Week 8: Truss Analysis

This past week in lab we discussed the process of bridge analysis. Through the guidance of online resources, we learned how to calculate the individual forces exerted on the joint members when experiencing a load. This method was called the “Method of Joints.” To do so, we drew a free body diagram to figure determinacy of the problem. From there, we used a series of calculations to obtain the reaction and internal forces stressed upon each joint member. Once the calculations were obtained, we compared are hand-done work to that of online program by creating a diagram of our design and entering our scaled dimensions and load applied to determine the same results. The online program provided us with results that were multiples of the values we had calculated.

The Method of Joints proved to be an accurate telling of which beams were under tension or compression; however, further structural analyses should be conducted and conditions considered to achieve absolute stability.  In this upcoming week, I plan to complete further analyses when designing the final bridge.