Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis

CE-1202-A1

Contents
Aim................................................................................................................. 2
Shear Force Test............................................................................................. 3
Apparatus.................................................................................................... 3
Procedure.................................................................................................... 3
Calculations................................................................................................. 3
Graph.......................................................................................................... 6
Results........................................................................................................ 6
Discussion................................................................................................... 7
Conclusion................................................................................................... 7
Bending Moment Test..................................................................................... 7
Apparatus.................................................................................................... 8
Procedure.................................................................................................... 8
Calculations................................................................................................. 8
Graph........................................................................................................ 10
Results...................................................................................................... 10
Discussion................................................................................................. 11
Deflection of Beams..................................................................................... 11
Apparatus.................................................................................................. 11
Procedure.................................................................................................. 11
Calculation................................................................................................ 12
Graph........................................................................................................ 14
Results...................................................................................................... 14
Discussion................................................................................................. 15
Conclusion................................................................................................. 15
Strut Apparatus Test..................................................................................... 16
Apparatus.................................................................................................. 16
Procedure.................................................................................................. 16
Calculations............................................................................................... 16
Graph........................................................................................................ 17
Results...................................................................................................... 17
Discussion................................................................................................. 18
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Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

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Conclusion................................................................................................. 18
Health and Safety......................................................................................... 18
Recommendation......................................................................................... 19
References................................................................................................... 19
Appendix...................................................................................................... 19

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Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis
CE-1202-A1

Aim
The aim of the report is to understand the concept of structural engineering and how it
is applied in laboratory exercises. The experiments carried out help to explain the
stress, shear, axial forces, bending and deflection properties. The different tests
performed at the laboratory helped to learn the health and safety issues involved. The
experiment was carried out in the structural engineering laboratory on the 8th of
November, 2011 at 10am. The following experiments were carried out:
1.
2.
3.
4.

Shear Force
Bending Moment
Deflection Beams
Strut Apparatus

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Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

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Shear Force Test

The objective of this experiment is to prove the thesis which states that the shear force
at a cut section of a beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the forces acting to the left
or right of the section.
Apparatus
Pair of Simple Supports
Support Frame
Set of Weights
Dial Gauge
Vernier Caliper
Measuring Tape
Pen
Record Sheet
Procedure
The methodology involved in this experiment is as follows:
First, fix both of the knife edged supports tightly on the beam span. Then measure the
width, length and the thickness of the beam span using a measuring tape. After that,
place the hangar at a distance of 26mm from the left support. Set the dial gauge to
zero.
Make sure the reading is zero. Then begin the test by placing 5N of load, followed by
10N, 15N, 20N and 25N. Record the readings on a record sheet.
(Lab Notes)
Calculations
Beam span = 950mm
Distance of the cut section from the left support = 600mm
Length until load = 300mm

To calculate shear force theory, the following equations should be used.

First, find Va and Vb
Using the Given conditions:

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Va = 0
Va + Vb - 5 = 0
Va + Vb = 5
Ma = 0
L1 = 300
L = 950

(Va x load) + (5 x L1) (Vb x L) = 0

(Va x 0) + (5 x 300) (Vb x 950) = 0
Vb = 1.57

Going back to the given condition

Va + Vb = 5
Va + 1.57 = 5
Va = 3.43

Therefore, the values of Va and Vb are the following:

Va = 3.43
Vb = 1.57

And then find Fxx

Fxx = va - load
Fxx = 3.43 0
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Fxx = 3.43

When load = 5N
(Va x 5) + (5 x 300) (Vb x 950) = 0
5Va + 1500 950Vb = 0

Va =

(950 V b 1500)
5

Va = 190Vb 300

Using substitution method, substitute the value of Va to the second equation

Va + Vb - 5 = 0
190Vb 300 + Vb 5 = 0
191Vb = 305
Vb = 1.60

Va + Vb - 5 = 0
Va + 1.60 = 5
Va = 3.40

Fxx = va - load
Fxx = 3.40 5
Fxx = -1.60
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To find the % Error

Percentage of Error =

ExperimentalTheoretical
x 100
Theoretical

Percentage of Error =

1.45(1.60)
x 100
1.60

0.15
x 100
Percentage of Error = 1.60
Percentage of Error = 6.25%
Graph

Figure 1: Graph for Load vs Shear Force

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Results
Load (N)

