INTRODUCTION

Structures are categorized as statically determinate. Determinate structures can be

analyzed additional conditions to solve. The portal frame is an indeterminate
structure to several degree of indeterminancy depending on the end conditions.
To know the behavior of any frame it is advisible to know its different deflected
shapes under different loading condition, which can be obtained by vertical work
energy method analytically. Portal structures similar to the end portals of bridge
have as their primary purpose, the transfer of horizontal loads applied at their top to
their foundations. Clearance requirements usually lead to the use of statically
indeterminate structure layout for portals, and approximate solutions are often used
in their analysis.
Consider the portal shown in all the member of which are capable of carrying
bending and shear as well as axial force. The legs are hinged at their base and
rigidly connected to the cross girder at the top. This structure is statically
indeterminate structure based on elastic considerations, show that the total
horizontal shear on the portal will be divided almost equally between the two legs, it
will therefore be assumed that the horizontal reactions for the two legs are equal to
each other and therefore equal to P/22
The remainder of the analysis can now be carried out by static. The vertical
reactions on the right leg can be obtained by taking moment about the hinge at the
base of the left leg. The vertical reaction on the left leg can then be found by
applying

fy=0

to the entire structure. It is well to visualize the deformed shape

of the portal under the action of the applied load.

OBJECTIVE
To determine reaction, displacement and internal shear and bending moment in a
portal frame.

THEORETICAL BACKGROUND
A portal frame is composed of members in a single plane. Loading is applied to the
members, resulting in internal shear and moment as well as axial force in the
members.

A portal frame can be considered as statically determinate when the degree of

indeterminacy is equal to zero and the reactions at the support can be determined
using equations of static only.

Example Experiment Setup on Portal Frame

PROBLEM STATEMENT
Students are required to determine reaction, displacement and internal shear and
bending moment in a portal frame.

APPARATUS
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)

Support frame
Portal frame
Dial gauge
Venier caliper
Ruler / tape measure
1 set of load

PROCEDURE
1) The load cell was connected to the digital indicator.
2) The indicator was switched on. The indicator was switched on 10 minutes
before taking readings for stability of the reading.
3) A load hanger was placed at the location where the load is to be applied.
4) The indicator reading was noted. The tare button was press if it not zero.

5) A load was placed on the load hanger.

6) The indicator reading was recorded. This represents the horizontal reaction of
the pinned support.
7) The load on the load hanger was increased and the horizontal reaction was
recorded.
8) Step 7 was repeated for another 4 load increments.
9) The results was tabulated.