Mechanical Engineering · Structures and materials / Principles and inquiry
Truss bridge loads experiment guide
Change truss type and loaded joint to read member colors and widths.
How does it work?
Tension and compression members together balance each joint.
Key relationship
ΣFx = ΣFy = 0 · m = 2j − 3
Try this investigation
- Change truss type and loaded joint to read member colors and widths.
- Run and record each of the three reference settings.
- Change one variable and compare force, deformation or response with the reference records.
Interpreting your results
What do blue and red members represent?
Tension and compression · Tension and compression members together balance each joint.
Assumptions and limitations
A determinate pin-jointed truss assumes straight members and small deformation. Self-weight, buckling and joint failure are omitted. Capacity warning is not collapse dynamics. Do not test real bridge loads.