FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 3
COURSE BASIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS
COURSE CODE ECS258
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 2
CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 66
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 2 WEEKS
TITLE EXPERIMENT ON PIN-JOINTED TRUSS
1.1 Introduction
Level 2 laboratory activity refers to condition where only the problem is
guided and given. Students are required to find the ways & means and
provide the answers to the given assignment using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity will enable the students to appreciate
independent learning and prepare them for a much harder task of open-
ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and the
procedures to carry out experiment on pin-jointed truss.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the experiment is:
To determine the internal forces and displacement in a statically
determinate pin-jointed truss.
1.3 Learning Outcomes
PREAMBLE
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
identify and use the correct apparatus/tools to carry out experiment
on statically determinate pin-jointed truss;
work in a group to undertake the task; and
collect and analyze the data correctly and produce the lab 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 trusses because of the structural stability of the shape and the joints are
usually assumed to be pin-jointed.
Lab Manual Ver. 1.1 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 3
Suppose that m is the total number of members in a truss and j the total
number of joints. Then, noting that initially there are three members and
three joints, the above relationship may be written
m 3 = 2 (j - 3)
so that
m = 2j - 3
If the equation above is satisfied, the truss constructed from a series of
triangles is a statically determinate structure. If m < 2j - 3, the structure is
unstable, and if m > 2j - 3, the structure is statically indeterminate.
A determinate truss can be analysed using any of the following methods:
- method of joints
- method of sections
- graphical method
The assumptions on which the analysis of trusses is based are as follows:
(i) The truss members are connected at their ends by frictionless pins.
(ii) The truss is loaded and supported only at its joints.
(iii) The forces in the truss members are purely axial, either tension or
compression force.
2.1 Problem Statement
PROBLEM
(Guided) Students are required to determine the internal forces and displacement in
a statically determinate pin-jointed truss.
3.1 Apparatus
Identify and list the apparatus for the experiment.
3.2 Procedures
The group should identify and list out the step-by-step procedures to
conduct the experiment using the available apparatus in the laboratory. For
WAYS & MEANS
safety reasons, the procedures will be verified first by the
(Open)
instructor/technician before the group can start the experiment.
3.3 Results
The group is required to perform the data acquisition process and tabulate
the results in a proper format.
Lab Manual Ver. 1.1 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 3
4.1 Analysis
From the information and data obtained, carry out analysis of the laboratory
results in order to achieve the objective of the experiment.
4.2 Discussion and Conclusion
ANSWERS The discussion and conclusion of the report are left open to group
(Open) discretion.
The report must be submitted 1 week after the completion of this
laboratory work.
Lab Manual Ver. 1.1 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015
