Page 1 of 23

TABLE OF CONTENT

Number
1.0
2.0
3.0
4.0
5.0
6.0
7.0

Description
Objective of the experiment
Learning Outcome
Theory
Application of Truss
Procedures
Result and Analysis
Discussion

Page
2
2
2
6
10
11
19

8.0

Conclusion

20

9.0

Appendix

21

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Page 2 of 23

1.0

OBJECTIVE
1.1

The effect of redundant member in a structure is observed

and the method of analyzing type of this structure is
understood.

2.0

LEARNING OUTCOME
2.1

Application

of

engineering

knowledge

in

practical

application.
2.2

To enhance technical competency in structure engineering

through laboratory application.

3.0

THEORY
A truss that is assumed to comprise members that are
connected by means of pin joints, and which is supported at both
ends by means of hinged joints or rollers, is described as being
statically determinate. Newton's Laws apply to the structure as a
whole, as well as to each node or joint. In order for any node that
may be subject to an external load or force to remain static in
space, the following conditions must hold: the sums of all
horizontal forces, all vertical forces, as well as all moments
acting about the node equal zero. Analysis of these conditions at
each node yields the magnitude of the forces in each member of
the truss. These may be compression or tension forces.

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Page 3 of 23
Trusses that are supported at more than two positions are
said to be statically indeterminate, and the application of
Newton's Laws alone is not sufficient to determine the member
forces. In order for a truss with pin-connected members to be
stable,

it

must

be

entirely

composed

of

triangles.

In

mathematical terms, we have the following necessary condition

for stability:
M +R 2j
where
m

total number of truss members

total number of joints

number of reactions (equal to 3 generally)

When m = 2j 3, the truss is said to be statically

determinate, because the (m+3) internal member forces and
support reactions can then be completely determined by 2j
equilibrium equations, once we know the external loads and the
geometry of the truss. Given a certain number of joints, this is
the minimum number of members, in the sense that if any
member is taken out (or fails), then the truss as a whole fails.
While the relation (a) is necessary, it is not sufficient for stability,
which also depends on the truss geometry, support conditions
and the load carrying capacity of the members.
Some structures are built with more than this minimum
number of truss members. Those structures may survive even
when some of the members fail. They are called statically
indeterminate structures, because their member forces depend

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Page 4 of 23
on the relative stiffness of the members, in addition to the
equilibrium condition described.
In a statically indeterminate truss, static equilibrium alone
cannot be used to calculated member force. If we were to try, we
would find that there would be too many unknowns and we
would not be able to complete the calculations. Instead we will
use a method known as the flexibility method, which uses an
idea know as strain energy. The mathematical approach to the
flexibility method will be found in the most appropriate text
books.

Statically indeterminate can be two types

1.

External Indeterminate
It related with the reaction, it could be determinate if the
number

of

reactions

of

the

structure

exceed

than

determinate structures by using static equation.

2.

Internal Indeterminate.
It related with the framework construction. Some of
framework or trusses should have an adequate number of
members for stability indentions. If inadequate members
were

detected,

structure

is

classified

as

unstable,

meanwhile, while the redundant number of members were

determined, the structures is classified as statically
indeterminate.

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Page 5 of 23

Figure 1: Idealized Statically Indetermined cantilever

Truss
Basically the flexibility method uses the idea that energy
stored in the frame would be the same for a given load whether
or not the redundant member whether or not. In other word, the
external energy = internal energy. In practice, the loads in the
frame are calculated in its released from (that is, without the
redundant member) and then calculated with a unit load in place
of the redundant member. The values for both are combined to
calculate the force in the redundant member and remaining
members. The redundant member load in given by:
P=

fnl
n 2l

The remaining member forces are then given by:

Member force = Pn + f
Where,
P = Redundant member load (N)
L = Length of members (as ratio of the shortest)
n

= Load in each member due to unit load in place

of redundant member (N)

