Subject: Applied Mechanics

Course Code: CEL 1011

Course Coordinator: Dr. Rahul Sharma

School of Civil Engineering

Assistant Professor
Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, Katra, J&K
 Trusses
A truss is a structure made up of slender members pin-connected at ends and is
capable of taking loads at joints. They are used as roof trusses to support sloping roofs
and as bridge trusses to support deck. In many machines steel trusses are used.
Transmission towers are also the examples of trusses.
In the case of wooden trusses, the ends are connected by making suitable joints or by
nailing and bolting whereas in steel trusses ends are connected by bolting or welding.
The trusses are also known as ‘pin jointed frames.
A truss in which all the members lie in a single plane is called as a plane truss. In such
trusses loads act in the plane of the truss only. Roof trusses and bridge trusses can be
considered as plane trusses. If all the members of a truss do not lie in a single plane,
then it is called a space truss. Tripod and transmission towers are the examples of
space trusses.
Trusses
 Trusses
A pinjointed truss which has got just sufficient number of members to resist the loads
without undergoing appreciable deformation in shape is called a perfect truss.
Triangular truss is the simplest perfect truss and it has three joints and three members.
To increase one joint in a perfect truss, two more members are required. The
following expression may be written down as the relationship between number of
joints j, and the number of members m, in a perfect truss.
m = 2j – 3
However, the above equation gives only a necessary, but not a sufficient condition of
a perfect truss.
 Trusses
For example, the two trusses shown in Fig. (a) and (b) have the same number of
members and joints. The truss shown in Fig. (a) is perfect whereas the one shown in
Fig.(b) is not capable of retaining its shape if loaded at the joint marked 6. Therefore,
the only necessary and sufficient condition of a perfect truss is that it should retain its
shape when load is applied at any joint in any direction.

A truss is said to be deficient if the number of members in it are less than that required
for a perfect truss. Such trusses cannot retain their shape when loaded.
 Trusses
A truss is said to be redundant if the number of members in it are more than that
required in a perfect truss. Such trusses cannot be analysed by making use of the
equations of equilibrium alone. Thus, a redundant truss is statically indeterminate.
Each extra member adds one degree of indeterminacy

The truss shown in the Fig. is a typical redundant truss. In this truss one diagonal
member in each panel is extra. Hence it is a two-degree redundant truss..
 Assumption in Trusses
The assumption considered for the analysis of the trusses are
(1) The ends of the members are pin-connected (hinged);
(2) The loads act only at the joints;
(3) Self-weights of the members are negligible;
(4) Cross-section of the members is uniform.

In reality the members are connected by bolting, riveting or by welding. No special

care is taken to ensure perfect pin-connections. However, experiments have shown
that assuming pin-connected ends is quite satisfactory since the members used are
slender.
 Nature of Forces in Members

The members of a truss are subjected to either tensile or compressive forces. A typical
truss ABCDE loaded at joint E is shown in Fig. (a). The member BC is subjected to
compressive force C as shown in Fig. (b). Effect of this force on the joint B (or C) is
equal and opposite to the force C as shown in Fig. (b).
The member AE is subjected to tensile force T. Its effect on the joints A and E are as
shown in Fig. (b). In the analysis of frame we mark the forces on the joints, instead of
the forces in the members as shown in Fig. (c). It may be noted that compressive force
in a member is represented in a figure by two arrows going away from each other and
a tensile force by two arrows coming towards each other.

Fig. a Fig. b Fig. c

 Methods of Analysis

The following methods are available for the analysis of pin-connected frames:
(1) Method of joints
(2) Method of section
 Methods of Joints

