Truss Bridge Report

SCHOOL OF ARCHITECTURE, BUILDING & DESIGN

Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Architecture

Building Structures (ARC2213)

Project 1

Fettuccine Truss Bridge

Analysis Report

Lee Yen Chei 0320568

Lee Ka Hoe 0315908

Tan Ree Han 0315978

Tan Yew Siang 0320755

Yvonne Chin Yun Miin 0315662

TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0 INTRODUCTION 4

1.1 REQUIREMENT OF THE PROJECT 5

2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 PRECEDENT STUDY 7

2.2 MAKING OF FETTUCCINE BRIDGE 7

3.0 PERCEDENT STUDY

3.1 Waddell "A" Truss Bridge 11

3.2 Gatton Railway Bridge 14

4.0 MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT

4.1 MATERIAL ANALYSIS 17

4.2 ADHESIVE ANALYSIS 21

5.0 BRIDGE TESTING AND LOAD ANALYSIS 22

6.0 FINAL BRIDGE MODEL

6.1 MODEL MAKING 24

6.2 2D ILLUSTRATION 27

6.3 3D ILLUSTRATION 28

6.4 JOINT ANALYSIS & CALCULATION 29

7.0 CONCLUSION 44

8.0 CASE STUDY EXERCISE 46

9.0 REFERENCES 65

ARC 2213 BUIDLING STRUCTURE |FETTUCCINE TRUSS BRIDGE ANALYSYS REPORT 3

INTRODUCTION

1


1.0 INTRODUCTION

This project aims to develop our understanding of the building structure by

understanding the tensile and compression strength of construction materials and

force distribution in a truss.

Truss is a structure made up of three or more members which are normally

considered to be pinned or hinged at the joints. The figure below shows a list of

trusses. Load applied to the truss is transmitted to the joints causing each individual

member to be in either pure tension or compression.

In a group of 5, we were required to conduct a precedent study on a selected

existing truss bridge. By analyzing the connections and orientation of the members,

we were able to understand how design of the truss can affect the distribution of

forces. After conducting the research, we were required to design and conduct a

truss bridge using fettuccine.


1.1 REQUIREMENT OF THE PROJECT

The requirement for the fettuccine bridge are as follow: the fettuccine bridge shouldconsists of 350mm clear span with a maximum weight of 70g.These requirementsare to be met, or else it may result in reduction of grade. The bridge is then beingtested whether it fails or not.

Other than aesthetic value, the design of the bridge must have high efficiency. Theformula to find the efficiency of the bridge is given as follow:

bridge of WeightLoad MaximumE,Efficiency

In order to achieve higher efficiency, we are needed to analyze and evaluate each ofthe following items.

- Material strength

o By adopting appropriate method to determine the strength of fettuccine, suchas the tension and compression strength

o By knowing the strength of fettuccine, we will be able to determine whichmembers to be strengthened

- Structural analysis of the truss

o We are to perform detailed structural analysis of the truss, by applying 100kNat the center of the truss

o Identify critical members

o Strengthen the critical members

After the testings, discussion and identification for the causes of the bridge failure

were made with our group members.


METHODOLOGY

2


2.0 METHODOLOGY

2.1 PRECEDENT STUDY

By analysing the precedent studies, we were able to explore how truss design

affects the force distribution. Besides, we were able to identify the types of force

exerted on the truss which mainly consist of tension and compression forces.

Adjustment and modification were applied to our fettuccine bridge.

2.2 MAKING OF FETTUCCINE BRIDGE

2.2.1: Properties of Material

Understanding the properties of fettuccine is crucial in order to maximize the load

capacity of the bridge. Consideration were made while designing the joints of the

bridge based on the tensile and compression strength of fettuccine because it’s

relatively low when compared to stiff materials like aluminium or steel.

2.2.2: Type of Adhesive Used

Type of adhesive plays an important role in the strength of the bridge. Different types

of adhesive have different characteristics. The brand of the adhesive also have to be

taken in consideration as the stability of the bridge structures solely depends on the

quality of the adhesive used.

2.2.3: Model Making

The design of our truss bridge were drawn in AutoCAD and were printed out in 1:1

scale. This is to ensure the precision in making our bridge model and have a better

work flow. Each fettuccine member was marked and cut into respective lengths

according to the printed AutoCAD drawing. In this way, we can ensure the accuracy

of the placement of each member in our truss bridge.


