ROOF TRUSS

APPARATUS
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NOTE:

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information contained in this manual is accurate;
however, no labiality is accepted for errors. Should an error be discovered please inform the
company in writing, giving full details. Any experimental results given are for guidance only and
are not guaranteed as exact answers that can be obtained for a given apparatus; due to the
complex variables applicable to most experiments.

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Table of Contents
Page
1. INTRODUCTION........................................................................................................... 1

2. GENERAL DESCRIPTION .......................................................................................... 2

2.1 Unit Assembly ............................................................................................................ 2

3. SUMMARY OF THEORY ............................................................................................ 3

3.1 Statically Determinacy ................................................................................................ 3
3.2 Type of Support .......................................................................................................... 5
3.3 Determination of Forces in the Frame ........................................................................ 6

4. EXPERIMENT ............................................................................................................... 8
4.1 Objective ..................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Apparatus .................................................................................................................... 8
4.3 Procedure .................................................................................................................... 8
4.4 Observations ............................................................................................................... 8
4.5 Conclusion .................................................................................................................. 9

5. MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ................................................... 10

APPENDIX A Experimental Data Sheets

APPENDIX B Typical Experimental Results

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1 INTRODUCTION:

In architecture and structural engineering, a truss is a structure comprising one or more

triangular units constructed with straight members whose ends are connected at joints
referred to as nodes. External forces and reactions to those forces are considered to act
only at the nodes and result in forces in the members which are either tensile or
compressive forces. Moments (torques) are explicitly excluded because, and only
because, all the joints in a truss are treated as revolute.

The EES® Roof Truss Apparatus unit consists of a frame made of aluminum. It is able
of finding forces created in trusses on the application of load. A planar truss is one where
all the members and nodes lie within a two-dimensional plane, while a space truss has
members and nodes extending into three dimensions.

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2 GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

2.1 Unit Assembly:

2
1

4 6 5

1. Compressor Rod 2. Hanger

3. Weights 4. Spring Gauge
5. Frame 6. Chain attaches to spring Gauge

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3 SUMMARY OF THEORY:

A large part of engineering is concerned with support loads and forces by some form of
framework. Examples are many and are in all sizes, e.g. a lamp bracket or a large bridge
truss. At first sight, a framework may be a complex thing with no obvious easy solution.
Yet by adopting a few simple procedures, the framework may be analyzed quite simply.

Structures are made from a series of members who carry loads. The name of each part is
derived through usage. A TIE is in tension and prevents two parts from moving apart. A
similar member in compression which prevents two parts moving together is called a
STRUT. Many names are used for the same or similar members. The name largely
depends upon the particular branch of the engineering industry and no one name is more
correct than another.

Joints in real structures are made by bolts, riveting or welding. A recent addition to these
traditional methods is structural adhesives. Although these will withstand different shear,
tension or compression loads than more traditional methods, they do not affect basic
framework analysis.

If the joints were truly stiff, then under load the angle between any two members would
be the same no matter what the load. Such a joint could transmit a couple and analysis of
a framework with such joints would be a long and tedious process. As all frames are
elastic some rotation occurs. Thus for analysis, it can be assumed that joints may be fairly
represented by a hinge pin arrangement. This does not transmit any couples or bending
moments. Deformations of frame members are relatively small, thus changes of joint
angles are small. Hence it can be seen why it is common practice to assume that all joints
are pinned when analyzing a framework.

3.1 Statically Determinacy:

A framework can only be analyses simply if it is statically determinate. That is the

number of equations relating to the equilibrium of the frame is the same as the
number of unknown forces. Where the number of unknown forces and reactions is
greater than the number of equilibrium equations available then the problem is
statically indeterminate. Then extra equations relating to the displacement or
deformation of the frame have to be considered.

There are three classes of frame or truss:-

3.1.1 Under Stiff:

There are more equations than unknown forces. The system is unstable
and is not a structure but a mechanism.

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3.1.2 Just Stiff:

The frame is statically determinate. Should any member be removed the

frame will collapse or become a mechanism.

3.1.3 Over Stiff:

Here there is at least one member more than that which is required for the
structure to be just stiff. The framework, in this case, is statically
indeterminate.

The above may be expressed mathematically.

Let the number of joints, including supports be, j
The number of members is, m
The number of reactions is, r

For a space frame, there are three equilibrium equations that can be applied to
each joint.

∑ f x 0,=
= ∑ f y 0,=
∑ fz 0
Thus there are a 3 j equations to determine m + r unknown forces and reactions.
Therefore:-
< Mechanism
m+r = Statically determinate
> Statically indeterminate
Where a frame lies in one plane only, two equilibrium equations exist at each
joint thus the relationship becomes dependant on 2j rather than 3j. The same
remarks, however, still apply.

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3.2 Type of Support:

Five types of support exist as shown below and their displacements and reaction
forces are tabulated.

Displacement Reaction Force

x y θ Rx Ry Mz
1 Built in or fixed - - - x x x
2 Pinned - - x x x -
3 Linear bearing x - - - x x
4 Roller support x - x - x -
5 Free x x x - - -

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3.3 Determination of Forces in the Frame

The truss may be examined by the resolution of forces. As it is quite a simple

arrangement the method of sections has no advantage. Bow’s notation, a graphical
method, can be used if desired. However, it is not recommended as its results
depend upon the accuracy of any drawings, whereas the first method uses exact
mathematics.

