6.

2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 1 of 3

1. Determine the force in each member of the truss and
state whether the force is tension or compression.
C

10 kN

3m
A

B
5m

Free-body diagram of entire truss. Calculating the reactions

is a good place to start because they are usually easy to
compute, and they can be used in the equilibrium equations
for the joints where the reactions act.
10 kN
C

Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Fx = 0: Ax + 10 kN = 0

(1)

Fy = 0: Ay + By = 0

(2)

MA = 0:

(3)

3m

Ax
Ay

By
5m

(10 kN)(3 m) + By(5 m) = 0

Solving these equations simultaneously gives

Ax = 10 kN, Ay = 6 kN, and By = 6 kN

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 2 of 3

3

Free-body diagram of joint C

10 kN

Geometry
= tan-1( 5 ) = 59.04
3

3m

FAC
FBC

B
5m

Equilibrium equations for joint C. It is a good idea

to assume all members in tension (forces point away
from the joint, not towards it). Then, after solving
the equilibrium equations, you will know
immediately that any member force found to be
negative must be compression.

Using = 59.04 in Eqs. 4 and 5 and solving

simultaneously gives
FAC = 11.66 kN (T)

Ans.

FBC = 6.0 kN = 6.0 kN (C)

Ans.

and
Fx = 0: 10 kN
Fy = 0:

FAC sin

FAC cos

=0

(4)

FBC = 0

(5)

Writing "(T)" after the numerical value shows that

the member is in tension. We had arbitrarily
assumed member BC to be in tension. We then
found that the member force was negative, so we
know that our assumption was wrong. Member BC
is in compression, and we show this by writing a
positive "6.0" followed by "(C)".

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 1, page 3 of 3

Free-body diagram of joint B

FBC = 6 kN
B

FAB

8 The force FBCis directed toward

the joint because member BC is
known to be in compression.

By = 6 kN

9
+

Equilibrium equation for joint B

Fx = 0:

10 An "Answer diagram" summarizes the analysis

of the entire truss (All forces are in kN).

FAB = 0
C
10 kN

Solving gives
FAB = 0

(
.66

Ans.

T)

11
A

6.0 (C)
0

10
6

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 1 of 7

2. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state
whether the force is tension or compression.
F

14 ft

10 ft

2 kip

4 kip
10 ft

2 kip
10 ft

10 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 2 of 7

Free-body diagram of entire truss.
Calculating the reactions is usually a
good way to start the analysis.

14 ft

Ax

Ey

Ay
4 kip

2 kip
10 ft

Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Fx = 0: Ax = 0
Fy = 0: Ay + Ey

MA = 0:

10 ft

10 ft
(1)

kip

2 kip)(10 ft)

kip

kip = 0

(4 kip)(20 ft)

(2 kip)(30 ft) + Ey(40 ft) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0, Ay = 4.0 kip, and Ey = 4.0 kip.

2 kip

(2)
(3)

10 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 3 of 7

Free-body diagram of joint E. This joint is
chosen because only two unknown forces are
present. Thus we know that we can solve for
these forces because two equations of
equilibrium are available for the joint. Note
also that we assume that both unknown forces
are in tension (directed away from the joint).

Geometry
= tan-1( 14 ) = 54.46
10
H

14 ft

FEH
E
D

FDE
Ey = 4 kip

6
4

Equilibrium equations for joint E

Fx = 0:

FDE

Fy = 0: FEH sin

FEH cos

=0

(4)

4 kip = 0

(5)

E
10 ft

Using = 54.46 in Eqs. 4 and 5 and solving

simultaneously gives
FDE = 2.857 kip (T)

Ans.

FEH = 4.916 kip = 4.916 kip (C)

Ans.

We arbitrarily assumed member EH to be in tension. We

then found that the member force was negative, so we
know that our assumption was wrong. Member EH is in
compression, and we show this by writing a positive
"4.916" followed by "(C)".

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 4 of 7

9

8 Use a free-body diagram of joint H next because only

two member forces are unknown.

