Formation of an internally statically determinate truss

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the formation of internally statically determinate trusses, specifically focusing on the structural configurations that allow for such determinate systems. Participants explore the relationship between triangular configurations and the overall statical determinacy of trusses, considering both theoretical and practical implications.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Technical explanation

Main Points Raised

  • One participant asserts that an internally statically determinate truss can be formed by starting with a triangular truss and adding members and joints in a specific manner.
  • Another participant questions the validity of this reasoning for a particular truss configuration, seeking clarification on its statical determinacy.
  • Some participants point out the presence of triangles in the questioned figure, suggesting that this may contribute to its determinacy.
  • One participant proposes a method of constructing the truss by building clusters of triangles on either side and connecting them, implying a potential strategy for maintaining determinacy.
  • A later reply challenges the assumption that all trusses made solely of triangles are statically determinate, introducing the idea that external loading conditions may affect determinacy.
  • Concerns are raised about shifting the focus of the discussion, with one participant emphasizing the dependency of statical determinacy on loading conditions rather than solely on the geometric configuration.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the conditions under which a truss is considered statically determinate, with no consensus reached regarding the specific configurations discussed. The role of external loading in determining statical behavior is also a point of contention.

Contextual Notes

Participants note that the determination of statical behavior may depend on specific loading conditions and configurations, which are not fully resolved in the discussion. The implications of these factors on the overall analysis of trusses remain unclear.

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TL;DR
I am unable to understand how a given truss is internally statically determinate.
My professor taught me that a internally statically determinate truss is formed by having one basic truss - the triangular truss consisting of three joints and three members:
ITqpRrJ.png


and then repeatedly adding two members and a joint:
YouAsRo.png


So, it makes sense why this is a statically determinate truss:
VsiNbv3.png

However, I don't understand how this can be a statically determinate truss under the same reasoning:
kg2BHVP.png

Can someone can help?
 
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Do you not see triangles in the last figure?
 
Dr.D said:
Do you not see triangles in the last figure?

The truss in the third figure can be easily formed by starting with one triangle and then successively adding two members and a joint between them (first and second figures). However, I don't see how this can be done with the last figure, even if it is made of triangles.
 
Why not build the cluster of triangles on the left side, then build the cluster of triangles on the right, and finally add one pin and one member to joint the two clusters?
 
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So if what you
Dr.D said:
Do you not see triangles in the last figure?

So if I understand you correctly, what you're saying is that all trusses made of solely triangles are internally statically determinate. Then can you explain why this is (internally) statically determinate?

chrome_I5j0YvAuIi.png
 
I never said anything about being statically determinate or not, and certainly not about your last figure. You are moving the goal posts here.

Being statically determinant or not is, to some degree, dependent upon how the frame is loaded. You last figure may not be statically determinant if the extreme left and right nodes are not externally loaded.
 

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