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
ABBCACACB20 kN4 m2 m4 m

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

span = 4 mheight = 4 mB is 2 m from Avertical load = 20 kN
FBC = kN
2.Easy
ABCDEFGH40 kN35 kN20 kN4 × 3 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.

D: 40 kN ↓F: 35 kN ↓G: 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
3.Medium
ABBCACACB45 kN5 m3 m4 m

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

span = 5 mheight = 4 mB is 3 m from Avertical load = 45 kN
FAC = kN
4.Medium
ABBCACACB10 kN5 m4 m4 m

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

span = 5 mheight = 4 mB is 4 m from Avertical load = 10 kN
FAB = kN
5.Hard
ABCDEFGH15 kN40 kN4 × 3 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.

H: 15 kN ↓H: 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
6.Hard
ABBCACACB10 kN25 kN6 m4 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 4 m from Avertical load = 10 kNhorizontal load = 25 kN →
FBC = kN

Answer key

  1. 1. FBC = −11.18 kN
  2. 2. member BF
  3. 3. FAC = 13.5 kN
  4. 4. FAB = −2.828 kN
  5. 5. member CG
  6. 6. FBC = −26.09 kN

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