Formation of Structures

Bars → trusses

Theory and Design of Structures I

Elementary Theory of Structures Seawall Blocks → walls

Other examples:
Brick walls
Pyramids, etc.

The design process Classification

1
Classification Loading

Loading Superimposition

2
3
 Actual and Idealized Structures

Actual and Idealized Structures Actual and Idealized Structures

4
 Supports and Reactions Supports and Reactions
Hinge support Roller support

R


Supports and Reactions Supports and Reactions

Fixed support Clamped roller support

5
 Supports and Reactions Joints
Elastic support Pin joint or hinge joint

Joints External Forces

Rigid joint

6
Internal Forces Internal Forces

Internal Forces Free Body Diagrams

7
Overall Rigid Body Stability and External Determinacy of
a Planar Structure
2 reaction components: Unstable
3 reaction components:
Stable and statically determinate
4 reaction components:
Stable and statically
indeterminate to the first degree
No. of redundant components of reaction =
degree of statical indeterminacy
Note that there are 3 equations of equilibrium for planar
structures.
Geometric Instability
Geometrically Stable Structure
• A structure is geometrically stable if for any
incipient movement, a resistance to this
movement is developed.
• This requires the presence of at least three
non-concurrent non-parallel forces.
• A structure that has sufficient number of
reactions but incorrectly placed for stability
is geometrically unstable.
Equations of Condition
8
 External Determinacy Two-force members
r<c+3 Unstable
r=c+3 Determinate (provided there is no geometric
instability)
r>c+3 Indeterminate

Geometrically Stable Structure

The End