CHAPTER 5

Statically Determinate
Plane Trusses
TYPES OF ROOF TRUSS
TYPES OF ROOF TRUSS
ROOF TRUSS SETUP
ROOF TRUSS SETUP
 OBJECTIVES
To determine the STABILITY and
DETERMINACY of plane trusses
To analyse and calculate the FORCES in truss
members
To calculate the DEFORMATION at any joints
 INTRODUCTION
A truss is a structure of slender members
joined at their end points by bolting or
welding to gusset plate.
Members commonly used: wooden struts,
metal bars, angles or channels
 ROOF TRUSSES
Transmitting loading from roof to columns by
means of series of purlins.
Trusses used to support roofs are selected on the
basis of the span, slope and roof materials.

Metal Gusset

Top Chord

Truss Web

Bottom Chord
ROOF TRUSSES
ROOF TRUSSES
BRIDGE TRUSSES
BRIDGE TRUSSES
 ASSUMPTIONS IN DESIGN
The members are joined together by smooth pins
(NO friction)
All loadings and reactions are applied at the joints
The centroid for each members are straight and
concurrent at a joint

Each truss member acts as an axial force member.

If the force tends to elongate tensile (T)
If the force tends to shorten compressive (C)
SIGN CONVENTION

Tensile (positive)

Compressive (negative)
 STABILITY & DETERMINACY
In terms of stability, the most simple truss can be
constructed in triangle using three members.

This shape will provide stability in both x and y

direction. Each additional element of two
members will increase one number of joint
 STABILITY & DETERMINACY
There are 3 types of stable trusses:

1. Simple Truss
2. Compound Truss combination of two or more
simple trusses together
3. Complex Truss one that cannot be classified as
being either simple or compound
STABILITY & DETERMINACY

Simple Truss
STABILITY & DETERMINACY

Compound Truss
STABILITY & DETERMINACY

Complex Truss
 DETERMINACY
Let consider a simple truss.
There will be 6 unknown values: 3 internal member
forces and 3 reactions
m+R m+3
And for every joint, 2 equilibriums can be written (Fx
= 0 and Fy =0) no rotation or moment at joint 2
j
By comparing the total unknowns with total number
of available equation, we can check the determinacy.
 DETERMINACY
The determinacy of truss should be checked internally
and externally
The external determinacy is given by:
R = 3 (provided that the support reactions have no
lines of action that are either concurrent or
parallel)
If R > 3 Statically indeterminate (external)
R = 3 Statically determinate (external)
R < 3 Unstable truss system
 DETERMINACY
The internal determinacy is given by
m = 2j 3 (provided that the components of the
truss do not form a collapsible mechanism)

If m > 2j 3 Statically indeterminate (internal)

m = 2j 3 Statically determinate (internal)
m < 2j 3 Unstable truss system
 EXAMPLE 1
Determine the stability and determinacy of the
truss shown in the figure below.
 EXAMPLE 1 Solution
Externally:
R = 3 ; R 3 = 3 3 = 0 OK

Internally:
m = 9, j = 6,
9 = 2(6) 3 = 9 OK

Therefore, the truss is determinate

(externally and internally)
 EXAMPLE 2
Determine the stability and determinacy of the
truss shown in the figure below.
 EXAMPLE 2 Solution
Externally:
R = 3 ; R 3 = 3 3 = 0 OK

Internally:
m = 9, j = 6,
9 = 2(6) 3 = 9 OK

Therefore, the truss is determinate

(externally and internally)
 EXAMPLE 3
Determine the stability and determinacy of the
truss shown in the figure below.
 EXAMPLE 3 Solution
Externally:
R = 4 ; R 3 = 4 3 = 1 1 degree redundant

Internally:
m = 10, j = 6,
10 > 2(6) 3 : 10 > 9 1 degree redundant

Therefore, the truss is internally and externally

indeterminate (1 degree redundant)
 MEMBER FORCES
There are several methods of calculating the member
forces for the truss

i. Method of Joints
ii. Method of Sections
iii. Method of Force Resolution
 METHOD OF JOINTS
Suitable to be used to determine all the member
forces in the truss
In this method, every joint will be analysed by drawing
the Free Body Diagram, limiting the unknown values
to TWO only.
The selected joints must only consisted concurrent
and coplanar forces
Using the equilibrium of Fx = 0 and Fy =0, we can
start and solve the problems.
 EXAMPLE 4
Determine all the member forces for the given truss
below.

