Guide Questions:

1. What is the importance of influence lines?

Influence lines graphs the variation of a function (such as the shear felt in a
structure member) at a specific point on a beam or truss caused by a unit load
placed at any point along the structure. Influence lines are very important in
designing beams and trusses. The influence lines show where a load will create the
maximum effect for any of the functions studied.
2. Determine the relationship of the reaction at the support, F and the location
of applied load x in a simple beam.

The reaction is inversely proportional to the support. It is like the support is going
up. And the reaction goes down. Because there is no weight that will tend to move
the force upwards. And the F acts as indicator for the deflection.

Analysis:
Many bridges are executed as Gerber beams. Bridges are subjected to
moving loads. Consequently, it is important to take these moving loads into
account in the design process. To that end, the so-called lines of influence
are determined. Lines of influence describe static reactions to a moving load,
such as the internal reactions of the beam or support reactions. The lines of
influence are determined by way of method of sections and the conditions of
equilibrium, in the same way as the bending moment diagram for a static
load for example.
A Gerber beam is an articulated beam, in the case of experiment with two
cantilever beams and a suspended beam between them. Two bearings
support each cantilever beam. The suspended beam is
mounted on articulated supports on each of the cantilever beam arms. As a
result the entire beam is statically determinate. The cantilever beam
supports are equipped with force gauges which indicate the support
reactions. Single weights and a moving load are provided to place load on
the beam. This means the beam can be subjected to point or distributed
loads, or to a moving load. The force gauges indicate the effect of a moving
load directly in the support reactions. The supports are movable. The various
elements of the experiment are clearly laid-out and housed securely in a
storage system.

Conclusion:
Based on my observation, the Experiment no 7:Influence Lines on the Gerber
Beam (Single Axis) was one of the easiest experiment in theory of structures.
This experiment explains all about the influence lines. So in the experiment
done, given the apparatus. We are allowed to perform the experiment for the
first time. This is the 1 st time that students will test the new theory
laboratory. We are tasked to perform it by putting the four Gauges to zero,
then there are some weights needed to roll on the beam in order to calculate
the deflection. In that experiment I therefore conclude that the weights acts
as live loads that affect the beam. And when its moving there has a chance
that the beam will deflect. Depend on how heavy the load is. An where are
the supports are.

Reflection:

Getting new technologies and gearing for globalization is what mapua really
is. Here, we are going to test our new Laboratory. The Theory of Structures
Laboratory. I like the fact that we are the 1 st students that will test and
perform the experiments. All the equipments are very unique very new and I
felt that I am very proud. And also as I remembered that dean told me about
this. Our lab is one of the kind in the Philippines. It is very advanced. I think
this is what you called quality education. I want to experience again this
laboratory next term but in theory of structures 2. This is the new way of
learning . unlike from the past, professors can only point out some parts in
the pictures and explains the concept. But unlike now we can perform on our
own. On how a beam/column can withstand. In this part students will be able
to learn faster and enjoy the course at the same time