Topic 2 Plane Truss

Graphical Method
Prepared by Pn. Yazmin
The graphical analysis is developed
by force polygons drawn to scale for
each joint, then the force in member
is measured from one of these force
polygons.
 Steps
In order to draw the Maxwell diagram directly the simple
guidelines are:
1. Solve the reactions at the supports by solving equations
of equilibrium for the entire truss
2. Move clockwise around the outside of the truss, draw to
scale the force polygon for the entire truss.
3. Take each joint in turn, draw a force polygon by treating
successively joints acted upon by only two unknown
forces.
4. Measure the magnitude of the force in each member
from the Maxwell diagram.
5. Note that work proceed from one end of the truss to the
other.
Example 1

Step 1: Solve the reactions at the supports by solving

equations of
equilibrium for the entire truss

H1

R1 R2

Solution:
Consider the whole structure
M1+ =0 200(3)+200(6) R2(12)= 0
R2 = 150kN
Fy+ = 0 R1 200 200 + 150 = 0
R1 = 250 kN
Fx + = 0 H1 = 0
 Step 2: Move clockwise around the truss. Space
between the force and members are lettered.

250kn 150kn

Space between reactions R1 (250kN) and R2 (150kN) is labeled as

A.
Space between reactions R2 (150kN) and load (200kN) is labeled
as B.
and so forth
Step 3:Take each joint in turn, draw a force polygon by treating
successively joints acted upon by only two unknown forces.

250kn 150kn

Moving clockwise around the truss from space A to space B we find

a force of 150kN going upward. Choose a suitable scale, in this
case 10kN : 1mm. Therefore, translate the force of 150kN force from
a to b in the vertical direction ( use lower case letters to
abbreviate.) Using the same process repeat for other external
forces.
 250kn 150kn

AB is 150kN upward so draw ab 15mm

upward,
BC is 200kN downward so draw bc 20mm
downward,
CD is 200kN downward so draw cd 20mm
downward,
DA is 250kN upward so draw da 25mm
upward.

Note: that this part of the diagram closes back

to itself.
 250kn 150kn

Now we begin to find the member forces.

Starting with the joint with just two
members at the left support, we have:

DE is a horizontal member draw de

horizontally,
AE is a vertical member draw ae
vertically.
de and ae will intersect at point e.

EF is at 450 draw ef at 450

AF is horizontal draw af horizontally,
Hence the point f
 250kn 150kn

Again,

FG is a vertical member draw fg

vertically,
CG is a horizontal member draw cg
horizontally
fg and cg will intersect at point e

And so forth.
Trim the unnecessary lines.
Step 4:Measure the magnitude of the force in each member from
the Maxwell diagram.

When the diagram (a,b,c,d, ..) is complete,

the force is found from the length of the
appropriate line.
For example EF has 350kN force in it since
ef = 35mm.
To find whether it is tension or compression:
take one end of the member and go around it
clockwise noting the order of the space as
you cross the member.
For the upper end of EF this will give FE.
On the force diagram fe is downwards so the
member is pulling the top joint downwards.
The member is therefore in tension.
It is best to use common sense when it is
250kn 150kn

Member Force (kN) Condition

+/-
AE 250 -
EF 350 +
DE 0

FA 250 -
FG 50 -
GC 250 +
GH 80 + Member Force Condition
(kN) +/-
HA 300 -
JA 150 -
HI 150 +
JK 150 -
IJ 212 -
KL 212 -
IB 300 +
KB 150 +
LA 0
Example
2 6m 6m

20kN
20k 10k
N N

4m

3m 6m 3m

Graphically, determine all member forces

in the truss
Example
2 6m 6m

20kN
20k 10k
N N
B 2 C 3
1 H3
D
F H
4m
G E
A R3
4

3m 6m 3m
R4
Graphically, determine all member forces
in the truss
Step 1: Solve the reactions at the supports by solving
equations of
equilibrium for the entire truss

M3 + =0 -20(12)-10(6)+R4(3) = 0
R4 = 100kN

+ Fy= 0 -20 -10 +100 +R3 = 0

R3 = -70kN

+ Fx = 0 H3 = 0
Member Force (kN) Condition
(+/-)

BF 15 +
FA 25 -
FG 25 +
GA 30 -
HG 37.5 -
CH 52.5 +
HE 87.5 -