B C
100 kN

E 6m

A G
D F

150 kN 50 kN
8m 3m 3m
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
1. Check the Stability and Determinacy
Externally:
R = 3 ; R 3 = 3 3 = 0 OK

Internally:
m = 11, j = 7,
11 = 2(7) 3 = 11 OK

Therefore, truss is determinate (externally and

internally)
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
2. Calculate the Reactions at the Support

+ MA = 0
100 (6) + 150 (8) + 50 (11) RG (14) = 0
RG = 167.9 kN ( )
+ Fy = 0 ; RA 150 50 167.9 kN ;
RA = 32.1 kN ( )
+ Fx = 0 ; HA = 100 kN ( )
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
3. Analyse Every Joints
At Joint A
FAB
+Fx = 0 ; 100 + FAD = 0
A FAD = 100 kN (T)
100 FAD
+ Fy = 0 ; FAB + 32.1 = 0
FAB = 32.1 kN (C)
32.1
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint B

B FBC
100 +Fy = 0 ; 32.1 FBD (6/10) = 0
FBD = 53.5 kN (T)
FBD
32.1

+ Fx = 0 ; FBC + 100 + 53.5 (8/10) = 0

FBC = 142.8 kN (C)
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint C

C +Fx = 0 ; 142.8 + FCE (3/18) = 0

142.8
FCE = 201.9 kN (C)

FCE
FCD

+ Fy = 0 ; FCD (201.9) (3/18) = 0

FCD = 142.8 kN (T)
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint D
142.8
53.5
FDE +Fy = 0 ; 142.8 + 53.5 (6/10) 150
D
100 FDF
+ FDE (3/18) = 0
FDE = 35.2 kN (C)

150

+ Fx = 0; 100 53.5 (8/10) + (-35.2)(3/18) + FDF = 0

FDF = + 166.7 kN (T)
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint E

E +Fx = 0 ; FEG (3/18) + 201.9 (3/18)

142.8
+ 35.2 (3/18) = 0
35.2 FEG = 237.1 kN (C)
FEG
FEF
+ Fy = 0; FEF 201.9 (3/18) + 35.2 (3/18)
(237.1)(3/18) = 0
FEF = 49.8 kN (T)
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint F

49.8 +Fx = 0 ; 167.7 + FFG = 0

FFG = 167.7 kN (T)
F
166.7 FFG

50
 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
At Joint G (Checking)

237.1
+Fy = 0 ;
G
166.7 167.9 237.1 (3/18) = 0 OK !

167.9

+ Fx = 0; 167.7 + 237.1 (3/18) = 0 OK !

 EXAMPLE 4 Solution
Summary: Internal Member Forces

Member Force Member Force

AB 32.1 C DE 35.2 C
AD +100 T DF +167.7 T
BC 142.8 C EF +49.8 T
BD +53.5 T EG 237.1 C
CD +142.8 T FG +167.7 T
CE 201.9 C
 METHOD OF SECTIONS
When only some of the member forces need to be
calculated, it is suitable to use this method. However, it
can also used to determine all the member forces in
truss.
The method of sections consists of cutting through the
truss into two parts, provided that the unknown values
are not more than three
The unknown forces will be assumed to be either in
tension or compression
Three equilibriums (Fx = 0, Fy = 0, M = 0) will be
used to solve the problems.
 EXAMPLE 5
Determine the member forces for BD, DE and CE.

100 kN

A B D

2 2m
1
80 kN
C E F
40 kN
4m 4m 4m
 EXAMPLE 5 Solution
Stability and Determinacy
Externally:
R = 3 ; R 3 = 3 3 = 0 OK

Internally:
m = 9, j = 6,
9 = 2(6) 3 = 9 OK

Therefore, the truss is determinate (externally and

internally)
 EXAMPLE 5 Solution
Calculate the Reactions at the Support

+ MF = 0
(2/5)RA (12) + (2/5)RA (2) 100 (8) 40 (4) = 0
RA = 82.6 kN ( )
+ Fy = 0 ; RF + (2/5)(82.6) 100 40 = 0 ;
RF = 66.2 kN ( )
+ Fx = 0 ; HF + (1/5)(82.6) 80 = 0 ;
HF = 43.1 kN ( )
 EXAMPLE 5 Solution
D
FDB
Section 1:
FDC
E F
FEC 43.1

40 kN
MD = 0 66.2

FEC (2) 43.1 (2) 66.2 (4) = 0 ; FEC = 175.5 kN (T)

Fy = 0 ; 40 + 66.2 FDC (2/20) = 0 ; FDC = 58.6 kN (T)
Fx = 0 ; FDB 58.6 (4/20) 175.5 + 43.1 = 0 ;
FDB = 184.8 kN (C)
 EXAMPLE 5 Solution
FED FFD