Load cell
reading, F (N)

5
10
15
20
25

Shear force at X-X (N)

Experimental
Shear force
shear force

theory (N)

(N)
-1.45
-1.605
-1.70
-1.85
-2.01

-1.60
-1.67
-1.79
-1.96
-2.18

-1.45
-1.605
-1.70
-1.85
-2.01

% Error

9.375%
3.892%
5.028%
5.612%
7.798%

Table 1: Results of theoretical & experimental shear force values

Discussion

Lx
L1
L
VA

VB

From the results, it can be noted that the load and shear force are inversely
proportional. This means that when the load is raised, the shear force decreases. For
example, when the load is 5N, the shear force is -1.45N, and when the load is raised to
15N, the shear force decreases to -1.70N.
It can also be noted that the theoretical shear force goes hand to hand with the
experimental shear force. It is a good sign as it shows the laboratory experiment was
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Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

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carried out efficiently with few errors. The experiment was repeated thrice and every
time a different member of the group was asked to perform the tests so that minor
errors can be avoided.
The percentage error is low and it proves that the experiment was carried out carefully.
The readings can be considered accurate as it coincides with the theoretical data
obtained.
(Paul S.Smith, 2011)
Conclusion
The experiment above proves that the shear force is inversely proportional to the load.
As the load increases, the shear force decreases. The test manages to prove the
thesis for which this test was carried out that the shear force at the cut section of the
beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the forces acting to the left or right of the
section.

Bending Moment Test

The aim of this test is to prove the thesis which states that the bending moment at a
cut section is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments acting to the left or right of the
section.

Apparatus
A pair of simple supports
Special beam with a cut section
Set of Weights
Load hangars
Pen
Record Sheet
Procedure
To initiate this test, first connect the load cell to the digital indicator. Switch on the
indicator for ten minutes and then start taking the readings. Fix the knife edged
supports on the beam and screw them tightly to the base. Then, hang the load hangars
to the beam in desired distance from the left support. Place the digital indicator to zero.
Measure using the measuring tape the length, width and the thickness of the beam
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span. Now place the loads of 5N, 10N, 15N, 20N and 25N and record the readings.
Repeat to obtain accuracy and ask different members of the group to perform the same
experiment.
(Lab Notes)
Calculations
Beam span = 900mm
Distance of the cut section from the left support = 590mm
Distance of the load cell from the centre of the beam cross section = 175mm
Distance of the load from the left support = 300mm
L2

L1
1

3
Lx
4
C =175mm
L
H = 0

VA

Ha = 0
V = 0
Va + Vb = 5
M = 0
The following equation has to be used to find Va & Vb.
(Va x load) + (5 x L1) + (Ha x 0) + (Vb x L) = 0
(Va x 5) + (5 x 300) + (Ha x 0) + (Vb x 900) = 0
5Va + 900Vb = -1500
Va = -300 - 180 Vb
To find Va and Vb

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VB

Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis
CE-1202-A1
Va + Vb 5 = 0
-300 - 180 Vb + (Vb) 5 = 0
Vb = -1.703
Va + Vb 5 = 0
Va -1.703 5 = 0
Va = 6.703
Then, to find the theoretical bending moment:
MXX=(Va*590)-(LOAD*(L-L1))
MXX=(6.703*590)-(5*(900-300))
MXX=3954.8 3000
MXX=954.8

Percentage error

Percentage of Error =

ExperimentalTheoretical
x 100
Theoretical

Percentage of Error =

717.5954.80
x 100
954.80

Percentage of Error =

237.30
x 100
954.80

Percentage of Error = 24.9%

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Graph

Figure 2: Graph for Load vs Bending Moment

Results
Load (N)

Load cell

Va

Vb

reading, F

5
10
15
20
25

Bending moment at x-x

(N)

(N-mm)
Experimental Theory (N)

