Product Details

This apparatus is designed to study the fundamental principles of a simple roof truss structure, allowing students to measure the internal forces in the members and understand how loads are carried through compression and tension. It provides a practical method for analyzing statically determinate trusses and verifying calculations using the method of joints. The unit consists of three adjustable bars connected by nodal points, which are free to move and include both fixed and roller supports. The longitudinally adjustable bar allows the truss to be configured at different angles, such as 60-60-60 or 45-90-45 degrees, enabling the study of various geometric configurations. Loads are applied to the upper node using calibrated weights, and the resulting deflections are measured with dial gauges to determine the forces in the rafter struts and ties. Its primary application is in civil and structural engineering education for teaching truss analysis and design. The key benefit is the hands-on comparison between theoretical predictions and experimental measurements, enabling students to visualize load paths, identify tensile and compressive members, and gain a deeper understanding of how truss geometry influences structural behavior.