ANALYSIS OF STRUCTURES

credits from Engineering Mechanics - Statics by Hibbeler

The two main methods of analyzing structures are the method of joints and the method of sections. The former method is used when many points or joints are considered in the structure. This method is a longer method as it completes the other members' forces to reach that point in consideration. Method of joints is more on a step by step analysis just to reach a certain joint under study.

The latter method - method of sections - is a faster method especially if there are only specified or few joints or members in consideration. Method of sections utilize a cutting plane from where the unknown member forces should be dissected.

Analysis using any of these two methods would always start in finding the reactions at the supports. These reactions are those added applied loads to be considered besides the readily applied load in the structure (always given).

Frames and machines on the other will consist of the method of frames. This method is a totally different approach from the first two methods. This method includes disassembling the parts to check on the internal forces of each member.

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