Shahrul Izzat

Truss is a structure built up of three or more members which are normally considered being pinned and hinged at the joints. The following figure shows different types of trusses. Load applied to the truss is transmitted to joint so that each individual members are in either pure tension or compression. In this project 1, in a group, we were required to design and construct a fettucini bridge of 750mm clear span and maximum weight of 200g. These requirements are to be met, or else it may result in reduction of grade. The bridge will be then tested to fail. Other than aesthetic value, the design of the bridge must be of high efficiency, i.e. using the least material to sustain the higher load. 

In order to achieve higher efficiency, you need to analyse and evaluate each of the following items.

• Material strength

  • By adopting appropriate method, determine the strength of fettucini, i.e. tension and compression strength

  • By knowing the strength of fettucini, you will be able to determine which members to be strengthened

• Structural analysis of the truss

  • Perform detailed structural analysis of the truss

  • Identify critical members

  • Strengthened the critical members if necessary

The objectives of this project are:

• To develop student’s understanding of tension and compressive strength of construction materials

• To develop student’s understanding of force distribution in a truss

• To design a perfect truss bridge which fulfils the following criterias:
  • High level of aesthetic value
  • Minimal construction material