Truss Systems
A truss is a structure composed of slender members joined at their ends. Trusses are designed to carry loads primarily through axial forces (tension or compression). The method of joints and method of sections are used to analyze trusses. Assumptions include: members are connected by frictionless pins, loads are applied at joints, and members are two-force members.
Knowledge Check
1.What type of force does a truss member primarily carry?
2.In a truss, what is the method of joints used for?
3.A simple truss has 10 joints and 18 members. Is it statically determinate?
4.What is a zero-force member in a truss?
5.In the method of sections, what is cut to analyze a truss?
6.A 3-4-5 triangle truss has a 100 N load at the top joint. What is the force in the left diagonal member (tension positive)?
7.What condition must be satisfied for a truss to be statically determinate?
8.Which of the following is NOT an assumption in truss analysis?
9.A truss member in tension will:
10.In a truss, if two non-collinear members meet at a joint with no external load, what can be said?