Example Question

Example Question

Virtual Work example question

Find the horizontal displacement of point B (Δ_B →).

Find the horizontal displacement of point B (Δ_B →).

Click below to show answer. X

Step 1:
Calculate internal forces in truss members due to real external load

Step 1:
Calculate internal forces in truss members due to real external load

Virtual Work solution step 1

Step 2:
Calculate internal forces in truss members due to virtual load

Step 2:
Calculate internal forces in truss members due to virtual load

Virtual Work solution step 2

Step 3:
Construct table of n, N, L and nNL for all members

Step 3:
Construct table of n, N, L and nNL for all members

Virtual Work solution step 3

Step 4:
U_e = U_i to calculate Δ_B (→)

Step 4:
U_e = U_i to calculate Δ_B (→)

Virtual Work solution step 4

Useful formula:

Useful formula:

Virtual Work formula

Now that you've mastered this question, you can try Question 1.