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Page 6 of 23
F

= Force in each member when the frame is

release (N)
Figure 2 shows the force in the frame due to the load of
250 N. You should be able to calculate these values from
Experiment: Force in a statically determinate truss

Figure 2: Force in the Released Truss

Figure 3 shows the loads in the member due to the unit load
being applied to the frame. The redundant member is effectively
part of the structure as the idealized in Figure 2

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Page 7 of 23

Figure 3: Forces in the Truss due to the load on the redundant

members

4.0

APPLICATION OF TRUSS
Trusses able to allows for the analysis of the structure uses a few

assumptions and the application of Newton's laws of motion according

to branch of physics known as static. Trusses are assumed to be pin
jointed where the straight components meet for purposes of analysis.
This assumption means that members of the truss including chords,
verticals and diagonals will only act in tension or compression. When
rigid joints imposed significant bending loads upon the elements, a
more complex of analysis will be required.
In the industry of construction, the used of application of truss
applied for some construction. There are few products which need to
be specifically designed and tailor made for each development. A truss
bridge is the one of the example of application of truss. Truss bridge
composed of connected elements with typically straight which may be
stressed from tension, compression, or sometimes both in response to
dynamic loads. Truss bridges are one of the oldest types of modern
bridges. The basic types of truss bridges shown in this article have
simple designs which could be easily analyzed by nineteenth and early
twentieth century engineers. A truss bridge is economical to construct
owing to its efficient use of materials.

(Group 7)
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Page 8 of 23
The application of truss also can be apply in the roof
construction. Roof trusses are frames made up of timber that is nailed,
bolted or pegged together to form structurally interdependent shapes
of great strength. Roof trusses have to withstand the weight of the roof
timbers and coverings (the Dead Load), plus a factor for your local
Wind Load, plus a factor for your local Snow Load, plus a Safety Factor.
A Structural Engineer can check these figures.
Statically indeterminate truss uses in industry of construction for
those structures are built with more than this minimum number of
truss members. Those structures may survive even when some of the
members fail. It is can be apply for the design of truss or bridge. The
basic types of truss bridges shown in this article have simple designs
which could be easily analyzed engineers. A truss bridge is economical
to construct owing to its efficient use of materials.

Component connections are critical to the structural integrity of a

framing system. In buildings with large, clear span wood trusses, the
most critical connections are those between the truss and its supports.
In addition to gravity-induced forces (a.k.a. bearing loads), these
connections must resist shear forces acting perpendicular to the plane
of the truss and uplift forces due to wind. Depending upon overall
building design, the connections may also be required to transfer
bending moment.

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ENGINEERING)

Page 9 of 23

The common types of truss bridge

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Page 10 of 23

The common types of roof truss

5.0

PROCEDURE

5.1

The thumbwheel on the redundant member up to the

boss was wind and handtighten it. Any tools to tighten the
thumbwheel are not used.

5.2

The pre-load of 100N downward was applied, re-zero the

load cell and carefully zero the digital indicator.

5.3

A load of 250N was carefully applied and checked whether

the frame was stable and secure.

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Page 11 of 23
5.4

The load to zero (leaving the 100N preload) was returning.

Rechecked and re-zero the digital indicator been done.
Loads greater than those specified on the equipment never
apply.

5.5

A load in the increment shown in table 1 was applied, the

strain readings and the digital indicator readings was
recorded.

5.6

Subtracted the initial (zero) strain reading (be careful with

your signs) and completed table 2.

5.7

Calculated the equipment member force at 250 N and

entered them into table 3.

5.8

A graph of Load vs Deflection was plotted from Table 1 on

the same axis as Load vs deflection when the redundant
removed.

5.9

The calculation for redundant truss is made much simpler

and easier if the tabular method is used to sum up all of
the Fnl and n2l terms.

5.10 Referred to table 4 and entered in the values and carefully

calculated the other terms as required.
5.11 Entered result into Table 3.

6.0

RESULT AND DATA ANALYSIS

Member Strains ()

Loa
d
(N)

Strain Reading
4
5

Digital
indicator
reading

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Page 12 of 23

0
50
100
150
200
250

142
225
-38
-69
109
154
218
-50
-89
111
167
213
-58
-58
115
181
209
-67
-67
120
194
204
-76
-76
124
205
200
-84
-84
128
Table 1: Strain Reading and

35
28
21
15
7
0
Frame

21
22
32
28
45
35
58
43
72
50
83
56
Deflection

(mm)
0.009
-0.024
-0.051
-0.079
-0.103
-0.127

Member Strains ()
Load
(N)
0
50
100
150
200
250

1
0
12
25
39
52
63

Member
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8

0
0
0
-7
-12
-20
-12
-20
-51
-16
-29
-60
-21
-38
-69
-25
-46
-77
Table 2: True Strain

0
0
2
-7
6
-14
11
-20
15
-28
19
-35
Reading

Experimental Force (N)

374.07
-148.44
-273.13
-457.19
112.81
-207.81
368.13
201.88

0
11
24
37
51
62

0
6
13
21
28
34

Theoretical Force (N)

250
250
-250
-500
0
0
354
354

Table 3: Measured and Theoretical in the Redundant Cantilever

Truss
Member Length
1
1
2
1
3
1
4
1

F
250
-250
-250
-500

n
-0.707
-0.707
0
-0.707

Fnl
-176.75
176.75
0
354

n2l
0.5
0.5
0
0.5

Pn
Pn + f
-125.14 -375.14
-125.14 124.87
0
-250.00
-125.14 -625.14

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Page 13 of 23
5
6
7
8

1
1.414
1.414
1.414

0
0
354
354

-0.707
1
0
1
Total =

0
0
0
500.56
854.6

0.5
1.414
0
1.414
4.828

-125.14 -125.14
177.00 177.00
0
354.00
177.00 531.00

Table 4: Table for Calculating the Force in the Redundant

Truss

P=

Total Fnl
Total n 2 l

Data :Rod Diameter, D = 6.0 mm

= 0.06 m
= 2.10 x 105 N/mm

Esteel

EXPERIMENTAL FORCE
Using the Youngs Modulus

relationship, we can calculate the

equivalent member force, complete the experimental force in Table 3.

E

Where,
E = Youngs Modulus (N/m2)
= Stress in the member (N/m2)
= Displayed strain

And

F
A

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Page 14 of 23
Where,
F = Force in member (N)
A = Cross section area of the member (m2)
To calculate the experimental force, we use the formula
F EA

With,
A

d 2
4

6.0mm
4

So,
2

= 28.274mm 2
CALCULATION FOR EXPERIMENTAL FORCE

Member 1 ( = 63 x 10-6 )
F EA
5
2
2
-6
F = 2.10 x 10 N/mm x 28.274 mm x 63 x 10

F=

374.07N

CALCULATION FOR THEORETICAL FORCE

Using virtual work method, we can calculate the theoretical force of
members and calculated the reaction force using the equilibrium
equations:
M=0

Fx = 0

Fy = 0

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Page 15 of 23

Consider moment at point B:

MB

=0

-HA(1) + 250(2)

=0

HA = 500 N
HX

=0

HA + HB = 0
HB = -500 N
HY

=0

-VB 250 = 0
VB

= -250 N

To find out the theoretical force value at each member, we use the joint
method. We get the value in Table 3. We ignore for member 6 because
it is a redundant member and the truss can be statically determinate
trusses after we release a member 6.

