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Unread 27-01-2005, 11:20
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dhitchco dhitchco is offline
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Re: Truss designs in arms

Good discussion here........I'm learning a lot (as a mentor and former engineer).

Some questions from "real life"

1) Why are bridge trusses made mostly with "triangular" openings and why is a bridge built as a square "box" with trusses on either side instead of a triangle? Yes, that would make for a one-lane bridge and "short" trucks traversing the bridge. But why aren't bridge trusses UNDER the span triangular tubes?

2) There is a construction product called a "Gradall". It's boom is TRIANGULAR in shape, but it has CIRCULAR holes cut-out to save weight. How come they didn't choose to use triangular cut-outs also?

3) Forklift truck, backhoe diggers, and most cranes use SQUARE box elements instead of triangular....why? Seems like a articulated arm made of triangular components would be stiffer; although it makes for a tougher method to make the "hinge".
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