Lab Report 9

Engineering Dynamics Lab

Redundant Truss
-A type of a Truss-

By Muhammad Usama Navid

Registration #: 2017-ME-62
Submitted To: Sir Ahmed Navid
LATEX
Contents
1 Objectives 1

2 Apparatus 1

3 Introduction 1

4 Theory 1
4.1 Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
4.1.1 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4.2 Types of Trusses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4.2.1 Warren Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
4.2.2 Octet Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2.3 Pratt Truss (’N’ Truss) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2.4 King Post Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
4.2.5 Lenticular Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.2.6 Vierendeel Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4.2.7 North Light Trusses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2.8 Saw-Tooth Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2.9 Fink Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.3 Stability Of A Truss . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.4 Types Of Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
4.5 Types Of Truss Member Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.5.1 Tee Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.5.2 Back-To-Back Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.5.3 UKC Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4.5.4 Hollow Sections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

5 Procedure 7

6 Observations And Calculations 9

7 Comments 10

References 10
Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

1 Objectives
1. To determine the deflection in the members of Redundant Truss.

2. To determine the forces in its members.

3. To compare the theoretical and experimental values.

2 Apparatus
1. Redundent Truss Apparatus

2. Weights

3. Hangers

4. Digital Vernier Caliper

5. Meter Rod

3 Introduction
This experiment will teach us the construction and working principle of a Truss. The
experiment describes alternative forms of truss, where and why different forms might be
appropriate and introduces design considerations. Primarily, pin jointed trusses are discussed,
with some discussion of rigid-jointed Vierendeel trusses. In engineering, a truss is a structure
that consists of two-force members only, where the members are organized so that the
assemblage as a whole behaves as a single object.[1] A two-force member is a structural
component where force is applied to only two points. Although this rigorous definition allows
the members to have any shape connected in any stable configuration, trusses typically
comprise five or more triangular units constructed with straight members whose ends are
connected at joints referred to as nodes.

4 Theory
4.1 Truss
A truss is essentially a triangulated system of straight interconnected structural elements; it
is sometimes also referred to as an open web girder. The individual elements are connected
at nodes; the connections are often assumed to be nominally pinned. The external forces
applied to the system and the reactions at the supports are generally applied at the nodes.
When all the members and applied forces are in a same plane, the system is a plane or 2D
truss.

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4.1.1 Applications
The most common use of trusses is in buildings, where support to roofs, the floors and
internal loading such as services and suspended ceilings, are readily provided. The main
reason for using trusses are:

• Long span

• Lightweight

• Reduced deflection (compared to plain members)

• Opportunity to support considerable loads.

Trusses are widely used to serve two main functions:

• To carry the roof load

• To provide horizontal stability

The penalty, however, is increased fabrication costs.[2]

4.2 Types of Trusses

Trusses comprise assemblies of tension and compression elements. Under gravity loads, the
top and bottom chords of the truss provide the compression and tension resistance, and the
bracing resists the shear forces. A wide range of truss forms can be created. Each can vary
in overall geometry and in the choice of the individual elements. Some of the commonly
used types are discussed below.

4.2.1 Warren Truss

Truss members form a series of equilateral triangles, alternating up and down. In this type
of truss, diagonal members are alternatively in tension and in compression. The Warren
truss has equal length compression and tension web members, and fewer members than a
Pratt truss. This type of truss is also used for the horizontal truss of gantry/crane girders.

Figure 1: Warren Truss [3]

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Figure 2: Octet Truss [4]

4.2.2 Octet Truss

Truss members are made up of all equivalent equilateral triangles. The minimum composition
is two regular tetrahedrons along with an octahedron. They fill up three-dimensional space
in a variety of configurations.

4.2.3 Pratt Truss (’N’ Truss)

The Pratt truss was patented in 1844 by two Boston railway engineers,[5] Caleb Pratt and his
son Thomas Willis Pratt.[6] The design uses vertical members for compression and diagonal
members to respond to tension. The Pratt truss design remained popular as bridge designers
switched from wood to iron, and from iron to steel.[7] In a conventional Pratt truss, diagonal
members are in tension for gravity loads.

