LIST of EXPERIMENTS OF STRUCTURES LAB

(Sixth & Seventh Semester)

1. TO DETERMINE THE FLEXURAL RIGIDITY OF A GIVEN BEAM AND TO

VERIFY IT THEORITICALLY.

2. TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A THREE

HINGED ARCH FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

3. TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE INFLUENCE LINE DIAGRAM FOR

HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A THREE HINGED ARCH AND COMPARE IT
WITH THE ONE THEORITICALLY OBTAINED.

4. TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A TWO

HINGED ARCH FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

5. TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE INFLUENCE LINE DIAGRAM FOR

HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A TWO HINGED ARCH AND TO COMPARE
IT WITH THE ONE THEORITICALLY OBTAINED.

6. TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE STRAINS IN A SIMPLY SUPPORTED

BEAM FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

7. STUDY OF VARIOUS CODES OF PRACTICE & PUBLICATIONS OF THE

BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS

8. STUDY OF A COMPLETE SET OF DRAWINGS RELATED TO AN

INDUSTRIAL BUILDING.

________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 1
OBJECT: TO DETERMINE THE FLEXURAL RIGIDITY OF A GIVEN BEAM
AND TO VERIFY IT THEORITICALLY.

THEORY: If the beam is supported and loaded as shown, the central deflection is given
by:
y=w.a.l2 / 8.E.I

PROCEDURE: Measure ‘a’ and ‘l’ and note the deflection ‘y’ by dial gauge. Note ‘w’
then EI can be calculated as:
EI = WaL2
8Y
Also measuring b and d of the beam and assuming

E= 2.1 x 106 kg/ cm2 for steel.

EI = E bd3
12

OBSERVATION:

L=
a=
b=
d=

S.N LOAD DIAL GAU GE NG AT EI AVG.

O W READI CENTRE VALUE
OF EI

RESULT:

AVG VALUE OF EI AS OBTAINED EXPERIMENTALLY =

VALUE OF EI CALCULATED BY EQN ( 2 ) =

DISCUSSION: Comment on the accuracy of obtained, precautions etc.

________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 2
OBJECT: TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A
THREE ARCH FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

THEORY: The method of Bridging long spans is ‘ Arch type ‘ construction. Brick and
Masonry arches are common and known since long time. Steel R.C.C. arches are
preferred and are in use for long span bridge flooring systems.

‘ Arch Type ‘ construction has got its own advantages. It is economical and suitable for
large spans.

Types of arches are :

1) Fixed
2) Hinged with one, two or three hinges.

Methods for calculating reactions on supports and at hinges are time consuming. For an
Engineering student to get the feel of behavior and comparative merits and demerits
mathematical methods are less effective. A test equipment for this purpose is best suited.
With this in view, an equipment for experiment in Three Hinged Arches is designed.

DEFINITIONS :
a) SPAN (I) : It is the distance between two hinged supports at the
abutments.
b) RISE : ( h, h1, h2) It is normally the vertical distance between
the hinge at crown and hinge at abutment. In the case of
an unsymmetrical arch there are two rises corresponding
to the two abutments at different level.
c) LOAD POSITION (x) : It is the distance of the load from the hinge at the left
abutment.

SYMMETRICAL ARCH : (see fig.1)

When 0 ´ ½ VA = w.(1-x) / l
&
VB = w.x / 1
Taking moment about the centrial hinge ‘C’ and considering right half of the arch :
VB ´ ½ - HB ´ h = 0
Therefore H B = VB : 1 / 2h = w.x.l. / 1.2.h = w.x /2.h = HA
Similarly when ½ ´ 1
HA = w. (1-x)/ 2.h = HB

DESCRIPTION :
The arch is Aluminium costing in two segments and is joined at the crown hinge. The
left hinge is supported by a bracket. The pin in crown hinge is pivoted in plain bearing
and the right hinge is fitted with roller bearing to minimize friction. For loading hooks
with pans are provided at different positions. The roller end rests on a smooth horizontal
plate fixed to the frame by a bracket. At the end of the plate a pulley is provided. A
wire connected to the roller end passes over this pulley and at the other end of the wire a
spring balance is provided for measuring the horizontal thrust.