4.1
4.65
6.55
7.04
7.54

= F * 175 (N)
717.5
813.75
1146.25
1232
1319.50

6.703
11.74
16.95
22.16
27.43

-1.703
-1.740
-1.95
-2.16
-2.43

954.8
926.6
1000.5
1074.4
1183.7

Table 2: Reading results for load vs bending moment

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% Error

24.9%
12.2%
14.57%
14.67%
11.47%

Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis
CE-1202-A1
Discussion
From the table above, it can be noted that the load is directly proportional to the
bending moment. As the load is increased, the bending moment increases as well. For
example, at 5N it is 954.8N and at 15N it is 1000.5N.
The experimental bending moment is close to the theoretical bending moment and this
displays that the test was successfully performed. The difference in readings is due to
common errors which take place when the lab tests are performed. For accuracy, the
bending moment test is repeated and different group mates are asked to carry out the
tests so that the minor errors can be avoided.
The percentage error is between 10%-25% and this proves that the lab work was
successfully carried out.
(Michael R.Lindeburg, 2011)
Conclusion
I reach to the conclusion that the tests carried out has proved the thesis which states
that the shear force at a cut section of a beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the
forces acting to the left or right of the section.

Deflection of Beams
The intention of the following test is to determine the deflection of a simply supported
beam.
Apparatus
A Pair of Pinned Support
A Dial Gauge with 0.01mm accuracy for measuring deflection
Beam specimen
Pen
Record Sheet
Procedure
The methodology involved in this experiment is as follows:

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First, fix both knife edged supports using the plate and bolt to the apparatus. The
length between the two supports should be equal to the span of the beam which is
to be experimented on.
Then, take the readings of the depth and width of specimen and record on the
sheet provided. For accuracy, take measurements at three different locations and
record the average reading.
After this, lay the rectangular thin bar which is the beam on the knife edged
supports.
Next, we have the fix the load hangar in between the beam. Set the dial gauge at
the middle of the beam and reset it to zero.
Now, take readings by placing loads with weight of 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25 Newton.
Record the readings each time the load is increased. Then do the opposite.
Remove the loads starting from 2.5, then 2, 1.5, 1 and 0.5 and record the readings
on the sheet.
Repeat the step two more times to obtain accuracy in the readings and take the
average.
(Lab Notes)

Calculation
Length of Member = 660mm
Width of Specimen = 24mm
Depth of Specimen = 5mm

Moment of Inertia of Beam Specimen =

Dial Gauge reading, 1div = 0.01mm

Elastic modulus = 2 x 105 N/mm2

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bd
12

Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis
CE-1202-A1
First, find the Moment of Inertia using the equation

I=

bd
12

I=

25 x 5
12

I = 260.42mm4

To find the theoretical deflection

Deflection =

wl
48 EI

Deflection =

5 x 660
48 x ( 200000 ) x 260.42

Deflection = 0.575

Percentage error

Percentage of Error =

ExperimentalTheoretical
x 100
Theoretical

Percentage of Error =

0.500.575
x 100
0.575

Percentage of Error =

0.0750
x 100
0.575

Percentage of Error = 13%

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Graph

Figure 3: Graph for Load vs Deflection

Results
Applied Load
(N)

Deflection (mm)
Experimental Deflection

% Error
Theory
Deflection
(mm)

5
10
15
20
25

div
50
112
168
233
288

mm
0.50
1.12
1.68
2.33
2.88

0.575
1.15
1.725
2.30
2.875

Table 3: Reading results for load vs deflection

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13%
2.61%
2.61%
1.30%
0.17%

Experiments in Light Structure Laboratory

Design & Structural Analysis
CE-1202-A1

Discussion
From the results, it can be seen that the load and deflection are directly proportional.
As the load is raised, the deflection also increases. Vice versa, when the load is
removed, the deflection decreases as well.
It can also be noted that the theoretical deflection is lower than the experimental
deflection. This can be due to the errors committed during the lab work as well as the
effect of limiting factors such as inaccuracy of readings for more than two decimal
places.
The percentage error is high and it proves that the experiment wasnt done as
cautiously as it should be. The theoretical value is very low in relation to the
experimental values.
The error can be observed in deflection when the load was being removed as it has a
0.3mm reading when no load is placed. This could be due to the zero error which
means that the arrow was not placed to zero before the experiment began or it could
be due to some defects in the apparatus. It could also be due to air pressure.
(Frank Durka and Hassan al Nageim, 2003)
Conclusion
The conclusion to this report is that the deflection and load are directly proportional and
deflection increases as greater load is placed on the beam. The slope of the graph is
steep and it increases sharply when the load is placed in mid-span. But when the load
position is on the sides of the beam, then the graph doesnt have a steep slope.
Errors can never be ignored when it comes to laboratory work. The aim is to reduce the
error as much as possible to obtain accuracy in work. Ways to reduce the error are by
repeating the experiment for three times or more and then taking the average readings,
by being extra cautious during the experiment, by asking more than one person to
record the readings and carry out the experiment, etc.

