Graphic statics using discontinuous Airy stress functions

Journal article, 2016

It is known that the equilibrium of two-dimensional trusses can be represented using Maxwell reciprocal diagrams and polyhedral Airy stress functions, with the change in slope of the stress function corresponding to a tension force. This article generalises the analysis to include two-dimensional frames, showing how a discontinuity in the value of the Airy stress function corresponds to a bending moment.