Journal of Korean Society of Agricultural Engineers ISSN:1738-3692(Print) 2093-7709(Online) 한국농공학회논문집

Element-focused network analysis method for truss structure is proposed. The propagation process of loads from external loads to connected other elements is similar to that of connections between nodes in accordance with attachment rule in a network. Here nodes indicate elements in a truss structure and edges represent propagated loads. Therefore, the flows of loads in a truss structure can be calculated using the network analysis method, and consequently the structure can also be analyzed. As a first step to analyze a truss structure as a network, we propose a local load transfer rule in accordance with the topology of elements, and then analyze the loads of the truss elements. Application of this method reveal that the internal loads and reactions caused by external loads can be accurately estimated. Consequently, truss structures can be considered as networks and network analysis method can be applied to further complex truss structures.