Four identical rigid bars-each of length \(a\) - are connected to a spring of stiffness \(k\) to form a structure for carrying a vertical load \(P\), as shown in Figs. 1.72

(a) and (b). Find the equivalent spring constant of the system \(k_{\text {eq }}\), for each case, disregarding the masses of the bars and the friction in the joints.

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k b P (a) 00000 b FIGURE 1.72 Four rigid bars connected with a spring in two different ways.