FACULTY OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING

GROUP PROJECT

TITLE CONSTRUCT A TRUSS BRIDGE

COURSE CODE BDA 10203
COURSE NAME ENGINEERING STATIC

STUDENT NAME MATRIC NUMBER

SECTION

LECTURER NAME

DUE DATE
1.0 OBJECTIVE

The objective is to construct a truss bridge from ice cream wooden sticks.

2.0 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Based on the project, we are required to implement a project for static courses. The problem
we face is to choose one of three bridges designs to be designed and set up to be tested
according to what has been set. Whether our decision to choose this design will succeed with
the conditions set.

3.0 INTRODUCTION

A truss is one of the major types of engineering structures which provides a practical and
economical solution for many engineering constructions, especially in the design of bridges
and buildings that demand large spans. A truss is a structure composed of slender members
joined together at their end points. The joint connections are usually formed by bolting or
welding the ends of the members to a common plate called gusset. Planar trusses lie in a
single plane & is often used to support roof or bridges.

3.1 Newton's First Law

Newton's first law states that an object that remains in uniform motion will remain in uniform
motion unless it is acted upon by an external force. This also includes that an object at rest
will remain at rest unless it is acted upon by an external force. When more than one force acts
upon an object, the vector sum of these forces is the resultant force.

When the resultant force on an object is zero, it will remain at rest if it is at rest, or continue to
move in a straight line at a constant velocity if it is in motion. There is no change in either the
magnitude or direction of its velocity. That is, there is zero acceleration. This concept can also
be applied to motion in any selected direction.

Consider an object moving along the x-axis. If no net force is applied to the object along the
x-axis, it will continue to move along the x-axis at a constant velocity with no
acceleration.We can extend this to the y- and z- axes.
In any system, unless the applied forces cancel each other out, that is, the resultant force is
zero, there will be acceleration in the direction of the resultant force.The net force on such an
object is zero

3.2 Force Equilibrium

In static systems, where motion does not occur, the sum of the forces in all directions must
always equal zero (otherwise, it's a dynamics problem). This concept can be represented
mathematically with the following equations.

3.3 Rotational Equilibrium

The concept also applies to rotational motion.

If the resultant moment about an axis is zero, the object will have no rotational acceleration
about the axis. If the object is not spinning, it will not start to spin. If the object is spinning, it
will continue to spin at the same constant angular velocity. Again, we can extend this to
moments about the y-axis and the z-axis. This is represented mathematically with the
following.
4. METHOD

The Warren Truss is a very common design for both real and model bridges. It’s exact history
and origination is a little muddled, however. James Warren patented a design in 1848 (in
England), which many attribute the name “Warren Truss”. His patent was more about the
methodology of building rather than a a “design”. Regardless, the Warren Truss has been
around a while and has been very popular. Examples of it can be found everywhere in the
world.

The Warren Truss uses equilateral triangles to spread out the loads on the bridge. This is
opposed to the Neville Truss which used isosceles triangles. The equilateral triangles
minimize the forces to only compression and tension. Interestingly, as a load (such as a car or
train) moves across the bridge sometimes the forces for a member switch from compression
to tension. This happens especially to the members near the center of the bridge.

Here are two diagrams showing how the forces are spread out when the warren truss is under
a load. The first shows the load being applied across the entire top of the bridge. The second
shows a localized load in the center of the bridge. In both cases the total load = 100.
Therefore, you can take the numbers as a percentage of the total load.

Center Load Spread Load

Interestingly, there is a significant difference. When the load is concentrated on the middle of
the bridge, pretty much all the forces are larger. The top and bottom chord are under larger
forces, even though the total load is the same. Thus, if you want your school project bridge to
be able to hold more weight then try to spread out the force across the top of the bridge.

For a real life Warren Truss bridge, the forces often will be very localized and not spread out
along the bridge. Thus, engineers must calculate how strong to make each member of the
bridge and build accordingly. Unfortunately, not many Warren bridges are made anymore.
 Warren Truss Howe Truss Pratt Truss

Has diaganol Has diagonal

Is a series of
members that slant members that slant
Description isosceles triangles or
away from the down toward the
equilateral triangles.
middle. middle.
Heavier steel or iron
Steel is not Thinner and lighter
is required for the
economical for the steel or iron is used
Materials triangles to handle
members that handle for the diagonal
the compressive
compressive force. members.
force.
The downward beam The downward beam
attaches to vertical attaches to vertical
The diagonal beams beam to make a beam to make a
Shape make a “v” along the sideways “z”, in the sideways “z”, in the
entire structure. middle of the middle of the
structure, an upside structure, a “v” is
down “v” is formed. formed.
Longer built time, Longer build time,
Easy of Very easy and quick
more complex more complex
Construction to build.
construction. construction.
5. RESULT, ANALYSIS, DISCUSSION

1. This is the finished design which is Warren Truss.

2. This design can withstand about 3 big bottle which one bottle is weight 5 kg. 5 kg times 3
equal 15 kg. So this design can carry about 15 kg.
 3. This is an example of using the Method of Joint. Use Method of Joint to calculate the force
at each joint.

B D F H J L

11cm
60◦

A C E G I K
8cm

Load = 15 Kg X 9.81 = 147.15 N

+↑∑FY = 0 ; FAY + FAM– 147.15 = 0
FAY + 73.58 – 147.15 = 0
FAY = 73.57 (T)

+→∑FX = 0
+ ∑MA = 0 ; -17.15(24) + FAY (48) = 0
FAY = 73.58 (T)

FAB

11
8

A x FAC

FAY = 73.57N

JOINT A
+↑∑FY = 0 ; 73.57 + FAB 0.808 = 0
FAB = - 91.05N (C)
+→∑FX = 0 ; 91.05(0.588) + FAC = 0
FAC = -53.55 N (T)
 y

B FBD

11 11
8 8
FBC
FAB= 91.05

Joint B :
+↑∑FY = 0 ; 91.05(0.808) - FBC(0.808) = 0
FBC = - 91.05 A

+→∑FX = 0 ; 91.05(0.588) + 91.05(0.588) + FBD = 0

FBD = - 107.075

FCB = 91.05
FCD

11 11

8 8 FCE
C
FCA = 53.55N

Joint C :
+↑∑FY = 0 ; 91.05(0.808) + FCD(0.808) = 0
FCD = - 91.05 N (C)
+→∑FX = 0 ; 53.55 + FCE - 91.05(0.588) + 91.05(0.588) = 0
FCE = - 53.55 N (C)
 y
FDB =
107.075

D FDF

11
FDC=91.05
8
FDE

Joint D :
+↑∑FY = 0 ; 91.05(0.808) - FDE(0.808) =0
FDE = 91.05 N (T)

+→∑FX = 0 ; 107.075 + FDF + 91.05(0.588) + 91.05(0.588) = 0

+↑∑FY = 0 ; 28.33 sin 60º + FEF sin 60º = 0
0.866 FEF = - 24.5
FEF = -28.33 N (C)
+→∑FX = 0 ; - 56.67 – 28.33 cos 60º - 28.33 cos 60º + FEG = 0
-56.67 – 14.17 – 14.17 + FEG = 0

FEG = 85.01 N (T)

+↑∑FY = 0 ; 28.33 sin 60º + FEF sin 60º = 0
0.866 FEF = - 24.5
FEF = -28.33 N (C)
+→∑FX = 0 ; - 56.67 – 28.33 cos 60º - 28.33 cos 60º + FEG = 0
-56.67 – 14.17 – 14.17 + FEG = 0

FEG = 85.01 N (T)

FDF = - 214.15 N (C)
 FEF

FED = 91.05 11 11

8 8 FEG
E
FCE = 53.55N

Joint E :
+↑∑FY = 0 ; 91.05(0.808) + FEF (0.808) = 0
FEF = -91.05 N (C)
+→∑FX = 0 ; 91.05(0.588) + 91.05(0.588) + 53.55 + FEG = 0
FEG = - 160.62 N (C)
6.0 DISCUSSION

Of all 3 design that we choose, we all agree that warren truss gives a very tough design hence
it is the simplest one to fabricate. Not only that, warren truss bridge have a lot of support on it
which will give more confident for to withstand such lod that being apllied to it. The problem
that we encounter during the fabrication is to choose what type glue that can support such
load along with the wooden stick. Not all glue can stick with wooden stick, some might just
slip over so it crucial to have the right one.

7.0 CONCLUSION

It is proven that the design we already fabricate is the best design to withstand such load.
When the 5kg load is being applied to the bridge, the bridge that we fabricate did not show
any weakness that we have to worry about. This mean the objective of the project is
successfully achieved.

8.0 REFERENCE

1. https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Statics/Newton's_Laws_and_Equilibrium
2. https://www.garrettsbridges.com/design/trussdesign/
3. https://www.garrettsbridges.com/design/warren-truss/
4. http://civilengineersforum.com/warren-truss-vs-howe-truss-vs-pratt-truss/
5. https://www.mathalino.com/reviewer/engineering-mechanics/problem-407-warren-truss-
method-joints

9.0 MINUTE MEETING

1. Gantt Chart.
WK WK WK WK
No. Task Status WK 8 WK 9 Verify By
10 11 12 13
Conduct Plan x
1.
Meeting Actual o
Propose Plan x x
2.
Design Actual o
3. Fabricate Plan x x x
 Bridge Actual o o
Analysis and Plan x
4.
calculation Actual o o
Report Plan x x x
5.
Writing Actual o o o

2. Meeting Minutes
No. Date List of members Task Progress
1. 27/11/2017 a) Ezzuan Conduct meeting All6/6 members available.
b) Faiz with all members. Tasks have been divided.
c) Hafizul Material has been
d) Hairy identified and
e) Muqaddim measurement were taken.

2. 25/12/2017 a) Ezzuan Propose Design All 6/6 member available.

b) Faiz 3 design of truss bridge
c) Hafizul have been proposed.
d) Hairy Truss bridge design were
e) Muqaddim selected and group
members agreed.
3. 26/12/2017 a) Ezzuan Fabrication Material has bought from
b) Faiz store
c) Hafizul Material were divided for
d) Hairy group members do by part
e) Muqaddim

4. 2/12/2017 a) Ezzuan Fabrication Part were assembeled and

b) Faiz glued were gathered
c) Hafizul All part has given Faiz to
d) Hairy combine into truss bridge
e) Muqaddim and were let dried for a
week
5. 9/12/2017 a) Ezzuan Analysis and Truss bridge were test to
b) Faiz Calculation support at least 5kg of
c) Hafizul weight
 d) Hairy Truss bridge successfully
e) Muqaddim support the given load
Calculation were made
after the load test done
6. 11/12/2017 a) Ezzuan Report writing Report task has been
b) Faiz divided
c) Hafizul Divided task report were
d) Hairy gathered and refined
e) Muqaddim Report was done.