FEH = 4.916 kip (C)

G

Free-body diagram of joint H

FGH

FDH

2 kip

4 kip

2 kip

11 Equilibrium equations for joint H

FDE = 2.857 kip (T)

Fx = 0:

FGH

(4.916 kip) cos 54.46 = 0

(6)

10 As before, we assume
that the unknown
FEH = 4.916 kip (C)
member forces (GH and
DH in this instance) are
= 54.46
tension, so are directed
away from the joint.
The force in member
EH has already been
found to be 4.916 kip
compression, so it is
directed towards the
joint, not away from it.

Fy = 0:

FDH + (4.916 kip) sin 54.46 = 0

(7)

Solving simultaneously gives

FGH = 2.858 kip = 2.858 kip (C)

Ans.

FDH = 4.0 kip (T)

Ans.

and

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 5 of 7

FGH = 2.858 kip(C)
G

13 Free-body diagram of joint D

FEH = 4.916 kip (C)

H

FDH = 4.0 kip

FDG
= 54.46
FCD

FDE = 2.857 kip

2 kip

E
B

14 As before, we assume that the unknown

member forces are tension, so are directed away
from the joint. The forces in members DH and
DE have already been found to be tension and
so are directed away from the joint.

D
FDE = 2.857 kip (T)

4 kip

2 kip

12 Use a free-body
diagram of joint
D because only
two member
forces are
unknown.

15 Equilibrium equations for joint D

+

Fx = 0:

2 kip

Fy = 0: FDG sin(54.46) + 4.0 kip

FCD

FDG cos(54.46) + 2.857 kip = 0

2 kip = 0

(8)
(9)

Solving simultaneously gives

FCD = 4.286 kip (T)

Ans.

FDG = 2.458 kip = 2.458 kip (C)

Ans.

and

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 6 of 7

FGH = 2.857 kip(C)
G

FEH = 4.916 kip (C)

H
FDH = 4.0 kip (T)
FDG= 2.458 kip (C)

E
C

4 kip

2 kip

2 kip

FCD = 4.286 kip (T)

FDE = 2.857 kip (T)

19 Equilibrium equations for joint C.

16 Use a free-body diagram of

joint C because only two
member forces are
unknown.
17 Free-body diagram of joint C
FCG
FBC

C
4 kip

FCD = 4.286 kip (T)

18 The unknown forces in

members CG and BC are
assumed to be tension, so
are directed away from
the joint. The force in
member CD has already
been found to be 4.286
kip (T).

Fx = 0:

Fy = 0: FCG

FBC + 4.286 kip = 0

4 kip = 0

(10)
(11)

Solving gives
FBC = 4.286 kip (T)

Ans.

FCG = 4 kip (T)

Ans.

and

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 2, page 7 of 7

20 All remaining bar forces follow from symmetry.

All forces in kips.

Answer diagram

4.0 (T)

4.00 (T)

C)
6(
2.4

4.0 (T)
2

2.86 (T)

4.29 (T)

C)
2(

4.29 (T)

2.86 (T)

4.9

C)

4.9
2(

2.86 (C)

6(
2.4

C)

2.86 (C)

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 1 of 4

3. Determine the force in each member of
the truss and state whether the force is
tension or compression.

900 lb

30

A
60
12 ft

400 lb
10 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 2 of 4

1

Free body-diagram of entire truss

Because AB is a two-force member, the line of

action of FAB must pass through A and B.

900 lb
30
B

FAB
60

Ex
Ey

400 lb

Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Fx = 0:

FAB sin 60 + Ex + (900 lb) cos 30 = 0

(1)

Fy = 0:

FAB cos 60 + Ey + (900 lb) sin 30

(2)

12 ft

MC = 0: (400 lb)(10 ft + FAB cos 60(10 ft) + Ex(12 ft) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

10 ft

400 lb = 0

FAB = 347.8 lb
Ex = 478.2 lb,
Ey = 123.9 lb

(3)

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 3 of 4

4

Free-body diagram of joint D. Joint D is chosen

because only two member forces are unknown there.

