AA13282-MELISSA BINTI MADSAHIK

AA13294-ABDULLAH AHMED SAID SAHED

AA13302-ABDULRAHMAN ARIF SAMEH
AA13307-HUSAM JALAL NAZMI MEHDAWI
AA11194-ABDULRAZAK BIN MUSTAPHA
Forces in Redundant Truss / Forces in Truss
29 OCTOBER 2015
AA13302-ABDULRAHMAN ARIF SAMEH

1
 FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING & EARTH RESOURCES

STRUCTURE LABORATORY

SUBJECT CODE BAA 2921

SUBJECT ENGINEERING LABORATORY II (STRUCTURE )

EXPERIMENT
TITTLE Forces in Redundant Truss / Forces in Truss

DATE OF
EXPERIMENT 29 OCTOBER 2015

GROUP NUMBER 1

SECTION 01

GROUP MEMBER 1.AA13282 – MELISSA BINTI MADSAHIK

NAME & ID
NUMBER 2.AA13294 – ABDULLAH AHMED SAID SADEH

3.AA13302 – ABDULRAHMAN ARIF SAMEH

4.AA13307 – HUSAM JALAL NAZMI MEHDAWI

5.AA11194 – ABDUL RAZAK BIN MUSTAPHA

LECTURER NORHAIZA NORDIN

REMARKS

ENDORSEMENT

2
TABLE OF CONTENT

No. continents Page

number
1.0 FORCES IN TRUSS 4
1.1 INTRODUCTION 4
1.2 PRINCIPLE 4
1.3 OBJECTIVES 6
1.4 APPARATUS 6
1.5 PROCEDURES 7
1.6 RESULTS 8
1.7 THEORY CALCULATION 10
1.8 DISCUSSION 14
1.9 CONCLUSION 16
2.0 REFERENCES 17
2.1 APPENDEX 17
2.2 FORCES IN REDUNDANT TRUSS 18
2.3 INTRODUCTION 18
2.4 PRINCIPLE 19
2.5 OBJECTIVES 20
2.6 APPARATUS 20
2.7 PROCEDURES 21
2.8 RESULTS 22
2.9 THEORY CALCULATION 24
3.0 VIRTUAL WORK 30
3.1 CONCLUSION 36
3.2 RESULTS 37
3.3 APPENDEX 37

3
FORCES IN TRUSS:

INTRODUCTION

The truss is frame that compromised from one or more triangular units that made with
straight slender members that connected to each other in the end as joint. A plane is where all
the joints and members lies within a 2- dimensional plane, while a space truss has members
and joints extending into 3dimensions.

The structural member in structural engineering usually made from straight pieces of
timber or metal from a series of triangles lying in a single plane.

A truss gives a stable form able to support a great external load on a large span with the
component parts stressed primarily in axial tension or compression. The individual pieces meet
at truss joints, or panel points. The connected pieces that are forming the top and the bottom of
the truss are referred to respectively as the top and the bottom chords. The sloping and vertical
pieces connecting the chords are jointly referred to as the web of the truss.

PRINCIPLE:

The truss is assumed to settlement members that are connected by means of pins joints, and
which is supported at both ends by means of hinged joints or rollers, is described as being
statically determinate. So, the truss that we are going to check on it is a statically determinate
truss, which loads are only applied at the joints. The truss members end force must be opposite
for equilibrium.

It can only have three unknown reaction forces. By using method of joints, the forces can be
easily figured. Each joint of the truss is separate in a free body diagram and the unknown
member forces are determined from equilibrium of ΣFx=0 and ΣFy=0.

Some assumptions must be considered while involving the truss analysis, which are:

a) Loads are applied only at the joints

b) Weight of each member
c) Loads are carried axially by members

4
 d) Geometry is known

Only two unknown’s member forces can be solved for at a time by using the method of
joints. While the remaining joints of the truss can be isolated and the unknown member of
forces can be determined.

By using a strain gage can also be the most efficient way for determining the forces in truss
member by experimentally. Some conversing must be performed to obtain the force in the
member since this strain gage measures strain.

Hook’s Law is using to calculate stress (σ) by converting the measured strain (ξ). For the case
where the tensile stress is uniformly distributed over the cross sectional area it has the following
form;

σ = Eξ

Where E is the modulus of elasticity of the truss member and it depended to the material that
has been used:

E =210GN/m2

Once the stress in the member is determined, it can be converted into force (F) by multiplying
the axial stress by the cross sectional area (A):

F=Aσ

5
OBJECTIVES

1-investigate the forces loaded frame truss.

2-To understand and figure the relationship between the measured forces experimentally and
theoretically.

3-To check the linearity of measured strain against the applied load

APPARATUS

a) Structure test frame

b) Digital force display

c) Truss with strain gages

d) 100 N load cell

e) Digital strain display

f) Calipers with ±0.001 mm accuracy

G) two power supplies

6
PROCEDURES:

• The dimensions of the truss was measured and tabulated in the table
1

• The load cell was connected to the digital indicator

2

• The indicator was switched on. The indicator was switched on 10 minutes
3 before taking the reading to make sure the reading was stabled.

• The indicator reading on channel 1 was noted. The tare button was pressed
when it is not zero.
4

• The initial reading was taken for other channels.

4

• To give a reading 10N, the load cell lever, W, was turning and the load was
applied at end C
6

• The load was increased gradually each time by turning the load cell lever
10N increments. The reading was recorded until the maximum load 40N
7

• The load was decreased by turning the load cell in the reverse direction
gradually and the reading was recorded again.
8

• The forces in the member was obtained from graphs for 30N loading
9

• The theoretical values of the forces in the members for the load of 30N was
calculated. The final result was tabulated in the table.
10

7
RESULTS

LOAD
AD AE AF BD CF DE EF
(N)
0 -15 -48 -50 0 -12 -20 -13
100 -23 -57 -58 6 -5 -6 0
200 -34 -68 -68 12 3 6 12
300 -43 -77 -77 17 8 16 23
400 -54 -88 -88 22 15 28 35
500 -63 -97 -97 27 20 38 45
Table 1: Member Strains (µɛ)

LOAD
AD AE AF BD CF DE EF
(N)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
100 -8 -9 -8 6 7 14 13
200 -19 -20 -18 12 15 26 25
300 -28 -29 -27 17 20 36 36
400 -39 -40 -38 22 27 48 48
500 -48 -49 -47 27 32 58 58
Table 2: True Member Strains (µɛ)

Young’s Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, that is;

E=σ
ɛ
Where:
E = Young’s modules (Nmˉ²)
σ = stress in the member (Nmˉ²)
ɛ = displayed strain

And
σ=F
A
Where
A = Cross-sectional area of member
F = Force in member
Equivalent member forces at 500N
Esteel = 210 GNmˉ²
Rod diameter = 5.98mm
𝜋𝑑2
A= = 28.0862 mm2
4

8
 Member Experiment Force (N) Theoretical Force (N) Error
AD -283.11 -288.68 1.93
AE -289.01 -288.68 0.11
AF -277.21 -288.68 3.97
BD 159.25 144.34 10.33
CF 188.74 144.34 30.76
DE 342.09 288.68 18.50
EF 342.09 288.68 18.50
Table 3: Comparison of Experimental and Theoretical Forces

Error = Theoretical Force – Experiment Force

X 100%
Theoretical Force

AVERAGE = TOTAL ERROR

7

= 1.93 + 0.11 + 3.97 + 10.33 + 30.76 + 18.50 + 18.50

7
= 12.01 %

Load (N) Joint Deflection (Mm)

0 0
100 0.483
200 0.523
300 0.555
400 0.582
500 0.629
Table 4: Joint Deflection

Graph Joint Deflection (mm) against

Load (N)
0.7
Joint Deflection (mm)

0.6
0.5
0.4
0.3
0.2 Joint Deflection (mm)
0.1
0
100 200 300 400 500
Load (N)

Graph 1: Graph of Joint Deflection (mm) against Load (N)

9
THEORY CALCULATION

Force at 500 N;

B D

A E
C

RA 500 N RE

Σ Fy = 0

FA – 500 + RE = 0

FA = 500 – RE………………1

Σ MA = 0

500(140) – RE(280) = 0

70,000 – 280RE = 0

-280RE = -70,000

RE = -70000/-280

RE = 250 N

Σ Fy = 0

RA = 500 – RE

= 500 – 250

RA = 250N

JOINT AT A
AB

10
 AC

RA

ΣFy = 0

FAB sin 60 + 250 = 0

FAB = -250 / sin 60

FAB = -288.68 N (C)

ΣFx = 0

FAC + FAB cos 60 =0

FAC – 288.68 cos 60 = 0

FAC = 144.34 (T)

JOINT AT E

ED

EC

RE

ΣFy = 0

FDE sin 60 + 250 = 0

FDE = -250 / sin 60

FDE = -288.68 N (C)

ΣFx = 0

FCE + FDE cos 60 =0

FCE – 288.68 cos 60 = 0

FCE = 144.34 (T)

11
JOINT AT D

DB

DC DE

ΣFy = 0

- (-288.67) sin 60 - FDC sin 60 = 0

250- FDC sin 60 = 0

-FDC sin 60 = -250

-FDC = -250/sin 60

FDC = 288.68 N (T)

ΣFx = 0

-FDB – FDC cos 60 + FDE cos 60 = 0

-FDB – 288.67 cos 60 – 288.67 cos 60 = 0

-FDB – 288.67 = 0

FDB = -288.67 N (C)

12
JOINT AT C

CB CD

CA CE

ΣFy = 0

FCD sin 60 + FCB sin 60 = 0

288.67 sin 60 + FCB sin 60 = 0

-250 + FCB sin 60 = 0

FCB sin 60 = 250

FCB = 250/ sin 60

FCB = 288.67 N (T)

13
Discussion

i. What is the relationship between the experimental and theoretical values obtained?

From our experiment, we can clearly see the different between experimental and
theoretical values. All of the experimental values obtained are not precisely or not
same with the theoretical values. After we calculate and find the value of force
member, we think it occurs maybe because of some errors. Maybe it caused by the
improper apparatus setting such as the condition of the frame either it is properly
connected or not. Besides that, the apparatus and the digital indicator are very
sensitive. Thus, the slightest or the smallest movement would change the value shown
at the indicator. Therefore, the accuracy of the experiment also decreases because the
readings are not constant when they are taken from the indicator.
1500

1000
EF
DE
500 CF
BD
0 AF
Experiment Force (N) Theoretical Force (N) Error AE
AD
-500

-1000

ii. Changes to the angles of the frame with the loading :

In this experiment, there are changes to the angles of the frame with the loading. But,
the changes of the angles cannot be seen with eyes because the changes are very
small. Besides that, the applied loads to the frame are small. We need to do the
specific experiment to identify the changes of the angles. Theoretically, the loads with
higher values will give more changes to the angles of the frame.

14
iii. Changes to the angles of the frame with the loading :

In this experiment, there are changes to the angles of the frame with the loading. But,
the changes of the angles cannot be seen with eyes because the changes are very
small. Besides that, the applied loads to the frame are small. We need to do the
specific experiment to identify the changes of the angles. Theoretically, the loads with
higher values will give more changes to the angles of the frame.

15
Conclusion

This experiment of the design and analysis of a truss supported the importance of an analysis
on each member of a structure before its construction. If one member was not taken into
account or the analysis was incorrect the structure could fail instantly. Therefore the method
of joints or the method of sections is crucial in the design of structures such as trusses. After
the experiment it was clear what types of designs work well, and which don’t. It was also
apparent that the types of materials used, in many cases, affected the results. In this case glue
and cutting utensils were the only varying materials, but in many cases they played an
important role in the success of the design. During the experimente with placing the load on
the right side of the structure instead on placing it across the center of the top beam. This
enabled most of the load to be distributed through the strongest beam instead of across the
top. If the experiment was to be repeated a recommendation to apply the load to the side of
the design, might allow for some alleviation of the compression on the middle members,
therefore lessening the greatest source of error that occurred.

16
REFERENCES

1. Civil Engineering Laboratory Manual

2. Structural analysis, 8th Edition, Pearson

3. http://fie-conference.org/fie2002/papers/1517.pdf

4. http://myweb.wit.edu/brownw4/Statics%20Truss%20Project.pdf

APPENDICES

Figure 1: Digital strain display Figure 2: Changing of joint member

Figure 3: Changing of forces

17
FORCES IN REDUNDANT TRUSS:

INTRODUCTION

The experiment shows a redundant trusses. Two supports hold the top and base of one
side of a structure. The top support allows pivoting, the base support allows pivoting and
rolling. Initially, one of the members is missing from the structure, making it determinate. To
make the structure indeterminate, students refit the missing member. Students manually apply
a load to one end of the determinate framework using a screw-thread and electronic load cell.
The load cell connects to a Digital Force Display which shows the applied load.

Each member of the structure has strain gauges attached. These each connect to a
digital strain bridge which shows the member strains. Students use the strains to help them
calculate the forces in the structure. A digital deflection indicator measures displacement in
the structure. Students note applied load, strains and deflection in a determinate framework.
They then repeat the experiment with the frame made indeterminate, and analyze and
compare their results.

The lecturer guide provides details of the equipment including sample experiment
results. The student guide describes how to use the equipment and gives experiment
procedures.

18
PRINCIPLES

There are one or more redundant members on a structure (Figure 1) that is depending on the
degree of indeterminacy (DOI). It must be removed from the truss, otherwise one will have
an insufficient number of equations to solve for the unknown member forces. The internal
member forces can be calculated once the truss is statically determinate and stable. Thus, it
can be calculated by using the method of virtual work as shown in Figure 2.

No joint member 1kn

Only cross 1kn

Indeterminate Virtual work method

redundant Truss by applying 1 unit load

19
OBJECTIVE

i. To determine the forces in the members of the truss and find the error between the
objective and calculated value of the force in each member of the truss
ii. To investigate the relationship between the measured forces in a loaded redundant truss
experimentally and theoretically.

APPARATUS

a) Structures test frame

b) Redundant truss with strain gages

c) Ruler/ measuring tape

d) Load cell

e) Digital indicator force display

20
PROCEDURES

•The dimensions of the truss measured and tabulated in the table.

1

•The load cell was connected to the digital indicator.

2

•The indicator was switched on. The indicator was switched on 10 minutes before taking the
reading to make sure the reading was stabled.
3

•The indicator reading on channel 1 was noted. The tare button was pressed when it is not
zero
4

•The initial reading was taken for all channels by pressing force display of the indicator
5

•To give a reading 5N, the load cell lever, W, was turning and the load was applied at end C.
The loaded readings of each member of the truss was reorded as displayed by the indicator
6

•The load was increased gradually each time by turning the load cell lever with 5N
increments. The reading was recorded until the maximum load 20N. The positive and
7 negative readings was recorded as displayed by indicator

•The load was decreased by turning the load cell in the reverse direction gradually and the
reading was recorded again
8

•The forces in the member was obtained experimentally for all loading condition by
subtracting initial reading from the loaded readings.
9

•The theoretical values of the forces in the members was calculated. The final result was
tabulated in the table.
10

21
RESULT

A B
RA

RE
E D C

L1 L2 W

Frame Dimension (m)

L1 0.5

L2 0.5

H 0.5

Table 1: Truss Dimensions

INITIAL
MEMBER INCREASING W DECREASING W
READING

0 5 10 15 20 15 10 5

BC - 9.0 - 1.8 5.4 11.3 17.4 11.2 5.4 - 1.2

DC 138.3 128.7 121.7 119.6 117.7 121.3 123.0 127.9

BD - 46.4 -42.8 - 37.4 - 35.8 - 34.1 - 35.4 - 36.3 - 38.3

BE 382.5 370.3 355.5 347.2 338.6 346.8 353.9 363.7

AD 170.6 164.7 156.3 154.6 152.5 154.7 156.1 158.3

ED 29.5 24.2 23.3 22.1 21.8 23.7 24.3 27.7

Table 2a: Measured Readings of Forces in Truss

22
 INCREASING W
DECREASING W

MEMBER
5 10 15 20 15 10 5

BC 7.2 14.4 20.3 26.4 20.2 14.4 7.8

DC -9.6 -16.6 -18.7 -20.6 -17 -15.3 -10.4

BD 3.6 9 10.6 12.3 11 10.1 8.1

BE -12.2 -27 -35.3 -43.9 -35.7 -28.6 -18.8

AD -5.9 -14.3 -16 -18.1 -15.9 -14.5 -12.3

ED -5.3 -6.2 -7.4 -7.7 -5.8 -5.2 -1.8

Table 2b: Measured Forces in Truss

Member Length Experimental Theory

BC 0.70 20.3 21.2

DC 0.50 -18.7 -15.0

BD 0.50 10.6 -15.0

BE 0.70 -35.3 1.0

AD 0.70 -16 21.21

ED 0.50 -7.4 -30.0

Table 3: Calculated Forces in Truss

23
THEORY CALCULATION

A B

0.5cm

E D C

0.5cm 0.5cm W= 5N

W=5N

At joint C :

∑FY =0 ∑FX= 0

-5 + FCB sin 45 = 0 -FCD – 7.071 cos 45 = 0

FCB = 7.071 N FCD = -5 N

At joint B :

A B

∑FX= 0 ∑FY = 0

-FBA + 7.071 sin 45 = 0 -FBD – 7.071 cos 45 = 0

FBA = 5 N FBD = -5 N

At joint D :

24
A B

E D C

∑FY = 0 ∑FX= 0

- 5 + FDA sin 45 = 0 -5- FDE – 7.071 cos 45 = 0

FDA = 7.071 N FDE = -10 N

W= 10N

At joint C :

∑FY =0 ∑FX= 0

-10 + FCB sin 45 = 0 -FCD – 14.142cos 45 = 0

FCB = 14.142 N FCD = -10 N

25
At joint B :

A B

∑FX= 0 ∑FY = 0

-FBA + 14.142sin 45 = 0 -FBD – 14.142cos 45 = 0

FBA = 10 N FBD = -10 N

At joint D :

A B

E D C

∑FY = 0 ∑FX= 0

- 10 + FDA sin 45 = 0 -10- FDE – 14.142 cos 45 = 0

FDA = 14.142 N FDE = -20 N

A B
AX F
AY h

EX

E D C
15N

L1 L2

26
 + MA = 0ΣFX = 0 ΣFY = 0
-Ex (0.5) + 15(1) = 0 AX + 30 = 0 AY – 15 = 0
-Ex (0.5) = -15 AX = -30N AY = 15N
Ex = 30N

At joint C :

∑FY =0 ∑FX= 0

-15 + FCB sin 45 = 0 -FCD – 21.213cos 45 = 0

FCB = 21.213 N FCD = -15 NAt joint B :

A B

∑FX= 0 ∑FY = 0

-FBA + 21.213sin 45 = 0 -FBD – 21.213cos 45 = 0

FBA = 15 N FBD = -15 N

27
At joint D :

A B

E D C

∑FY = 0 ∑FX= 0

- 15 + FDA sin 45 = 0 -15- FDE – 21.213 cos 45 = 0

FDA = 21.213 N FDE = -30 N

W= 20N

At joint C :

∑FY =0 ∑FX= 0

-20 + FCB sin 45 = 0 -FCD – 28.284cos 45 = 0

FCB = 28.284 N FCD = -20N

28
At joint B :

A B

∑FX= 0 ∑FY = 0

-FBA + 28.284sin 45 = 0 -FBD – 28.284cos 45 = 0

FBA = 20 N FBD = -20 N

At joint D :

A B

E D C

∑FY = 0 ∑FX= 0

- 20 + FDA sin 45 = 0 -20- FDE – 28.284cos 45 = 0

FDA = 28.284N FDE = -40 N

29
VIRTUAL WORK

AY

A AX B

1N

EX
C
E D

At joint E :

A
1N

E D

∑FY = 0 ∑FX = 0
FEA + 1 sin 45 = 0 FED + 1 cos 45 = 0
FEA = -0.7071 N FED = -0.7071 N

