Internet-assisted exercises in structural analysis

H Thomas1, S Paasch, S Machill

  • 1Institute of Analytical Chemistry, Dresden University of Technology, Germany.

Related Concept Videos

Method of Joints: Problem Solving I01:30

Method of Joints: Problem Solving I

The method of joints is a commonly used technique to analyze the forces in structural trusses. The method is based on the principle of equilibrium, which assumes that the truss members are connected by frictionless pins. The forces at each joint can be determined by considering the equilibrium of the forces acting on that joint. Consider a truss structure with two forces of 20 N and 10 N acting at joints C and D, respectively. The method of joints can be used to determine the forces FCB, FDC,...
Method of Joints: Problem Solving II01:30

Method of Joints: Problem Solving II

Consider a truss structure with frictionless joints fixed to a wall and roller support. If a force of 150 N is applied to joint A, the forces in each member of the truss can be determined using the method of joints.
Method of Sections01:30

Method of Sections

Consider a truss structure, as shown in the figure.
Method of Sections: Problem Solving II01:30

Method of Sections: Problem Solving II

Consider an arbitrary truss structure composed of diagonal, vertical, and horizontal members fixed to the wall. To calculate the force acting on members CB, GB, and GH, method of sections can be used. The loads and lengths of the horizontal and vertical members are known parameters, as shown in the figure.
Internal Loadings in Structural Members: Problem Solving01:28

Internal Loadings in Structural Members: Problem Solving

When designing or analyzing a structural member, it is important to consider the internal loadings developed within the member. These internal loadings include normal force, shear force, and bending moment. Engineers can ensure that the structural member can support the applied external forces by calculating these internal loadings.
To illustrate this, let's consider a beam OC of 5 kN, inclined at an angle of 53.13° with the horizontal and supported at both ends. Determine the internal loadings...
Indeterminate Structure01:18

Indeterminate Structure

Indeterminate structures refer to structures where internal forces and reactions cannot be determined using only the equations of static equilibrium.  Indeterminate structures have more unknown forces and reaction forces than equations of static equilibrium that can be used to determine them. Indeterminate structures are often used in engineering to create complex, efficient, and aesthetically pleasing structures. There are various types of indeterminate structures used in engineering and some...