Help understanding how to determine Compress or Tension in Truss

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Homework Help Overview

The discussion revolves around determining whether members of a small square truss are in compression or tension, based on a given loading condition. The problem involves analyzing the truss supported by a pin joint and a roller, with a specific focus on labeling the members accordingly.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Assumption checking

Approaches and Questions Raised

  • The original poster attempts to understand how to quickly determine the state of each truss member using the method of joints. They express confusion about the reasoning behind identifying tension and compression without detailed calculations.

Discussion Status

Some participants have begun to provide guidance by suggesting starting from the point where the external force is applied and working back through the truss. There is an ongoing exploration of the relationships between the members as they discuss the states of DE and EF.

Contextual Notes

The original poster mentions that this question was part of an exam and expresses urgency in grasping the concepts before their next exam. There may be constraints related to the time pressure of exam preparation.

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Homework Statement



A small square truss shown is supported by a pin joint at I and a roller at A. Label all members of the
truss by Z (for zero force member), C (for compression) or T (for tension).

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Homework Equations





The Attempt at a Solution



So this was an exam question on a past test and I have troubles understanding how to calculate this in a fast manner.

I usually just use method of joints for each member and determine it that way. But I don't know how to determine tension/compression by looking at a truss. I've asked a couple people but I never understand what they mean...

What is your guy's approach/thought process when solving this problem?

My next exam is coming soon and I really hope to get a better understanding of this!

Thank you very much.
 
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Start at the free end, point E, where the 100 N force is applied. What do you get for members DE and EF?
 
DE is compression and therefore EF is in tension
 
Good. Now work back towards the wall.
 

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