How to check the Stability of ANY Truss?

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SUMMARY

The discussion focuses on determining the stability of 2D and 3D trusses without complex matrix equations. The stability conditions are defined mathematically as M + R >= 2J for 2D trusses and M + R >= 3J for 3D trusses, where M represents members, R represents support reactions, and J represents joints. However, fulfilling these conditions does not guarantee stability, as improper constraints can lead to instability. The user seeks a straightforward method or "recipe" for assessing truss stability in various scenarios.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of truss structures and their components (members, joints, support reactions).
  • Familiarity with stability conditions for 2D and 3D trusses.
  • Basic knowledge of structural mechanics.
  • Experience with programming for implementing stability checks.
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  • Research "truss stability criteria" for detailed methodologies.
  • Explore "geometric checks for truss stability" to develop practical assessment techniques.
  • Study "improper constraints in structural engineering" to understand common pitfalls.
  • Investigate software tools for structural analysis that can automate stability checks.
USEFUL FOR

Structural engineers, civil engineering students, and software developers interested in implementing stability checks for truss structures.

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I´m need a method to determine 2D or 3D truss stability without solving complex matrix equations. It should be easily implemented in a computer program. Thanks!
Dear experts,

I´m searching for some method to determine whether any 2D or 3D truss is stable without solving complex matrix equations. I want to implement such method in a simple computer program to discard any a priori non-stable trusses for further analysis.

Do you know any book or reference where this may be well explained? Can you help me?

So far, I´ve found that the condition of stability can be expressed mathematically as M + R >= 2J for a 2D planar truss of M members, R support reactions, and J joints. Similarly, the condition becomes M + R >= 3J for a 3D space truss [1]. In case such conditions were not fulfilled, the truss should be Instable due to Partial Constraints.

However, fulfilling such conditions does not guarantee stability, it just seems to be something "necessary" but not "sufficient" to asses truss stability.

In [2], it is said that for planar trusses, the structure may yet be Unstable due to Improper Constraints when:
A) All of the reactive forces are parallel for the entire truss or any component part of the truss;
B) All of the reactive forces are collinear (intersect at one point) for the entire truss or any component part of the truss.

For example, the following structures fulfill such condition (M=4, R=6 and J=5, and thus M+R>=2J), but evidently they are not stable.
1699295981514.png
1699296169100.png

Please, don´t hesitate to correct me if I´m wrong at any point. Thanks!
 
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In 3D happens something similar, M=6, R=12 and J=6, and thus M+R>=3J (18 = 18). It is evident that this 3D truss it is not stable because the vertical member will rotate easily due to the lack of restraints.
1699379188409.png


I need a "recipe" or sequence of simple geometrical checks or rules that work in all situations.

Is there any "sufficient" condition(s) for 2/3D truss stability?
 

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