PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA(UiTM)
KAMPUS CAWANGAN PASIR GUDANG)
Laboratory Manual # 2A
COURSE STRUCTURAL AND MATERIAL LABORATORY
COURSE CODE ECS268
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK
TITLE LAB 2A: REACTION, BENDING MOMENT & SHEAR FORCE
1.1 Introduction
Level 0 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways & means are
guided and given to the students. However the answers to the assignment are left to the
students to solve using the group creativity and innovativeness. The activity is designed to
slowly introduce and inculcate independent learning amongst students and prepare them for
a much harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity, students will be exposed on the beams experiments for determine
reactions, bending moment and shear force for simply supported and cantilever beams.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the experiment is:
To determine the relations among reaction, bending moment and shear force in simply
supported beam.
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
PREAMBLE • identify and use the correct apparatus/tools to carry out experiment on beams;
• work in a group to undertake the task; and
• Collect and analyze the data correctly and produce the technical report.
1.4 Theoretical Background
A beam is subjected to external forces. These are the loads applied to the beam and
reactions to the loads from the supports. The beam transfers the external load set to the
external reaction set by a system of internal forces.
The internal forces as a result of the structural action of the beam are called bending
moments and shear forces. These internal forces may vary along the length of the beam
and are usually represented as separate bending moment and shear force diagrams.
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PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA(UiTM)
KAMPUS CAWANGAN PASIR GUDANG)
a) Simply Supported Beam
i) Shear Force
When the load is to the left of x – x,
Shear force at section x – x is;
SFX-X = W1 – RA
Or,
SFX-X = RB
= (W x L1) / L
When the load is to the right of x – x,
SFX-X = RA
= (W x (L- L1)) / L1
ii) Bending Moment
When the load is to the left of x – x,
Bending Moment at section x – x is;
BMX-X = W1 L1 – RA LX
Or,
BMX-X = RB L2
When the load is to the right of x – x,
BMX-X = RA LX
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PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA(UiTM)
KAMPUS CAWANGAN PASIR GUDANG)
2.1 Problem Statement
Although computers are efficient for structural analysis, it is important for students to be well
versed in the theory and not to simply rely on the computer outputs. Ability to solve structural
analysis problems will come in handy for verifying the computer results. On the other hand,
conducting experiments in the lab can help to develop a deeper understanding of the
PROBLEM mechanics of structures. One can better grasp the way loads are transmitted through
(Guided) structures and obtain a more complete understanding of the way they deform.
In this experiment, the group will explore the behavior of various types of beams under loads
to determine their support reaction, bending moment and shear force. The group may use
any suitable software as a tool for understanding the relations between the external and
internal forces.
3.1 Apparatus
a) Simple Supported Beam
i. A pair of simple supports.
ii. Special beam with a cut section.
iii. A set of weights with several load hangers.
iv. Digital Force Indicator
3.2 Procedures
a) Simply Supported Beam
i. Connect the load cell to the digital indicator.
ii. Switch on the indicator. For stability of the reading the indicator must be switch
on 10 minutes before taking readings.
iii. Fixed the two simple supports to the aluminium base at a distance equal to the
span of the beam to be tested. Screw the supports tightly to the base.
iv. Hang the load hanger to the beam.
v. Placed the beam on the supports.
vi. Placed the load hanger at the desired location.
vii. Note the indicator reading. If it is not zero press the tare button on the indicator.
viii. Place a load on the load hanger.
WAYS & ix. Record the indicator reading. This represents the shear force/ force at the cut
MEANS section.
(Guided) x. Add load to the load hanger and record the indicator reading.
xi. Repeat step i – x for another 5 sets of readings.
(Note: This procedure apply for Shear Force and Bending Moment for simple
supported beam)
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PENGAJIAN KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA(UiTM)
KAMPUS CAWANGAN PASIR GUDANG)
3.3 Results
a) Simply Supported Beam
i) Shear Force
Beam Span = mm
Distance of the shear section from the left support = mm
Distance of the load from the left support = mm
Table 1: Shear Force for Simply Supported Beam Results
Shear Force At X-X
Load (N) Experimental Load Cell Theory RB (N)
(N)
ii) Bending Moment
Beam Span, L = mm
Distance of the cut section from the left support, Lx = mm
Distance of the load from the left support, L1 = mm
Distance of the load cell from the center of the beam cross section = 175 mm
Table 2: Bending Moment for Simply Supported Beam Results
Bending Moment At X-X
Load Cell Reading,
Load (N) Experimental =
F (N) Theory (Nmm)
F * 175 ( Nmm)
4.1 Analysis
From the information and data obtained, carry out analysis of the laboratory results in order to
achieve the objective of the experiment.
4.2 Discussion
i. Describe the accuracy of the experiment.
ii. State the probable factors that affect the accuracy of the experiment.
ANSWERS
4.3 Conclusion
(Open)
i. What happens when a load is applied to the beam and why does this condition
occur.
ii. Describe the relationship between load and shear force, bending moment and
reaction of the simple supported and cantilever beams.
The report must be submitted 1 week after the completion of this laboratory work.
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