At each joint the forces in the members meeting and the loads acting, if any, constitute
a system of concurrent forces. Hence, two independent equations of equilibrium can
be formed at each joint.
First, a joint is selected where there are only two unknown forces. Many times such a
joint can be identified only after finding the reaction at the support by considering the
equilibrium of the entire frame. Then making use of the two equations of equilibrium
at that joint the two unknown forces are found. Then, the next joint is selected for
analysis where there are now only two unknown forces.
 Methods of Joints
Find the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. Tabulate the results
Step 1: Determine the inclinations of all inclined members. In this case,
tan 𝜃 = = 1
𝜃 = 45
Step 2: Look for a joint at which there are only two unknowns. If such a joint is not
available, determine the reactions at the supports, and then at the supports these
unknowns may reduce to only two.
Now at joints C, there are only two unknowns, i.e., forces in members CB and CD, say
FCB and FCD.
Step 3: Now there are two equations of equilibrium for the forces meeting at the joint
and two unknown forces. Hence, the unknown forces can be determined.
At joint C
FCB sin 45° = 40
FCB = 40√𝟐kN
ΣH=0
FCD – FCB cos 45° = 0
FCD = FCB cos 45° = 40√𝟐 x
√𝟐
FCD = 40 kN
 Methods of Joints
Find the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. Tabulate the results
Step 4: On the diagram of the truss, mark arrows on the members near the joint
analysed to indicate the forces on the joint. At the other end, mark the arrows in the
reverse direction.
In the present case, near the joint C, the arrows are marked on the members CB and CD
to indicate forces FCB and FCD directions as found in the analysis of joint C. Then
reversed directions are marked in the members CB and CD near joints B and D,
respectively
Step 5: Look for the next joint where there are only two unknown forces and analyse
that joint.
At the joint D
ΣV=0
FDB = 40 kN
ΣH=0
FDE = 40 kN
 Methods of Joints
Find the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. Tabulate the results
Step 6: Repeat steps 4 and 5 till forces in all the members are found.
In the present case, after marking the forces in the members DB and DE,
At joint B

ΣV=0
FBE sin 45° – 40 – 40√𝟐 × sin 45° = 0
FBE = 80√𝟐 kN

ΣH=0
FBA – FBE cos 45° – 40 2 × cos 45° = 0
FBA = 80√𝟐 x √𝟐 + 40 √𝟐 x √𝟐
FBA = 120 kN
 Methods of Joints
Determine the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. and indicate the magnitude and nature of forces on the
diagram of the truss. All inclined members are at 60° to horizontal and length of each member is 2 m.
Now, we cannot find a joint with only two unknown forces without finding reactions.
Consider the equilibrium of the entire frame.
ΣMA = 0
RD × 4 – 40 × 1 – 60 × 2 – 50 × 3 = 0
RD = 77.5 kN
ΣH=0
HA = 0
Reaction at A is vertical only
ΣV=0
RA + 77.5 = 40 + 60 + 50
RA = 72.5 kN
Joint A:
ΣV = 0
FAB sin 60° = RA = 72.5
FAB = 83.7158 kN (Comp.)
ΣH = 0, gives
FAE – 83.7158 cos 60° = 0
FAE = 41.8579 kN (Tension)
 Methods of Joints
Determine the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. and indicate the magnitude and nature of forces on the
diagram of the truss. All inclined members are at 60° to horizontal and length of each member is 2 m.
Joint D:
ΣV = 0
FDC sin 60° = RD = 77.5
FDC = 89.4893 kN (Comp.)
Σ H = 0, gives
FDE – 87.4893 cos 60° = 0
FDE = 44.7446 kN (Tension)

Joint B:
ΣV = 0
FBE sin 60° – FAB sin 60° + 40 = 0
.
FBE = = 37.52 (Tension)
ΣH=0
FBC – FAB cos 60° – FBE cos 60° = 0
FBC = (83.7158 + 37.5274) × 0.5
FBC = 60.6218 kN (Comp.)
 Methods of Joints
Determine the forces in all the members of the truss shown in Fig. and indicate the magnitude and nature of forces on the
diagram of the truss. All inclined members are at 60° to horizontal and length of each member is 2 m.

Joint C:
ΣV = 0
FCE sin 60° + 50 – FDC sin 60° = 0
.
FCE =

FCE = 31.7543 kN (Tension)

 Methods of Section
In the method of section, after determining the reactions, a section line is drawn passing through not more than three
members in which forces are not known such that the frame is cut into two separate parts. Each part should be in
equilibrium under the action of loads, reactions and forces in the members that are cut by the section line.

Equilibrium of any one of these two parts is considered and the unknown forces in the members cut by the section line are
determined. The system of forces acting on either part of truss constitutes a non-concurrent force system. Since there are
only three independent equation of equilibrium, there should be only three unknown forces.

Hence, in this method it is an essential condition that the section line should pass through not more than three members in
which forces are not known and it should separate the frame into two parts.

