Design and Fabrication of Warren

Truss Bridge

Engineering Mechanics-I
Submitted by:
Ayesha Zaman 23-ME-10
M. Huzaifa Aftab 23-ME-74
Huzaifa Riasat 23-ME-158
Ahsan Bashir 23-ME-202
Dur-e-Sameen Malik 23-ME-206

Section B

Submitted to:
Engr. Ahmad Zaheer

Department of Mechanical Engineering

University of Engineering & Technology Taxila, Pakistan
Abstract
This study presents an analysis of a truss structure under specified conditions, focusing
on determining internal forces and assessing structural integrity. The truss, designed in
accordance with the Warren configuration, is subjected to a force at a designated joint.
Utilizing the method of joints, internal forces are calculated for the members. The analysis
confirms the truss's equilibrium state and validates its suitability for load-bearing
applications. Discussion highlights the efficiency of triangular frameworks in distributing
loads and minimizing material usage, emphasizing the significance of simple materials
and binding methods. The study underscores the truss's stability and cost-effectiveness,
affirming its viability for diverse engineering endeavors.

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Table of Contents
1 Title:...................................................................................................................... 1
Design & Fabrication of Warren truss bridge. ................................................................ 1
1.1 Objectives ...................................................................................................... 1
1.2 Introduction ................................................................................................... 1
1.2.1 Components of a Warren Truss................................................................... 1
1.2.2 Advantages of the Warren Truss Design ..................................................... 1
1.2.3 Variations of Warren Trusses ...................................................................... 1
1.2.4 Aesthetic Appeal of Warren Trusses ........................................................... 2
1.2.5 Versatility and Applications........................................................................ 2
1.3 Conditions ..................................................................................................... 2
1.4 Methodology ................................................................................................. 3
1.5 Truss Calculations ......................................................................................... 4
1.5.1 Calculation of Reaction Forces .................................................................. 5
1.5.2 Calculation of the internal forces ................................................................ 6
1.5.3 Normal Force Diagram .............................................................................. 9
1.5.4 Compression and Tension Members ........................................................... 9
1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages .................................................................... 10
1.7 Characteristics of Static System ................................................................... 10
1.7.1 Discussion ............................................................................................... 11
1.8 Conclusion................................................................................................... 11

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Tables of figure
Figure 1 Model of Warren Truss bridge ......................................................................... 2
Figure 2 Model of warren truss ...................................................................................... 3
Figure 3 Static system with truss dimensions and line load of 200 kN/m. ...................... 4
Figure 4 Line load approximated as point load is nodes. ................................................ 5
Figure 5 Node 🔵 and bar 🔴 indices. .......................................................................... 5
Figure 6Normal force diagram of the Warren truss. ....................................................... 9
Figure 7 Compression and tension members of a Warren Truss due to a line load on the
bottom chord. ................................................................................................................ 9

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1 Title:
Design & Fabrication of Warren truss bridge.

1.1 Objectives
 To design and fabricate a bridge based on a standard bridge truss configuration.
 To calculate which members would be in tension and compression along with the forces
in each member.
 To determine what a safe load bearing capacity of the bridge.

1.2 Introduction
A Warren truss is a structural engineering design commonly used in the construction of bridges,
roofs, and other load-bearing structures. Named after James Warren, an Australian engineer
who patented the design in 1848, the Warren truss is characterized by its triangular framework.
This design efficiently distributes weight and resists forces such as tension and compression,
making it a popular choice for various engineering applications.

1.2.1 Components of a Warren Truss

The primary components of a Warren truss are its diagonal members and vertical members,
arranged to form a series of triangles along the length of the structure. These triangles provide
stability and strength, as they are inherently rigid shapes. By distributing forces evenly across
the truss, the design minimizes the risk of structural failure under load.

1.2.2 Advantages of the Warren Truss Design

One of the key advantages of the Warren truss design is its efficiency in material usage. By
utilizing triangles, which are inherently stable geometric shapes, the truss achieves high
strength-to-weight ratios. This means that it can support heavy loads while minimizing the
amount of material required for construction, resulting in cost-effective and structurally sound
designs.

1.2.3 Variations of Warren Trusses

Warren trusses come in various configurations, including the single Warren truss, double
Warren truss, and multiple-span configurations. The choice of configuration depends on factors
such as span length, load requirements, and aesthetic considerations.

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1.2.4 Aesthetic Appeal of Warren Trusses
In addition to its structural benefits, the Warren truss is also known for its aesthetic appeal. The
geometric arrangement of its members often creates visually pleasing patterns, making it a
popular choice for architectural applications where both form and function are important.

1.2.5 Versatility and Applications

Overall, the Warren truss is a versatile and efficient structural design that has been widely used
in engineering and construction for well over a century. Its simplicity, strength, and aesthetic
appeal make it a preferred choice for a wide range of applications, from pedestrian footbridges
to large-scale industrial structures.

