Computer analysis of a truss with rigid joints. The truss in Figure P4.55 is constructed o...

Computer analysis of a truss with rigid joints. The truss in Figure P4.55 is constructed of square steel tubes welded to form a structure with rigid joints. The top chord members 1, 2, 3, and 4 are 4×4×1/4 square tubes with A = 3.37 in.² and I = 7.80 in⁴. All other members are 3×3×1/4 square tubes with A = 2.44 in.² and I = 3.02 in.⁴. Use E = 29,000 kips/in.².

(a) Considering all joints as rigid, compute the axial forces and moments in all bars and the deflection at midspan when the three 24-kip design loads act at joints 7, 8, and 9 (ignore the 4-kip load).

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(b) If a hoist is also attached to the lower chord at the midpoint of the end panel on the right (labelled joint 6*) to raise a concentrated load of 4 kips, determine the forces and moments in the lower chord (members 5 and 6). If the maximum stress is not to exceed 25 kips/in.², can the lower chord support the 4-kip load safely in addition to the three 24-kip loads? Compute the maximum stress, using the equation

where c = 1.5 in. (one-half the depth of the lower chord).

^* Note: If you wish to compute the forces or deflection at a particular point of a member, designate the point as a joint.

Figure P4.55: