A Simple Truss
I. Abstract:
This experiment tests two parameters, deflection and strain, associated with a simple truss subjected to a loading at its bottom end as would be the case if a constructed bridge was subjected to loadings by cars, trucks, trailers, pedestrians, etc. The set up contained an instrumented truss mounted in a test frame with strain gauges attached to the center of each truss member and a linear potentiometer displacement transducer (LPDT) placed underneath the truss assembly to measure displacement. Experimental data collected as loading on the bottom of the truss increased was compared to calculated results obtained by applying the theoretical formulas.
II. Objectives:
The main aim of the Simple Truss lab was to observe the behaviour of a simple truss that was subjected to a symmetrical loading, by measuring the deflections and strains in the truss and comparing analytical and experimental results of these deflections and strains.
III. Instrumentation and Test Procedure:
Fig 1.1 Truss Test Set-up
The test specimen consisted of two truss networks as can be seen in Fig 1.1 above. The six outer members are hollow whilst the inner eight members have a solid cross section. The hollow members are 9.48 mm outer diameter and a 0.87 mm thickness, whilst the solid members have a cross sectional diameter of 6.35 mm; all members are of length 335 mm. These length measurement were taken from unattached members, but if the measurements were to be taken from the truss set-up, it would have been appropriate to take measurements from the center of the joint rather than the beginning of the member. Below are the procedures used to conduct this experiment: * Using the appropriate instruments, we measured the dimensions of the truss and distance between the supports. * We measured the length, cross-section properties (diameter, etc.) of all the members. * We then made sure that the loading screw had sufficient ‘travel’ to apply the
This experiment tests two parameters, deflection and strain, associated with a simple truss subjected to a loading at its bottom end as would be the case if a constructed bridge was subjected to loadings by cars, trucks, trailers, pedestrians, etc. The set up contained an instrumented truss mounted in a test frame with strain gauges attached to the center of each truss member and a linear potentiometer displacement transducer (LPDT) placed underneath the truss assembly to measure displacement. Experimental data collected as loading on the bottom of the truss increased was compared to calculated results obtained by applying the theoretical formulas.
II. Objectives:
The main aim of the Simple Truss lab was to observe the behaviour of a simple truss that was subjected to a symmetrical loading, by measuring the deflections and strains in the truss and comparing analytical and experimental results of these deflections and strains.
III. Instrumentation and Test Procedure:
Fig 1.1 Truss Test Set-up
The test specimen consisted of two truss networks as can be seen in Fig 1.1 above. The six outer members are hollow whilst the inner eight members have a solid cross section. The hollow members are 9.48 mm outer diameter and a 0.87 mm thickness, whilst the solid members have a cross sectional diameter of 6.35 mm; all members are of length 335 mm. These length measurement were taken from unattached members, but if the measurements were to be taken from the truss set-up, it would have been appropriate to take measurements from the center of the joint rather than the beginning of the member. Below are the procedures used to conduct this experiment: * Using the appropriate instruments, we measured the dimensions of the truss and distance between the supports. * We measured the length, cross-section properties (diameter, etc.) of all the members. * We then made sure that the loading screw had sufficient ‘travel’ to apply the