Use the Method of Joints and BASIC Physics to Analyze a Truss | Statics

Use free body diagrams and the Method of Joints to calculate the force in each beam or member of a truss.

Solve for the reaction forces acting that the pin and roller supports which are holding up the truss.

Use a common sense approach to determine whether each beam within a truss is under tension or compression.

Trusses are a fundamental part of the study of static structures and static equilibrium. Truss Analysis comes up in most courses that deal with statics. This includes introductory physics courses such as high school physics, AP Physics 1, AP Physics C Mechanics. As well as introductory engineering courses such as PLTW Principles of Engineering (POE).

This problem also serves as the foundation for more advanced statics engineering courses that appear at a college level in fields such as civil engineering.