2.2.4: Model Testing

Once our truss bridge model has completed, it was left aside for around an hour to

allow the adhesive to dry completely. During the load testing, the position of hook

was marked before hanging the load to ensure an even load distribution on the

bridge. Results and the failure component were recorded for further analysis in the

future.

2.3 PROGRESS TIMELINE

Date Work Progress

30th March 2016 -Prepare and buy materials such as Fettuccine,different type of adhesive ,sandpaper and etc.

5th April 2016 -Testing the strength of fettuccine bridge using 1, 2, 3and 4 layers

-Testing the strength of different types of adhesives

6th April 2016 -Testing the strength of fettuccine bridge with I- beamstructure with different layers and orientation

12th April 2016 -Discuss and do research on the precedent study

-Discuss and design suitable truss bridge structurewith Autocad to scale

13th April 2016 -Start construct our first bridge model design

-Load testing the first bridge model

-Record and analyse the failing components forfurther construction and proceed to second bridgemodel

19th April 2016 -Load testing of second bridge model

-Record and analyse the failing components andproceed to third bridge model

21st April 2016 -Load testing of third bridge model

-Record and analyse the failing components andproceed to fourth bridge model

26th April 2016 -Load testing of fourth bridge model

-Record and analyse the failing components andproceed to fifth bridge model


27th April 2016 -Load testing of fifth bridge model

-Record and analyse the failing components

-Attempt on strengthening the weak parts of thebridge truss members and joints then proceed to finalbridge model

8th May 2016 -Continue construct final bridge model and refining thejoints of it

9th May 2016 -Final submission and load testing for final fettuccinebridge model


PERCEDENT STUDY

3


3.0 PRECEDENT STUDY

3.1 Waddell "A" Truss Bridge

3.1.1 Background History

The Waddell "A" Truss Bridge in Parkville, Missouri, also known as Linn Branch

Creek Bridge, was built in 1898. It was designed by engineer John Alexander Low

Waddell and is the subject of a U.S. patent, U.S. Patent 529,220. This bridge

spanned the Linn Branch Creek, in Missouri, but was removed for the construction

of Smithville Lake.

The bridge served rail traffic until 1939, and then road traffic for Missouri Hwy 4 from

1953-1980. It was dismantled in 1981 and moved to its current location at English

Landing Park in Parkville, MO, in 1987.

A second Waddell "A" Truss bridge spans the Cross Bayou in Shreveport, Louisiana.

Now abandoned, the bridge once carried the Kansas City Southern Railway across

the bayou. Like the Missouri bridge, the Cross Bayou bridge is recognized as a

historic site by the City of Shreveport.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Parkville,_Missouri

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Alexander_Low_Waddell

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Alexander_Low_Waddell

https://www.google.com/patents/US529220

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smithville_Lake

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Landing_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/English_Landing_Park

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cross_Bayou

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shreveport,_Louisiana

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kansas_City_Southern_Railway


3.1.2 Structure Diagram

Figure 3.1: identification of members in Wadell “A” truss bridge

Figure 3.2: detail diagram Figure 3.3: detail diagram


3.1.3 Force Distribution

Figure 3.4: Force distribution diagram of Wadell A truss bridge

The compression members of the trusses are shop- riveted built up sections, made

of channels, angles, and plates, while most tension members are made of pairs of

eye bars. The bottom chord is in four sections, 25 feet by 17 feet, sway- braced by

angle braces and supporting a pair of girder stringers which are, in turn , angle

braced The floor system consists of cross-braced, built up wooden floor beams and

stringers.


3.2 Gatton Railway Bridge

3.2.1 Background History

The Lockyer Creek Bridge at Bageli Park, designed by William Pagan, is one of the

largest of its type in Queensland and one of Australia's first reinforced concrete arch

rail bridges. The bridge, built in 1910/1911, features three spans, each supported by

two arches, and appeared on a stamp that was part of a series featuring landmark

bridges

The bridge is still used for very heavy Brisbane bound coal and grain traffic. Another

single arch bridge on the same line, but over a side gully, with the same name, is

closer to Gatton and was built in 1903. Further downstream in the district of

Clarendon, an earlier railway structure (1885) built of timber piles with a deck of iron

trusses, is possibly as spectacular. This bridge is no longer used by rail traffic.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Railway

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gatton,_Queensland


3.2.2 Truss analysis

The design of Howe truss is the opposite to that of Pratt truss in which the diagonal

members are slanted in the direction opposite to that of Pratt truss (i.e. slanting away

from the middle of bridge span) and as such compressive forces are generated in

diagonal members. Hence, it is not economical to use steel members to handle

compressive force.