MODEL DIMENSIONS: a) For symmetrical Arch :

1) Span ‘l’ = cms
2) Rise h = cms
b) For unsymmetrical Arch :
1) Span l = cms ; l2 = cms & l2 = cms
2) Rise h1 = cms & h2= cms

a) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST :

1) Level the universal frame with the help of the leveling screws.
2) Assemble the arch as shown in figure 4 in the frame by using left hand braket,
central pin at crown the roller and bracket.
3) Level the top (deck) of the arch by using spirit level.
4) Mount the dial gauge to the dial gauge bracket fixed to the frame.
5) Record the dial gauge reading for zero load condition.
6) Apply load (W) at some position (´). The roller end shall roll towards right and
the dial gauge reading will change.
7) Connect the spring balance to the roller end and record the initial reading of the
spring balance.
8) Adjust the spring balance by turning the screw for measuring the horizontal
thrust, until the reading on the dial gauge comes to the initial reading. It means
that the deck is in level again.
9) The difference in readings of the spring balance for restoring the level of the deck
is the HORIZONTAL THRUST on the right hinge. For horizontal equilibrium
the thrust on the left hinge is equal to that on the right one.
10) Repeat that procedure for other values of loads and load positions.

OBSERVATION TABLE :
For reading (1) HA = HB = w.x / 2h
Where ‘x’ lies between 0 to l/2 i.e. 0 < x < l / 2
&
HA = HB = W ( I-x) / 2h where ‘x’ lies between l /2 to l
i.e. l/2 < x < l

________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 3
OBJECT: TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE INFLUENCE LINE DIAGRAM
FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A THREE HINGED ARCH AND COMPARE IT
WITH THE ONE THEORITICALLY OBTAINED.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR INFLUENCE LINE : The procedure for

horizontal thrust should be repeated by keeping the value of the load constant and
varying its position on the span.

OBSERVATION TABLE :
Load applied = w kg = 2 kg
Plot a graph of H vs X. It shall be as shown in figure no. 2

CONCLUSION :
The experimental results compare quite well with the theoretical values.
________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 4
OBJECT: TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A
TWO HINGED ARCH FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

THEORY: One of the methods of bridging long span is a “Arch type construction”.
Brick and masonary arches are common and known since long time. Now-a-days, steel
and R.C.C. arches are in use for long span bridge flooring systems. Arch type
construction has got its own advantage as it is economical.

Types of Arches are :

i) FIXED
ii) HINGED WITH ONE, TWO OR THREE HIGES

Methods for calculating reaction at the supports and at hinges are time consuming. For
an engineering student to get the feel of behaviour, comparative merits and demerits,
mathematical model is less effective. A test equipment for this purpose is best suited.
With this in view, an equipment for experiment in two hinged arches is designed for both
parabolic and circular shapes.

DEFINITIONS :

a) Span (I) : It is the distance between two hinged supports.

b) Rise (h) : It is the vertical distance between the crown and hinge at
aboutment.

c) Load Position ‘x’ (x=n-l) : It is the distance of the load from the hinge support at the
left.

SYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC ARCH :

Type hinged arch is indeterminate structure and hence using the strain energy approach
(redundant action) horizontal thrust ‘H’ is given by following equation :-

H =5 w l / 8 h ( h - 2 h3 + h4)

Please refer fig. No. 1 for following :

VA = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘A’

VB = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘B’
H = Horizontal thrust at ‘A’ and ‘B’ = 25 / 128 (w l / h)
W = Concentrated Load at ‘x’ = h l from A

SYMMETRICAL SEMICIRCULAR ARCH :

This is also an indeterminate structure to the first degree. Horizontal thrust is given
byusing strain energy approach.
H = W ´ Cos 2 b / p
Please refer Fig. No. 2 for following :

V A = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘A’

V B = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘B’
H = Horizontal thrust at A & B . Therefore H = W / p
W = Concentrated load at <b from the vertical axis of symmetry.

