A truss consists of two-force members connected and loaded at their joints. They are often used in bridges, towers and roof structures, etc. In this virtual lab, the behavior of a Warren Truss is simulated as the user inputs different loads at its various joints. The internal forces in all its members are found instantly. Each member would turn red (if compression develops), blue (if tension results), or remain black (for zero-force members). Numerical values of all the forces are also generated on the same page, found by the matrix method for truss analysis.
Intended Learning Outcomes
After doing the virtual lab on this website, students are expected to be able to:
Understand and predict the type of forces developing in truss members;
Describe the effect of different loading conditions on behavior of trusses;
Obtain the numerical values of internal forces as well as support reactions for different loadings.