Solving Forces in Structures: Eliminating Members & Calculating Forces

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The discussion focuses on using the stiffness matrix method to eliminate members and calculate forces in a structure, specifically addressing the challenge of pre-eliminating certain beams and supports. Participants suggest isolating the members and drawing free body diagrams (FBD) to apply static equilibrium equations for accurate force calculations. One user successfully calculated a force at a specific point but struggled with determining forces at another point, questioning the appropriate moment reference. Clarification was provided that static equilibrium requires both force and moment equations for a comprehensive analysis. The conversation emphasizes the importance of clear load definitions and proper application of equilibrium principles in structural analysis.
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See attachment for question and diagrams.
This problem is concerned with using the stiffness matrix method to find displacements and force in a structure. My problem is pre-eliminating the members. i have attached 2 diagrams. i would like help in trying to get from the first diagram, to the second diagram ( with eliminated members and forces calculated)

I know that

∑Fx=0
∑Fy=0
∑M=0

However, the UDL and other factors are causing me problems.
I don't know where to start with this

Thanks
 

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From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.
 
ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks
 
SteamKing said:
From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.

ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks
 
SteamKing said:
From the diagram attached, it's not clear what the magnitude of the distributed load q is.

If you are trying to eliminate the beam 1-6-7 and the support strut 5-6 from the rest of the structure,
isolate it and draw a FBD for these members. You should be able to write equations of static equilibrium using the FBD and solve those to find the reaction forces, which can be applied to the remaining structure.

q=5kn/m
 
MMCS said:
ok so my attempt,
I have isolated 1-6-7 and 5-6.
Taking moments about point 1 i have

6metres * 5kn/m * 3metres = Force at 5 * sqrt(2^2 + 2^2)
Force at 5 = 31.8

This value seems correct. I have tried the get the forces at 1 but have had no luck. Where is the best place to take moments from ? intuitively it seems odd that the force in the x direction is greater than P, as P seems like the only force acting this way

Thanks

Static equilibrium is more than just taking moments about an arbitrary point. You've got to write both the force and the moment equations to get the complete picture.
 
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