Truss Analysis in 7 Easy Steps
What you'll learn
- Introducing an easy to understand, 7-step solution for the method of joints and the method of sections
- Thoroughly explaining how to identify all zero force members in a truss, using three important criteria
- Introducing an easy way to identify whether a member is in compression or in tension
- Demonstrating how to choose a proper cross section for finding the desired member forces
Requirements
- Must have completed the first course in calculus, or have some knowledge of vector algebra and an introductory course in physics
- Basic knowledge of statics analysis (forces and equilibrium)
Description
Truss Analysis is one of the most important topics in Statics, which is the first introductory in structural engineering curriculums. Trusses are structures that are widely used in civil engineering applications, such as bridges, steel buildings and roof structures. Trusses also appear in many mechanical and aerospace structures such as cranes, space structures, offshore platforms, and so on.
What is a Truss?
A truss is a structure usually consisting of straight members that are connected to each other at the two ends of each member. All members of a truss structure are connected together with pin joints, such that for the purpose of the design of these structures we assume the joints cannot carry or resist any moments. All external loads acting on a truss are assumed to be acting only at the joints, and therefore, all members of a truss are two-force members.
Why Must We Learn Truss Analysis?
First of all, if we plan to design and build a truss structure, such as a roof structure for carrying external loads, we need to find out how much load is carried by each member of the truss. Secondly, in the case of an existing truss structure, we may need to replace one or a few members. In this case, we need to find the internal forces carried by those few members within the truss structure. In both instances, the objective is to figure out and decide whether the members can sustain the forces or not and what size members and what type of cross sections are required.
Types of Truss Analysis
There are two major methods of analysis for finding the internal forces in members of a truss; the Method of Joints, which is typically used for the case of creating a truss to handle external loads, and the Method of Sections, which is normally used when dealing modifying the internal members of an existing truss. Both of these methods are based on the assumption that when a structure is in equilibrium, all pieces of the structure are also in equilibrium.
Course Structure
In this course, I will present a thorough overview of truss structures in the context of static analysis of structures. I will provide you with an easy-to-follow, 7-step process for the Method of Joints and the Method of Sections. Each of the 7 steps are clearly demonstrated in the presentation and sample problems, which I will walk through.
</p>Who this course is for:
- Anyone who wants to grasp a thorough understanding of how to find member forces in a truss structure
- All engineering students who are preparing for the Fundamental of Engineering Exam
- Practicing engineers who are looking for a refresher course in Statics and are particularly interested in the analysis of truss structures
- As a supplementary course for the students who are currently taking Statics and want to deeply understand the concept of truss analysis
Instructor
![Mohammad Noori](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 64 64"%3E%3C/svg%3E){kind=avatar}
- 4.6 Instructor Rating
- 1,646 Reviews
- 9,719 Students
- 2 Courses
As an educator, scholar and an administrator, Dr. Mohammad Noori has over 38 years of experience working in academia and has been a pioneer in establishing innovative industry-university-government and global partnerships. He has long been an advocate for collaboration, innovation and multi-disciplinary study, and throughout his career he has been honored with numerous recognition for his teaching and research.
Dr. Noori has received numerous honors for his teaching, research and professional service. The most recent ones include the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Keating Award for Innovation and Leadership in Lifelong Learning in Graduate Engineering Education, and the ASEE Isadore T. Davis National Award for Excellence in Collaboration of Engineering Education and Industry on June 16, 2014, and on June 12, 2012.
Dr. Noori has written over 250 research papers in his research area of artificial intelligence based methodologies for structural health monitoring, random vibrations, multifunctional and intelligent structures, and seismic hazard mitigation. He has published 6 advanced level scientific books, has been the founding executive editor of a scientific journal, has been the guest editor of over 30 special volumes and books, serves as the series editor for CRC/Taylor & Francis and has presented over 100 invited and keynote talks at numerous international conferences, universities and industry. He has also had the honor of being invited by President Clinton's Special Commission on Critical Infrastructure Protection, as a national expert, to present a Testimony. He has supervised over 80 post-doctoral and graduate students and their research projects, and has held distinguished visiting professorships at several highly ranked universities world-wide.
Noori has served as the department head at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, North Carolina State University and as the dean of engineering at California Polytechnic State University Poly, San Luis Obispo. He has spearheaded, and participated in the creation of industry-university-government consortia and global collaborations. He founded and chaired the ASME Committee on Uncertainty and Probabilistics, and has served on, chaired or co-chaired, over 20 scientific and organizing committees of major international conferences. He has also served as a program director at the National Science Foundation, has served as member of the Board of Directors and External Advisory Board of several non-profit, industry and academic organizations, has been a consultant to several Fortune 500 companies, has served as the external examiner for several doctoral committees at a number of international institutions, and has provided expert witness services, in the areas of vibration, structural safety, mechanical failure, product liability, and seismic mitigation. He also provides strategic planning services, especially on development of industry-university partnerships, outcome-based assessment and program development. He is also an ABET evaluator representing ASME.
Noori is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, has received the prestigious Fellowship of Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, he has been listed in on numerous Who Is Who publications and is a member of Sigma Xi, Pi Tau Sigma, Chi-Epsilon, and Sigma Mu Epsilon honorary societies.
He currently teaches at Cal Poly State University, while also serving as the Executive Editor of a prestigious scientific journal, as the associate editor of two other international journals, as thee chief technical advisor at a technical start-up, and a member of the editorial board of seven other scientific journals.
Noori is a member of Sigma Xi, Pi Tau Sigma, Chi-Epsilon, and Sigma Mu Epsilon honorary societies