DESCRIPTION :

Both the arches are fabricated from M.S. Flats. The left hinge is supported by bracket.
The right hinge is fitted with roller bearing to minimize friction. For loading, hooks with
pans are provided at different positions. In parabolic arch, seven different positions at
equal spacing are possible and symmetrical semicircular arch five different positions at
equal spacing are possible. The roller end rests on a smooth horizontal plated fixed to
the frame by a bracket. At the end of a plate a pulley is provided. A wire connected to
the roller end passes over this pulley and to the other end of the wire a spring balance is
provided for measuring the horizontal thrust.

MODEL DIMENSIONS :

a) symmetrical parabolic arch : 1) Span ‘ l ‘ = 100 cm

2) Rise ‘ h ‘ = 20 cm
b) symmetrical semicircular arch : 1) Span ‘ l ‘ = 2R = 75 cm
( Refer fig. No. 3 for (a) and fig. No.4 for (b)

A) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST :

1) Level the universal frame
2) Assemble the arch as shown in figure 5 and 6 in frame by using left hand bracket
and the roller end bracket.
3) Level the crown of the arch by using sprit level.
4) Mount the dial gauge to the dial gauge bracket fixed to the frame.
5) Record the dial gauge reading for zero load condition.
6) Apply load ‘w’ at some positioin ( x = h l). The roller end roll towards right and
dial gauge reading will change.
7) Record the initial reading of the spring balance.
8) Adjust the spring balance by turning the screw for measuring the horizontal thrust
the reading on the dial gauge comes to the initial reading. It means that the
(roller end is in its original position again).
 9) The difference in reading of the spring balance, required to restore the roller end
position. In the horizontal equilibrium the thrust on the left hinge is equal to that
on the right hinge.
10) Repeat the procedure for other values of load and load positions.

OBSERVATION TABLE :
________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 5
OBJECT: TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE INFLUENCE LINE DIAGRAM
FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST OF A TWO HINGED ARCH AND COMPARE IT
WITH THE ONE THEORITICALLY OBTAINED.

EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE : The procedure for horizontal thrust should be

repeated by keeping the value of the load constant and varying its position on the span.
Typical influence line diagram for parabolic and semicircular arches are shown below in
figure no. 3 & 4.

OBSERVATION TABLE
(constant load w = kg)
plot the graph of H’ ® X to get influence line.

CONCLUSION :
The experimental results compare quite well with the theoretical values.
________________________________________________________________________

EXPERIMENT NO. 6
OBJECT: TO OBTAIN EXPERIMENTALLY THE STRAINS IN A SIMPLY
SUPPORTED BEAM FOR A GIVEN SYSTEM OF LOADS AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORITICALLY.

APPARATUS: Digital strain indicator, model of a beam, resistance type strain gauges,
hanger, a set of weights.

THEORY : When a beam is loaded with some external load bending moments and
shearing forces are set up at all sections. The bending moment at a section tends to
defect/bend the beam and the internal stresses tend to resist its bending. The resistance
offered by the internal stresses is called as bending stress.

Following are assumptions made in the theory of simple bending.

1. The material of beam is perfectly homogeneous and isotropic (i.e. have same
elastic properties in all directions).
2. The beam material is stressed within the elastic limits and thus follows Hook’s
law.
3. The transverse sections which are plane before bending, remains plane after
bending also.
4. The value of young’s modulus of elasticity ‘E’ is same in tension and
compression.

The bending stress at any section can be obtained by beam equation

F=M/I.Y
Where
F = Bending stress at desired section (tension/compression)
M = Bending moment at desired section
Y = Distance of desired fiber from neutral axis
I = Second moment of area of beam at that section
Similarly
Fmax = M / I . Ymax
Where fmax is maximum stress at the farthest fiber i.e. at ymax from neutral axis.
Digital strain indicator is used to measure the strain in static condition. It
incorporates basic bridge balancing network, internal dummy arms, an amplifier and
a digital display to indicate strain value.