E F
FEC 43.1
Section 2:
40 kN 66.2

MF = 0 ; FED (4) 40 (4) = 0 ; FED = 40 kN (T)

 METHOD OF FORCE RESOLUTIONS
This is an extended version from the method of joints
Every single joint is carefully analysed by considering
not more than two unknowns at each joints.
In this method, we do not have to write all the
equations and calculations. All member forces are
solved directly on the diagram.
 EXAMPLE 6
Determine the member forces of the truss

50 kN 100 kN 50 kN

20 kN B D F

1.5 m

A H
C E G

2m 2m 2m 2m
 ZERO FORCE MEMBERS
Truss analysis using method of joints can greatly be
simplified if one can first determine those member
that support no loading (zero force member)
The zero-force members can be determine by
inspection of the joints. Normally, there are two cases
where zero-force member can be identified
 ZERO FORCE MEMBERS
Case 1:
If only two members form a truss joint, and no external
load or support is applied, the members must be zero-
force members

Case 2:
If three members form a truss joint for which two of the
members are collinear, the third member will be a zero-
force member (provided no external load or support
reaction acting at the joint).
 DEFORMATION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE PLANE TRUSS
The deformation of statically determinate plane truss
can be determined using Virtual Work Method
Consider to determine vertical deformation at joint C
Due to external loads, point C will deform producing
DEFORMATION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE PLANE TRUSS
D

B F

A H
C E G

Actual Structure
 DEFORMATION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE PLANE TRUSS
Now, eliminate all external loads and assign 1 unit load
(vertical) at joint C. This structure is known as Virtual
Structure

Virtual Structure
 DEFORMATION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE PLANE TRUSS
Both structures will then combined, thus producing the
concept of work. Therefore, the external work:
W=1.
Say P is the member force due to external loads and u is
the member force due to unit load
If we consider one of the truss members, having force
of P, this member will produce certain deformation
which can be calculated, given as:
= PL/AE
 DEFORMATION OF STATICALLY
DETERMINATE PLANE TRUSS
Through combination, the amount of internal work is

given by =

According to Energy Work Method:
External load = Internal Load

1 =

 SOLUTION PROCEDURE
1. Calculate the member forces for Actual Structure.
2. Eliminate all external loads and assign ONE (1) unit load
in the same direction of deformation. Then, calculate
the member forces of Virtual Structures.
3. The deformation at point C can be then calculated

using:

 VIRTUAL WORK METHOD
When a structure is loaded, its stressed elements
deform. As these deformations occur, the structure
changes shape and points on the structure displace.
Work the product of a force times a displacement
in the direction of the force
 VIRTUAL WORK METHOD
External Work when a force F undergoes a
displacement dx in the same direction as the force.
Internal Work when internal displacements occur
at each point of internal load u.

Work of Work of
External Internal
Load Load
 VIRTUAL WORK METHOD
When a bar is loaded axially, it will deform and store
strain energy u.
A bar (as shown in the figure) subjected to the
externally applied load P induces an axial force F of
equal magnitude (F = P). If the bar behaves
elastically (Hookes Law), the magnitude of the strain
energy u stored in a bar by a force that increases
linearly from zero to a final value F as the bar
undergoes a change in length dL.
VIRTUAL WORK METHOD

From Hookes Law: =

F
P
F x
P
L F

dL
x
P
 DISPLACEMENT OF TRUSSES
We can use the method of virtual work to determine
the displacement of a truss joint when the truss is
subjected to an external loading, temperature
change, or fabrication errors.
When a unit force acting on a truss joint, and
resulted a displacement of , the external work =
1.
 DISPLACEMENT OF TRUSSES
Due to the unit force, each truss member will carry
an internal forces of u, which cause the deformation
of the member in length dL. Therefore, the
displacement of a truss joint can be calculated by
using the equation of:

Virtual
loadings
1. u.dL
Real
displacements
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
50 kN
B D
20 kN

A
C
1

1. Place the unit load on the truss at the joint where

the desired displacement is to be determined. The
load should be in the same direction as the specified
displacement; e.g. horizontal or vertical.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
2. With the unit load so placed, and all the real loads
removed from the truss, use the method of joints or
the method of sections and calculate the internal
force in each truss member. Assume that tensile
forces are positive and compressive forces are
negative.
3. Use the method of joints or the method of sections
to determine the internal forces in each member.
These forces are caused only by the real loads
acting on the truss. Again, assume tensile forces are
positive and compressive forces are negative.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
Virtual Real Force, P u.PL
Member L (m)
Force, u (kN) (kN.m)
AB 0.601 50 1.8 2
CB -0.507 -30 1.8 -3
DB 0.515 20 1.8 5
Total 4
Apply the equation of virtual work, to determine the
desired displacement. It is important to retain the
algebraic sign for ach of the corresponding internal
forces when substituting these terms into the
equation.
 STEPS FOR ANALYSIS
If the resultant sum of displacement is positive, the
direction is same as the unit load or vice-versa.
When applying any formula, attention should be paid
to the units of each numerical quantity. In particular,
the virtual unit load can be assigned any arbitrary
unit (N, kN, etc.).
 EXAMPLE 6
Determine the vertical displacement of joint C of the
steel truss shown in Figure. The cross-sectional area of
each member is A = 300 mm2 and E = 200 GPa.
F E

