Bridge Set Report

Laurent Lindquist Qi Ming Zeng

02/21/2011

Abstract:
The Bridge Set PASCO includes almost everything needed to build variety of basic trusses and explore the properties of I-beams. The Bridge Set provides an introductory set of I-beams, a flexible road bed and a small car, to which masses added for the studying of dynamic loadings as the car pass through the bridge. These I-beams are made up of light weight, sturdy and easy to assemble I-beams that take structure building from an idea to reality.
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Table Contents
Abstract:.......................................................................................................................................... 1 Table Contents................................................................................................................................ 2 Procedure:....................................................................................................................................... 2 Data:............................................................................................................................................... 4 Results:............................................................................................................................................ 6 References:..................................................................................................................................... 7

Procedure:
1. Using the instructions provided by PASCOs basic bridge set we built a howe truss using the members, connections, and bolts provided with the set.
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2. The package also provided 4 sensors to be used to digitally measure the internal member forces. These four sensors were placed at the support, the middle, top and bottom of the truss.
3. The instructions told to download the software required to use the sensors at

www.pasco.com where a program called DataStudio, which was used as the interface for the four sensors.
4. The model was then subjected to a static test using a weight (200 grams) using the

DataStudio allowed to experimentally measure the internal forces within the truss. These values were then compared to hand calculated values and values obtained using another program called SAP2000. 5. Information learned from Structural Analysis told that obtaining influence line graphs would help improve bridge design because of the fact of moving loads across the span. A calculated influence line was obtained at the vertical force at support A and was compared to sensor readings of the model at support A.
6. A quick analysis was done using the small cart and track that was provided with the

kit. A simple analysis consisted of determining the difference if the cart was going fast or slow and how the different speeds would affect the internal forces in the truss.
7. The cart was pushed across the span at various speeds and then the DataStudio was

used to capture the internal force measurements as the cart rode by. Four sensors we used in this procedure and were located on the support, top, bottom, and diagonal of the truss. Three sensors were relatively located at mid span. The cart was subjected to a fast speed and a slow speed. Once the sensors measured the data a plot was made using force and time to relate to an influence line.
8. Another dynamic test was done using the cart again but used many different

speeds. Using the same process of pushing the cart but instead with about 6 different speeds DataStudio was used to record the internal forces at where the sensor were located. An average velocity of the cart was determined by using the estimated time it took for the cart to get through the span and the length of the span. Velocity = Distance/Time. A plot was made to determine how forces would react with varying speed. The plot was made by graphing maximum force and velocity of the cart.

Data:
Table 1: Static Test (Experimental)
Force xdistan ce 17 34 51 68 85 sensor 1 -0.56 -0.89 -0.56 -1 -0.4 sensor 3 -0.2 -0.51 0.75 0.51 0.2 senso r4 0.38 0.57 0.94 1.27 0.53 senso r2 0.8 0.71 0.55 0.41 0.13

Table 2: Static Test Static Test (Hand Calculated)

Hand Calculated XDistan Force ce @ Ay 17 0.8175 34 0.654 51 0.4905 68 0.327 85 0.1635

error 1.75% 5.60% 5.95% 8.30% 3.35%

Graph 1: Static Test Influence Line (Experimental)

Graph 2: Static Test Influence Line (Hand Calculated)

Graph 3: Influence Line obtained through Dynamic Loading

Results:
From procedure 1 determined that only certain shapes bridges could be made; for example underdeck, howe, or warren trusses. Making various forms of angles were limited due to the connections given in the set. From procedure 4 it was determined that all calculated data and experimental data were off by a maximum of 20%. Values of forces obtained from the sensors worked better when the screws at the connections were loosened so that they worked more like pin connections. From procedure 5 comparing the influence lines at support A showed that the slopes of both lines were exactly the same with an error between points only reaching as high as 8.3%. From procedure 7 it was determined from the graphs that the influence line was affected by the speed of the cart creating greater peak forces by as much as 30%. From procedure 8 the graph created with maximum force vs time, although with much room for error, showed that the velocity of the cart created an exponential effect of the internal forces within the truss.

References: