Because of the large amount of routine numerical computation required to solve complicated trusses of many members by the above analytical methods, a number of graphical methods have been developed. These graphical methods have the advantage that the work can be organized as a routine procedure and can thus be carried on, in some instances, by relatively unskilled computers. In addition, some graphical methods are selfchecking, so that one can see at a glance if errors have been made.

The methods to be discussed in the following paragraphs have wider application than just the computation of forces in trusses. The methods are also commonly used in connection with the determination of stresses and deflections of beams, and of the critical speeds of rotating machinery.