LAB#5 -STANDARD ROOF TRUSSES

Cheyanne Green- 2108119

Lecturer: Mr. Anil Thomas

MEE2018 Mondays 8 am - 11 am

September 12, 2022

 ABSTRACT

In this lab a standard roof truss was observed, its calculated values and experimental values were

compared. Weights were added to it and the spring balance readings were recorded on the raw

data sheet. The theoretical and experimental values were calculated, and sources of error and

uncertainty were discussed. The results obtained during this lab are the values of S1(1.46 lbf)

and S2(2.04lbf) that summed to 3.5 lbf. Method of Sections, including a Free Body Diagram,

were used to obtain the calculated values.

 RESULTS

Results for Standard Roof Trusses

Item Unloaded Loaded Unloaded Net Force

Initial (lbf) (lbf) Final (lbf) (lbf)

Left support 5 6.5 5 1.5

spring balance,
S1
Right support 6 8.5 6 2.5
spring balance,
S2
Load at joint B, 0 0.5 0 0.5
W1
Load at joint D, 0 1 0 1
W2
Load at joint F, 0 1 0 1
W3
Load at joint C, 0 0 0 0
W4
Load at joint E, 0 1 0 1
W5
Balance in 7 10 7 3
member AB
Balance in 4 4.5 4 0.5
member CD
Balance in 6 10 6 4
member DF
Balance in 2.5 3.5 2.5 1
member EF
Balance in 7 10 7 3
member EG
Taking moments at A

+ ↻Σ MA= 0
[W1(26 Cos30)]+[W2(52Cos30)]+[W3(78Cos30)]+[S2(104Cos30)] + [W4(30)] + [W5(60)]= 0
(W1)(22.52) + (W2)(45) + (W3)(67.55) + (S2)(90) + (W4)(30) + (W5*60) =0
(0.5)(22.52) +(1)(45) + (1)(67.55) + (S2)(90) + (0)(30) + (1)(60) =0
S2= 183.81/ 90
S2= 2.04 lbf

ΣFy=0
S1 + S2-(W1 + W2 + W3 + W4 + W5) =0
S1 + 2.04 - (0.5 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 1)= 0
S1= 1.46 lbf
JOINT A

ΣF y =0

S1 + ( F AB)(Sin30) = 0
F AB = -S1/ Sin30

=-1.46/(Sin30)
F AB= 2.92lbf

ΣFx=0

( F AB)(Cos30) + F A C =0
F A C = -(-2.92)(Cos30) = 2.528lbf , therefore, Tensile
 DISCUSSION

The combined values of S1 and S2 give 3.5 lbf, while the total of the external loads placed on the

system10lbf. This shows that the calculations of the S1 and S2 values were not accurate and

precise. The experimental values of the force in members were not close to the theoretical

values. This may be due to human errors. Errors in the experiment such as parallax error may be

the cause for this vast difference. Or due to mathematical errors in calculations done by the

researcher. To minimize these errors, students should read the equipment at eye level, as well

and redo calculations to ensure they are correct. Source of error and uncertainty Sources of error

found in this experiment include parallax error and bias error.

RAW DATA SHEET