STRUCTURAL STUDIES [LABORATORY REPORT]

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Contents
1. Objective ........................................................................................................................................................... 2
2. Apparatus .......................................................................................................................................................... 2
3. Background Information ................................................................................................................................... 3
4. Procedure ........................................................................................................................................................... 3
5. Result ................................................................................................................................................................. 4
6. Discussion ......................................................................................................................................................... 5
7. Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................................... 6
8. References ......................................................................................................................................................... 6



STRUCTURAL STUDIES LABORATORY REPORT]



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1. Objective
1. To determine the relationship between the Bending Moment and the applied load.
2. The effect of variations in distance between hinge and centre line (X) on the Bending Moment.
2. Apparatus
- Model beam hinged at the centre.
- Hinged gap to be closed by turnbuckle, spring balance and weights of kgf, beam support.


































Figure 1.1 : Model Beam hinged at the centre
Figure 1.2 : Spring balance Figure 1.3 : Spirit level
Figure 1.4 : Load/ Weight of kgf Figure 1.5 : Measuring tape
STRUCTURAL STUDIES LABORATORY REPORT]



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Diagram of Experimental Set-up














Theory :
Bending Moment in the beam at section A-A due to applied load (L) can be determined by the product
of the spring balance loading (W) and the distance between hinge and centre line (X).
3. Background Information
Tensile stresses and compressive stresses increase proportionally with bending moment, but are also
dependent on the second moment of area of the cross-section of the structural element. Failure in bending
will occur when the bending moment is sufficient to induce tensile stresses greater than the yield stress of
the material throughout the entire cross-section. It is possible that failure of a structural element
in shear may occur before failure in bending, however the mechanics of failure in shear and in bending are
different.
The bending moment at a section through a structural element may be defined as "the sum of the moments
about that section of all external forces acting to one side of that section". The forces and moments on either
side of the section must be equal in order to counteract each other and maintain a state of equilibrium so the
same bending moment will result from summing the moments, regardless of which side of the section is
selected.
4. Procedure
1. The model beam is supported on 2 points at equal distance from centre of hinge.
2. Adjusted the turnbuckle to close gap until beam is horizontal by using a spirit level or straight edge.
3. Recorded the reading on the spring balance.
4. Next load the beam with 1kg weight at a distance

L from on support, then repeated step 2 and

recorded the spring balance reading.
5. Repeated using loads of 2kgf and 3 kgf.
6. Carried out the above procedure for all the three cases below.
STRUCTURAL STUDIES LABORATORY REPORT]



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L/4 p L/3

R1 Rr R1 Rr Rr
L L

Case 1 Case 2
L/4 P P L/3



R1 L Rr

Case 3

5. Result







Determine the reactions at the support for the 3 cases and hence find the Bending Moment, M.






Spring reading (kgf)
Bending Moment (WX)
(kgf x cm)

Case of
loading

0

1

2

3

1

2

3

1

2.25

2.75

3.50

4.25

14.5

36.25

58.00

2

2.2.5

3.00

4.25

5.00

21.75

58.00

79.75

3

2.50

4.00

6.25

8.00

43.50

108.75

159.50
STRUCTURAL STUDIES LABORATORY REPORT]



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1 kgf

2kgf

3kgf

Rr

M

M
(experimental)

Rr

M

M
(experimental)

Rr

M

M
(experimental)

Case 1

0.25

20

14.5

0.5

40

36.25

0.75

60

58

Case 2

0.67

26.41

21.75

1.33

53.6

58

2.0

80

79.75

Case 3

0.91

47.2

43.5

1.83

93.36

108.75

2.75

140

159.5
The bending moment of case 3 may be obtained by using the Principle of Superposition by superimpose
the bending moment of case 1 and case 2 together.


Case of loading

1kgf

2kgf

3kgf

Case 1

14.5

36.25

58

Case 2

21.75

58

79.75

Total (1+2)

36.25

94.25

137.75

Case 3

43.5

108.75

159.5

6. Discussion
a) For each case. Construct the experimental and theoretical bending moment diagrams.

b) Compare the superimposed loading of case 1 and case 2 with case 3. Comment on results.

- The superimposed loading (case 1 plus case 2) is slightly different with the case 3 this is because the
effect of the parallax error. The theoretical result is different with the experimental result, the
experimental result is bigger than the theoretical result.





STRUCTURAL STUDIES LABORATORY REPORT]



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7. Conclusion
In conclusion, The load increase the bending moment will increase, but the reaction on the bottom of beam will
increase inconstantly due the position of the load applied on the beam.
8. References
1. McMullan,R,(2007),Environmental Science in Building,6
th
edition, New York, Palgrave Macmillam,
Resources & Chapters.
2. Nagem Hal, Durka, R, Morgan Williams D.T , Structural Mechanics Loads , Analysis, Design and
materials (1980), UK
3. Chudley, R. & Greeno, R. (2005) Construction Technology(4
th
),published by Pearson Education Ltd,
Essex.
4. Domel A. W., (2000). Builders Portable Handbook. New York: McGraw Hill.
5. Denis R. H., Building: The Process and Product. Published by The Construction Press