Machine-translated by Google. Questions are authored in English.
Top

Discussion

Identify the zero-force member in the truss structure as shown in the figure.

Truss with bottom chord P, S, T (P to S 1 m, S to T 1 m) and top chord Q, R 1 m higher, Q above S and R above T; members PQ, QS, SR, QR, RT, PS and ST; P is pinned, T is on a roller, and a 10 kN load acts down at S

Figure is not to scale

  • A.ST
  • B.SR
  • C.SP
  • D.SQ

Answer: A

The zero-force member is ST.

Look at joint T. It meets only two members, ST (horizontal) and RT (vertical), and the roller support there gives only a vertical reaction. There is no horizontal external force at T, so horizontal equilibrium of the joint gives the force in ST as zero. RT then carries the support reaction.

The rule of thumb: at an unloaded joint, or one loaded only along one member, where two non-collinear members meet, the member not aligned with the load carries nothing.

SR, SP and SQ all carry load: the 10 kN acts at S, and SQ, SP and SR are needed to carry it to the supports.

No comment is present. Be the first to comment.
Loading…

Post your comment

Please log in or register to post a comment.