Consider the frame below. The left-hand end is supported by a pivot whilst the
right-hand end is supported by a roller support.

To analyze the framework we must first determine the reactions at A and C.

R+ ↑ RA + RC − W =
0 (1)

MA+ ↓ Wx − 2 xRc =
0
Rc = W / 2 (2)

(1) & (2) ⇒ Ra =

W /2 (3)

Now we draw the free body diagrams for each joint, indicating the forces in the
members and any forces applied at the joint. Then resolve the forces to determine
their magnitude.

If a force turns out to have a negative sign, it just means that it acts in the opposite
direction to that which we drew in the diagram.

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We start at the free end, C.

R + ↑ W / 2 − FBC sin α =0
FBC = W / 2Sin α (4)
R + ← FCA − FBC Cos α =0
FCA = W / 2 Tan α (5)
Now consider joint B:-
R + ← FCB Sin β − FAB Sin β =0
FCB = FAB (6)
R + ↑ FAB Cos β + FCB Sin β =0
So FAB = W / 2 Cos β (7)
α (90 − β )
As =
Sin α = Cos β
FBC = FCB (8)

We now know all the forces in the frame members. As a check, we can resolve
forces at joint A.
R + ↑ W / 2 − W / 2Sin α =0
0=0 (8)
R + → W / 2 Tan α − W / 2Sin α + H A =0
So H A = 0 (9)
This shows that there is no horizontal reaction at the support A and that our
previous calculations are correct.

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4 EXPERIMENT

4.1 Object:

The object of the experiments is to experimentally measure the forces in a loaded

frame and then compare them with values calculated from theory.

4.2 Apparatus:

The apparatus is illustrated in this manual. It consists of a triangular roof truss.

Each member is fitted with a calibrated spring balance which is used to measure
the force. The apparatus is constrained to pivot only at the left-hand end. At the
right-hand end, movement is allowed to enable the truss to take up a true loaded
position with pin joints. The bottom tie member can be adjusted or length, thereby
increasing the experimental scope.

4.3 Procedure:

1. Choose a length for the bottom tie and adjust the position of the right-hand
support so that the support links are approximately vertical.
2. Make both the inclined links to come at zero position.
3. Apply a load, say 20N and again note the readings.
4. 1st division of the tie member equals ½ kg and each division of the
compression member equals 1 kg.
5. Remember that we are not interested in the absolute anvil spacing, only the
change in spacing under load.
6. Tabulate your results below.

4.4 Observations:

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm)
Load (kg)

Use a steel tape to measure the joint centers whilst the frame is unloaded. Use the
cosine rule to find an angle in the frame.
a 2 = b 2 + c 2 − 2bc Cos A
After determining the first angle it may be easier to use the sine rule.
a= / Sin A b= / sin B c / Sin C
Now use your data on the frame lengths and angles together with the equations in
the theoretical section to determine the forces in the members under the applied
load, W.

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Tabulate your theoretical calculations and empirical results below:-

Member Experiment Theory

AB
BC
AC

Repeat the experiment with a different load.

4.5 Conclusions:
How well do your experimental and theoretical predictions compare? Account for
any discrepancies.

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5 MAINTENANCE AND SAFETY PRECAUTIONS:

1. The apparatus is designed to require little maintenance. The frequency of use and
environmental conditions will influence the work required.
2. Every three months, or as required lightly oil the join pins and check that all joints are
free to move. Any stiffness may lead to experimental errors.
3. Scales should be kept clean and occasionally a drop of light oil applied to the spindle.
If the unit shows signs of being sticky wipe the spindle, then gently push it through
the instrument and wipe the other side. Repeat until stickiness goes. Servicing must
only be undertaken by competent trained technicians.

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APPENDIX A
Experiment Data Sheets

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EXPERIMENT

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm)
Load (kg)

Member Experiment Theory

AB
BC
AC

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm)
Load (kg)

Member Experiment Theory

AB
BC
AC

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm)
Load (kg)

Member Experiment Theory

AB
BC
AC

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APPENDIX B
Typical Experimental Results

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SAMPLE 1

1) Applied Load W = 2 kg

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm) 602 602 905
Load (kg) 1.5 1.5 1.2

6022 = 9052 + 6022 − 2(905)(602) Cos α

α = 41.26
W / 2Sin α 2=
= / 2Sin 41.26 1.51kg
W / 2 Tan α 2=
= / 2 Tan 41.26 1.41kg

Member Experiment Theory

AB 1.5 1.51
BC 1.5 1.51
AC 1.2 1.14

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SAMPLE 2

2) Applied Load W = 4 kg

Frame member AB BC AC
Length (mm) 594 594 911
Load (kg) 3 3 2.4

5922 = 9112 + 594 − 2(911)(594) Cos α

2

α = 39.93
W / 2Sin α 4=
= / 2Sin 39.93 3.11kg
W / 2 Tan α 4=
= / 2 Tan 39.93 2.4kg

Member Experiment Theory

AB 3 3.11
BC 3 3.11
AC 2.4 2.4

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