FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

SHAH ALAM Laboratory Manual

COURSE STRUCTURAL & MATERIAL ENG. LAB.

COURSE CODE ECS426
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY FULLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 100
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK

TITLE EXPERIMENT ON PIN-JOINTED TRUSS

1.1 Introduction
The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as
Level 0) will not be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance
independent learning activities and inculcate creativity and innovation.
The traditional method is fully prescriptive where the three elements
namely problem, ways & means and answers are guided/fully given to the
students. However, it is still necessary to be implemented as part of the
whole laboratory course activity especially to first and second year
students.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and
the procedures to carry out pin-jointed truss experiment.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the experiment is:
To determine the internal forces and displacement in a statically
determinate pin-jointed truss.
PREAMBLE
1.3 Learning Outcomes
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
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
SHAH ALAM Laboratory Manual

3.1 Apparatus
A modular truss kit
A screw jack for applying load to the truss
A 16 channels data acquisition system

3.2 Procedures

1. Adjust the position of the load cell until the hole in the fork reaches the
hole of the loading position. Make sure it is also in the correct angular
position. Tighten the load cell using the 6 mm A/F Allen key. Secure
the fork using a pin.
2. Make sure the Digital Force Display is ‘on’. Connect the mini DIN lead
from ‘Force Input 1’ on the digital force display to the socket marked
‘Force Output’ on the left hand side of the load cell. Connect the
strain gauges to the strain display matching the number on the lead
to the number on the socket. Leave the gauges for 5 minutes to warm
up and reach a steady state.
3. Measure the diameter of the rod and its length.
4. With no load on the load cell (the pin should turn) roughly zero the
reading using the control on the front of the load cell. Record the
initial strain reading.
4. Apply a load of N (in the direction of loading) and record the strain
readings for each member.
WAYS & MEANS 5. Apply loads in the increments as in Table 3.1recording the strain reading.
(Open)
3.3 Results
Equivalent member forces at N
Rod diameter = mm and Esteel = 210 GNm-2
Young’s Modulus is the ratio of stress to strain, that is;
E=σ where E = Young’s Modulus
εσ= Stress in the
member ε= Displayed
strainand
σ= Fwhere F=Forces in member
A =Cross-sectional area of member

and σ= F where F=Forces in member

A =Cross-sectional area of member

Lab Manual
 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.
1. Draw the truss and indicate the loaded joint.
2. Calculate the average force in each member for each load
increment. Remember to subtract the initial reading from the data
acquired for each load increment.
3. Fill the result in table.
4. Plot the graph of forces in the members versus the applied load
for the experimental and theoretical case.
5. Determine the percentage error by calculating the slope of each
graph.

4.2 Discussion and Conclusion

The discussion and conclusion of the report are left open to group
discretion.

The report must be submitted 1 week after the completion of this

laboratory work.

ANSWERS
(Open)
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
SHAH ALAM Laboratory Manual

Members Initial readings Final Readings in Members

Screw Jack (W)

Member 1

Member 2

Member 3

Member 4

Member 5

Member 6

Member 7

Member 8

Member 9

Member 10

Member 11

Member 12

Member 13

Lab Manual