Under the following two conditions the method of section is preferred over the method of joints:
(1) In a large truss in which forces in only few members are required;
(2) In the situation where the method of joints fails to start/proceed with analysis.
 Methods of Section
Determine the forces in the members FH, HG and GI in the truss shown in Fig. Each load is 10 kN and all triangles are
equilateral with sides 4 m.
Due to symmetry,

RA = R0 = x 10 x 7 = 35 kN
Take section (A)–(A), which cuts the members FH, GH and GI
and separates the truss into two parts. Consider the equilibrium
of left hand side part as shown in Fig. (Prefer part in which
number of forces are less).

ΣMG = 0,
FFH × 4 sin 60° – 35 × 12 + 10 × 10 + 10 × 6 + 10 × 2 = 0
FFH = 69.2820 kN (Comp.)
ΣV = 0
FGH sin 60° + 10 + 10 + 10 – 35 = 0
FGH = 5.7735 kN (Comp.)
ΣH = 0
FGI – FFH – FGH cos 60° = 0
FGI = 69.2820 + 5.7735 cos 60°
FGI = 72.1688 kN (Tension)
 Methods of Section
Find the magnitude and nature of the forces in the members U3U4, L3L4 and U4L3 of the loaded truss shown in Fig.

ΣMLO = 0
R2 × 36 – 200 × 6 – 200 × 12 – 150 × 18 – 100 × 24 – 100 × 30 = 0
R2 = 325 kN
ΣV = 0
R1 = 200 + 200 + 150 + 100 + 100 – 325 = 425 kN
Take the section (1)–(1) and consider the right hand side part.
U3U4 = 𝟏 𝟐 + (𝟔)𝟐 = 6.082

sin 𝜃l = = 0.164
.
cos 𝜃l = .
= 0.9864
L3U4 = = 𝟖 𝟐 + (𝟔)𝟐= 10
sin 𝜃2 = 0.6, cos 𝜃2 = 0.8

ΣMU4 = 0
FL3L4 × 8 – 325 × 12 + 100 × 6 = 0
FL3L4 = 412.5 kN (Tension)
 Methods of Section
Find the magnitude and nature of the forces in the members U3U4, L3L4 and U4L3 of the loaded truss shown in Fig.

ΣMU4 = 0
FL3L4 × 8 – 325 × 12 + 100 × 6 = 0
FL3L4 = 412.5 kN (Tension)

ΣML3 = 0
FU4U3 × cos 𝜃l × 9 + 100 × 6 + 100 × 12 – 325 × 18 = 0
FU4U3 = 456.2072 kN (Comp.)
ΣH = 0
FU4L3 sin 𝜃2 – FU4U3 cos 𝜃l + FL4L3 = 0
. . .
FU4L3 =
0.6
FU4L3 = = 62.5 kN (Tension)
 Friction
When a body moves or tends to move over another body, a force opposing the motion develops at the contact surfaces. The
force which opposes the movement or the tendency of movement is called the frictional force or simply friction.

Whenever a resultant force acts in the direction of contacting surfaces frictional force develops to oppose that force. The
frictional force, like any other reaction, has a remarkable property of adjusting itself in magnitude to the tangential force.
However, there is a limit beyond which the magnitude of the frictional force will not develop. If the applied tangential
force is more than this maximum frictional force, there will be movement of one body over the other body with an
acceleration as per Newton’s second law of mass times acceleration equal to the resultant force. This maximum value of
frictional force, which comes into play when the motion is impending is known as Limiting Friction.

When the applied tangential force is less than the limiting friction, the body remains at rest and such friction is called
Static Friction, which will have any value between zero and limiting friction.

If the value of applied tangential force exceeds the limiting friction, the body starts moving over another body and the
frictional resistance experienced while moving is known as Dynamic Friction. The magnitude of dynamic friction is
found to be less than limiting friction. Dynamic friction may be further classified into two groups:

(i) Sliding Friction: It is the friction experienced by a body when it slides over the other body.

(ii) Rolling Friction: It is the friction experienced by a body when it rolls over another body.
 Friction
It has been experimentally proved that, between two contacting surfaces, the magnitude of limiting friction bears a
constant ratio to the normal reaction between the two and this ratio is called ‘Coefficient of Friction’.

In Fig. A body weighing W is being pulled by a force P and the

motion is impending. Let N be normal reaction and F the
limiting frictional force. Then

F
Coefficient of Friction = N

Coefficient of friction is denoted by 𝜇, then

F
𝜇=
N
 Laws of Friction
The principles discussed in a previous article are mainly due to the experimental studies by Coulomb (1781) and by Mozin
(1831). These principles constitute the laws of dry friction and may be called as Coulomb’s laws of dry friction. These
laws are listed below

(i) The frictional force always acts in a direction opposite to that in which the body tends to move.