In resistance type strain gauge when wire is stretched elastically its length and
diameter gets altered. This results in an overall change of resistance due to change in
both the dimensions. The method is to measure change in resistance which occurs as
a result of change in the applied load.
 Two arm bridge require two strain gauges and the strain value displayed will be
double while a four arm bridge require four strain gauges and the strain value
displayed will be four times. If only one strain gauge can be pasted on the strained
surface then another dummy strain gauge is required to be pasted on a strain free
surface. Then the displayed strain value will be the original strain.

Procedure :
1. Mount the beam with hanger at the desired position and strain gauges, over its
supports properly and connect the strain gauges to the digital indicator as per the
circuit diagram.
2. Connect the digital indicator to 230 (+/- 10%) volts 50 SZ single phase a.c. power
supply and switch on the apparatus.
3. Select the two/four arm bridge as required and balance the bridge to display a
‘0000’ reading.
4. Push the ‘GF READ’ switch and adjust the gauge factor to that of the strain
gauge used (generally 2.00)
5. Apply load on the hanger increasingly and note the corresponding strain value.

Experiment set up : The apparatus consists of a digital strain indicator and a model of
beam (simply supported or cantilever). Two strain gauges are pasted on the model at the
mid section one on the upper face and another on the lower face to use it as a two arm
bridge.

The digital strain indicator has a digital display of 4 ½ digit which displays strain
value in micro strains when only one active arm is used. It also has a push button switch
which in pressed position activate the two arm bridge and in released position four arm
bridge is to be used. Another push button switch display gauge factor on the digital
display (instead of strain). A knob is provided on the front panel with the help of which
the gauge factor can be adjusted. The gauge factor of the strain gauge has a value
approximately equal to 2.00. Four terminals of the strain gauges are to connected to
these as per the diagram enclosed for 2 or 4 arm bridge. A fifth terminal marked with
‘GND’ is to connect the earth of the apparatus to the test specimen. Another knob is
provided with the help of which the bridge can be balanced or in other words the initial
value of strain reading on the display can be set to zero.

Observations and computations :

Width of the beam model B =
Depth of the beam model D =
Span of the beam L=
Moment of inertia of beam I=
Ymax = D/2 =
Modulus of elasticity of beam material E =
 TWO HINGED ARCH

INTRODUCTION :
One of the methods of bridging long span is a “Arch type construction”. Brick
and masonary arches are common and known since long time. Now-a-days, steel and
R.C.C. arches are in use for long span bridge flooring systems. Arch type construction
has got its own advantage as it is economical.

Types of Arches are :

i) FIXED
ii) HINGED WITH ONE, TWO OR THREE HIGES

Methods for calculating reaction at the supports and at hinges are time consuming. For
an engineering student to get the feel of behavior, comparative merits and demerits,
mathematical model is less effective. A test equipment for this purpose is best suited.
With this in view, an equipment for experiment in two hinged arches is designed for both
parabolic and circular shapes.

DEFINITIONS :

a) Span (I) : It is the distance between two hinged supports.

b) Rise (h) : It is the vertical distance between the crown and hinge at
abuttment.

c) Load Position ‘x’ (x=n-l) : It is the distance of the load from the hinge support at the
left.

SYMMETRICAL PARABOLIC ARCH :

Type hinged arch is indeterminate structure and hence using the strain energy approach
(redundant action) horizontal thrust ‘H’ is given by following equation :-

H =5 w l / 8 h ( h - 2 h3 + h4)

Please refer fig. No. 1 for following :

VA = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘A’

VB = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘B’
H = Horizontal thrust at ‘A’ and ‘B’ = 25 / 128 (w l / h)
W = Concentrated Load at ‘x’ = h l from A
SYMMETRICAL SEMICIRCULAR ARCH :

This is also an indeterminate structure to the first degree. Horizontal thrust is given
byusing strain energy approach.
H = W ´ Cos 2 b / p

Please refer Fig. No. 2 for following :

V A = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘A’

V B = Vertical reaction at hinge ‘B’
H = Horizontal thrust at A & B . Therefore H = W / p
W = Concentrated load at <b from the vertical axis of symmetry.

