Engineering Mechanics
PROJECT REPORT
Submitted To:
Dr. Shahid Mehmood
Submitted By:
Muhammad Hassaan 22-ME-11
Kamran Khattak 22-ME-19
Mudssar Abbas 22-ME-27
Umer Inayat 22-ME-67
Ayesha Siddiqa 22-ME-199
FACULTY OF MECHANICAL AND AERONAUTICAL
ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING
UNIVERSITY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
TAXILA
July 2023
TITLE:
“Design and construction of a Warren Truss Bridge using Popsicle sticks.”
OBJECTIVES:
To evaluate the nature of forces and moments and design a WARREN BRIDGE having a
length of 22 inches and a width of 6 inches using Popsicle sticks which can carry a 5N load.
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED:
• Ice-cream sticks
• Glue gun
• Glue sticks
• Scale
• Protector (D)
• Cutter
• Lead pencil
THEORETICAL BACKGROUND:
History of Trusses:
Beginning in the late 1700s, builders extensively erected wooden truss bridges in the United
States, and by the mid-1800s, this country led the world in wooden truss bridge design
(Steinman and Watson 1957:114). A combination of factors contributed to the quick rise of the
United States in wooden truss design.
History of Warren Bridge:
The Warren truss design was patented by James Warren in 1884. The design was popularized
by its use in the construction of bridges, and it remains one of the most used truss designs to
this day. The Warren truss is characterized by its diagonal members that alternate in direction
between upper and lower chords. The design is known for its strength and rigidity, making it
an ideal choice for use in bridges and other large structures.
Why do we prefer Popsicle Stick Bridge?
Availability and affordability: Popsicle sticks are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making
them accessible for educational or hobby projects where cost may be a factor. Ease of use: Popsicle
sticks are lightweight and easy to work with, particularly for DIY projects. They can be easily cut,
shaped, and glued together, making them suitable for bridge building models or prototypes. Strength-
to-weight ratio: Although popsicle sticks are not as strong as other building materials like steel or
concrete, they can still provide sufficient strength when designed properly. Their relatively low weight
makes them favorable for constructing lightweight structures. Educational value: Building bridges with
popsicle sticks can be an engaging educational activity for students or enthusiasts interested in
engineering, architecture, or construction. It allows for hands-on learning and experimentation with
structural principles. However, it's important to note that popsicle sticks may not be suitable for
constructing real-life bridges that need to bear significant loads or withstand harsh conditions.
Professional bridge construction typically requires materials and design considerations that meet
specific safety and durability standards.
Solved Example
Truss Pictures
CONCLUSION:
The construction and analysis of the pop sickle sticks Bridge model in this lab have provided
valuable insights into the principles of truss design and the structural behavior of this unique
bridge type. By following the experimental procedure and conducting a thorough analysis, we
have gained a deeper understanding of the forces acting on the bridge members and the overall
performance of the Warren Truss Bridge. In the end, we measured the angle force, and torque
across the joint of trusses by using the ice-cream sticks.