6𝐷𝑦
𝐁𝐱 = 300 lb 6𝐷𝑥 = 10 (360 lb) – 6 (300 lb)
Since: Dx = Bx 𝐷𝑥 = 300 lb (Check!)
𝐃𝐱 = 300 lb ∑ 𝐹𝑦 = 0:
∑ Fy = 0: 𝑅𝐸 – 𝐶𝑦 – 𝐷𝑦 = 0
R A + Cy – By = 0 𝐶𝑦 = 𝑅𝐸 – 𝐷𝑦
Cy = By – R A 𝐶𝑦 = 360 lb – 300 lb
Cy = 600 lb – 540 lb 𝐶𝑦 = 60 lb (Check!)
𝐂𝐲 = 60 lb ∑ 𝐹𝑥 = 0:
∑ Fx = 0: 𝐶𝑥 – 𝐷𝑥 = 0
Bx – Cx = 0 𝐶𝑥 = 𝐷𝑥
Cx = Bx 𝐶𝑥 = 300 lb (Check!)
𝐂𝐱 = 300 lb
Solving for forces (hinge force) acting on the pins B, C, and D:
2
B = √(Bx )2 + (By )

B = √(300 lb)2 + (600 lb)2

B = 670.820 lb
2
C = √(Cx )2 + (Cy )

C = √(300 lb)2 + (60 lb)2

C = 305.941 lb
2
D = √(Dx )2 + (Dy )

D = √(300 lb)2 + (300 lb)2

D = 424.264 lb

It should be observed that any combination of two of the free-body diagrams of AC, CE, or BD
will yield six equations to be solved for the six unknowns. The third free-body diagram may then be used
for check purposes.

2. A three-hinged arch is composed of two trusses hinged together at D in Figure 4-47.

Compute the components of the reaction at A and G. Then find the hinge force at D. And
also, find the forces acting in bars AB and AC.

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Figure 4-47
Solution:
Solving for Reaction at A and G:
↻+ ∑ MG = 0:
Ay (24 m) – 3600 N (18 m) – 6000 N (6 m) = 0
24Ay = 64800 N + 36000 N
𝐀 𝐲 = 4200 N ↑
∑ Fy = 0:
Ay + Gy – 3600 N – 6000 N = 0
Gy = 3600 N + 6000 N – 4200 N
𝐆𝐲 = 5400 N ↑
∑ Fx = 0:
A x – Gx = 0
∴ A x = Gx
Consider FBD of Truss, Left Section of Hinge D:
↻+ ∑ MD = 0:
4200 N (12 m) – 3600 N (6 m) – Ax (9 m) = 0
50400 N – 21600 N = 9Ax
𝐀 𝐱 = 3200 N →
∴ 𝐆𝐱 = 3200 N ←
∑ Fy = 0:
Ay – Dy – 3600 N = 0
4200 N – 3600 N = Dy
Dy = 600 N
∑ Fx = 0:
Ax – Dx = 0
Ax = Dx
Dx = 3200 N

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Solving for hinge force at D:

2
D = √(Dx )2 + (Dy )

D = √(3200 N)2 + (600 N)2

D = 3255.764 N

Solving for forces acting in bars AB and AC:

Consider FBD at Pin A:
∑ Fy = 0:
Ay – ABy = 0
Ay = AB sin θ
9m
θ = tan−1 (12 m)
θ = 36.87°
Ay 4200 N
AB = sin θ = sin 36.87°
AB = 7000 N, C
∑ Fx = 0:
AC + Ax – ABx = 0
AC = AB cos θ – Ax
AC = 7000 N cos 36.87° – 3200 N
AC = 2400 N, T

3. For the frame shown in Figure 4-48, the weight of pulley is 5 kN and each member weighs
2.5 kN per meter, determine the horizontal and vertical components of the hinge force at B
as it acts upon member AC. Neglect length and weight of the rope.

Figure 4-48

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Solution:
Solving for the reactions at C and E:
Determine the weight of each member:
LAC = √(4 + 4)2 + (3 + 5 − 2)2
LAC = 10 m
kN
WAC = 2.5 (10 m)
m

WAC = 25 kN
kN
WDE = 2.5 (5 m + 3 m)
m

WDE = 20 kN
Determine the reactions at C and E:
↻+ ∑ ME = 0:
– 60 kN (2 m + 4 m) – 5 kN (4 m) – Cy (4 m) = 0
– 360 kN – 20 kN = 4Cy
Cy = – 95 kN (Negative value indicates that the assume direction of 𝐶𝑦 is incorrect.)
∴ Cy = 95 kN ↓
∑ Fy = 0:
Ey – Cy – 60 kN – 5 kN – WAC – WDE = 0
Ey = 95 kN + 60 kN + 5 kN + 25 kN + 20 kN
Ey = 205 kN ↑
∑ Fx = 0:
Cx – Ex = 0
Cx = Ex

We start by evaluating the FBD of member AC since we are solving for the horizontal and
vertical components of hinge force at B acting at member AC. Refer to the illustration below. Assume
𝐴𝑥 and 𝐵𝑥 to the left, and 𝐴𝑦 and 𝐵𝑦 upward. Since the FBD shown have five (5) unknowns, we
determine at least two unknowns from other FBD. In this case, 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦 can be determine in the FBD
of the pulley.

