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Project report SA

The document outlines a group project for the course BFC 21403 Structural Analysis, focusing on the design and construction of a truss tower model. It includes sections on the project's background, objectives, methodology, results, and discussions, highlighting the importance of material quality, joint stability, and accurate construction in achieving structural integrity. The project successfully demonstrated a load-bearing capacity exceeding theoretical predictions, emphasizing the need for practical testing alongside theoretical analysis.

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Thumilen Ravi

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)

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Project report SA

Uploaded by

Thumilen Ravi

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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

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SEM III 2024/2025

FACULTY OF CIVIL ENGINEERING AND BUILT ENVIRONMENT

GROUP PROJECT
________________________________________________________________
CODE COURSE BFC 21403

COURSE NAME STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

___________________________________________________________________________
GROUP NUMBER 10

SECTION 3

STUDENT NAME 1. SUREN VAARMA A/L GOPINATHAN (CF230134)

2. THUMILEN A/L RAVI (CF230023)
3. ILANTAMIL A/L NALLAMUTHU (CF230029)
4. NUR ADRIANA BT HISHAMUDDIN (CF230240)

LECTURER NAME DR

SUBMISSION DATE 16 NOVEMBER 2024

___________________________________________________________________________
CONTENT

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background of project
1.2 Problem statement
1.3 Objective

CHAPTER 2 TRUSS TOWER

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY
3.1 Introduction
3.2 Process performed in constructing truss
3.2.1 Preparation of materials
3.2.2 Modelling
3.2.3 Selection of software
3.2.4 Running analysis of the member
forces
3.2.5 Costing

CHAPTER 4 MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS

CHAPTER 5 RESULT AND DISCUSSIONS

CHAPTER 6 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION

APPENDICES
1.0 INTRODUCTION

1.1 BACKGROUND OF PROJECT

This project focused on designing a truss model that meets structural and safety
requirements, while also being practical to construct. Developing a reliable truss model
requires a clear understanding of the specific purpose it will serve. Without this purpose in
mind, any design might be ineffective and fail to address the intended problem. Therefore, for
a design to be practical, efficient, and cost-effective, it's essential to first understand its intended
function. In this study on the structural analysis and design of a truss model, we progressed
through both conceptual and detailed design stages. Our goal was to create a truss design that
could realistically be built, prioritizing both strength and safety by first analysing structural
categories. Besides emphasizing innovative solutions that will display their research and
designs of truss towers while acquiring skills in software used to analyse the forces acting on
truss tower components. It will also enhance various skills through this project, such as
problem-solving, research, analysis, teamwork, communication, and digital literacy

Table 1: Categories of structures

Categories of structures Truss

Unstable M < 2j-r
Statically Determinate M = 2j-r
Statically Indeterminate M > 2j-r

Were,

m = number of truss member

j = number of joints

r = number of reactions

Our truss model consists of 37 members, 20 joints, and 4 reactions, resulting in a

statically indeterminate structure with 1 degree of indeterminacy with height 800mm. This
adheres to the project requirement of a maximum of 2 degrees of indeterminacy.
1.2 PROBLEM STATEMENT

 Design and construct a Truss Tower model that demonstrates efficient load-bearing
capacity using minimal material while adhering to specific size and material restrictions

1.3 OBJECTIVES

 To foster interest and talent among students in research and development of science,
engineering, and mathematics innovation.
 To enhance skills and develop innovation in designing Truss Tower models to produce
innovative projects.
 To expose students to analysing forces on Truss Tower model members.
 To improve communication and social skills during the project development process.
2.0 TRUSS TOWER

Several factors come into play in the building of a truss tower, which could affect the
stability and performance of the tower significantly. The quality and strength of the materials
used in building the truss are very critical, especially if the materials used are unconventional,
such as satay sticks. Even though satay sticks are lightweight and accessible, their rigidity,
straightness, and durability vary from one satay stick to another. Such differences may lead to
inequalities in load-bearing and decrease the overall structure's reliability and performance.
High-grade, consistent materials need to be selected to minimize such issues and ensure
predictability in performance.

Not to be left out are the joints of the truss members. A big factor involved within these
joints is related to the type of adhesives used, such as glues, or binding materials used, like
threads. All weak joints are liable to fail when subjected to stress; this liability is increased if
dynamic or concentrated loads are involved. Attention must be paid to the type of glue or
thread, selected with considerations of forces that it is likely to encounter without deformation
or loss of adhesion over time. Proper design for the joint itself-snug fit and adequate bonding
surface-increases robustness.