Free-body diagram of joint C. Joint C is chosen because

only two member forces are unknown there.
(900 lb) sin 30 = 450.0 lb

FBD
5
FDE

The unknown forces

have been assumed to
be tension.

400 lb
6

FBC
8

(900 lb) cos 30= 779.4 lb

The unknown
forces have
been assumed
to be tension.

FCE

Equilibrium equations for joint D

Equilibrium equations for joint C

9
Fx = 0: FDE = 0
Fy = 0: FBD

400 lb = 0

(4)
+

Fx = 0:

FBC +779.4 lb = 0

(6)

Fy = 0:

FCE + 450 lb = 0

(7)

(5)

Solving gives
Solving gives
FBD = 400 lb (T)
FDE = 0

Ans.
FBC = 779.4 lb (T)

Ans.

FCE = 450.0 lb (T)

Ans.

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 3, page 4 of 4

10 Free-body diagram of joint B. Only one
member force is unknown at this joint.
B
FAB = 347.8 lb

FBC = 779.4 lb

60

FBE

13 Using

FBD = 400 lb

FBE = 746.9 lb = 747 lb (C)

Fx =0: FBE cos

(347.8 lb) sin 60
+ 779.4 lb = 0

900 lb

(8)
B

12 Geometry
= tan-1( 12 )
10
= 50.19

10 ft

Ans.

14 Answer diagram (all forces in lb)

11 Equilibrium equations for joint B

+

= 50.19 in Eq. 8 and then solving gives

779 (T)

C
347.8 lb

60
747 (C)

12 ft

450 (T)
400 (T)

E
478

E
124
400

30

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 1 of 9

4. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state whether
the force is tension or compression. The truss is symmetric.
6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

2 kip

I
E
A

60
F
60

30

D
B

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 2 of 9

Free-body diagram of entire truss

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

6 ft

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss

2 kip

Ax

60
F
60

30

Fy = 0: Ay + Dy 2 kip
2 kip 2 kip 2 kip

D
Ay

Fx = 0: Ax = 0

C
Dy

2 kip

2 kip = 0

MA = 0: 2(kip)(6 ft) 2 kip(12 ft)

2(kip)(18 ft) 2 kip(24 ft)
2(kip)(30 ft) + Dy(36 ft) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0
Ay = 5 kip
Dy = 5 kip

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 3 of 9

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

2 kip

I
60

F
60

30

A
Ax = 0

J
H

D
C

Ay = 5 kip

Dy = 5 kip

Use a free-body diagram of joint A because

only two unknown member forces are
present.

Free-body diagram of joint A.

FAE

30

Fx = 0: FAB + FAE cos 30 = 0

5 Equilibrium equations for joint A

Fy = 0: FAE sin 30 + 5 kip = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

A
FAB
Ay = 5 kip

FAB = 8.660 kip (T)

Ans.

FAE = 10 kip = 10 kip (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 4 of 9

6

Three unknown member forces are present at joint I, but

two of them, FEI and FIK , are collinear, so summing
forces perpendicular to FEI and FIK would give an
equation with FFI as the only unknown.

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

2 kip

I
7

Free-body diagram of joint I

2 kip
y

A
FIK
FEI

60

x
Ax = 0

30

F
60

D
C

Ay = 5 kip

Dy = 5 kip

I
FFI

Geometry of members at joint I

y
= 60

60 E
A

30

I
60

x
9

30
60
F

= 30 + 60
= 90
So member FI is
perpendicular to the x axis.
Thus the member force FFI
lies on the y axis.

Equilibrium equations for joint I

Fy = 0:

FFI sin 90

(2 kip) sin 60 = 0

Solving gives
FFI = 1.732 = 1.732 kip (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 5 of 9

FFI = 1.732 kip (C)
(already known)

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

2 kip

I
E

60
F
60

30

A
Ax = 0

Ay = 5 kip

12 Free-body diagram of joint F

FFI = 1.732 kip (C)

Dy = 5 kip
y

10 Use the same technique at

joint F as was used at joint I:
sum forces perpendicular to
collinear members BF and FK.

