TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT
Forces in Redundant Truss
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Objectives & Apparatus

PAGES

1.3 Procedure
1.4 Result
1.5 Discussion
1.6 Conclusion
Forces in Truss
1.1Introduction
1.2 Objectives & Apparatus
1.3 Procedure
1.4 Result
1.5 Discussion
1.6 Conclusion
1.7 Appendix
1.8References

4
5-11
12-13
13

2
3

14-16
17
18
19-24
25
26
27-28
28

PRINCIPLES
A structure (figure 1) contains one or more redundant members depend on the degree of
indeterminacy. These members must be removed from the truss; otherwise one will have an
insufficient number of equations to solve for the unknown member forces. Once the truss is
statically determinate and stable, the internal member forces can be calculated by using the
method of virtual work method.

No joint, Members just cross

Figure 1: Indeterminate / redundant Truss

1 (unit load)

Figure 2: Virtual work method by applying 1 unit load

OBJECTIVE
To investigate the relationship between the measured forces in a loaded redundant truss
experimentally and theoretically.

APPARATUS

1)
2)
3)
4)
5)

Structure test frame

Redundant truss with strain gages
Measuring tape
Load cell
Digital indicator force display

PROCEDURE

RESULTS
The theoritical value of the forces is calculated.

The forces in members is obtain experimentally for all loadings condition.

10

The load is decrease by turning the load cell in the opposite direction and
the readings is recorded.

Gradually increase the load each time to the maximum of 20N and the
readings is recorded.
The positive and negative value is recorded.

Load is applied on end C by turning the load cell lever,W to give reading 5N
and the loaded loadings of each member is recorded.

Force display of the indicator is press to take the initial readings of all
chanel.

The indicator reading in chanel 1 is noted.

Tare button is press if it if not zero.

The indicator is switched on.

It must be switched on 10 minutes before taking reading to ensure its
stability.

The load cell is connected to the digital indicator

The dimension of the truss is measured and tabulated

B
h

L1

L2

Table 1 : Truss Dimension

Frame
L1
L2
H

Dimension
50cm
50cm
50cm

Table 2a : Measure Readings of Force in Truss

Member
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Initial
reading
0
-4.7
-127.0
-48.9
365.9
155.9
33.0

Increasing W
5
1.9
121.2
-45.9
355.0
151.7
30.4

10
10.0
108.9
-38.5
336.8
139.7
26.5

15
16.3
105.5
-36.1
326.9
136.3
25.6

Decreasing W
20
22.0
104.8
-34.9
319.3
135.4
25.4

15
16.1
107.4
-36.7
328.0
137.8
26.3

10
9.8
111.3
-40.1
339.1
142.3
26.8

5
2.4
120.7
-45.7
354.2
151.2
29.7

Table 2b : Measured Force in Truss

Membe
r
1
2
3
4
5
6
7

Increasing W
5
6.6
248.2
3.0
-10.9
-4.2
-2.6

10
14.7
235.9
10.4
-29.1
-16.2
-6.5

15
167.7
232.5
12.8
-39.0
-19.6
-7.4

Decreasing W
20
26.7
231.8
14.0
-46.6
-20.5
-7.6

15
20.8
234.4
12.2
-37.9
-18.1
-6.7

10
14.5
238.3
8.8
-26.8
-13.6
-6.2

5
7.1
247.7
3.2
-11.7
-4.7
-3.3

Table 3 : Calculated Force in Truss

Member
2
3
4
5
6
7

Length
0.70
0.50
0.50
0.70
0.70
0.50

Experimental
26.7
231.8
14
-46.6
-20.5
-7.6

Theory
28.3
-20.0
-20.0
0.0
28.3
-40.0

DETERMINACY OF TRUSS
i.

Determinacy of Truss:
b=8
r=3
j=5
Since, b+r =2 j
8+3=11,>(2 j=10)
Hence, the truss is statically indeterminate ( b+r > 2 j ).

THEORY CALCULATION
W=20 N

AX
h
h

AY h
EX
E

C
20N
6

L1

L2

Support Reactions:
+

ME = 0

+ Fy = 0

20( 1 ) + Ax ( 0.5 ) = 0

Ay - 20 = 0

Ax = - 40 N

Ay= 20 N

+ Fx = 0
Ex + (-40) = 0
Ex= 40 N
Internal forces in the truss members:
At joint E
+ FY = 0

FBE

FBE sin 45o = 0

45o

FBE = 0
FED

40 N

+ FX = 0
40 + FED = 0
FED= - 40 N

At joint A
20 N
AB
40 N

45o

+ FY = 0
20 FAD sin 45o = 0
FAD = 28.28 N

AD

+ FX = 0
-40 + 28.28cos 45o + FAB = 0
FAB = 20 N

At Point C
FBC

+ FY = 0
7

-20 + FBC sin 45o = 0

FDC

FBC= 28.28 N

45o

+ FX = 0
-28.28 cos 45o - FDC = 0

20 N

FDC= - 20 N

At Point B

+ FY = 0
20 N

-28.28cos 45o - 0 FBD = 0

45o

FBD = - 20N

28.28N

0N
FBD

+ FX = 0
-

20 + 28.28 sin 45o 0 = 0 (Checked)

7.1.3 FRAME ANALYSIS (VIRTUAL WORK METHOD)

Support Reactions:
+

ME = 0

+ Fy = 0

1 ( 1 ) + Ax ( 0.5 ) = 0

Ay - 1 = 0

Ax = -2 N

Ay= 1 N

+ Fx = 0
Ex + (-2) = 0
Ex= 2 N

Internal forces in the truss members:

At joint E
+ FY = 0

FBE

FBE = 0

-2 N

FED
9

+ FX = 0
-(-2) + FED = 0
FED= -2 N

At joint A
1N
AB
2N

45o

+ FY = 0
1 0 FADcos 45o = 0
FAD = 1.41 N

AD

+ FX = 0
-2 + 1.41 sin 45o + FAB = 0
FAB = 1 N

At Point C
+ FY = 0

FBC

-1 + FBCcos 45o = 0
FDC

FBC= 1.41 N

45o

+ FX = 0
1N

-1.41 cos 45o - FDC = 0

FDC= -1 N

At Point B

+ FY = 0
1N

-1.41 cos 45o - 0 FBD = 0

45o
10

FBD

1.41N

FBD = -1 N

0N
+ FX = 0
-1 + 1.41 sin 45o 0 = 0 (Checked)

Member

Length

Nnl

BC

0.70

1.41

28.28

27.91

DC

0.50

-1

-20

10.00

BD

0.50

-1

-20

10.00

BE

0.70

AD

0.70

1.41

28.28

27.91

ED

0.50

-2

-40

40.00

AB

0.50

20

10.00
Total:

Since,

125.82

nNL
125.82
=
AE
AE

DISCUSSION
1. Comparison between theoretical results and experimental results
Member
2
3
4
5

Length
0.70
0.50
0.50
0.70

Experimental
26.7
231.8
14
-46.6

Theory
28.3
-20.0
-20.0
0.0
11

6
7

0.70
0.50

Error = Theory Experimental

Theory

-20.5
-7.6
x

28.3
-40.0

100

Based on the experiment, the result shows big percentage of errors. It may due to several
causes and errors during performing the experiment.
2. Causes/errors during performing the experiment.
Based on the result obtain from the experiment, there are errors occur during the experiment
performed.
There are some results that illogical, where it is too high or too low compared to the
theoretical value because the readings were taken before it shows stable values.
The load that applied to the truss by turning the load cell is different after we took all
the readings from all the channels. Therefore, it is due to the load cell are not turned
gradually.
The readings from the entire channels are not steady because there are wind blow by
air conditioner in the laboratory.
The readings obtained are not really accurate because the structures test frame and the
digital indicator force display are not in a good condition.
3. Precautions that should be taken in this experiment to ensure the accuracy.
To ensure the accuracy of the experiment, some precautions should be taken.
The readings show in the indicator has to take for 3 times at least and the average is
taken to increase the accuracy of the results obtained.
Ensure the eye sight is perpendicular to the measuring tape while taking length
measurement of truss members.
Take the readings show in indicator when the readings are stable
Ensure to always press the tare button before the experiment started to avoid
systematic or zero error.
The errors that performed during the experiment are:
The apparatus was not set up properly before the experiment began.
The readings only taken once.
For this experiment to be achieved and done accurately, precautions that should be highly
considered:
i.

The sensitivity of the apparatus may cause zero error to occur. The digital
indicator is sensitive to the surrounding condition. Therefore, during the
experiment make sure there is no object placed near the indicator and minimize
the movement around it. If the condition cannot be avoided, take the reading that
appears most on the indicator screen.
12

ii.

Parallax error is occurring due to incorrect position of the observers eyes while
measuring and taking the reading on the apparatus. To decrease the parallax error,
the observers eyes must be directly perpendicular to the scale on the apparatus
used. Parallax error also can be decrease by taking the reading several times and
calculate the average readings

CONCLUSIONS
In conclusion, our objectives to check the linearity of the measured strain versus the applied
load, to investigate the forces in the loaded frame truss and to investigate the relationship
between the measured forces in a loaded frame truss experimentally and theoretically are
achieved. Even though we get the different result in each different load, we still understand
how to apply the knowledge that we had learnt in theory of structures. In this experiment, the
calculations to evaluate of structural safety can only be done mathematically and the
experiment force data that we collected from digital reading then be compared with the
theoretical force value that been done manually as we studied in analysis structure module.

FORCES IN TRUSS

INTRODUCTION

13

A truss is a structure compromising one or more triangular units which are constructed
with straight slender members whose ends are connected at joints. A plane truss is one where
all the members and joints lies within a 2-dimensional plane, while a space truss has members
and joints extending into 3 dimensions.
In structural engineering, a structural member usually fabricated from straight pieces of
metal or timber from a series of triangles lying in a single plane. Noted that a triangle cannot
be distorted by stress.
A truss gives a stable form capable of supporting considerable external load over a
large span with the component parts stressed primarily in axial tension or compression. The
individual pieces intersect at truss joints, or panel points. The connect pieces forming the top
and bottom of the truss are referred to respectively as the top and bottom chords. The sloping
and vertical pieces connecting the chords are collectively referred to as the web of the truss.

PRINCIPLE
A truss that is assumed to compromise 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 investigate in this experiment is a

14

statically determinate planar truss which loads are only applied at the joints. Therefore, the
truss members end force must be collinear and opposite for equilibrium.
It can only have three unknown reaction forces. By using method of joints, the forces can be
easily obtained. Each joint of the truss is isolated in a free body diagram and the unknown
member forces are determined from equilibrium of Fx=0 and Fy=0.

Some assumptions must be considered when involving with the truss analysis, which are :
a)
b)
c)
d)

Loads are applied only at the joints

Weight of each member is small compared with the applied load
Loads are carried axially by members
Geometry is known

Only two unknowns 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 conversion must be performed to obtain the force in the
member since this strain gage measures strain.

Hooks Law is using to calculate stress () by converting the measured strain (). For the
case where the tensile stress is uniformly distributed over the cross sectional area it has the
following form;
= E
where E is the modulus of elasticity of the truss member and it depended to the material that
has been used. Since for this experiment, steel has been used, therefore the value of E is:
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):

15

F = A

16

OBJECTIVES

i.
ii.

To investigate the forces in the loaded frame truss.

To investigate the relationship between the measured forces in a loaded frame truss

iii.

experimentally and theoretically.

To check linearity of the measured strain versus 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) Callipers with 0.001 mm accuracy
g ) Two power supplies for the digital force display and the load cell

PROCEDURES
17

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

The load cell was connected to the digital indicator.

The indicator was switched on. The indicator was switched on 10

minutes 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.

The initial reading was taken for other channels.

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

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

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

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

RESULT

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

18

Member Strain ()
Member
AD (2)

AE (3)

AF (7)

BD (1)

CF (5)

DE (4)

EF (6)

15

51

11

100

-9

41

12

15

21

200

-19

-5

31

10

17

26

33

300

-29

-16

21

14

23

36

43

400

-40

-26

11

19

29

47

54

500

-50

-36

24

34

57

64

AD (2)

AE (3)

AF (7)

BD (1)

CF (5)

DE (4)

EF (6)

100

-10

-9

-10

12

10

200

-20

-20

-20

10

11

23

22

300

-30

-31

-30

14

17

33

32

400

-41

-41

-40

19

23

44

43

500

-51

-51

-50

24

28

54

53

Load

True Member Strain ()

Member
Load

Calculate the equivalent member forces at 500 N to complete the table. You will need the
following information: Youngs modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, that is;
E=

where:
E = Youngs modulus (Nm-2)
= Stress in the member (Nm-2)
= Displayed strain
And
=

F
A

where:
19

Load (N)

Joint deflection (mm)

100

0.013

Equivalent
500 N.

200

0.056

300

0.086

Rod diameter =
Esteel = 210 GNm-2.
Area of rod =
Length of frame =

400

0.086

5.988 mm and

500

0.112

2.816 x 10-5 m2
140 mm

F = Force in
A = Crossmember

member
sectional area of

member forces at

Comparison of Experiment and Theoretical Forces

Member

Theoretical force (N)

AD

Experiment force
(N)
-301.59

-288.68

Percentage Error
(%)
4.47

AE

-301.59

-288.68

4.47

AF

-295.68

-288.68

2.42

BD

141.93

144.34

1.67

CF

165.58

144.34

14.72

DE

319.33

288.68

10.62

EF

313.42

288.68

8.57

Joint Deflection

20

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

600
500
400

Load (N)

300
200
100
0

0.02

0.04

0.06

0.08

0.1

0.12

Joint Deflection (mm)

Load

Linear (Load)

The graph shows a straight line with the deflection increases when the load increases.

Graph of Load (N) against Strain ()

600
500
400
300

Load (N)

200
100
-60

-40

-20

20

40

60

Strain ()
Strain 1

Linear (Strain 1)

Strain 2

Linear (Strain 2)

The graph is a linear graph which follows Hookes law.

CALCULATION

21

C
FA

500 N

FE

Load = 500 N
L1 = 140 mm
L2 = 140 mm
= 60
MA = 0 (Counter-clockwise positive)
-500(0.14) + Ey (0.28) = 0
Ey = 250 N ( )
Fy = 0 (Upward positive)
Ay + Ey = 500
Ay = 250 N ( )
At joint A,
AB

AC

Fy = 0 (Upward positive)
FAB sin 60 + 250 = 0
FAB = -288.68 N
= 288.68 N ( )
Fx = 0 (To the right positive)
FAB cos 60 + FAC = 0
FAC = 144.34 N ( )
At joint E,
ED
EC

22

Fy = 0 (Upward positive)
FED sin 60 + 250 = 0
FED = -288.68 N
= 288.68 N ( )
Fx = 0 (To the right positive)
- FED cos 60 - FEC = 0
FEC = 288.68 cos 60
= 144.34 N (
)

At joint D,
DB

DC

DE

Fy = 0 (Upward positive)
-288.68 sin 60 - FDC sin 60 = 0
FDC = -288.68 N
= 288.68 N ( )
Fx = 0 (To the right positive)
FDE cos 60 - FDC cos 60 - FDB = 0
FDB = 288.68 cos 60 - (-288.68 cos 60)
= 288.68 N (
)

At joint C,

23

CB

CD

CA

CE
500N

Fy = 0 (Upward positive)
FCB sin 60 + FCD sin 60 - 500 = 0
FCB = 288.68 N ( )

DISCUSSION

24

From the table of comparison between experiment value and theoretical value, it can
be seen that our experimental value deviate slightly from the theoretical value with a
maximum error of 14.72 %. This might due to errors while conducting the experiment. For
example, the sensitivity of the apparatus is too high that even a slightest more force is applied
on the load cell lever will change the value greatly, thus reducing the accuracy.
While conducting the experiment, there will be changes to the angles of the frame
with the loading. This is because the angles will increased as the load applied on it increased.
However, the deflection is too small for naked eyes to notice the changes. The deflection will
cause the compression and tension of the members.
To increase the accuracy, several precautions need to be taken:

The apparatus is very sensitive. Therefore, while applying load by turning the load
cell lever, make sure to turn it very slowly so that the readings will not deviate too

much.
The digital indicator is sensitive. For stability of the reading, the indicator must be
switched on 10 minutes before starting the experiment.

25

CONCLUSION
The objectives of this experiment have been achieved as we are able to determine and
investigate the forces in the loaded frame truss using the equation of equilibrium. Besides
that, we also investigated the relationship between the measured forces in a loaded frame
truss experimentally and theoretically. In addition, we are able to verify the linearity of the
measured strain versus the applied load.
There is a slightly difference values between the results of experimental and the
theoretical results. This is due to a few errors when the experiment is carried out. This
includes high sensitivity of the digital force display, parallax error happen when measuring
the dimension of the truss and so on. However, a few precautions is taken to avoid errors and
increase accuracy. Firstly, we make sure the apparatus that we used is in good condition.
Next, the parallax error is reduced by taking the average of the readings.
The truss is an important element in current structure trends. It can be used as a frame
such as the roof frame. Not only that, the truss is used to construct bridge as well. The
advantages of truss structure are as:

Greater strength with less material.

Greater span (the distance between end points) than what most single beams.
Easier to repair and maintain

APPENDIX
26

27

REFERENCES
http://emweb.unl.edu/NEGAHBAN/EM223/note12/note12.htm
http://www.slideshare.net/fazirahabdulghafar/calculating-truss-forces
http://www.scribd.com/doc/27381814/Truss-Full-Report

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