Truss: method of joints worksheet with answers

Free printable Truss: method of joints worksheet: 6 problems from easy to exam level, with an answer key. Print it or save it as a PDF.

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1.Easy
ABBCACACB60 kN6 m3 m4 m

Use the method of joints to find the force FBC in member BC. Give tension as positive and compression as negative.

span = 6 mheight = 4 mB is 3 m from Avertical load = 60 kN
FBC = kN
2.Easy
ABBCACACB30 kN4 m2 m3 m

Use the method of joints to find the force FAB in member AB. Give tension as positive and compression as negative.

span = 4 mheight = 3 mB is 2 m from Avertical load = 30 kN
FAB = kN
3.Medium
ABCDEFGH35 kN20 kN10 kN4 × 4 m4 m

Exactly one member of this truss carries no force under these loads. Which is the zero-force member? Click it in the diagram.

B: 35 kN ↓C: 20 kN ↓G: 10 kN ↓
  1. 1member AB
  2. 2member BC
  3. 3member CD
  4. 4member DE
  5. 5member FG
  6. 6member GH
  7. 7member AF
  8. 8member HE
  9. 9member BF
  10. 10member CG
  11. 11member DH
  12. 12member FC
  13. 13member HC
4.Medium
ABBCACACB45 kN8 m5 m4 m

Use the method of joints to find the force FAC in member AC. Give tension as positive and compression as negative.

span = 8 mheight = 4 mB is 5 m from Avertical load = 45 kN
FAC = kN
5.Hard
ABCDEFGH30 kN20 kN40 kN15 kN20 kN4 × 4 m4 m

Exactly one member of this truss carries no force under these loads. Which is the zero-force member? Click it in the diagram.

C: 30 kN ↓D: 20 kN ↓F: 40 kN ↓G: 15 kN ↓H: 20 kN ←
  1. 1member AB
  2. 2member BC
  3. 3member CD
  4. 4member DE
  5. 5member FG
  6. 6member GH
  7. 7member AF
  8. 8member HE
  9. 9member BF
  10. 10member CG
  11. 11member DH
  12. 12member FC
  13. 13member HC
6.Hard
ABCDEFGH10 kN15 kN40 kN4 × 4 m3 m

Exactly one member of this truss carries no force under these loads. Which is the zero-force member? Click it in the diagram.

D: 10 kN ↓F: 15 kN ↓F: 40 kN →
  1. 1member AB
  2. 2member BC
  3. 3member CD
  4. 4member DE
  5. 5member FG
  6. 6member GH
  7. 7member AF
  8. 8member HE
  9. 9member BF
  10. 10member CG
  11. 11member DH
  12. 12member BG
  13. 13member DG

Answer key

  1. 1. FBC = −37.5 kN
  2. 2. FAB = −18.03 kN
  3. 3. member DH
  4. 4. FAC = 21.09 kN
  5. 5. member BF
  6. 6. member CG

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