DESCRIPTION :

Both the arches are fabricated from M.S. Flats. The left hinge is supported by bracket.
The right hinge is fitted with roller bearing to minimize friction. For loading, hooks with
pans are provided at different positions. In parabolic arch, seven different positions at
equal spacing are possible and symmetrical semicircular arch five different positions at
equal spacing are possible. The roller end rests on a smooth horizontal plated fixed to
the frame by a bracket. At the end of a plate a pulley is provided. A wire connected to
the roller end passes over this pulley and to the other end of the wire a spring balance is
provided for measuring the horizontal thrust.

MODEL DIMENSIONS :

a) symmetrical parabolic arch : 1) Span ‘ l ‘ = 100 cm

2) Rise ‘ h ‘ = 20 cm
b) symmetrical semicircular arch : 1) Span ‘ l ‘ = 2R = 75 cm
( Refer fig. No. 3 for (a) and fig. No.4 for (b)

A) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST :

1) Level the universal frame

2) Assemble the arch as shown in figure 5 and 6 in frame by using left hand bracket
and the roller end bracket.
3) Level the crown of the arch by using sprit level.
4) Mount the dial gauge to the dial gauge bracket fixed to the frame.
5) Record the dial gauge reading for zero load condition.
6) Apply load ‘w’ at some positioin ( x = h l). The roller end roll towards right and
dial gauge reading will change.
7) Record the initial reading of the spring balance.
8) Adjust the spring balance by turning the screw for measuring the horizontal thrust
the reading on the dial gauge comes to the initial reading. It means that the
(roller end is in its original position again).
 9) The difference in reading of the spring balance, required to restore the roller end
position. In the horizontal equilibrium the thrust on the left hinge is equal to that
on the right hinge.
10) Repeat the procedure for other values of load and load positions.

OBSERVATION TABLE :

B) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR INFLUENCE LINES :

The procedure for horizontal thrust should be repeated by keeping the value of the load
constant and varying its position on the span. Typical influence line diagram for
parabolic and semicircular arches are shown below in figure no. 3 & 4.

OBSERVATION TABLE :

(constant load w = kg)

plot the graph of H’ ® X to get influence line.

CONCLUSION :

The experimental results compare quite well with the theoretical values.
 THREE HINGED ARCH

INTRODUCTION :

One of the method of Bridging long span is ‘ Arch type ‘ construction. Brick and
Masonry arches are common and known since long time. Steel R.C.C. arches are
preferred and are in use for long span bridge flooring systems.

‘ Arch Type ‘ construction has got its own advantages. It is economical and suitable for
large spans.

Types of arches are :

1) Fixed
2) Hinged with one, two or three hinges.

Methods for calculating reactions on supports and at hinges are time consuming. For an
Engineering student to get the feel of behavior and comparative merits and demerits
mathematical methods are less effective. A test equipment for this purpose is best suited.
With this in view, an equipment for experiment in Three Hinged Arches is designed.

DEFINITIONS :

a) SPAN (I) : It is the distance between two hinged supports at the

abutments.
b) RISE : ( h, h1, h2) It is normally the vertical distance between
the hinge at crown and hinge at abutment. In the case of
an unsymmetrical arch there are two rises corresponding
to the two abutments at different level.
c) LOAD POSITION (x) : It is the distance of the load from the hinge at the left
abutment.