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

For the FBD of the pulley shown, 𝐴𝑥 is to

the right (opposite the assume direction of 𝐴𝑥 acting
in member AC) and 𝐴𝑦 is downward (opposite the
assume direction of 𝐴𝑦 acting in member AC). From
equilibrium, the tension in the rope is equal to the 60
kN. From this FBD, we solve the value of 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦 .

FBD of the Pulley

Consider FBD of the Pulley:
∑ Fx = 0:
Ax + 60 kN = 0
Ax = – 60 kN (Negative value indicates that the assume direction of 𝐴𝑥 is incorrect.)
∴ Ax = 60 kN ←
∑ Fy = 0:
– Ay – 60 kN – 5 kN = 0
– 60 kN – 5 kN = Ay
Ay = – 65 kN (Negative value indicates that the assume direction of 𝐴𝑦 is incorrect.)
∴ Ay = 65 kN ↑

Note that the assume directions of 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦

are incorrect, therefore, we will correct the assume
directions of 𝐴𝑥 and 𝐴𝑦 in all FBD that involves 𝐴𝑥
and 𝐴𝑦 . See the corrected FBD of the pulley for
reference. In line with this, assume directions of 𝐴𝑥 and
𝐴𝑦 in member AC must be corrected.

Corrected FBD of the Pulley

For the corrected FBD of the member

AC, we can see that the correct direction for
𝐴𝑥 is to the right and for 𝐴𝑦 is downward. In
this situation, now we can solve the required
value of 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 (components of hinge force
at B) as its acts upon member AC.

Corrected FBD of the Member AC

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Consider FBD of Member AC:

↻+ ∑ MB = 0:
Ax (3 m) – Ay (4 m) – Cx (3 m) + Cy (4 m) = 0
3Ax – 4Ay + 4Cy = 3Cx
3 (60 kN) – 4 (65 kN) + 4 (95 kN) = 3Cx
Cx = 100 kN →
∑ Fx = 0:
Ax + Cx – Bx = 0
60 kN + 100 kN = Bx
𝐁𝐱 = 160 kN ←
∑ Fy = 0:
By – Ay – Cy – WAC = 0
By = 65 kN + 95 kN + 25 kN
𝐁𝐲 = 185 kN ↑

Note that the hinge force or pin pressure (force) does not require indicating its direction due
to the concept of free-body diagram as explained in the preliminaries of this course packet. But sometimes
the problem requires the direction of a certain hinge force, for instance this example problem 03, it is
required to determine the components of the hinge force at B as it acts upon member AC. Therefore, we
must indicate the direction of 𝐵𝑥 and 𝐵𝑦 as it acts in the free-body diagram of member AC in our final
answers.

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 62
by Ferdinand L. Singer, Harper International Edition
Lectures, Figures and Selected Problems from Engineering Mechanics Second Edition ▪
References.
1. Ax = 2400 lb ←
Ay = 1200 lb ↑
Ex = 2400 lb →
Ey = 1200 lb ↑
BC = 2000 lb, T
BD = 4000 lb, C
2. Cx = 56 kN →
Cy = 14 kN ↑
3. R1 = 300 lb ↑
R 2 = 3180 lb ↑
R 3 = 1770 lb ↑
R 4 = 450 lb ↑
Answer Key. Practice Problems.
1. Bx = 4500 lb ←
By = 5500 lb ↓
2. Cx = 4933.333 lb
Cy = 850 lb
Dx = 4933.333 lb
Dy =3450 lb
Fx = 4933.333 lb
Fy = 3950 lb
Answer Key. Pre and Post Assessment.
Statics of Rigid Bodies
 Statics of Rigid Bodies

Practice Problems
Instructions:
A. The students are enjoined to answer these questions.
B. Answer the following problem on this page. If this page is not been produce, copy the
problem to your notebook and answer the problem.
C. Show your solution for each problem.
D. For clarification, you may post your questions on our google classroom.

Problems:
1. The frame shown in Figure 4-49 is hinged to rigid supports at A and E. Find the components
of the hinge forces at A and E and the forces in members BC and BD.

Figure 4-49

2. The frame shown in Figure 4-50 is supported by a hinge at E and a roller at D. Compute the
horizontal and vertical components of the hinge force at C as it acts upon BD.

Figure 4-50

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 Statics of Rigid Bodies

3. A beam carrying the loads shown in Figure 4-51 is composed of three segments. It is
supported by four vertical reactions and joined by two frictionless hinges. Determine the
value of the reactions.

Figure 4-51

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