GUIDELINES FOR TRUSS MODEL MAKING

COMPETITION
The purpose of the design contest is:
To encourage teamwork.
To encourage parent and teacher involvement in student activities.
To develop interpersonal and group skills.
To encourage honesty and fair play in life situations through competition.
To develop responsibility and integrity.

Rules of the Event

A. Construction:
The truss must be constructed by the participants (students). The competition will
be on the spot.
Construction Details:
Two Truss Connected by 5 purlin on each principal rafter and 2 central tie
runners 50 mm apart.
span of truss 500mm and Rise 100mm.
Spacing between trusses is 100mm.
Any type of truss may be constructed.
B. General Rules:
1. The structure to be designed will be a ROOF TRUSS.
2. The structure will have to be made by the participants at HOME.
3. The truss must confirm to A) Construction and B) Dimensions
4. The complete truss is to contain a maximum of 125 Popsicle sticks, Joined to
complete the truss.
5. Materials to be used:
i) White Popsicle sticks (Ice cream sticks)
ii) White glue (Fevicol only)
6. Sticks may not be painted or coated with any material.
7. Every team will be given a number after registration, at the venue. This number
will be written on the structure/model.
8. Number of participants in team is 2 members.
9. Judges’ decision shall be final and binding on all.
10. The Organizers reserve all rights to change any or all the above rules as they
deem fit.
C. Test Condition :
There will be 2 rounds in the competition:
i) Qualifying round ii) Truss load testing round
The teams who pass the qualifying round will be eligible to enter the second
round (Truss load testing round).
Truss will be loaded at center.
The bearing at Support shall be maximum of 20mm.
Each load increment will be kept for duration of 20 second.
i) Qualifying round:
1. In this round the judges will examine for the following criteria:
Each truss will be examined for a maximum of 125 full Popsicle sticks used to
make the truss.
Ensure that only Popsicle (ice cream) sticks and water soluble white glue (Craft
Fevicol) is used for making the truss. No other material like cotton threads,
steel wires, etc. should be used.
Minimum load carrying capacity of truss should be 4 kg for qualifying.

ii) Truss Load Testing:

1. Prior to evaluating the truss, the dead weight is measured and recorded in kg .
2. Uniform load will be applied on the truss model till failure.
3. Your truss will be scored on how well you have used your materials to support
the load.
D. Evaluation criteria:
i) STRUCTURAL EFFICIENCY=(MAXIMUM LOAD CAPACITY)/ (TRUSS
WEIGHT)
(i.e. the ratio of weight applied to the truss by the own weight of truss)
ii) Aesthetics (appearance).
E.Team Specification:
Each team shall have maximum of 2 members. Participants from different
institution can form the team.
F. Certificate Policy:
Participation certificate will be given to all qualifying teams.
Certificate of excellence and prize will be given to the top 2 teams.
Competitors can use any one truss from the following