Fig 3.5 diagram of Howe truss


MATERIALS &EQUIPMENTS

4


4.0 MATERIALS & EQUIPMENT

Penknife To cut the fettuccine

V –Tech Super glue Adhesive for bridge joints

WaterAct as load for truss

testing

Plastic Bag To carry load

Sandpaper

Sand the edge of joints so

that it would fit the

member nicely

Pail To carry load

CameraTo take photo and video

the process


S hookTo hook the plastic bag or

pail to the bridge

Electronic scaleTo weigh the load can be

taken by the bridge

FettuccineMaterial for bridge

construction

4.1 MATERIAL ANALYSIS

Strength of fettucine is being analysed and determined. Construction method to

obtain the maximum performance of the member is tested in terms of orientation and

type of adhesive.

4.1.1 Data Collection for the experiment on strength of material

Breaking point at weight (g)

Layers of

Fettucine

Length of

Fettucine

Types of Glue

White glue 502 UHU glue

5cm 300

1 layer 10cm 250

15cm 150

20cm 150

5cm 550 1000 900

2 layers 10cm 400 400 450

15cm 200 400 300

20cm 150 250 300


5cm 800 1000 1050

3 layers 10cm 450 550 500

15cm 400 450 450

20cm 350 400 350

5cm 1000 1500 1000

4 layers 10cm 900 1500 900

(Vertical 15cm 850 1200 1200

Orientation) 20cm 750 1300 800

Table 1.0 showing the experiment on the strength of fettuccine on different layers

with different type of adhesive

Procedure:

Observation: For shorter length, it breaks in the middle point (compression)

For longer length, it breaks at two sides (tension)

2.Water is poured intothe plastic bag to testthe strength of thefettuccine

3.The fettuccine isbend at first and itbreaks

1.The plastic bagis inserted to themiddle offettuccine


4.1.2 Testing the I-beam structure for fettuccine

I-beam Ratio Length of Fettuccine / cm

Breaking Point Using V-tech

super glue / g

1. 1:1:1 7.5 1200

15 1000

2. 2:1:2 7.5 1800

15 1400

3. 2:2:2 7.5 3600

15 1600

4. 1:2:1 7.5 1600

15 1200

Table 1.1 showing the experiment on the strength of fettuccine with different layers in

I-beam structure.

4.1.3 Conclusion

It can be concluded that shorter length of fettuccine provide stronger. Besides, we

have found that adding more layers together able to withstand higher load. However,

we have to take weight limit into or consideration, so we would implement 2 or 3

layers used in our truss bridge.

Using I beam structure for fettuccine is stronger than normal layering system.

Therefore, we would implement I-beam structure with 1:2:1 layering on beam

structure for our truss bridge.


4.2 ADHESIVE ANALYSIS

4.2.1 Testing the strength of adhesive

Type of Adhesive Advantages Disadvantage

All Fix White Glue - User friendly

- Have plenty time to

place the fettuccine

in correct position

- Low efficiency

- Slow solidifying

time

UHU

Glue

- Easy to use

- Have plenty time to

place the fettuccine

in correct position

- Low efficiency

- Slow solidifying

time

v-

Tec

h

Sup

er

Glue

- High efficiency

- Fast solidifying

time

- Increase efficiency

of truss

- Fettuccine turns

brittle after long

hours

- Unable to position

fettucine properly

as it dry too fast

4.2.2 Conclusion

V-Tech super glue was used to connect all the truss members together for our truss

bridge. It dries up fast and has an adequately good strength in joining the fettucine to

carry load. Indirectly, it helps to enhance the tensile and compressive strength in

fettuccine.


BRIDGE TESTING &ANALYSIS

5












FINAL BRIDGE MODEL

6


6.0 FINAL BRIDGE MODEL

6.1 MODEL MAKINGWe began with using an accurate AutoCAD drawing of the bridge as a template.

Each and every trusses are cut based on the plotted measurements. Firstly, we cut

and glue the required components, such as T-beam or I-beam. Our I-beams are

orientated in a 1.2.1 sequence, 1 for each vertical and 2 layers for a horizontal

fettuccine.


Fettuccine IS chosen to eliminate twisted and curved strips, as to increase accuracy

of bridge building. The fettuccine IS then marked, cut and glued to make a 39cm,

15cm, 7cm-long I-beam. The completed I-beams are then sanded with sand paper to

get an accurate and clean angle.

Next, the square center frame is assembled using 3 vertical standing columns made

of 5cm long, 3 layered fettuccine on top of the base I-beam. A 7cm horizontal I-beam

is then placed on top. The vertical members serve as vertical poles to resist

compression force.

Subsequently, the triangle frames are constructed with diagonal trusses connecting

to the top corners of the square frame from the bottom I-beams. 3 layer fettuccine

vertical post are then inserted between the diagonal trusses, this is to withstand

vertical compression forces as well as supporting the top truss.

Internal diagonal members are then inserted and placed in between vertical posts.

These members acts as a brace to resist shear forces acting on the bridge.

Horizontal members are also placed to connect both sides of the bridge. The

placement of these members are determined and placed at the underside of the top

chords and top side of the bottom chords, while being placed by the side of the

vertical members.


Lastly, a core is then placed in the centre of the

bridge for the placement of an S-hook. The core is

constructed using triangular orientated members and

being placed on a 3 layered I-beam.


6.2 2D ILLUSTRATION


6.3 3D ILLUSTRATION


6.4 JOINT ANALYSIS & CALCULATION





CONCLUSION

7


7.0 CONCLUSION

For this project, we have constructed a total of 5 fettuccine bridges and

experimented on its efficiency in withstanding loads. The precedent studies we

chosen are Waddell ‘A’ truss bridge and Gatton Railway bridge. We have decided on

using a combination of both.

In our final model testing, we achieved the highest efficiency compared to the

previous 5 models we have done. Our fettuccine bridge achieved an efficiency of

223.1 % withstanding of a total of 15.39kg and its weight is only 69g. This project

has allowed us to understand load distribution in a structure deeper, as we were able

to calculate and identify the type of force applying in each member. We explored

different arrangement of structural members and realized it is important to identify

the different forces such as compression, tension, zero, or critical in structural

members in order to achieve a high effect bridge design.

It is very important to understand how each member work together as a whole

in a structural system in attaining a higher efficiency. We also realized the

importance or proper planning, in terms of work delegation and the time interval

between completion of bridge and load testing. It is due to the efficiency of

completing the bridge on time and giving an adequate time for the adhesives to dry

out and maintain its strength until load testing.

Besides that, we have found that workmanship is really crucial in constructing

a stronger truss bridge. The joints of two members have to fit to each other as nicely

as possible in order to become a stronger bridge. The reason behind is because

during the load is added to the bridge, the load is able to distribute evenly from one

member to another member, providing a stronger structure and hence produce a

stable bridge.

In a nut shell, it has been a great experience working together on this project.

As an architecture student, it is critical for us to understand deeply what makes a

structure function efficiently without being prone to failure for the safety of future

users and occupants.


CASE STUDYEXERCISE

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REFERENCES

9


9.0 REFERENCE

1. Design Analysis and Evaluation of Waddell "A" Truss Bridge. (2016).

prezi.com. Retrieved 11 May 2016, from

https://prezi.com/mac7bkdjf3ki/design-analysis-and-evaluation-of-waddell-a-

truss-bridge/

2. Waddell \. (2016). Wikipedia. Retrieved 11 May 2016, from

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Waddell_%22A%22_Truss_Bridge

3. Boon, G. (2016). Garrett's Bridges » Howe Truss. Garrettsbridges.com.

Retrieved 13 May 2016, from http://www.garrettsbridges.com/design/howe-

truss/

4. How to identify forces of compression or tension in simple truss?. (2016).

Physics Forums - The Fusion of Science and Community. Retrieved 10 May

2016, from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-to-identify-forces-of-

compression-or-tension-in-simple-truss.580931/

5. How to identify forces of compression or tension in simple truss?. (2016).

Physics Forums - The Fusion of Science and Community. Retrieved 12 May

2016, from https://www.physicsforums.com/threads/how-to-identify-forces-of-

compression-or-tension-in-simple-truss.580931/

6. Analysis of pin-jointed Truss - method of joints. (2016).

Civilengineer.webinfolist.com. Retrieved 12 May 2016, from

http://civilengineer.webinfolist.com/mech/prob31.htm

Education

Truss Bridge Report