Space Trusses A space truss consists of members joined together at their ends to form a stable three-dimensional structure.

Determinacy and Stability. Realizing that in three dimensions there are three equations of equilibrium available for each joint

Assumptions for Design. The members of a space truss may be treated as axial-force members provided the external loading is applied at the joints and the joints consist of ball-andsocket connections. This assumption is justified provided the joined members at a connection intersect at a common point and the weight of the members can be neglected. For the force analysis the supports of a space truss are generally modeled as a short link, plane roller joint, slotted roller joint, or a ball-and-socket joint. Each of these supports and their reactive force components are shown .

x, y, z, Force Components. Since the analysis of a space truss is threedimensional, it will often be necessary to resolve the force F in a member into components acting along the x, y, z axes. member AB has a length l and known projections x, y, z along the coordinate axes. These projections can be related to the members length by the equation

Since the force F acts along the axis of the member, then the components of F can be determined by proportion as follows: this requires Zero-Force Members. In some cases the joint analysis of a truss can be simplified if one is able to spot the zero-force members by recognizing two common cases of joint geometry.

Zero-Force Members. In some cases the joint analysis of a truss can be simplified if one is able to spot the zero-force members by recognizing two common cases of joint geometry. Case 1. If all but one of the members connected to a joint lie in the same plane, and provided no external load acts on the joint, then the member not lying in the plane of the other members must be subjected to zero force. Case 2. If it has been determined that all but two of several members connected at a joint support zero force, then the two remaining members must also support zero force, provided they do not lie along the same line.

Procedure for Analysis Either the method of sections or the method of joints can be used to determine the forces developed in the members of a space truss. Method of Sections If only a few member forces are to be determined, the method of sections may be used.When an imaginary section is passed through a truss and the truss is separated into two parts, the force system acting on either one of the parts must satisfy the six scalar equilibrium equations:

Method of Joints Generally, if the forces in all the members of the truss must be determined, the method of joints is most suitable for the analysis. When using the method of joints, it is necessary to solve the three scalar equilibrium equations at each joint.

EXAMPLE

Determine the force in each member of the space truss shown in Fig. a. The truss is supported by a ball-and-socket joint at A, a slotted roller joint at B, and a cable at C.
SOLUTION The truss is statically determinate since

Support Reactions.

Joint B.

Joint A.

Joint D.

Joint C.

EXAMPLE Determine the zero-force members of the truss shown in Fig. a.The supports exert components of reaction on the truss as shown. SOLUTION

zero-force members

PROBLEMS 1-Determine the force in each member of the space truss and state if the members are in tension or compression. The truss is supported by ball-and socket joints at C, D, E, and G. Note: Although this truss is indeterminate to the first degree, a solution is possible due to symmetry of geometry and loading

2- Determine the force in each member of the space truss and state if the members are in tension or compression. Hint: The support reaction at E acts along member EB. Why?