(ii) Till the limiting value is reached, the magnitude of frictional force is exactly equal to the tangential force which tends
to move the body.

(iii) The magnitude of the limiting friction bears a constant ratio to the normal reaction between the two contacting
surfaces.

(iv) The force of friction depends upon the roughness/smoothness of the surfaces.

(v) The force of friction is independent of the area of contact between the two surfaces.

(vi) After the body starts moving, the dynamic friction comes into play, the magnitude of which is less than that of limiting
friction and it bears a constant ratio to the normal force. This ratio is called coefficient of dynamic friction.
 Angle of Friction
Consider the block shown in Fig. subject to pull P. Let F be the frictional
force developed and N the normal reaction. Thus, at contact surface, the
reactions are F and N. They can be combined to get the resultant reaction
R which acts at angle 𝜃 to normal reaction. This angle is given by
F
tan 𝜃 = N

As frictional force increases the angle 𝜃 increases and it can reach

maximum value 𝛼 when limiting value of friction is reached. Thus, when
motion is impending

F
tan 𝛼 = =𝜇
N

and this value of 𝛼 is called angle of limiting friction. Hence, the angle of
limiting friction can be defined as the angle between the resultant reaction
and the normal to the plane on which the motion of the body is
impending.
 Angle of Repose
Now consider the block of weight W shown in Fig. which is resting on an inclined
plane that makes angle θ with the horizontal. When θ is a small, block rests on the
plane. If θ is increased gradually a stage is reached at which the block starts sliding.
The angle made by the plane with the horizontal is called angle of friction for the
contacting surfaces. Thus, the maximum inclination of the plane on which the body,
free from external forces, can repose is called angle of repose.

Consider the equilibrium of the block shown in Fig. Since the surface of contact is not smooth, not only normal reaction but
frictional force also develops. As the body tends to slide down, the frictional resistance will be up the plane
ΣForces normal to plane = 0
N = W cos θ ………..1
Σ Forces parallel to plane = 0
F = W sin θ ………..2
Dividing eqn. (ii) by eqn. (i) we get
F
N = tan 𝜃
If ∅ is the value of θ when motion is impending, frictional force will be limiting friction and hence
F
tan ∅ = N
tan ∅ = 𝜇 = tan 𝛼
∅=𝛼
Thus, the value of angle of repose is the same as the value of limiting angle of friction.
 Friction
Block A weighing 1000 N rests over block B which weighs 2000 N as shown in Fig. Block A is tied to a wall with a horizontal
string. If the coefficient of friction between A and B is 1/4 and that between B and the floor is 1/3, what value of force P is
required to create impending motion if (a) P is horizontal, (b) P acts 30° upwards to horizontal?
(a) When P is horizontal: The free body diagrams of the two blocks are shown in Fig.
(b). Note the frictional forces are to be marked in the opposite directions of impending
relative motion. In this problem, block B is having impending motion to the right.
Hence on it F1 and F2 are towards right. The relative motion of block A w.r.t. B is to the
left. Hence the direction of F1 in this is towards the right.
Consider the equilibrium of block A.
ΣV = 0
N1 – 1000 = 0
N1 = 1000 newton
Since F1 is limiting friction,
F
N =𝜇
F1 1
N1 = 𝜇 1 = 4
1
F1 = x 1000 = 250 newton
4
ΣH = 0
F1 – T = 0
T = F1, T = 250 newton.
 Friction
Block A weighing 1000 N rests over block B which weighs 2000 N as shown in Fig. Block A is tied to a wall with a horizontal
string. If the coefficient of friction between A and B is 1/4 and that between B and the floor is 1/3, what value of force P is
required to create impending motion if (a) P is horizontal, (b) P acts 30° upwards to horizontal?
Consider the equilibrium of block B.
ΣV = 0
N2 – N1 – 2000 = 0
N2 = N1 + 2000 = 1000 + 2000 = 3000 newton.

