CEE 351 Fall 2013

Mechanical properties of metal, Wood and Concrete

The purpose of this lab is to:
1. Obtain general ideas of tension test of metal and compression test of concrete and wood,
the technique on capturing the stress-strain curve of concrete.
2. Learn the calculation of the mechanical properties from the load-deformation curve
Part 1 Tension test of metal
1.1 Experimental

Some of the questions to be answered in the demonstration:
(1) Why are we placing LVDTs on each side of the specimen?
(2) Why the dog-bone shape?
(3) How do we conduct elastic modulus measurement?

Two metal specimens will be provided for direct tension test. You are required to observe the
deformation characteristics at different stages and answer the above questions. Data files of the
test will be provided in class, you are then required to do the following:

Plot the complete stress-strain curve up to fracture, determine the proportional limit
stress

, yield stress

(by 0.2% offset), the ultimate tensile strength

, modulus of
toughness

Plot the stress-strain curve up to the proportional limit, determine the elastic modulus

and modulus of resilience

Discuss the behavior of different metals under tension test

Table 1 Test results for metal in tension
Spec. type

1.2 Data analysis
1. Proportional limit: stress above which the stress-strain curve is no longer a straight line
2. Elastic modulus: the slope of the stress-strain curve up to the proportional limit
3. Yield stress: stress at which a material begins to deform plastically. When a yield point is
not easily defined on the stress-strain curve, an offset yield point is used
4. Ultimate tensile strength: the maximum stress in the stress-strain curve
5. Modulus of Resilience: the maximum energy per unit volume that can be elastically
stored, It is represented by the area under the curve in the elastic region (the initial, linear
portion) of the stress-strain curve
6. Modulus of toughness: the maximum energy per unit volume that can be stored up to
fracture, it is represented by the area under the curve in the complete region of the stress-
strain curve (use trapezoidal integration)

Part 2 Compression test of wood
2.1 Experimental

Wood specimens will be tested in compression, two being parallel to the grain and the other two
being perpendicular to the grain.
Take pictures of the grain pattern and any defects present.
Identify the failure type
Write down the peak load and explain the difference between two grain patterns
Table 2 Test results for wood in compression
Grain pattern
Height
(in.)
Width
(in.)
Peak-Load
(lbs)
Strength
(psi)
Failure
type





2.2 Failure types

Fig. 1 Types of failures under compression

Part 3 Compressive test of concrete
3.1 Experimental

One concrete sample will be tested in compression, where the stress-strain curve can be obtained
by the hydraulic system and a motion-capture system.

Observe the development of stress-strain curve.
Explain the difference in machine strain and specimen strain by plotting the two different
stress-strain curves.
Calculate the elastic modulus of concrete in class.