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Designing a Truss Bridge

Technical Report · July 2020

DOI: 10.13140/RG.2.2.12015.05282

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 PBL # 1: DESIGNING A TRUSS BRIDGE

Safwan Asghar Abbas2018406

Faculty of Mechanical Engineering,
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi Swabi, Pakistan

ABSTRACT
The aim of this document was to design a stable structure
that can support a load of 500 grams. The purpose of making a
truss bridge structure was to distribute the load in the members
so that the structure may support the load without failure. We
purposed three different designed and selected the one with
minimum value of compressive and tensile stress.

NOMENCLATURE
F Force
A Area
𝜎 Normal Stress Figure 1: Classification of Truss Bridges.
m Mass
g Gravity Then there are different types of truss bridge which serve the
W Weight same purposes but with different orientations. Some of the
M Moment popular types of truss bridges are as follows:
T Tension a. Howe Bridge b. Warren Bridge
C Compression c. Pratt Bridge d. Baltimore Bridge
R Reaction e. K Truss
L Length of Craft Stick
S Span of Bridge
d Length of Diagonal
h Height of Vertical

1. INTRODUCTION
A truss is a rigid structure made up of straight members i.e.
beams. It is a triangular shaped frame that helps spread the
compression and tension forces. The reason why it is has a
triangular structure is due its method of transferring loads and
due to its geometric properties as it provides a stable structure.
Trusses are used in bridges, cranes, towers and even in some
parts of space stations. Trusses help us in making very strong
structures while using material in a cost-effective way.
Trusses are different from frames as unlike trusses frames
do not have pin connections while trusses have pin connection
which means they have no bending moment. In frames load can
be directly applied to the members whereas for trusses load is
only applicable at the joints.
In bridges, instead of a single beam having to withstand all
the forces, a series of beams and trusses are used. There are many
types of truss bridges but all of them share the same goal to
spread the tension and compression forces so that the bridge does
not collapse.
Bridges can be classified into three types:
1. Through type bridge1
2. Deck type bridge2
3. Semi through type bridge3
Figure 2: Different types of Truss Bridges.
2. LITERATURE REVIEW
According to a report on trusses different type of trusses are
being used in the construction of bridges nowadays each having
their own advantage and disadvantage amongst them the famous
one are
Kingpost and Queen Post are used for simple and short span
bridges and they use the least amount of material amongst the
other different type of bridges the queen post bridges than
support a wider span than the kingpost and is more stable.
Howe Truss Bridge is truss bridge is widely used in the
construction of railway bridges and uses wooden beams for its
diagonal member
Pratt Truss Bridge are used in the construction of the bridges
in these trusses the diagonal member forms a V-shape and can be
as long as 250ft Compared to Howe trusses Pratt truss bridge

