Bridge Forces: Identifying Compression vs Tension | Homework Help

[faradayscat]

Homework Statement

How would you determine whether a member is in compression or tension given the bridge with external forces below?

Homework Equations

None.

The Attempt at a Solution

I don't need help finding the forces, I need help in figuring out compression/tension.
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[PhanthomJay]

It is not easy to determine compression or tension by inspection when numerical applied loads are given, except perhaps for a member or 2. When you don't have numerical values for the applied loads, generally you can't find tension or compression for most members, even by analysis, because it depends on the magnitudes of the applied forces. I don't recommend finding tension or compression by inspection except in the most obvious cases for specific members.