1.3 Conditions
Bridge Material: We can use wood, tree branches, ice cream sticks, bamboo sticks or any
other similar material of your liking, if you can’t find these materials, pencils and even
uncooked spaghetti are possible options.

Binding Material: We can use hot glue (with a glue gun), wood glue, CA glue, cable ties, pins,
or any other suitable material for binding your members.

Bridge Dimensions: The minimum length of the bridge should be 30 cm and the width should

be at least 8 cm.

Figure 1 Model of Warren Truss bridge

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1.4 Methodology
For bridge, we use ice cream sticks as the main material, as they are readily available and
provide a good balance of strength and flexibility. As for binding the members together, we
will be using hot glue from a glue gun, which should provide a strong and durable
connection.

Considering the given dimensions, we will aim to design a bridge that is at least 60 m in
length and 10 m in width. These dimensions will ensure that the bridge is sturdy enough to
support anticipated loads while meeting the minimum requirements.

With ice cream sticks and hot glue as my materials, we will carefully construct the bridge,
paying close attention to the structural integrity of the truss configuration. We will utilize the
principles of the Warren truss design, incorporating diagonal and vertical members to create a
stable triangular framework.

Once the construction is complete, we will conduct a thorough inspection to ensure that all
connections are secure and that the bridge meets the specified dimensions. This will involve
testing the bridge's load-bearing capacity to ensure its safety and reliability.

Overall, our goal is to design and fabricate a bridge based on a standard bridge truss
configuration using any material of our choice.

Figure 2 Model of warren truss

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1.5 Truss Calculations

Let’s say our Warren Truss is a bridge structure. Therefore, the truss is exposed to load mainly
on the bridge deck, which transfers the loads to the bottom chord.

We also simplify and say that the design load is 200 kN/m.

Figure 3 Static system with truss dimensions and line load of 200 kN/m.

To calculate the compression and tension forces of the truss members with the 3 equilibrium
equations, we do another approximation.

The Line load of 200 kN/m is approximated as point loads in the nodes, because otherwise the
bottom chord members would be beams, which makes the calculation a lot more difficult.

The point load applied to nodes (a) and (d) is calculated as

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 Figure 4 Line load approximated as point load is nodes.

Before we start with the calculations, let’s give the nodes 🔵 and bars 🔴 some indices, so the
identification is easier later in the internal force calculation.

Figure 5 Node 🔵 and bar 🔴 indices.

1.5.1 Calculation of Reaction Forces

As the structure is statically determinate, the reaction forces can be calculated with the 3
Equilibrium equations.
In our case, we are calculating the support forces AH, AV and BV.

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1.5.2 Calculation of the internal forces
1. NODE A

Alright, now that we know the reaction forces, we can calculate the normal force of the first
bar elements 1 and 4.

To do that, we only look at node 1 and its point loads/normal forces AV, 2000 kN, N1 and N4.

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2. NODE E

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 3. NODE B

Now we have calculated the normal forces of ALL bars.

What all? But we are missing half of the bars?

Yes! But due to symmetry we know that N1 = N3, N4 = N9, N5 = N8, N6 = N7, N10 = N11.

So, to summarize it, a normal force diagram helps to understand how the loads travel through
the truss.

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1.5.3 Normal Force Diagram

Figure 6Normal force diagram of the Warren truss.

1.5.4 Compression and Tension Members

Now, as you can see in the normal force diagram, some members have a positive (+) and some
have a negative (-) normal force.

A negative (-) normal force means that the member is under compression 🔵, while a positive

(+) normal force means that the member acts in tension 🔴.

Figure 7 Compression and tension members of a Warren Truss due to a line load on the
bottom chord.

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1.6 Advantages and Disadvantages
Pros

 Cost-effective due to their efficient design.

 Widely accepted around the world.
 Easy to construct.
 Very stable structure: Good buckling resistance as compression members are not too
long.

Cons
 Warren Truss doesn’t spread concentrated loads such as point loads evenly to all
members. Most of the load is taken by the closest members. If this is considered in the
design, the cross-section of the members taking up the concentrated load increases.
 Big deflection for long spans.

1.7 Characteristics of Static System

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1.7.1 Discussion
The truss is in a state of static equilibrium, as the calculated internal forces satisfy the conditions
of equilibrium at each joint.

The symmetry of the truss allows us to analyze only one side, simplifying the analysis process.

The use of simple materials such as wood, bamboo sticks, or ice cream sticks, along with
binding materials like hot glue or wood glue, enables the construction of trusses with minimal
resources.

By utilizing triangular configurations, such as the Warren truss, the structure efficiently
distributes loads and minimizes material usage, demonstrating both structural integrity and
cost-effectiveness.

1.8 Conclusion
The analysis of the truss under the given conditions demonstrates its stability and suitability
for load-bearing applications.

The results validate the effectiveness of the Warren truss design in distributing forces and
minimizing material usage.

By adhering to the specified bridge dimensions and utilizing appropriate materials and binding
methods, it is possible to construct functional and reliable truss structures for various
engineering applications.

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