60

FFK

FEF
60

FBF
13 Equilibrium equations for joint F

11 Geometry of members at joint F

I
= 180 (60 + 60)
60
= 60
E
F
60
60

Fy = 0: FEF sin 60

(1.732 kip) sin 60 = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

FEF = 1.732 kip (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 6 of 9

FAE = 10.0 kip (C)
(already known)

2 kip
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

2 kip

I
60

F
60

30

D
C

Ay = 5 kip

14 At joint E, now only two member

forces, FEI and FEB, are unknown.

FEF = 1.732 kip (T)

(already known)

15 Free-body diagram of joint E

2 kip
60

FEI

30
FEF = 1.732 kip (T)
30
FBE
FAE = 10 kip(C)
E
30

Dy = 5 kip

16 Equilibrium equations for joint E

+

Ax = 0

Fx = 0: (10 kip) cos 30 + FEI cos 30 + FBE cos 30 + 1.732 kip = 0

Fy = 0: (10 kip) sin 30 + FEI sin 30

FBE sin 30

Solving simultaneously gives

FEI = 9.0 kip = 9.0 kip (C)

Ans.

FBE = 3.0 kip = 3.0 kip (C)

Ans.

2 kip = 0

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 7 of 9

2 kip
2 kip

FBE = 3 kip (C)

(already known)
2 kip

2 kip
K

2 kip

I
E
A

60
F
60

30

D
C

Ax = 0

Dy = 5 kip

FAB = 8.660 kip (T)

Ay = 5 kip
(already known)

17 At joint B, now only two member forces, FBF and

FBC, are unknown.

19 Equilibrium equations for joint B

+

Fx = 0: 3 kip) cos 30

8.660 kip + FBF cos 60 + FBC = 0

18 Free-body diagram of joint B

FBF
FBE = 3 kip(C)
30
FAB = 8.660 kip (T)

3 kip) sin 30 + FBF sin 60 = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

60
B

Fy = 0:

FBC

FBF = 1.732 kip (T)

Ans.

FBC = 5.196 kip (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 8 of 9

20 The remaining unknown member forces, FIK and FFK,
can be found by re-using the free-body diagrams of
joints I and F.

23 Free-body diagram of joint F

FFI = 1.732 kip (C)

21 Free-body diagram of joint I

y

y
2 kip

FFK

x
F

FEF = 1.732 kip (T)

FIK

60
FEI = 9.0 kip (C)

I
FBF = 1.732 kip (T)

FFI = 1.732 kip (C)

24 Equilibrium equation for joint F

22 Equilibrium equations for joint I

Fx = 0: 9.0 kip

Fx = 0: FFK

(2 kip) cos 60 + FIK = 0

Solving gives
FIK = 8.0 kip = 8.0 kip (C)

1.732 kip (1.732 kip) cos 60

(1.732 kip) cos 60 = 0

Solving gives
Ans.

FFK = 3.464 kip (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 4, page 9 of 9

25 By symmetry, all forces on the right half of
the truss are also known.
Answer diagram
2

8.66 (T)
5

(T)

6(
T)

1.7

32

3.4

32

C)

0 (C
)

1.732 (T)

(T)

0(

1.7

3.0

9.0

32

0
10.

1.732 (T)

5.20 (T)

1.7

C)
0(

T)

T)

(
32
1.7

C)

(
.00

6(

3.4

8.0

0 (C
)

C)
0(

8.0

(T)

All forces in kips

0
3.0

10.
00

(C)
8.66 (T)

(C)
D

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 1 of 8

5. Determine the force in each member of the truss and
state whether the force is tension or compression.

100 lb

1 ft
E

2.5 ft
A

4 ft

2 ft

4 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 2 of 8

Free-body diagram of entire truss.
B
100 lb

D
1 ft
E

2.5 ft
A
F

Ax
Ay

2 ft

4 ft

Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Fx = 0: Ax + 100 lb = 0
Fy = 0: Ay + Fy = 0

4 ft

MA = 0:

100 lb)(1 ft + 2.5 ft) + Fy(4 ft +2 ft + 4 ft) = 0

Solving these equations simultaneously gives

Ax = 100 lb
Ay = 35 lb
Fy = 35 lb

Fy

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 3 of 8

Free-body diagram
of entire truss.
100 lb

1 ft

Geometry

2.5 ft
4
Ax = 100 lb
A

Only two unknown member

forces act at joint F.