Since F2 is limiting friction,

1
F2 = 𝜇2 N2 = 3 x 3000 = 1000 newton
ΣH = 0
P – F1 – F2 = 0
P = F1 + F2 = 250 + 1000 = 1250 newton
 Friction
Block A weighing 1000 N rests over block B which weighs 2000 N as shown in Fig. Block A is tied to a wall with a horizontal
string. If the coefficient of friction between A and B is 1/4 and that between B and the floor is 1/3, what value of force P is
required to create impending motion if (a) P is horizontal, (b) P acts 30° upwards to horizontal?
(b) When P is inclined: Free body diagrams for this case are shown in Fig.
Considering equilibrium of block A, we get
ΣV = 0
N1 = 1000 newton
1
F1 = x 1000 = 250 newton
4
ΣH = 0
T = F1 = 250 newton
Consider the equilibrium of block B.
ΣV = 0
N2 – 2000 – N1 + P sin 30 = 0
N2 + 0.5P = 3000
From law of friction 0.5 P
1 P cos 30 – 250 – (1000 - 3 ) = 0
F2 = 𝜇2 N2 = 3 X (3000 – 0.5P)
0.5 P
0.5 P P (cos 30 + ) = 1250
= 1000 – 3 3
P = 1210.4 newton
ΣH = 0
P cos 30 – F1 – F2 = 0
 Friction
What should be the value of θ in Fig. (a) which will make the motion of 900 N block down the plane to impend? The coefficient
of friction for all contact surfaces is 1/3.
900 N block is on the verge of moving downward. Hence frictional forces F1 and F2
[Ref. Fig. (b)] act up the plane on 900 N block. Free body diagrams of the blocks are as
shown in Fig. (b).
Consider the equilibrium of 300 N block
Σ Forces normal to plane = 0
ΣV = 0
N1 – 300 cos θ = 0 or N1 = 300 cos θ …………1
From law of friction,
1
F1 = 3 N1 = 100 cos θ .................2
For 900 N block:
Σ Forces normal to plane = 0 Σ Forces parallel to the plane = 0
ΣV = 0 F1 + F2 – 900 sin θ = 0
N2 – N1 – 900 cos θ = 0 100 cos θ + 400 cos θ = 900 sin θ
N2 = N1 + 900 cos θ 500
tan θ = 900
= 300 cos θ + 900 cos θ θ = 29.05°
= 1200 cos θ
From law of friction,
1
F2 = 𝜇2 N2 = x 1200 cos θ = 400 cos θ
3
 Wedge Friction
A wedge is a simple machine that is often used to transform an applied force into much larger forces, directed at approximately
right angles to the applied force. Wedges also can be used to slightly move or adjust heavy loads.

Consider, for example, the wedge shown in Fig. a which is used to lift the block by applying a
force to the wedge. Free-body diagrams of the block and wedge are shown in Fig. b.
The weight of the wedge is excluded since it is usually small compared to the
weight W of the block. Also, note that the frictional forces F1 and F2 must oppose
the motion of the wedge. Likewise, the frictional force F3 of the wall on the block
must act downward so as to oppose the block’s upward motion.
There are seven unknowns, consisting of the applied force P, needed to cause
motion of the wedge, and six normal and frictional forces.
The seven available equations consist of four force equilibrium equations, Σ Fx =
0, ΣFy = 0 applied to the wedge and block, and three frictional equations, F = 𝜇N,
applied at each surface of contact.
 Wedge Friction
Determine the force P required to start the movement of the wedge as shown in Fig. (a). The angle of friction for all
surfaces of contact is 15°.
 Wedge Friction
Determine the force P required to start the movement of the wedge as shown in Fig. (a). The angle of friction for all
surfaces of contact is 15°.
As wedge is driven, it moves towards left and the block moves upwards.
When motion is impending limiting friction develops. Hence resultant force
makes limiting angle of 15° with normal. The care is taken to mark 15°
inclination such that the tangential component of the resultant opposes the
impending motion.
The free body diagrams of the block and wedge are shown in Fig. (b). The
forces on block and wedge are redrawn in Figs. (c) and (d) so that Lami’s
theorem can be applied conveniently.
Applying Lami’s theorem to the system of forces on block
R1 R 20
= =
Sin (180 − 15 − 20) Sin (90 − 15) Sin (15 + 20 + 90 + 15)

