Problem 540 | Friction on Wedges

Problem 540
As shown in Fig. P-540, two blocks each weighing 20 kN and resting on a horizontal surface, are to be pushed apart by a 30° wedge. The angle of friction is 15° for all contact surfaces. What value of P is required to start movement of the blocks? How would this answer be changed if the weight of one of the blocks were increased by 30 kN?
 

540-wedge-block-friction.gif

 

Solution 540