JOINT A

Fy = Fy
FAB = 0

=
500 + FAC = 0
FAC = -500 kN (C)

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JOINT D

Fy = Fy
FyED = 250

=
FCD = -FxED
= -250

kN (C)

FxED = 250

=
FED = 354 kN

JOINT C

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Page 17 of 23
Fy = Fy
FCE + FyBC = 0
FCE = -FyBC

=
FCD = FAC + FyBC
-250 = -500 +

FxBC
= -250 kN
=

FxBC = 250 kN

=
FBC = 354 kN

JOINT B

Fy = Fy
250 = FBC + FAB

FBE

=
+ FxBC = 500

=
FxBC = 250

FBE = 500 - FxBC

= 250kN

CALCULATION FOR FORCE DUE TO 1 UNIT LOAD

Using the 1 unit load method, we can calculate the forces of each
member due to the unit load, 1 N at member 6 and calculate the
reaction force using the equation.

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Page 18 of 23
M=0

Fx = 0

Fy = 0

Consider moment at point A:

MA

HB (1) 1 (1) + 1 (1)

HB
HX

=0
=0N

=0

1
1

- 1
=
1.414
1.414

HA + HB + 1

HA = 0 N
FB

=0

1
1

- 1

1.414
1.414

-FB + 1

FB

=0

=0N

ALTERNATIVE METHOD

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Page 19 of 23

EXAMPLE
FOR

OF

CALCULATION

MEMBER

6
Total Fnl
Total n 2 l

P=

7.0

P=

854.6
4.828

P=

177.00 N

DISCUSSION

7.1 From table 3, compare your answer to the experimental values.

Comment on the accuracy of your result.
Refer to table 3, the value in experimental force were differ
with the theoretical value. There were in member 1,2,5,6 and

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Page 20 of 23
8. It was because parallax, the equipment has not fully function
correctly. It is maybe the device were not well maintenance .
Secondly, it maybe from environment in the lab. The device
were sensitive with vibration and wind. But the member 3,4,7
almost same with theoretical force.
7.2 Compare all of the member forces and the deflection to those
from statically determinate frame. Comment on them in terms
of economy and safety of the structure.
There have positive and negative force with tensile and
compression at all member. Some structures are built with
more than this minimum number of truss members. Those
structures may survive even when some of the members fail or
deflection, because their member forces depend on the relative
stiffness of the members, in addition to the equilibrium
condition described. These can be economy for structure.
Failure occurs when the load (L) effect exceeds the ability (R)
of the structure, and can be derived by considering the
probability density functions of R and L, along with their
random variables. The main goal for the safety of the structure
is to guarantee an R>L scenario throughout the design life of
the structure.
7.3 What problem could you for seen if you were to use a redundant
frame in a real life application. (Hint: look at the zero value for
the strain reading once you have included the redundant
member by winding up thumbnut).
The structure will be failed if the load are exceed the ability. In
this experiment, the value and size are not same with real life
but the application is too same. In my knowledge, the
redundant frame always used in bridge construction to stability
and the redundant frame are useable for esthetic value
sometimes.

8.0

CONCLUSION
In this experiment, we use few type of different load from
50N till 250N to evaluate the data from the trusses. The most

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Page 21 of 23
important of these criteria is the structures ability to carry load
safely. The limit load for this equipment is 350N. The calculation
to evaluate of structural safety can only be done mathematically
and the experimental force data that we collected from digital
reading than be compared with the theoretical force value that
be done manually as we studied in analysis structure module. As
the graph load vs. deflection is been plotted, the result was as
similar to the linear.
Some mistake when reading the value, this is parallax
error. And the equipment is not in a good condition. It would be
impractical, uneconomical, and unsafe for the structural engineer
to evaluate a bridge design by building a full-size prototype.
When a structure is built, it must be stiff enough to carry its
prescribed loads and fully corrected when reading the value.
There will be a small ralat in every experiment and it cant be
avoided but any how we should prevent it so that it will not affect
the calculation or stiffness of the structure.
We suggest making the maintenance for the equipment
and exchanging the damage tool. This is because the student
cant get the correct value for those experiments.

9.0

APPENDIX

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Page 22 of 23

Truss

Digital Dial Gauge

Force Output

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Page 23 of 23

Digital

Force

Reading

Meter

Digital Strain Indicator

Indeterminate truss

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