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Strut Apparatus Test

The objective of the strut apparatus test is to determine the buckling load for a pinned
ended strut.
Apparatus
Digital recorder
Pen
Record sheet
Procedure
The procedure for the strut apparatus is as follows. First, turn the dial gauge to zero
and then the digital recorder to zero as well. Begin the experiment, by turning the load
to 5N. Record the reading on the digital recorder. Then, turn the load to 10N,15N, 20N
and finally 25N. Record the readings at the specific loads and then repeat the
experiments to obtain accuracy.
(Lab notes)
Calculations
Length of Member, L = 600mm
Width of Specimen, b = 25mm
Depth of Specimen, d = 2.58mm

Moment of Inertia of beam specimen (l) =

bd
12

Dial Gauge reading, 1 div = 0.01mm

Elastic Modulus = 2 x 105 N/mm2

To find the theoretical buckling load, use the following equation:

Theoretical Buckling Load =

Where:
E stands for Elastic Modulus
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EI
L

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I for Moment of Inertia
L for beam specimen length

I=

bd
12

I=

25 x 2. 58
12

I = 35.8mm4

Theoretical Buckling Load =

EI
L

200000

Theoretical Buckling Load =

x

Theoretical Buckling Load = 5.483

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Graph

Figure 4: Graph for Deflection/load vs deflection

Results
Load (N)

Deflection
div

5
10
15
20
25

Deflection/Loa
mm

19
0.19
40
0.40
70
0.70
119
1.19
168
1.68
Table 4: Readings for Strut Apparatus

d (mm)
0.038
0.040
0.047
0.0595
0.0672

Discussion
From the table above, it can be observed that the load and deflection are directly
proportional. As the load increases so does the deflection. But since this is the strut

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apparatus, the importance is to determine the deflection/load so that the buckling load
can be obtained. The buckling load is the slope obtained from the graph.
Conclusion
I therefore reach to the conclusion that the experiment above was conducted fairly and
with maximum accuracy as possible. It is true that errors cannot be avoided, but by
repeating the experiments and asking different members to conduct the experiment,
the error was reduced.
The buckling load obtained by experiments was lesser than the theoretical one which
proves that it wasnt conducted with enough care. The reasons are that students were
performing the experiments and not professionals so mistakes were made obviously,
the tests were carried out in a rush since there were many groups waiting to perform it,
etc.

Health and Safety

Health and safety area is concerned with protecting the safety, health and welfare of
the workers involved in the building projects. The aim of the program is to provide a
safe working environment for everyone.
This is why laws have been made so that the workers can be protected and taken care
of in case of accidents. For example, if a worker gets injured during construction, that
work is entitled to paid leave, plus the hospital cost will be paid by the company or
insurance, and as soon as the worker is back to full health, he can come back to work
again.
To avoid such costs, companies are taking new measures by using expensive
equipments so that injuries become a rare sight. The workers are also given lessons to
teach them the basic skills like how to carry a bag of cement.

Recommendation
Recommendations for fellow students who are going to do this experiment are to
repeat the experiment more than once so that the average reading can be taken which
is more accurate. Ask more than one class mate to record the readings to avoid errors.
Also, while performing the experiment, more than one class mate should carry out the
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tasks so that the different approaches will show the results observed and the variables
recorded.
Noise should be kept to a minimum while in a laboratory and always listen to the
instructor. If any guide lines are needed, then refer to the supervisor.

References
Paul S. Smith (2001) Introduction to Structural Mechanics. USA: Palgrave, Inc. pp 23132
Frank Durka and Hassan Al Nageim (2003) Structural Mechanics: loads, analysis,
design and materials. 6th edn. UK: Prentice Hall. pp 45-65
Michael R. Lindeburg (2011) Civil Engineering Reference for the PE Exam. 12th edn.
PPI2PASS. pp 125-300

Appendix

Figure 5: Student turning the strut apparatus knob to 5N to record the readings

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Figure 6: Detailed Simple supported beam used for deflection test

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