Truss Design Project

Project Objective and Design/Project Process: We were tasked, first, to follow instructions, which had us build, test, and record data for a pre-designed test truss. Then we had to research, design, build, and test one of our own. The truss had to be 6.5 nches in length, and under 5 inches in height. The goal was to make it support as much weight as it could, and for it to perform better than the original test truss.

What I Learned: By accomplishing this project, I learned how weight is distributed by different shapes. If two weight-supporting beams are at one point, the weight is going to be focused either away from or towards that point. I also learned about how gussets can help support a truss, and how much of a difference it makes having them on one side versus both.

Personal Reflection: I learned about failure and success from this project. I think failure occurred due to the poor build quality, the glue was still drying because I attached the glue that morning, however, my truss still managed to surpass the 100-pound checkpoint. In my opinion, my truss did not fail, my calculations did not surpass 100lb force and my truss did it in real life. However, another reason why it might have failed is due to the way I built the truss, the members were pressuring outward not inwards, and it looked like it was going to slide off, if I attached the members inwards to the base then the force would be applying directly to the base making it stronger.