SYMMETRICAL ARCH : (see fig.1)

When 0 ´ ½ VA = w.(1-x) / l
&
VB = w.x / 1
Taking moment about the centrial hinge ‘C’ and considering right half of the arch :

VB ´ ½ - HB ´ h = 0

Therefore H B = VB : 1 / 2h = w.x.l. / 1.2.h = w.x /2.h = HA

Similarly when ½ ´ 1
HA = w. (1-x)/ 2.h = HB
DESCRIPTION :
The arch is Aluminium costing in two segments and is joined at the crwon hinge. The
left hinge is supported by a bracket. The pin in crown hinge is pivoted in plain bearing
and the right hinge is fitted with roller bearing to minimize friction. For loading hooks
with pans are provided at different positions. The roller end rests on a smooth horizontal
plate fixed to the frame by a bracket. At the end of the plate a pulley is provided. A
wire connected to the roller end passes over this pulley and at the other end of the wire a
spring balance is provided for measuring the horizontal thrust.

MODEL DIMENSIONS:
a) For symmetrical Arch :
1) Span ‘l’ = cms
2) Rise h = cms

b) For unsymmetrical Arch :

1) Span l = cms ; l2 = cms & l2 = cms
2) Rise h1 = cms & h2= cms

a) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR HORIZONTAL THRUST :

1) Level the universal frame with the help of the leveling screws.
2) Assemble the arch as shown in figure 4 in the frame by using left hand braket,
central pin at crown the roller and braket.
3) Level the top (deck) of the arch by using spirit level.
4) Mount the dial gauge to the dial gauge bracket fixed to the frame.
5) Record the dial gauge reading for zero load condition.
6) Apply load (W) at some position (´). The roller end shall roll towards right and
the dial gauge reading will change.
7) Connect the spring balance to the roller end and record the initial reading of the
spring balance.
8) Adjust the spring balance by turning the screw for measuring the horizontal
thrust, until the reading on the dial gauge comes to the initial reading. It means
that the deck is in level again.
9) The difference in readings of the spring balance for restoring the level of the deck
is the HORIZONTAL THRUST on the right hinge. For horizontal equilibrium
the thrust on the left hinge is equal to that on the right one.
10) Repeat that procedure for other values of loads and load positions.

OBSERVATION TABLE :

For reading (1) HA = HB = w.x / 2h

Where ‘x’ lies between 0 to l/2 i.e. 0 < x < l / 2
&
HA = HB = W ( I-x) / 2h where ‘x’ lies between l /2 to l
i.e. l/2 < x < l
b) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR INFLUENCE LINE :

The procedure for horizontal thrust should be repeated by keeping the value of the load
constant and varying its position on the span.

OBSERVATION TABLE :

Load applied = w kg = 2 kg
Plot a graph of H vs X. It shall be as shown in figure no. 2

UNSYMMETRICAL ARCH: (see fig no. 3)

For 0 < X < l taking moment at A
w.x = VB 1 (l1+l2) – HB (h2-h1) ……(1)
also bending moment at C = 0
considering right side of C =0

HB ´ H2 = VB ´ l2, therefore VB = HB . h2 / l2 ……(2)

From 1 and 2 we get
HB = w.x.l2 / h2. l1 + h1.l2 = HA

i.e. HB = K1 . w. x where K1 = l2 /h2.l1+ h1.l2

now for l1 ´ 1 ; taking moment about B

w (1-x) = HA (h2 – h1) + VA (l1+l2) ……….(3)
agaim bending moment at C = 0
considering the left side of C
HA ´ h1 = VA ´ l1 therefore VA = HA: h1 / 1 l1 ……..(4)
From 3 and 4 we get
HA = W(1-X) (l1) / h2. l1 + h1 . l2 = HB
i.e. HA = K2 (w) (1-x) where K2 = l1 / (h2 l1 + h1 l2)
experimental procedure is exactly the same as for the symmetrical arch.

OBSERVATION TABLE :

b) EXPERIMENTAL PROCEDURE FOR INFLUENCE LINE :

The experimental procedure and the observation table is the same as for the
symmetrical arch.

