FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.3

COURSE BASIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS LABORATORY

COURSE CODE ECS258
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY TRADITIONAL
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK (WEEK 4)

TITLE PIN JOINTED TRUSSES

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as Level 0) will
not be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning
activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. The traditional method is fully
prescriptive where the three elements namely problem, ways & means and answers
are provided/fully given to the students. However, it is still necessary to be
implemented as part of the whole laboratory course activity specially to first and
second year students.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and appropriate
methods to carry out tests to determine the reaction and internal forces in statically
determinate trusses.

1.2 Objective
To determine the reaction and internal forces in statically determinate trusses.

PREAMBLE
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activity, students would be able to:
1. Identify and use the correct apparatus/tools to carry out experiment on pin
jointed truss.
2. Analyse the collected data correctly and present in the proper technical
format.
3. Work in a group to undertake the task and produce the technical report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

A truss is a structure constructed with straight members connected together at their
ends referred to as joints. Triangular configuration is usually used for the trusses
because of the structural stability of the shape and the joints are usually assumed to
be pin-jointed. External forces are considered to act only at the joints and result in
forces in the members which are either tension or compression force.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.3

Determination of the internal forces of each member of Warren Girder Truss is

important in structural analysis. As a group, you are required to record the strain at
PROBLEM
each member for each load increment using the appropriate apparatus available in
STATEMENT
the laboratory. Using suitable equation calculates the reaction and internal member
forces.

3.1 Apparatus

Figure 3.1: Warren Girder set up

B D
WAYS &
MEANS

60○
A E
C
W
Figure 3.2: Idealised Warren Girder set up

3.2 Procedures
1. Adjust the position of the load cell until the hole in the fork reaches the hole of the
loading position. Make sure it is also in the correct angular position. Tighten the
load cell using the 6 mm A/F Allen key. Secure the fork using a pin.
2. Make sure the Digital Force Display is ‘on’. Connect the mini DIN lead from ‘Force
Input 1’ on the digital force display to the socket marked ‘Force Output’ on the left
hand side of the load cell. Connect the strain gauges to the strain display
matching the number on the lead to the number on the socket. Leave the gauges
for 5 minutes to warm up and reach a steady state.
3. Measure the diameter of the rod and its length.
4. With no load on the load cell (the pin should turn) roughly zero the reading using
the control on the front of the load cell. Record the initial strain reading.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL NO.3

4. Apply a load of ____ N (in the direction of loading) and record the strain readings
for each member.
5. Apply loads in the increments as in Table 3.1 recording the strain readings.

3.3 Data Acquisition

Equivalent member forces at ___ N

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

Young’s Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, that is;

E=σ where E = Young’s Modulus
ε σ = Stress in the member
ε = Displayed strain

and σ=F where F = Forces in member

A A = Cross-sectional area of member

Table 3.1: Strain reading

Strain
Load (N)
AB AC BC BD CD CE DE
0 (initial)

Table 3.2: Comparison of experiment and theoretical force

a) _____ N

Member Experimental Force (N) Theoretical Force (N)

AB
AC
BC
BD
CD
CE
DE

4.0 Results, Analysis and Conclusion

The group is required to submit the technical report of the laboratory results
highlighting the data acquisition process, analysis carried out and the relevancy of the
set-out output to achieve the objective. The report must incorporate the followings:
RESULTS 1. Using a suitable method calculate the theoretical member forces for the pin
jointed truss.
2. Compare the experiment and theoretical results.
3. Plot a graph of experiment and theoretical results.

The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of the test.

©FKA, UiTM, PAHANG MARCH 2018