3m

A B C D

3m 3m 3m

20 kN 20 kN
 EXAMPLE 6 Solution
Calculate the Member Forces due to Virtual Force
-0.333

-0.471 -0.471 -0.943

0.333 1

0.333 0.667 0.667

0.333 1.0 0.667

Virtual Structure: Virtual force, u

 EXAMPLE 6 Solution
Calculate the Member Forces due to Actual Forces
-20 kN

-28.3 kN 0 -28.3 kN
20 kN 20 kN

20 kN 20 kN 20 kN

20 kN 20 kN 20 kN 20 kN

Actual Structure: Real force, N

 EXAMPLE 6 Solution
Calculate the total deformation
Member Virtual force, u Real force, P (kN) L (m) u.PL (kN.m)
AB 0.333 20 3 20
BC 0.667 20 3 40
CD 0.667 20 3 40
DE -0.943 -28.3 4.24 113
FE -0.333 -20 3 20
EB -0.471 0 4.24 0
BF 0.333 20 3 20
AF -0.471 -28.3 4.24 56.6
CE 1 20 3 60
369.6
 EXAMPLE 6 Solution
Calculate the final deformation

1 =

369.6
1 = =

369.6
=
300 106 200 103

= 6.16
 DISPLACEMENT OF TRUSSES
(Due to Temperature Changes & Fabrication Error)
In some cases, truss members may change their length due to temperature. If
is the coefficient of thermal expansion for a member and T is the change
in its temperature, the change in length of a member is:

1 = External virtual unit load acting on the truss joint in the stated direction
of
u = Internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by the external
virtual unit load
= External joint displacement caused by the temperature change
= Coefficient of thermal expansion of member
T = Change in temperature of member
L = Length of member
 DISPLACEMENT OF TRUSSES
(Due to Temperature Changes & Fabrication Error)
Occasionally, errors in fabricating the lengths of the members of a truss may
occur. Also, in some cases truss member must be made slightly longer or
shorter in order to give the truss a camber. If a truss member is shorter or
longer than intended, the displacement of a truss joint from its expected
position can be determined from direct application:

1 = External virtual unit load acting on the truss joint in the stated direction
of
u = Internal virtual normal force in a truss member caused by the external
virtual unit load
= External joint displacement caused by the fabrication errors
L = Difference in length of the member from its intended size as caused by
a fabrication error
 EXAMPLE 7
Determine the vertical
displacement of joint C of
the steel truss as shown in
the Figure. Due to radiant
heating from the wall, 1.8 m
member AD is subjected to Wall D C
300 kN
an increase in temperature 1200 mm2

of T = +60C. Take = 1.08

10-5/C and E = 200 GPa. 2.4 m
1200 mm2 1200 mm2
The cross-sectional area of 900 mm2
each member is indicated in
the figure.
B
A 1200 mm2

400 kN
 EXAMPLE 7 Solution
Calculate the Member Forces due to Virtual Force

1.0
1

0.75
0.75

1
0
-1.25

0.75
Virtual force, u
0
 EXAMPLE 7 Solution
Calculate the Member Forces due to Actual Force

400 kN

600 kN 300 kN
600 kN

400 kN
400 kN
-500 kN

300 kN Real force, N

0

400 kN
 EXAMPLE 7 Solution
Both loads and temperature affect the deformation,
therefore:

1 = +

0.75 600 1.8 1 400 2.4

1 = +
1200 106 200 106 1200 106 200 106
1.25 500 3
+ 6 6
+ 1 1.08 105 60 2.4
900 10 200 10

= 0.0193 = 19.3
 SUMMARY
Forces in Member
1. Method of Joints (Fx, Fy)
2. Method of Sections (Fx, Fy, M)
3. Force Resolution (Fx, Fy)

Stability and Determinacy Virtual Work Method

(External & Internal)
If OK, calculate reactions (3
equilibriums)
A+ Actual structure (P)
Virtual structure (u)

To determine
vertical/horizontal
displacement