Tasks to be Completed

$1.$ Design a truss bridge that will hold a $160$ lb load. The height and the width of the three$-$dimensional frame work should be a minimum of $5$ inches. The bridge will contain two truss structures connected with linking beams. Figure $1$ shows a generic truss design; your own truss design will be different. Application of $35$ lb and $45$ lb loads will be similar to the one shown in Fig. $1.$

The truss design should be as original as possible; however, any templates can be used as the basis for your design such as the ones shown in the lecture or found elsewhere in literature or on the internet.

$2.$ Truss Analysis

Truss analysis will be done using an arrangement of loads similar to the schematic shown in Fig$\mathrm{.}1.$

Figure $1.$ Truss calculation template

The $160$ lb load will be distributed between four joints as shown in Fig. $1($respectively $35$ lb at joints $\backslash (\backslash$mathbf$\{$C$\}\backslash )$ and $\backslash (\backslash$mathbf$\{$E$\}\backslash )$ and $45$ lb at joints $\backslash (\backslash$mathbf$\{$F$\}\backslash )$ and $\backslash (\backslash$mathbf$\{$L$\}\backslash )).$

Please be aware that in your calculations you will be using the actual dimensions of your truss structure to calculate any slope triangles or the moment arm.

$2$a$.$ Calculate support forces at smooth supports A and B$.$

$2$b$.$ Calculate forces in tension or compression at the joints C$,$ E$,$ D$,$ F$,$ G and M using the Method of Joints.

$2$c$.$ Calculate forces in tension or compression at members EG$,$ EF$,$ DF$,$ AC$,$ CE and CD using the Method of Sections.