4 ft

F
E

3.5 ft

Fy = 35 lb

Ay = 35 lb
4 ft

2 ft

2.5 ft

4 ft

F
5

Free-body diagram of joint F.

FDF
FEF
F

4 ft
2.5 ft
) = 32.01
4 ft
= tan-1( 4 ft ) = 48.81
3.5 ft

= tan-1(

Fy = 35 lb
6

Equilibrium equations for joint F

Fx = 0:

FEF cos

Fy = 0: FEF sin

FDF sin
+ FDF cos

=0
+ 35 lb = 0

Solving the equilibrium equations with

= 32.01 and = 48.81 gives
FEF = 165.10 lb (T)

Ans.

FDF = 186.03 lb = 186.03 lb (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 4 of 8

9

Free-body diagram
of entire truss.
100 lb

1 ft
E

2.5 ft
Only two unknown member
forces act at joint A.
Ay = 35 lb
4 ft

Fy = 35 lb
2 ft

10 Free-body diagram of joint A

FAB
FAC

Ax = 100 lb

4 ft

11 Equilibrium equations for joint A

+

Fx = 0:

Ax = 100 lb
A

Fy = 0: FAC sin

A
Ay = 35 lb
By symmetry, the angles and at joint A are the
same as we calculated at joint F. Thus

100 lb + FAC cos

+ FAB sin

+ FAB cos

Solving the above equations with

and = 48.81 gives

=0

35 lb = 0
= 32.01

= 32.01

FAC = 247.70 lb (T)

Ans.

= 48.81

FAB = 146.23 lb = 146.23 lb (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 5 of 8

12 Free-body diagram of entire truss
B

13 Only two unknown member

forces act at joint D.

100 lb
FDF = 186.03 lb (C)
(already known)
48.81
Ax = 100 lb
A

Ay = 35 lb

Fy = 35 lb

FBD

15 Equilibrium equations for joint D.

+

Fx = 0:

FBD

14 Free-body diagram of joint D

Fy = 0:

FDE + (186.03 lb) cos 48.81 = 0

48.81
FDF = 186.03 lb (C)
FDE

(186.03 lb) sin 48.81 = 0

Solving these equations gives

FBD = 139.99 lb = 139.99 lb (C)

Ans.

FDE = 122.51 lb (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 6 of 8

16 Free-body diagram of entire truss
B

100 lb
FAC = 247.70 lb (T)
(already known)

Ax = 100 lb
A
Ay = 35 lb

32.01

Fy = 35 lb

FCE

Fx = 0:

(247.70 lb) cos 32.01 + FCE = 0

FBC

FAC = 247.70 lb (T)

19 Equilibrium equations for joint C.

18 Free-body diagram of joint C.

17 Only two unknown member

forces act at joint C

Fy = 0:

(247.70 lb) sin 32.01 + FBC = 0

Solving these equations gives

FCE = 210.04 lb (T)

Ans.

FBC = 131.23 lb (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 7 of 8

20 Free-body diagram of entire truss
B

FDE = 122.51 lb (T)

(already known)
FEF = 165.10 lb (T)
(already known)

100 lb
E

Ax = 100 lb

FCE = 210.04 lb (T)

(already known)

A
Ay = 35 lb

32.01

21 At joint E, member BE
is the only unknown
member force.

FCE = 210.04 lb (T)

FBE cos

= tan-1( 1 ft ) = 26.57
2 ft

1 ft
E

C
FEF = 165.10 lb (T)

23 Equilibrium equation for joint E.

Fx = 0:

FDE = 122.51 lb (T)

32.01

Fy = 35 lb

24 Geometry

22 Free-body diagram of joint E.

FBE

210.04 lb + (165.10 lb) cos 32.01 = 0

2 ft

25 Substituting = 26.57 in the equation for joint E

and solving gives
FBE = 78.31 lb = 78.31 lb (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 5, page 8 of 8

26 Answer diagram
All forces in lb
100

131 (T)

6
14

)
(C

248

140 (C)

78 (

C)

210 (T)

123 (T)
E

18

6(

C)

(T)

16

5(

T)

100
A
35

F
35

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 1 of 9

6. Determine the force in each member of the truss and state
whether the force is tension or compression.
2 kip

J
I

14 ft
L

A
B

16 ft

16 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 2 of 9

2 Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Free-body diagram of entire truss

Fx = 0: Ax = 0

Fy = 0: Ay + Gy

2 kip

J
I

MA = 0:

2 kip(16 ft) + Gy(16 ft + 16 ft) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0
Ay = 1 kip

14 ft
H

Gy = 1 kip.

L
G

A
Ay

Ax
16 ft

2 kip = 0

16 ft

F
Gy

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 3 of 9

2 kip

6 Geometry
J

= tan-1( 14 ft ) = 41.19
16 ft

J
I

K
14 ft

14 ft
H

G
B
Ay = 1 kip

16 ft

Gy = 1 kip
16 ft

Free-body
diagram of joint G

16 ft
3

FGL
G
FFG
Gy = 1 kip

Only two unknown member

forces act at joint G.
Equilibrium equations for joint G

Fx = 0:

Fy = 0: FGL sin

FFG

FGL cos

=0

+ 1 kip = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

FFG = 1.143 kip (T)

Ans.

FGL = 1.518 kip = 1.518 kip (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 4 of 9

2 kip
J
I

14 ft
8
H

L
G

A
C

Gy = 1 kip
16 ft

16 ft
9

Free-body diagram of joint F

FFL

FEF

10 Equilibrium equation for joint F

B
Ay = 1 kip

At joint F, no external forces

act, three members meet, and
two of these members are
collinear. So FL is a
zero-force member, as will
now be shown.

Fy = 0: FFL sin
Since sin

FFG = 1.143 kip

(already known)

=0

0, it follows that

FFL = 0

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 5 of 9

2 kip
J
I

12 At joint L, no external forces act, three

members meet, and two of these
members are collinear. So EL is a
zero-force member:

14 ft

FEL = 0

Ans.

H
L
A

G
B
Ay = 1 kip

11 Member LF has been omitted

because it is a zero-force member.

F
Gy = 1 kip

16 ft

16 ft

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 6 of 9

2 kip

J
I

14 ft
H

L
G

A
B
Ay = 1 kip

F
Gy = 1 kip

16 ft

16 ft

14 Consideration of joint E shows that EK is a zero-force member:

FEK = 0

Ans.

But then consideration of joint K shows that DK is also a

zero-force member:
FDK = 0

Ans.

13 Members EL and FL have been omitted

because they are zero-force members.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 7 of 9

2 kip
17 You cannot conclude that member
DJ is a zero-force member by
looking at end J. (Instead, look at
end D.)

J
I

K
15 All zero-force members in the right
half of the truss have been omitted.

A
B
Ay = 1 kip

16 Because of symmetry, the members in

the left half of the truss must also be
zero-force and so can be omitted, too.

G
Gy = 1 kip

18 Consideration of joint D shows that DJ

must be a zero-force member:
FDJ = 0

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 8 of 9

20 Free-body diagram of joint L

2 kip

FKL
19 Zero-force member DJ
has been omitted.

L
J

FKL = FGL

FGL

K
21 We have previously shown that
FGL = 1.518 kip (C)

Consideration of free-body diagrams of K and L

show that

A
B
Ay = 1 kip

Ans.

FKL = FKJ = 1.518 kip (C)

Ans.

Gy = 1 kip

24 By symmetry,
FAH = 1.518 kip = FHI = FIJ

23 We have previously shown that

Ans

22 Free-body diagram joint F

F
FEF = FFG

FFG = 1.143 kip (T)

Ans.

