4.2. Trusses

Try these first

1. 1.

   Define a truss.

   Hint

   Think of bridges or roofs.

2. 2.

   What type of force is tension?

   Hint

   Consider a tight rope.

3. 3.

   What force does a member under tension experience?

   • Compression
   • Tension
   • Both

   Hint

   Think about a rope being stretched.

4. 4.

   True or False: A statically indeterminate truss can be solved solely with equilibrium equations.

   • True
   • False

   Hint

   Consider the definition of equilibrium.

5. 5.

   Design a simple truss with at least 6 members and 4 reactions. Determine if it is statically determinate or indeterminate and explain your reasoning.

   Hint

   Map out the shape and count members and reactions carefully.

6. 6.

   If a member is analyzed with a force of -5kN, what does that signify about the assumptions made?

   Hint

   Review how you defined tension and compression within the analysis.