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How to Determine Truss Element Force

Trusses that are used in the construction of a bridge or building have forces exerted over the joints and members that make up the truss. The truss members are the lengths of wood or metal used to build the structure. A joint is the fitting connecting all of the individual members together. To determine forces of a truss you will need to obtain the correct data.

Things You'll Need

Tape measure

Instructions

- 1
  Write out the equation that is used to test the stability of a truss which is (2 x j < m + 3). This indicates that 2 times the number of joints is less than the total number of members plus 3.
- 2
  Count the number of joints and members that are in the truss. Insert the number of joints for "j" in the equation. Insert the number of members for "m" in the equation. Complete the equation to verify your truss is stable.
- 3
  Determine the total load that is to be applied to the truss. Divide this total load by the number of joints to calculate the load per joint.
- 4
  Measure the angle of a triangle of the truss with a protractor. Measure the length of each side using the tape measure. Note these measurements on a piece of paper.
- 5
  Determine the sine of one of the angles of the triangle by first dividing one side that is opposite to the angle by the hypotenuse. Divide the load per joint in Step 3 by the sine of the triangle. The result is the force that is being exerted by the hypotenuse.
- 6
  Multiply the force of the hypotenuse by the sine of the angle in Step 5 to determine the force being exerted by the vertical member of the triangle.

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