4.1. Introduction

Try these first

1. 1.

   What type of forces do cables carry?

   Hint

   Think about what happens when you pull on a rope.

2. 2.

   What is one assumption made about trusses?

   Hint

   Consider how you hang things from a truss.

3. 3.

   What type of forces do trusses carry?

   • Only tensile
   • Only compressive
   • Both tensile and compressive

   Hint

   Think about the role of trusses in different structures.

4. 4.

   True or False: In a Pratt truss, the diagonal members are typically in compression.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Recall the characteristics of different truss designs.

5. 5.

   Design a truss that would carry a load of 20,000 Newtons at its center span. Consider both material selection and geometry.

   Hint

   Remember the types of forces each member will experience.

6. 6.

   Given a diagram of a truss, calculate the internal forces for each member when subjected to specific loads. Identify which are in tension and which are in compression.

   Hint

   Use equilibrium equations to solve for unknown forces.