Figure 3: Pratt Truss (’N’ Truss) [8]

4.2.4 King Post Truss

One of the simplest truss styles to implement, the king post consists of two angled supports
leaning into a common vertical support. The queen post truss, sometimes queen-post or
queens-post, is like a king post truss in that the outer supports are angled towards the
center of the structure. The primary difference is the horizontal extension at the center
which relies on beam action to provide mechanical stability. This truss style is only suitable
for relatively short spans.

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

Figure 4: King Post Truss [9]

4.2.5 Lenticular Truss

Lenticular trusses, patented in 1878 by William Douglas (although the Gaunless Bridge of
1823 was the first of the type), have the top and bottom chords of the truss arched, forming
a lens shape. A lenticular pony truss bridge is a bridge design that involves a lenticular truss
extending above and below the roadbed.

Figure 5: Lenticular Truss [9]

4.2.6 Vierendeel Truss

The Vierendeel truss is a structure where the members are not triangulated but form
rectangular openings, and is a frame with fixed joints that can transfer and resisting bending
moments. As such, it does not fit the strict definition of a truss (since it contains non-two-force
members); regular trusses comprise members that are commonly assumed to have pinned
joints, with the implication that no moments exist at the jointed ends. This style of structure
was named after the Belgian engineer Arthur Vierendeel, who developed the design in 1896.
Its use for bridges is rare due to higher costs compared to a triangulated truss.

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

Uses
• A large amount of the exterior envelope remains unobstructed and can be used for
windows and door openings.
• This is preferable to a braced-frame system, which would leave some areas obstructed
by the diagonal braces.

Figure 6: Vierendeel Truss [9]

4.2.7 North Light Trusses

North light trusses are traditionally used for short spans in industrial workshop-type buildings.
They allow maximum benefit to be gained from natural lighting by the use of glazing on the
steeper pitch which generally faces north or north-east to reduce solar gain. On the steeper
sloping portion of the truss, it is typical to have a truss running perpendicular to the plane
of the North Light truss, to provide large column-free spaces.

Figure 7: North Light Trusses [2]

4.2.8 Saw-Tooth Truss

A variation of the North light truss is the saw-tooth truss which is used in multi-bay buildings.
Similar to the North light truss, it is typical to include a truss of the vertical face running
perpendicular to the plane of the saw-tooth truss.

4.2.9 Fink Truss

The Fink truss offers economy in terms of steel weight for short-span high-pitched roofs
as the members are subdivided into shorter elements. There are many ways of arranging
and subdividing the chords and internal members. This type of truss is commonly used to
construct roofs in houses.

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

Figure 8: Saw-Tooth Truss [2]

Figure 9: Fink Truss

4.3 Stability Of A Truss

Let,

m = T otalN umberof M embers

j = T otalN umberof Joints
For Perfect Truss,
m + 3 = 2j
For Over Rigid Truss,
m + 3 > 2j
For Collapsible Truss,
m + 3 < 2j

4.4 Types Of Connections

For all the types of member sections, it is
possible to design either bolted or welded connections. Generally in steelwork construction,
bolted site splices are preferred to welded splices for economy and speed of erection. Where
bolted connections are used, it is necessary to evaluate the consequences of ’slack’ in
connections. In order to reduce these consequences (typically, the increase of the deflections),
pre-loaded assemblies to produce non-slip joints are recommended. Hollow sections are
typically connected by welding whilst open sections are connected by bolting or welding,
which will usually involve the use of gusset plates. Small trusses which can be transported

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

whole from the fabrication factory to the site, can be entirely welded. In the case of large roof
trusses which cannot be transported whole, welded sub-assemblies are delivered to site and
are either bolted or welded together on site. In light roof trusses, entirely bolted connections
are less favoured than welded connections due to the requirement for gusset plates and their
increased fabrication costs.