R1 R 20
= =
Sin (145) Sin (75) Sin (140)
R1 = 17.85 kN
R2 = 30.05 kN
Applying Lami’s theorem to system of forces on the wedge, we get
P R
=
Sin (130) Sin (105)
P = 23.84 kN
 Wedge Friction
The uniform stone in Fig. a has a mass of 500 kg and is held in the horizontal position using a wedge at B. If the coefficient
of static friction is 𝜇 = 0.3 at the surfaces of contact, determine the minimum force P needed to remove the wedge. Assume
that the stone does not slip at A.
The minimum force P requires F = 𝜇 N at the surfaces of contact with the wedge. The
free-body diagrams of the stone and wedge are shown in Fig. b. On the wedge the
friction force opposes the impending motion, and on the stone at A, FA ≤ 𝜇 NA, since
slipping does not occur there. There are five unknowns. Three equilibrium equations
for the stone and two for the wedge are available for solution. From the free-body
diagram of the stone,
Σ MA = 0;
-4905 N(0.5 m) + (NB cos 7 N)(1 m) + (0.3NB sin 7 N)(1 m) = 0
NB = 2383.1 N
Using this result for the wedge
Σ Fy = 0;
NC - 2383.1 cos 7 N - 0.3(2383.1 sin 7 N) = 0
NC = 2452.5 N
Σ Fx = 0;
2383.1 sin 7 N - 0.3(2383.1 cos 7 N) + P - 0.3(2452.5 N) = 0
P = 1154.9 N = 1.15 kN
 Ladder Friction
A ladder of length 4 m, weighing 200 N is placed against a vertical wall as shown in Fig. (a). The coefficient of friction
between the wall and the ladder is 0.2 and that between floor and the ladder is 0.3. The ladder, in addition to its own
weight, has to support a man weighing 600 N at a distance of 3 m from A. Calculate the minimum horizontal force to be
applied at A to prevent slipping.
The free body diagram of the ladder is as shown in Fig.
Σ MA = 0
200 x 2 cos 60 + 600 x 3 cos 60 – FB x 4 cos 60 – NB x 4 sin 60 = 0
Dividing throughout by 4 and rearranging the terms
0.866 NB + 0.5 FB = 275
From law of friction
FB = 𝜇 NB = 0.2 NB
0.866 NB + 0.5 x 0.2 NB = 275
NB = 284.7 newton
FB = 56.94 newton.
Σ FV = 0
NA – 200 – 600 + FB = 0
NA = 743.06 newton, since FB = 56.94
FA = 𝜇ANA
= 0.3 x 743.06 = 222.9 newton
Σ FH = 0 P = 61.8 newton
P + FA – NB = 0
P = NB – FA = 284.7 – 222.9
 Ladder Friction
The ladder shown in Fig. is 6 m long and is supported by a horizontal floor and a vertical wall. The coefficient of friction
between the floor and the ladder is 0.25 and between the wall and the ladder is 0.4. The weight of the ladder is 200 N and may
be considered as a concentrated load at G. The ladder supports a vertical load of 900 N at C which is at a distance of 1 m
from B. Determine the least value 𝛼 of at which the ladder may be placed without slipping. Determine the reaction at that
stage.
Figure shows the free body diagram of the ladder.
From law of friction
FA = 0.25 NA …………………………… 1
FB = 0.40 NB ………………..2
ΣFV = 0
NA – 200 – 900 + FB = 0
NA + 0.4 NB = 900 + 200 = 1100 …………3
Σ FH = 0
FA – NB = 0, FA = NB
0.25 NA = NB ………………..4
From eqns. 3 and 4
NA (1 + 0.4 X 0.25) = 1100
NA = 1000 newton
FA = 0.25 X NA = 0.25 X 1000 = 250 N
From eqn. 4, NB = 0.25 NA = 250 N
FB = 0.4 X NB = 0.4 X 250 = 100 N
 Ladder Friction
The ladder shown in Fig. is 6 m long and is supported by a horizontal floor and a vertical wall. The coefficient of friction
between the floor and the ladder is 0.25 and between the wall and the ladder is 0.4. The weight of the ladder is 200 N and may
be considered as a concentrated load at G. The ladder supports a vertical load of 900 N at C which is at a distance of 1 m from
B. Determine the least value of 𝛼 at which the ladder may be placed without slipping. Determine the reaction at that stage.
Σ MA = 0
200 X 3 cos 𝛼 + 900 X 5 cos 𝛼 – FB X 6 cos 𝛼 – NB X 6 sin 𝛼 = 0
Substituting the values of FB and NB, we get
200 X 3 cos 𝛼 + 900 X 5 cos 𝛼 – 100 X 6 cos 𝛼 – 250 X 6 sin 𝛼 = 0
4500 cos α = 1500 sin α
tan α = 3
α = 71.57°