CONCLUSION :

The experimental results compare quite well with the theoretical values.
 STRAIN GAUGE INDICATOR

OBJECT:TO FIND STRAIN IN A EXTERNALLY LOADED BEAM WITH THE

HELP OF A STRAIN GAUGE INDICATOR AND TO VERIFY IT
THEORETICALLY.

EQUIPMENT: Digital strain indicator, model of a beam, resistance type strain

gauges, hanger, a set of weights.

INTRODUCTION AND THEORY : when a beam is loaded with some external load
bending moments and shearing forces are set up at all sections. The bending moment at
a section tends to defect/bend the beam and the internal stresses tend to resist its bending.
The resistance offered by the internal stresses is called as bending stress.

Following are assumptions made in the theory of simple bending.

1. The material of beam is perfectly homogeneous and isotropic (i.e. have same
elastic properties in all directions).
2. The beam material is stressed within the elastic limits and thus follows Hook’s
law.
3. The transverse sections which are plane before bending, remains plane after
bending also.
4. The value of young’s modulus of elasticity ‘E’ is same in tension and
compression.

The bending stress at any section can be obtained by beam equation

F=M/I.Y
Where
F = Bending stress at desired section (tension/compression)
M = Bending moment at desired section
Y = Distance of desired fiber from neutral axis
I = Second moment of area of beam at that section
Similarly
Fmax = M / I . Ymax
Where fmax is maximum stress at the farthest fiber i.e. at ymax from neutral axis.

Digital strain indicator is used to measure the strain in static condition. It

incorporates basic bridge balancing network, internal dummy arms, an amplifier and
a digital display to indicate strain value.

In resistance type strain gauge when wire is stretched elastically its length and
diameter gets altered. This results in an overall change of resistance due to change in
both the dimensions. The method is to measure change in resistance which occurs as
a result of change in the applied load.
 Two arm bridge require two strain gauges and the strain value displayed will be
double while a four arm bridge require four strain gauges and the strain value
displayed will be four times. If only one strain gauge can be pasted on the strained
surface then another dummy strain gauge is required to be pasted on a strain free
surface. Then the displayed strain value will be the original strain.

PROCEDURE :
1. Mount the beam with hanger at the desired position and strain gauges, over its
supports properly and connect the strain gauges to the digital indicator as per the
circuit diagram.
2. Connect the digital indicator to 230 (+/- 10%) volts 50 SZ single phase a.c. power
supply and switch on the apparatus.
3. Select the two/four arm bridge as required and balance the bridge to display a
‘0000’ reading.
4. Push the ‘GF READ’ switch and adjust the gauge factor to that of the strain
gauge used (generally 2.00)
5. Apply load on the hanger increasingly and note the corresponding strain value.

Experiment set up : The apparatus consists of a digital strain indicator and a model of
beam (simply supported or cantilever). Two strain gauges are pasted on the model at the
mid section one on the upper face and another on the lower face to use it as a two arm
bridge.

The digital strain indicator has a digital display of 4 ½ digit which displays strain
value in micro strains when only one active arm is used. It also has a push button switch
which in pressed position activate the two arm bridge and in released position four arm
bridge is to be used. Another push button switch display gauge factor on the digital
display (instead of strain). A knob is provided on the front panel with the help of which
the gauge factor can be adjusted. The gauge factor of the strain gauge has a value
approximately equal to 2.00. Four terminals of the strain gauges are to connected to
these as per the diagram enclosed for 2 or 4 arm bridge. A fifth terminal marked with
‘GND’ is to connect the earth of the apparatus to the test specimen. Another knob is
provided with the help of which the bridge can be balanced or in other words the initial
value of strain reading on the display can be set to zero.

OBSERVATIONS AND COMPUTATIONS :

Width of the beam model B =
Depth of the beam model D =
Span of the beam L=
Moment of inertia of beam I=
Ymax = D/2 =
Modulus of elasticity of beam material E =