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

 

Problem 526 | Friction

Problem 526
A ladder 6 m long has a mass of 18 kg and its center of gravity is 2.4 m from the bottom. The ladder is placed against a vertical wall so that it makes an angle of 60° with the ground. How far up the ladder can a 72-kg man climb before the ladder is on the verge of slipping? The angle of friction at all contact surfaces is 15°.