Consideration of free-body diagrams of all joints in the lower

chord, B, C, D, E, and F, shows that all member forces there
must equal 1.143 kip (T).

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 6, page 9 of 9

25 Answer diagram
2
All forces in kips
J
I

K
1.518 (C)

1.518 (C)
0
0

0
H

L
0

F
1

1
1.143 (T)

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 1 of 7

7. Determine the force in each member and
state whether the force is tension or
compression.

Free-body diagram
of entire truss

4 kN

4 kN

I
60

I
60

G
Ax

A
Ay

B
2m

2m

Cy

Equilibrium equations for entire truss

Fx = 0: Ax = 0

2m
Fy = 0: Ay + Cy

2m

4 kN = 0

MA = 0: ( 4 kN)(2 m) + Cy(2 m + 2 m) = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

Ax = 0, Ay = 2 kN, and Cy = 2 kN.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 2 of 7

3

Free-body diagram of entire truss.

4 Two members meet at joint J, they are not collinear,

and no external force acts at the joint, so members IJ
and FJ must be zero-force members.

4 kN
H

Free-body diagram of joint J

60

FIJ
60

FFJ

Ax

A
Ay = 2 kN

Equilibrium equations for joint J

Fx = 0:

FIJ FFJ cos 60 = 0

Fy = 0:

FFJ sin 60 = 0

Cy = 2 kN

Solving simultaneously gives

FIJ = 0

Ans.

FFJ = 0

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 3 of 7

7 Two members meet at the joint, they are not
collinear, and no external forces act, so the
members carry zero force.

Members IJ and FJ have been omitted

because they are zero-force members.

4 kN
H

8 The same argument at G shows FG and

CG are zero-force members.

Ax

A
Ay = 2 kN

Cy = 2 kN

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 4 of 7

4 kN

10 Free-body diagram of joint C

FCF

9 All members identified

as zero-force have been
omitted.

60
FBC

Cy = 2 kN

A
B

C
Cy = 2 kN

Ay = 2 kN

12 By symmetry,
FAE = 2.309 kN (C)
FAB = 1.155 kN (T)

Fx = 0:

11 Equilibrium equations for joint C

Fy = 0: FCF sin 60 + 2 kN = 0

FBC FCF cos 60 = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

FCF = 2.309 kN = 2.309 kN (C)

Ans.

FBC = 1.155 kN (T)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 5 of 7

4 kN
I

14 Free-body diagram of joint B

FBF

FBE
A
B

C
Cy = 2 kN

60
FAB = 1.155 kN (T)

Ay = 2 kN
13

FBC = 1.155 kN (T)

Equilibrium equations for joint B

+

Fx = 0:

FAB = 1.155 kN (T)

(already known)

FBC = 1.155 kN (T)

(already known)

60

Fy = 0: FBE sin 60 + FBF sin 60 = 0

FBE cos 60 + FBF cos 60

1.155 kN + 1.155 kN = 0

Solving simultaneously gives

FBE = 0

Ans

FBF = 0

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 6 of 7

15 Zero-force members
BE and BF have
been omitted.

16 At joint F, no external force

acts, three members meet, and
two of these members are
4 kN
collinear, so member EF is a
zero-force member.

17 Free-body diagram of joint F

y
FFI
x

I
F
FEF = 0
(zero-force member)
F

FCF = 2.309 kN (C)

18 Equilibrium equations for joint F

B
Ay = 2 kN

Cy = 2 kN

Fy = 0: FFI + 2.309 kN (C) = 0

Solving gives
FFI = 2.309 kN = 2.309 kN (C)

Ans.

Then by symmetry
FEI = FFI = 2.309 kN (C)

Ans.

6.2 Trusses: Method of Joints and Zero-Force Members Example 7, page 7 of 7

19 Answer diagram
All forces in kN
4

1
2.3

2.3
1
E

C)

2.3

1(

A 1.155 (T)
2

2.3

1(
C)

0
0

)
(C

(C
)

B 1.155 (T)
2