Introduction

This is a group assignment in which we were required to construct a truss bridge made entirely out of Fettuccine pasta where a truss is defined as three or more members which are normally considered being pinned and hinged at the joints. We are allowed to use various combinations of pasta and glue to form the strongest bridge we can construct, which will be tested until it fails. After testing the bridge, we are required to produce an analysis of the failing  member of the truss bridge which is then compiled in an A4 bound report.

Project Objectives

Through this project, I have gained:

• An understanding of tension and compressive strength of construction materials.

• An understanding of force distribution in a truss.

• The ability to design a perfect truss bridge that has high aesthetic value and uses minimal materials.

Learning Outcomes

Through the completion of this project, I have gained the ability to:

• Evaluate, explore and improve attributes of construction materials.

• Explore and apply understanding of load distribution in a truss.

• Evaluate and identify tension and compression members in a truss structure.

• Explore different arrangement of members in a truss structure.

Submission Requirements

This is a group assignment in which, in groups of 6 members, we were required to construct a truss bridge made entirely out of Fettuccine pasta based on basic trusses such as the Pratt Truss and Warren Truss.

The requirements of the bridge are as follows:

1. Length must be 350mm clear span

2. Maximum weight is 80 grams

3. Made entirely out of Fettuccine (may experiment with different brands)

4. Members joined together by any means (glue, string, tape, etc. but must total weight with bridge must be <80g)

The bridge must be aesthetically pleasing (neat handiwork included), and have high efficiency, by using the least material to sustain the highest possible load.

In order to achieve a high efficiency, the compression and tension of fettuccine must be tested and determined so as to be able to reinforce the weaker members.

After failure, the truss is to be analysed to identify the critical members, and to identify members under tension and compression.

All findings are to be compiled in an A4 bound report together with an individual truss analysis exercise.

Submissions

My group consisted of:

• Koay Hui May

• Edwin Ho Khai Vun

• Chin Jovi

• Evon Low Siew Cheng

• Ng Wan Zew and

• Me, (Lim Li Ern)

Our final brigde design utilized San Remo Fettuccine with 3-second glue as a connector, having I-Beam and 3 layer stacked construction members. The final truss was a Pratt Truss hybrid that was able to withstand 20kg of weight with it weighing 76 grams. Its efficiency is therefore calculated as 190%.

My individual calculation was case 6, as indicated in the report below.