Method of Sections: Problem Solving I

For a symmetrical roof truss, apply moment equilibrium about a support point, substituting known loads and distances into the moment equation. This yields the reaction force at one support. Then use vertical force equilibrium to find the reaction at the other support. Due to symmetry, both reaction forces are equal. In the example, both reaction forces equal 4 kN.

A positive force value indicates a tensile force, meaning the member is being pulled or stretched. Conversely, a negative force value indicates a compressive force, where the member is being pushed or compressed. In the roof truss example, member DC experiences a tensile force of 3 kN, while member CH experiences a compressive force of -1.41 kN.

The method of sections involves making a cut through a truss along a plane that intersects the members you want to analyze. A free-body diagram is drawn for the smaller section created by this cut. Moment and force equilibrium equations are then applied to this isolated section to calculate internal forces on the cut members without analyzing the entire truss.

Moment equilibrium is applied at points where unknown forces intersect or align, eliminating those unknowns from the equation. For example, taking moments about point H eliminates the force at H from the calculation, allowing you to solve directly for the force on member DC. This strategic point selection simplifies the analysis and reduces the number of simultaneous equations needed.

Trigonometry is used to resolve diagonal member forces into horizontal and vertical components and to determine the angle between members and the horizontal axis. In the roof truss example, trigonometry revealed that member CH makes a 45-degree angle with the horizontal. This angle information is essential for applying force equilibrium conditions and calculating accurate member forces.

Truss symmetry ensures that reaction forces and member forces are equal on both sides of the centerline, reducing calculation work. In a symmetrical roof truss, once you calculate the reaction force at one support, you immediately know the reaction force at the opposite support is identical. This property eliminates redundant calculations and provides a quick verification check for your results.

You must know the loads acting at each joint, the lengths of all members, and the geometry of the truss structure. These known parameters allow you to set up moment and force equilibrium equations. Additionally, you need to identify which members you want to analyze and determine an appropriate cutting plane that intersects those members without cutting through more than three unknowns.