30
At joint A :

A B

E D

∑FX = 0 ∑FY = 0
FAB + 1 cos 45 = 0 -0.7071 + FAD cos 45 = 0
FAB = -0.7071 N FAD = 1 N

At joint B :

A B

1N

D C

∑FX= 0 ∑FY = 0

0.7071– 1 cos45 + FBC sin45 = 0 - FAB -1 cos45 – FBD = 0

FBC = 0 FBD = - 0.7071

31
 LENGTH
MEMBER F n Fnl n2l
(M)
20.3
BC 0.70 7.0711 100.48 35.00
-18.7
DC 0.50 -5 46.75 12.50
10.6
BD 0.50 -5 -26.50 12.50

BE 0.70 -35.3 7.0711 -174.73 35.00

AD 0.70 -16 7.0711 -79.20 35.00

ED 0.50 -7.4 -10 37.00 50.00

Table 3b: Theory Forces in Truss for W = 15N

Where P can be obtaining by;

∑𝑭𝒏𝒍
P=
∑𝒏 𝒍
−96.19
P = 180.00

= - 0.5344

32
 90
T

E
70
T
E

50 E T
Measure Readings of Forces in Truss

Member 8
T
30 Member 7
Member 6
Member 5
10 Member 4
Member 3
Member 2
-10

-30

-50 5N 10 N 15 N 20 N
Load (N)

Table 4: Comparison for Redundant Trusses

33
Discussion
i- Calculate the percentage error and explain the relationship between the
experimental and theoretical value obtained.

Table 5: Comparison between Experimental and Theory

EXPERIMENTAL PERCENTAGE
(N) THEORY (N) ERROR OF100%
X ERROR (%)

20.3 21.2 0.042 0.04

-18.7 -15.0 - 0.247 0.24

10.6 -15.0 1.706 1.71

-35.3 1.0 36.300 36.30

-16 21.21 1.754 1.75

-7.4 -30.0 0.753 0.75

20.3 21.2 0.042 0.04

Error = Theoretical Force – Experiment Force

Theoretical Force

Average percentage of error = 40.83 % / 7 members

= 5.83 %

ii- The cause / error during perform this experiment are :

34
  The apparatus does not set up properly before starting the experiment
 Only take one reading for the experiment
iii- What are the precautions that should be taken in this experiment are to ensure its
accuracy?
 Set up the apparatus properly before starting the experiment. Do not touch the
apparatus while the readings are taken from the indicator.
 Repeat the experiment for several times. Usually, to get a good result, the
experiment must be repeated for three times or more and we will take the
average reading of the experiment.
 Make sure the values shown by the indicator are constant or stable before taking
the readings to reduce the parallax error. Always alert with the positive and
negative values.

35
CONCLUSION

1. The force in the loaded frame truss and the relationship between the measured forces
in a load frame truss experimentally and theoretically can be investigate.
2. The linearity of the measured strain versus the applied load can be check.
3. The force in member 1 and member 2 is having a less chance of error; however the rest of the
members seem to be having an error when compared with theoretical calculations. In member
3, the percentage of error decreased as the force was increased, as well in member 4. Member
5 error was there at the beginning at slightly increasing as it progressed and then it decreased
slightly when the load was increased. Member 6 and member 7 played a similar roll since
they are both redundant members.

There can be error in the practical readings, possible instruments error, reading error since the
values keeps on changing for all the members.

36
REFERENCES

1. Civil Engineering Laboratory Manual

2. Structural analysis, 8th Edition, Pearson

3. https://books.google.com.my/books?id=ovKrOVRQpkkC&pg=PA31&lpg=PA31&dq
=the+objective+of+redundant+force+trusses+experiments&source=bl&ots=hpMy0j3
zvU&sig=XGCwM7hYtpQfVzn2-
UvGajHE69A&hl=en&sa=X&redir_esc=y#v=onepage&q=the%20objective%20of%
20redundant%20force%20trusses%20experiments&f=false

4. http://engineerstoday.blogspot.my/2009/10/forces-in-plane-redundant-truss.html

APPENDICES

Figure 1: Measure the length of members Figure 2: Tare button to take reading

Figure 3: Changing the loads apply

37