4.5 Types Of Truss Member Sections

Many solutions are available. Choice of members depends on the magnitude of the internal
forces, ease of connections between members, aesthetics and any necessity to connect prefabricated
truss sections on site. When selecting members, the out-of-plane buckling resistance will be
important, together with resistance under reversed loading, for example, uplift.

4.5.1 Tee Sections

For smaller spans, tee sections are frequently used for chords, with angles used as internal
members. The internal members may be bolted or welded to the tees.

4.5.2 Back-To-Back Channels

Back-to-back angles or channels may be used for longer spans or heavier loads, with a gusset
plate used at nodes to connect the members.

4.5.3 UKC Sections

For large trusses and heavy loads, typically found in transfer trusses in buildings, members
may be rolled sections; typically, UKC sections. Nodes are usually welded.

4.5.4 Hollow Sections

For many exposed trusses, hollow sections are chosen for their structural efficiency and for
aesthetic reasons. Nodes will generally be welded in the workshop. As part of the truss
design, it is essential to verify the resistance of the joints as the joint design may dominate
member selection and final truss geometry.

5 Procedure
1. Set the Redundant truss apparatus horizontally on table.

2. Use digital Vernier caliper measure initial displacement x1 in mm.

3. Then suspend hangers and weights.

4. Note down the stiffness of the spring in N/m.

5. After suspending weights calculate final displacement using digital Vernier caliper.

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

(a) Typical element cross sections for light building trusses

[6]

(b) Different types of steel section used in trusses [6]

6. Then calculate force at each joint using formula

F = kx

7. Apply method of joints to calculate each force and apply condition of equilibrium.

8. Calculate percentage error.

Frame mean (bar) AB BC AE EG BG BG GF CG

Initialdisplacementx1 (mm) 36.8 37 38.4 38.3 38.6 37.4 38.8 37.4
F inaldisplacementx2 (mm) 37.04 37.33 39.10 38.95 38.44 37.19 39.42 37.46
Def lectionx = x2 x1 (mm) 0.24 0.03 0.7 0.65 -0.16 -0.21 0.62 0.06
Stif f nessK(N/m) 42.6 93.6 40.3 41.3 30.9 23.7 40 23.4
Experimentalf orceF = kx(N ) 10.22 2.808 28.21 26.85 -4.94 -4.98 24.8 1.404

Table 1: Observations And Calculations

6 Comments
1. The deviation is seen between experimental values and theoretical values and there
also exists an error due to faulty apparatus.

2. This error may occur due to air from fans.

3. The hangers were hanging with thread due to which it was moving on the rod which
may cause an error.

4. Digital Vernier caliper has helped to reduce error in the reading when calculation inner
cross section of frame.

5. Method of joints is used to calculate theoretical forces present in warren girder truss.

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Engineering Dynamics Lab Experiment Number 8

References
[1] M. E. Plesha and G. L. Gray, ” Costanzo, Francesco (2013). Engineering Mechanics:
Statics (2nd ed.). New York: McGraw-Hill Companies Inc. pp. 364407. ISBN
0-07-338029-6.”.

[2] https://www.steelconstruction.info/Trusses.

[3] http://www.structuremag.org

[4] http://www.intensiondesigns.com/geometry of anatomy.html.

[5] http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au,
http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07

[6] http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/bridges/historybridges.html,
http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/".

[7] http://www.sha.state.md.us/keepingcurrent,
https://web.archive.org/web/20080528131942/
http://www.sha.state.md.us/keepingcurrent//V-Pratt.pdf
http://www.sha.state.md.us/.

[8] http://www.structuremag.org/?p=8600.

[9] https://www.bristol.ac.uk/civilengineering/HowtoreadabridgeTruss

[10] https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Lenticular-truss.svg.

[11] https://www.engineeringcivil.com

[12] http://uet.edu.pk/faculties/facultiesinfo/mechanical/labs/EngineeringStatics.pdf.