1
In through type truss bridge, the walkway is placed at the bottom chord. 3
In semi through truss bridge, the deck is placed
2
In deck type truss bridge, the walkway is placed at the top chord. between the top chord and bottom chord.
1|Page
requires more iron and is less rigidity Pratt Truss Bridge are not
extensively used for wooden trusses.
In Warren truss bridge the truss member forms equilateral
triangle to support the load on the bridge
The design of the k truss bridge is complicated and one of
the most difficult one to manufacture
Continuous Truss Bridge has a more continuous and
statically indeterminate structure and require less material than
series of simple trusses is has been used over a range of 150m to
400m.
In another report on construction of truss bridges the person
constructing the bridge has chosen Howe Truss Bridge with extra
truss on the places where extra support is needed.
In the YouTube video uploaded by STEM invention the
person in the video has also constructed the bridge using the
Howe truss with counter braces so that it could support more load
without failing and instead of using a square shaped bridge the
person has fabricated the bridge in a triangular shape to save
material as well as to make is more stronger since the triangular
shape will allow to hold extremely heavy loads as compared to
square shaped truss bridge according to the video the bridge was
able to withstand a vertical load of 59lbs without failing.
3. METHOD FOR SOLVING
The three-dimensional truss bridge structure can be
analyzed as planar structure. The load is transmitted from the
horizontal floor beams to the two vertical trusses on each side of
bridge. This load acts in one plane so we can analyze it as a two-
dimensional structure.
To design a truss, we need to determine the force in each
member. This allows us to check whether the member can carry
the load without failing and gives us enough data to select the
best design we need to select.
There are two methods to determine the forces in each
member:
1. Method of Joints
2. Method of Sectioning
As our truss bridge is in static condition and as we
considered it as a two-dimensional structure, the following
equations will help us in calculating our compressive and tensile
forces.
∑ 𝐹𝑋 = 0 (1)
∑𝑀 = 0 (2)
∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 0 (3)
To find whether our proposed design of truss bridge can
carry the given load, we will calculate the value of normal stress
in those members which have the maximum tensile and
compressive forces. Then we will compare the value of the
calculated stress with the allowable stress of that material. We
will be using the following equation:
𝐹 given as follows:
𝜎= (4)
𝐴 𝐴 = 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 × 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ
4. ASSUMPTIONS
While determining the compressive and tensile forces in
members we will use the following assumptions:
• All the joints in the structures can be represented
by a pin connection which implies that they are free
to rotate at the joints.
• Loads are applied only at joints of truss, there is no
bending moment. There is only axial force in
trusses.
• All the truss bridges have a fixed support and a
roller support.
• The weight of our craft sticks are negligible.
• Our Craft Sticks are made up of Sitka Spruce.
5. MATERIAL AND EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
We are supposed are required to make a truss bridge with
maximum strength to support a load of 50 grams mass without
failing.
The following material can be used for designing the bridge:
• Craft Sticks (114 x 10 x 2 mm)
• Glue Gun
• Clips
The bridge is made from craft sticks, each of which are
connected at joints using glue gun.
We will design the following truss bridge configurations in
our experiment:
1. Howe Through Bridge
2. Warren Through Bridge
3. Pratt Through Bridge
6. EXPERIMENTATION AND CALCULATION
As discussed in the previous section 5, we will design a
bridge and then using the method of joints and method, we will
find out the internal forces in each member of the selected truss
bridge.
We will be calculating on one side of the bridge, as the
structure is symmetric so both the sides will have the same value.
Lastly, as no load acts horizontally so there will be no force
acting along the walkway.
6.1. Calculation for weight
We know that the hanging mass is of 500 grams, so its
weight will be:
𝑤 = 𝑚𝑔
𝑤 = 4.905 𝑁
As this mass is hanging in the middle of structure, its weight
is equally distributed among both vertical sides of truss bridge,
so weight on each vertical structure is:
𝑤 = 2.4525 𝑁
6.2. Calculating area for stress
As each of our proposed design is made up of the same craft
sticks, the area for the normal stress remains same in each design,
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 𝐴 = 2 𝑚𝑚 × 10 𝑚𝑚 Analysis at Point A:
𝐴 = 200 𝑚𝑚2 Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FAH:
𝐹𝐴𝐻 sin 𝜃 = 𝑅𝐴
6.3. Calculation for reactions 𝐹𝐴𝐻 = 1.734 𝑁 C
As we calculated the weight for each vertical truss, now we Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FAC:
will calculate the reactions at the support using Eq. 3: 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 cos 𝜃
∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 0 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T

As our structure is symmetric so: Analysis at Point H:

𝑤
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑅𝐵 = Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FHC:
2 𝐹𝐻𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 sin 𝜃
𝑅𝐴 = 𝑅𝐵 = 1.22625 𝑁
𝐹𝐻𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T
Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FHE:
6.4. Howe through bridge
𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 cos 𝜃
The length of our craft stick is:
𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 1.226 𝑁 C
𝐿 = 114 𝑚𝑚
This will be the length of the craft stick will be the length of
Analysis at Point C:
our vertical.
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FCE:
The span of the bridge will be:
𝐹𝐻𝐶 = 𝐹𝐶𝐸 sin 𝜃
𝑆 = 4×𝐿
𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 1.734 𝑁 C
𝑆 = 456 𝑚𝑚
Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FCD:
The length of our Diagonal will be calculated using
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 + 𝐹𝐶𝐸 cos 𝜃
Pythagoras theorem:
𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 2.452 𝑁 T
𝑑 = √𝐿2 + 𝐿2
𝑑 = 161.22 𝑚𝑚 Analysis at Point D:
Using trigonometry, we will calculate the angle of our Howe Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FDG:
through bridge: 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐺𝐷
𝐿 𝐹𝐺𝐷 = 2.452 𝑁 T
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1
𝐿 Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FDE:
𝜃 = 45° 𝑤
As we have obtained our basic data for Howe through 𝐹𝐷𝐸 =
2
bridge, now we will calculate the values of compression and 𝐹𝐷𝐸 = 2.452 𝑁 T
tension in each member or craft stick.
As the truss structure is symmetric about point D, so the
forces in members on the left of point D are equal to the forces
in members on the right. Therefore:
E
𝐹𝐵𝐹 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 = 1.734 𝑁 C
H F
𝐹𝐵𝐺 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T
𝐹𝐹𝐺 = 𝐹𝐻𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T
𝐹𝐺𝐵 = 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 1.734 𝑁 C
C G 𝐹𝐺𝐷 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 2.452 𝑁 T
A B 𝐹𝐹𝐸 = 𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 1.226 𝑁 C
D From the calculations above we conclude that:
Largest Tensile Force : 2.452 N
Largest Compressive Force : 1.735 N

Figure 3: Model for Howe Bridge. Calculating Value of Stresses:

We will calculate the value of stress using the value of
6.4.1. Calculations largest tensile and compressive forces. Using Eq. 4, we get the
First, we will calculate the support reactions at A and B following results:
using Eq. 3: 𝜎𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 0.1226 𝑀𝑃𝑎
∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 0 𝜎𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 0.008675 𝑀𝑃𝑎
For Sitka Spruce, the allowable stresses are:
Using Method of Joints to calculate internal forces in each 𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 60 𝑀𝑃𝑎
member. 𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 39 𝑀𝑃𝑎

3|Page
 As our value of stresses are less than the allowable stresses, Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FAC:
therefore our Howe Bridge can withstand the given load. 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐼 cos 𝜃
𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 0.707975 𝑁 T
6.5. Warren through bridge
The length of our craft stick is: Analysis at Point I:
𝐿 = 114 𝑚𝑚 Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FIC:
This will be the length of the craft stick will be the length of 𝐹𝐼𝐶 cos 𝜃 = 𝐹𝐴𝐼 cos 𝜃
our vertical. 𝐹𝐼𝐶 = 1.41595 𝑁 T
The span of the bridge will be: Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FID:
𝑆 = 4×𝐿 𝐹𝐼𝐷 = 𝐹𝐼𝐶 sin 𝜑 + 𝐹𝐷𝐶 sin 𝜑
𝑆 = 456 𝑚𝑚 𝐹𝐼𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 C
The height of our truss bridge will be calculated using
Pythagoras theorem: Analysis at Point C:
2 Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FCD:
𝐿
ℎ = √𝐿2 − 𝐹𝐼𝐶 sin 𝜃 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 sin 𝜃
2 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 C
ℎ = 161.22 𝑚𝑚 Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FCE:
As the Warren through bridge has triangular structures all of 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 + 𝐹𝐼𝐶 cos 𝜃 + 𝐹𝐶𝐷 cos 𝜃
which are equilateral triangles. 𝐹𝐶𝐸 = 2.123925 𝑁 T
Using trigonometry, we will calculate the angle of our:
𝐿 Analysis at Point D:
𝜃 = 𝑠𝑖𝑛−1
𝐿 Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FED:
𝜃 = 60° 𝐹𝐶𝐷 sin 𝜃 = 𝐹𝐸𝐷 sin 𝜃
60° 𝐹𝐸𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 T
𝜑= = 30°
2 Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FDF:
As we have obtained our basic data for Warren through 𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 𝐹𝐼𝐷 + 𝐹𝐶𝐷 cos 𝜃 + 𝐹𝐸𝐷 cos 𝜃
bridge, now we will calculate the values of compression and 𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 2.8319 𝑁 C
tension in each member or craft stick.
Analysis at Point E:
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FEF:
𝑤
𝐹𝐸𝐷 sin 𝜃 + 𝐹𝐸𝐹 sin 𝜃 =
I D F H 2
𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 1.41595 𝑁 T
Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FEG:
𝐹𝐸𝐺 = 𝐹𝐶𝐸 + 𝐹𝐸𝐷 cos 𝜃 − 𝐹𝐸𝐹 cos 𝜃
𝐹𝐸𝐺 = 2.123925 𝑁 T
C E G
A B
As the truss structure is symmetric about point E, so the
forces in members on the left of point E are equal to the forces
in members on the right. Therefore:
𝐹𝐵𝐻 = 𝐹𝐴𝐼 = 1.41595 𝑁 C
Figure 4: Model for Warren Bridge.
𝐹𝐵𝐺 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 0.707975 𝑁 T
𝐹𝐻𝐺 = 𝐹𝐼𝐶 = 1.41595 𝑁 T
𝐹𝐻𝐹 = 𝐹𝐼𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 C
6.5.1. Calculations 𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 𝐹𝐸𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 T
First, we will calculate the support reactions at A and B 𝐹𝐺𝐹 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 1.41595 𝑁 C
using Eq. 3:
From the calculations above we conclude that:
∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 0
Largest Tensile Force : 2.8319 N
Using Method of Joints to calculate internal forces in each Largest Compressive Force : 2.123925 N
member.
Calculating Value of Stresses:
Analysis at Point A: We will calculate the value of stress using the value of
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FAI: largest tensile and compressive forces. Using Eq. 4, we get the
𝐹𝐴𝐼 sin 𝜃 = 𝑅𝐴 following results:
𝐹𝐴𝐼 = 1.41595 𝑁 C 𝜎𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 0.1416 𝑀𝑃𝑎