The next important feature involves accuracy of design along with geometrical stability.
Accurate construction is necessary so that members are properly aligned and of proper length.
If one or more members are misaligned or one or more members differ in dimensions from the
design specifications, the forces are not distributed properly, and portions of the structure may
be subjected to a high degree of loading. This certainly increases the chances for structural
failure. The geometry in trusses, such as triangular configurations, is extremely important.
These shapes intrinsically distribute forces more effectively in order to maintain stability.

Furthermore, the extent of indeterminacy in design influences the stability of the truss
tower. A perfect design of a truss strikes a balance between determinacy and redundancy, hence
enabling it to support sudden stresses or slight weaknesses in the materials without buckling.
Adequate positioning of the members, careful selection of the type of truss, such as Pratt,
Howe, or Warren for example, ensures good load distribution and enhances resilience.

Finally, construction planning and testing for failure points should be part of the process
to determine weaknesses that one should avoid before they become failures. Prototyping, load
testing, and iterative design improvements will ensure performance criteria in the truss tower.
If material quality is good, the joint strength is optimum, geometric accuracy fine, the design
stability better, there are vast improvements in the overall durability and functionality of the
truss tower.
4.0 MANUAL INSTRUCTIONS

Step 1: Insert location of joints.

The construction of the truss tower began by placing the joints of the tower according to
dimensions that it was designed in. The joints were using the dimension of the design and the
latitude and the longitude of each joints location.

Step 2: Insert the location of trusses.

Next, the truss members were inserted. For example (1,3) (3,4) (4,5) and so on. This digits
resembles the joints placed and every combination of numbers are where the members pass
through. Members were carefully added to form a complete truss structure, ensuring stability
and geometric correctness. The materials are all 1 as the type of material used for the truss
tower are the same.
Step 3: Enter loads
The load that we have chosen to test this truss tower is 20kg. Selected joint 18 and 20 is
placed with 196kN of load for the testing.

Step 3: Pick support joint

Joints of the support point is joint 1 and 2. Both x and y for joint 1 and 2 is selected as the
design has two pinned support.
Step 4: Result
At the end, click the result button. The data inserted will simulate the movement of the truss
structure, truss force of each member, reaction forces at the support and the displacement of
each joint after the load is added.
5.0 RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
The results of the load testing for our truss model reveal valuable insights into its
structural performance and highlight key areas for further analysis. While theoretical
calculations estimated a simulation testing load capacity of 20 kg, the model demonstrated a
significantly higher load-bearing ability, supporting up to 35 kg without failure. This
discrepancy suggests that the model’s actual load distribution and structural efficiency
exceeded theoretical predictions, which may be attributed to factors like improved load path
efficiency, joint stability, and material quality under load conditions.

One potential reason for this enhanced performance could be the quality and precision
of our joint connections, as well as the even distribution of forces throughout the truss
members. Strong connections can greatly affect load distribution, ensuring that stress is shared
among members more effectively and reducing the risk of localized failure. Additionally, the
alignment and positioning of the truss members could have contributed to a more stable
configuration, allowing the structure to handle greater stress than initially expected.

However, these results also indicate that the theoretical model may not fully account
for certain real-world factors that influence structural behaviour. For instance, assumptions
made during the calculation phase, such as ideal material conditions or uniform load
application, might not reflect the complexities encountered in actual testing scenarios. This
suggests that while theoretical analysis is essential for initial design, practical testing remains
crucial for validating a model’s structural integrity. Moving forward, understanding the factors
that allowed the model to outperform expectations could inform future improvements,
especially in refining calculation methods and joint construction techniques for even greater
accuracy in load predictions.
6.0 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
In conclusion, the truss tower model demonstrated remarkable structural performance,
carrying a load of 35 kg far exceeding the theoretical testing of 20 kg. This outcome
underscores the effectiveness of truss principles in distributing loads efficiently across
members and highlights the significance of joint stability, member alignment, and material
choice in enhancing load-bearing capacity. The test results reveal that while theoretical
calculations provide a basis for design, practical testing is essential to verify and often exceed
expected structural capabilities. This project has validated the reliability of truss principles
when applied accurately and illustrated the critical role of precise construction practices in
achieving structural resilience.

To further improve the structural integrity and predictability of future truss tower
models, we recommend focusing on refining joint connections and conducting more detailed
preliminary testing on materials. Testing different types of adhesives and connection
techniques could provide insights into optimizing joint strength, which is crucial in load
distribution. Additionally, incorporating software analysis and practical testing in tandem
during the design phase could help refine theoretical predictions and address any potential
discrepancies between theoretical and actual performance. By combining rigorous design
principles with enhanced construction techniques, future truss towers can be better optimized
for strength, stability, and load-bearing efficiency, fully leveraging the principles of truss
design.
7.0 APPENDICE

Minute of Meeting 1
Date: 15/10/2024
Time: 7.00PM – 8.30PM
Platform: Google Meet(Online)