Quick Method to Calculate Truss Deflection Without Software | IStructE Structural Behaviour Course

In structural engineering, calculating the deflection of a truss can appear complicated. Many engineers immediately think they need advanced structural software. But there is a much simpler way. In this lecture, Dr Jawed Qureshi shows how you can estimate the deflection of a truss by treating it as a beam. Using basic structural mechanics and the parallel axis theorem, you can quickly calculate the approximate midspan deflection of a truss. This method is especially useful for engineers and students who want to perform quick checks on site or during preliminary design without relying on expensive software. This video is part of Dr Jawed Qureshi’s course on The Institution of Structural Engineers Certificate in Structural Behaviour. 🔗 Download Lecture Slides: https://tinyurl.com/JQureshiStructural to follow along with the lesson. 🔗 IStructE Certificate in Structural Behaviour: https://www.istructe.org/training-and-development/qualifications-and-registrations/certificate-in-structural-behaviour/ ⏰ TIMECODES ⏰ 00:00 Introduction – Truss Deflection 01:00 Treat Truss as Beam 02:30 Beam Deflection Formula 04:00 Parallel Axis Theorem 06:30 Final Answer & Key Takeaway Related Videos in the IStructE Structural Behaviour Course https://tinyurl.com/JQStructural Click on link above to watch first 30 lectures. 31. Shear force diagram part 6 https://youtu.be/uHFkhFVxp7Y 32. Match SFD with BMD https://youtu.be/yvqUmJP-wpk 33. Natural frequency of beams https://youtu.be/2iajHflk-Fg 34. Beam Deflected shape examples – I https://youtu.be/EEgTbcSIISQ 35. Beam Deflected shape examples – II https://youtu.be/NZGgDX2mR-Y 36. Beam Deflected shape examples – III https://youtu.be/jHaV75HZZ8c 37. Frame Deflected shape examples – I https://youtu.be/aJEPII3O-1A 38. Frame Deflected shape examples – II https://youtu.be/XiS4eDojHis 39. Frame Deflected shape examples – III https://youtu.be/9w0qfRIxtD0 40. Frame Deflected shape examples – IV https://youtu.be/MsVXXyzmIFU 41. Frame Deflected shape examples – V https://youtu.be/bBdzFee92fU 42. Cantilever Frames https://youtu.be/vcWutpdv_f4 43 Simple Frames https://youtu.be/5b6TgwmqwaY 44 Complex Frames https://youtu.be/Rd8f14FrJiw 45 Propped Cantilever Frames https://youtu.be/0oqcFQWtL6A 46 Internal Pin Frame Analysis https://youtu.be/dTEC2c59TCo 47 Internal Pin Frame with values https://youtu.be/LNXgQ4lOv48 48 Approximate BMD Frames https://youtu.be/LX4LfKP-9Ro 49 BMD Mult-bay Frames https://youtu.be/Fmy6eYfCTL0 50 Plastic collapse mechanism https://youtu.be/c-X_eIbg-rU 51 Plastic collapse moment https://youtu.be/9OTRNiyD_KA 52 Stiffness of single bay frame https://youtu.be/OVn5VC6BDqU 53 Moment of three bay frame https://youtu.be/qrsmkDFI5CA 54 Moment redistribution in a continuous beam https://youtu.be/RAFk1Es7bg8 55 Determinate vs Indeterminate Truss https://youtu.be/_yr3ttkErq8 56 Cable stayed beam https://youtu.be/_z1Ac6jAve0 57 Cantilever Bridge https://youtu.be/lEhoMF5W4IE 58 Effect of stiffness in beams and frames https://youtu.be/77zPBg6R2Oc 59 Support settlement continuous beams https://youtu.be/0Xlmrpjaiao 60 Support settlement Propped Cantilever beam https://youtu.be/2IFxYxmyY0I 61 Calculate truss deflection https://youtu.be/PiN9RjH4-3E More Learning Resources: • Subscribe to Dr Jawed Qureshi on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DrJQureshi • Follow Dr Qureshi on Twitter: https://twitter.com/DrJQureshi • Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jawed-qureshi-2370191a2/ • Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drjqureshi/ Common Queries Answered: • Can a truss behave like beam? • Which members resist truss bending? • What resists shear in trusses? • Why use approximate structural methods? • What is truss midspan deflection? • When should engineers estimate deflection? • What formula gives beam deflection? • Why use parallel axis theorem? • How do chords resist bending? • Can engineers analyse structures quickly? #istructe structe #structuralengineering #civilengineering ________________________________________ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. It is provided without any guarantees or warranties. All rights are reserved by Dr Jawed Qureshi. Dr Jawed Qureshi is a Senior Lecturer in Structural Engineering and Design at the University of East London (UEL), London, United Kingdom. He has over 25 years of international experience in engineering education and practice. He holds a PhD in steel-concrete composite structures from the University of Leeds and has previously worked on a major European research project at the University of Warwick. Dr Qureshi is known for his practical approach to teaching and his ability to explain complex engineering concepts in a simple and engaging way.