Page 1 of 23

TABLE OF CONTENT

Number Description Page

1.0 Objective of the experiment 2
2.0 Learning Outcome 2
3.0 Theory 2
4.0 Application of Truss 6
5.0 Procedures 10
6.0 Result and Analysis 11
7.0 Discussion 19
8.0 Conclusion 20
9.0 Appendix 21

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.
(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 2 of 23

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.

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

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 3 of 23

where
m = total number of truss members
j = total number of joints
r = 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
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

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 4 of 23

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.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 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:
fnl
P= Σ
n2l
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)
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

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 6 of 23

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

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

members

4.0 APPLICATION OF TRUSS

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 7 of 23

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.

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.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 8 of 23

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.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 9 of 23

The common types of truss bridge

The common types of roof truss

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 10 of 23

5.0 PROCEDURE

5.1 The thumbwheel on the ‘redundant’ member up to the boss

was wind and hand–tighten 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.
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.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 11 of 23

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 (με)

Loa Strain Reading Digital
d 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 indicator
(N) reading
(mm)
0 142 225 -38 -69 109 35 21 22 0.009
50 154 218 -50 -89 111 28 32 28 -0.024
100 167 213 -58 -58 115 21 45 35 -0.051
150 181 209 -67 -67 120 15 58 43 -0.079
200 194 204 -76 -76 124 7 72 50 -0.103
250 205 200 -84 -84 128 0 83 56 -0.127
Table 1: Strain Reading and Frame Deflection

Member Strains (με)

Load 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
(N)
(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 12 of 23

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
50 12 -7 -12 -20 2 -7 11 6
100 25 -12 -20 -51 6 -14 24 13
150 39 -16 -29 -60 11 -20 37 21
200 52 -21 -38 -69 15 -28 51 28
250 63 -25 -46 -77 19 -35 62 34
Table 2: True Strain Reading

Member Experimental Force (N) Theoretical Force (N)

1 374.07 250
2 -148.44 250
3 -273.13 -250
4 -457.19 -500
5 112.81 0
6 -207.81 0
7 368.13 354
8 201.88 354

Table 3: Measured and Theoretical in the Redundant Cantilever

Truss

Member Length F n Fnl n2l Pn Pn + f

1 1 250 -0.707 -176.75 0.5 -125.14 -375.14
2 1 -250 -0.707 176.75 0.5 -125.14 124.87
3 1 -250 0 0 0 0 -250.00
4 1 -500 -0.707 354 0.5 -125.14 -625.14
5 1 0 -0.707 0 0.5 -125.14 -125.14
6 1.414 0 1 0 1.414 177.00 177.00
7 1.414 354 0 0 0 0 354.00
8 1.414 354 1 500.56 1.414 177.00 531.00
Total = 854.6 4.828

Table 4: Table for Calculating the Force in the

Redundant Truss

Total Fnl
P=
Total n 2 l

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 13 of 23

Data :-
Rod Diameter, D = 6.0 mm

= 0.06 m

Esteel = 2.10 x 105 N/mm

EXPERIMENTAL FORCE

Using the Young’s Modulus relationship, we can calculate the

equivalent member force, complete the experimental force in Table 3.
σ
E=
ε
Where,
E = Young’s Modulus (N/m2)
σ = Stress in the member (N/m2)
ε = Displayed strain

F
And σ=
A
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 ε
With,
πd 2
A=
4

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 14 of 23

So,
π( 6.0mm )
2
A=
4
= 28.274mm
2

CALCULATION FOR EXPERIMENTAL FORCE

• Member 1 ( ε = 63 x 10-6 )
F = EAε

F = 2.10 x 10 N/mm x 28.274 mm x 63 x 10

5 2 2 -6

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

Consider moment at point B:

ΣMB =0
-HA(1) + 250(2) =0
HA = 500 N

ΣHX =0
HA + HB = 0
HB = -500 N
(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 15 of 23

ΣHY =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

Σ Fy ↑ = Σ Fy ↓ Σ =Σ
FAB = 0 500 + FAC = 0
FAC = -500 kN (C)

JOINT D

Σ Fy ↑ = Σ Fy ↓ Σ =Σ
FyED = 250 FCD = -FxED

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 16 of 23

= -250 kN (C)

= = =
FxED = 250 FED = 354 kN

JOINT C

Σ Fy ↑ = Σ Fy ↓ Σ =Σ
FCE + FyBC = 0 FCD = FAC + FyBC
FCE = -FyBC -250 = -500 +
FxBC
= -250 kN FxBC = 250 kN

= =
FBC = 354 kN

JOINT B

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 17 of 23

Σ Fy ↑ = Σ Fy ↓ Σ =Σ
250 = FBC + FAB FBE + FxBC = 500
= FBE = 500 - FxBC
FxBC = 250 = 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.

∑M=0 ∑ Fx = 0 ∑ Fy = 0

Consider moment at point A:

ΣMA = 0

HB (1) – 1 (1) + 1 (1) =0

HB =0N

ΣHX =0
 1   1 
HA + HB + 1  - 1 = 0
 1 . 414  1.414 
(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 18 of 23

HA = 0 N

ΣFB =0
 1   1 
-FB + 1  - 1  =0
1.414  1.414 
FB =0N

ALTERNATIVE METHOD

EXAMPLE OF CALCULATION
FOR MEMBER 6

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 19 of 23

Total Fnl
P=
Total n 2l
854.6
P=
4.828
P= 177.00 N

7.0 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
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.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 20 of 23

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
important of these criteria is the structure’s 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
can’t 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
can’t get the correct value for those experiments.

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 21 of 23

9.0 APPENDIX

Truss

Digital Dial Gauge

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 22 of 23

Force Output

Digital Force Reading

Meter

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)
 Page 23 of 23

Digital Strain Indicator

Indeterminate truss

(Group 7)
(DEPARTMENT OF STRUCTURE AND MATERIAL
ENGINEERING)