4|Page
 𝜎𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 0.106196 𝑀𝑃𝑎 Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FAC:
For Sitka Spruce, the allowable stresses are: 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 cos 𝜃
𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 60 𝑀𝑃𝑎 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T
𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 39 𝑀𝑃𝑎
As our value of stresses are less than the allowable stresses, Analysis at Point C:
therefore our Warren Bridge can withstand the given load. Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FHC:
𝐹𝐻𝐶 = 0 𝑁
6.6. Pratt through bridge Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FCD:
The length of our craft stick is: 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶
𝐿 = 114 𝑚𝑚 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 1.226 𝑁 T
This will be the length of the craft stick will be the length of
our vertical. Analysis at Point H:
The span of the bridge will be: Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FHD:
𝑆 = 4×𝐿 𝐹𝐻𝐷 sin 𝜃 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 sin 𝜃
𝑆 = 456 𝑚𝑚 𝐹𝐻𝐷 = 1.734 𝑁 T
The length of our Diagonal will be calculated using Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FHE:
Pythagoras theorem: 𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 𝐹𝐻𝐷 cos 𝜃 + 𝐹𝐴𝐻 cos 𝜃
𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 2.452 𝑁 C
𝑑 = √𝐿2 + 𝐿2
𝑑 = 161.22 𝑚𝑚
Analysis at Point E:
Using trigonometry, we will calculate the angle of our Pratt
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FED:
through bridge:
𝐿 𝐹𝐸𝐷 = 0 𝑁
𝜃 = 𝑡𝑎𝑛−1 Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FFE:
𝐿 𝐹𝐹𝐸 = 𝐹𝐻𝐸
𝜃 = 45°
As we have obtained our basic data for Pratt through bridge, 𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 2.452 𝑁 C
now we will calculate the values of compression and tension in
each member or craft stick. Analysis at Point D:
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FDF:
𝑤
𝐹𝐷𝐹 sin 𝜃 + 𝐹𝐻𝐷 sin 𝜃 =
2
E 𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 1.734 𝑁 T
H F Calculating forces in X-axis, solving for FDG:
𝐹𝐷𝐺 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 + 𝐹𝐻𝐷 cos 𝜃 − 𝐹𝐷𝐹 cos 𝜃
𝐹𝐷𝐺 = 1.226 𝑁 T

C G As the truss structure is symmetric about point D, so the

A B forces in members on the left of point D are equal to the forces
D in members on the right. Therefore:
𝐹𝐵𝐹 = 𝐹𝐴𝐻 = 1.734 𝑁 C
𝐹𝐵𝐺 = 𝐹𝐴𝐶 = 1.226 𝑁 T
𝐹𝐷𝐹 = 𝐹𝐻𝐷 = 1.734 𝑁 T
Figure 5: Model for Pratt Bridge. 𝐹𝐸𝐹 = 𝐹𝐻𝐸 = 2.452 𝑁 C
𝐹𝐷𝐺 = 𝐹𝐶𝐷 = 1.226 𝑁 T
From the calculations above we conclude that:
6.6.1 Calculations Largest Tensile Force : 2.452 N
First, we will calculate the support reactions at A and B Largest Compressive Force : 1.734 N
using Eq. 3:
∑ 𝐹𝑌 = 0 Calculating Value of Stresses:
We will calculate the value of stress using the value of
Using Method of Joints to calculate internal forces in each
largest tensile and compressive forces. Using Eq. 4, we get the
member.
following results:
𝜎𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 0.1226 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Analysis at Point A:
𝜎𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 0.00867 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Calculating forces in Y-axis, solving for FAH:
𝐹𝐴𝐻 sin 𝜃 = 𝑅𝐴 For Sitka Spruce, the allowable stresses are:
𝐹𝐴𝐻 = 1.734 𝑁 C 𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 60 𝑀𝑃𝑎

5|Page
 𝜎𝐴𝑙𝑙𝑜𝑤𝑎𝑏𝑙𝑒_𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 39 𝑀𝑃𝑎
As our value of stresses are less than the allowable stresses,
therefore our Pratt Bridge can withstand the given load.

7. FINAL DEISGN AND CONCLUSION

From the calculations above, we can conclude that all of our
truss bridge designs can withstand the given load easily.
The bridge that is to be selected is the Howe Through
Bridge, as it has the minimum value of stress which are as
following:
𝜎𝑇𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑙𝑒 = 0.1226 𝑀𝑃𝑎
𝜎𝐶𝑜𝑚𝑝𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠𝑖𝑣𝑒 = 0.008675 𝑀𝑃𝑎
Hence, Howe bridge is our final design.

REFRENCES

[1] (2020, June 30). Retrieved from

https://www.slideshare.net/rajdutt1111/project-report-on-truss-bridge
[2] (2020, June 30). Retrieved from YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llhSEwUE6cY
[3] Boon, G. (2020, June 29). Retrieved from Garrett's Bridges:
http://www.garrettsbridges.com/design/trussdesign
[4] Chung, M. (2020, June 29). Retrieved from
https://www.usbr.gov/lc/region/programs/bridgebuilding/Presentation.pdf
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