Zero Force Members

Truss members can have zero internal forces depending on how the loads are applied on the truss. Therefore, identifying these zero force members and eliminating them can simplify truss analysis. There are three main cases where zero force members exist. Case 1: Pin-Pin When members are attached to pin supports AND no applied force is […]

Axial, Shear & Moment Diagrams

Axial, shear, and bending moment diagrams (AFD, SFD, and BMD) show the internal forces and moments along a structural member. They help determine the material, size, and type of a member given a set of loads it can support without structural failure. Keeping a consistent sign convention is extremely important! We are going to define the positive […]