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Warren Girder Force Analysis Experiment

1. The experiment examines how the forces in each member of a statically determinate Warren girder structure vary with a central variable load. Strain gauges are used to measure the forces in each member as the load is increased incrementally. 2. Experimental data on member strains and joint deflection are recorded in Table 1.0 for various load levels. True member strains must be calculated from this data. 3. Theoretical member forces are to be calculated and compared to experimental results to evaluate experimental error and better understand structural behavior under loading.

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729 views3 pages

Warren Girder Force Analysis Experiment

1. The experiment examines how the forces in each member of a statically determinate Warren girder structure vary with a central variable load. Strain gauges are used to measure the forces in each member as the load is increased incrementally. 2. Experimental data on member strains and joint deflection are recorded in Table 1.0 for various load levels. True member strains must be calculated from this data. 3. Theoretical member forces are to be calculated and compared to experimental results to evaluate experimental error and better understand structural behavior under loading.

Uploaded by

dtl project
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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  • Experiment Overview: Provides a comprehensive overview of forces in a Warren girder, detailing background, experiment objectives, and relevant terminology.

EXPERIMENT 1 FORCES IN A WARREN GIRDER : PART A

Suggested Time
WARNING! Comply with all laboratory requirements when using the equipment.
One 60 – 90 minute session Ensure excessive loads are never applied to any part of the equipment.

BACKGROUND
Terminology

Pin Jointed Truss Warren girders are common structures. They are often used for simple
bridges and in cantilevered form for crane booms. The experiment examines
Support reaction how the forces in each member of a statically determinate warren girder vary
Variable Load with a central variable load (variable action). Figure 1.0 shows the idealised
structural model of the experimental warren girder under investigation.
Deflection

Learning Outcomes

 The experiment
provides a
visualisation of
relative deflections
of a joint in a truss.

 The experiment
demonstrates the
basic theory of
static equilibrium.

 Understanding of
how structures Figure 1.0: Warren Girder with central load
support loads.

 Understanding
joint deflection. Theoretical determination of member forces is to be carried out using the
method of joints.
 Understanding
statical Young’s modulus is the ratio of stress to strain:
determinacy.
σ
E=
 The experiment ε
demonstrates the
where:
use of strain
gauges. E = Young’s modulus (Nm-2)

σ = Stress in the member ((Nm-2)

ε = Displayed strain
And

F
σ=
A

where:

F = Force in member

A = Cross-sectional area of the member

Rod diameter = 5.98mm and Esteel = 210GNm-2

PROCEDURE

1. Apply a preload of 100N and zero the load cell.


2. Carefully apply a load of 500N and check the frame is stable and secure.
3. Reduce the load until the digital force display reads zero and carefully zero the deflection gauge.
4. Apply loads in the increments as shown in Table 1.0
5. Record all strain and indicator readings.

RESULTS

Loading
AD AE AF BD CF DE EF Def
condition
(mm)
(N)

0
46 0 -29 20 28 133 31 0
100
37 -10 -38 25 33 144 41 -0.023

200
27 -21 -49 31 39 155 53 -0.057
300
16 -32 -61 37 44 167 65 -0.08
400
5 -43 -72 43 50 178 76 -0.097
500
-5 -53 -82 49 56 189 86 -0.0126

Table 1.0: Experimental Recordings of member strains


Loading
AD AE AF BD CF DE EF Def
condition
(mm)
(N)

100

200

300

400

500

Table 2.0: True member strains

REQUIREMENTS - FURTHER LEARNING

 Calculate the true member strains


 Calculate the equivalent experimental member forces at 500N applied load
 Calculate the theoretical member forces at 500N applied load
 Comment upon and / or calculate experimental error
 Compare the experimental findings with those obtained from the equations used in the
prediction of member forces
 Suggest reasons for any differences – anticipated or otherwise
 Select one strut (compression member) and one tie (tension member). Plot a graph of load
against strain.
 Plot a graph of load against joint deflection.
 Undertake any additional research required to explain the significance of your findings.

EXPERIMENT 1 FORCES IN A WARREN GIRDER : PART A WARNING! Comply with all laboratory requirements when using the equipment.
And A F = σ where: F = Force in member A = Cross-sectional area of the member Rod diameter = 5.98mm and Esteel = 210GNm-2
REQUIREMENTS - FURTHER LEARNING  Calculate the true member strains  Calculate the equivalent experimental member forces at

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