PORTAL FRAME (1)

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INTRODUCTION:

A portal frame is a type of structural frame that is classified as a beam or rafter supported at either
end by columns. However, the joints between the beam and columns are rigid, which allows the bending
movement in the beam to be transferred to the columns. Portal frames are generally made from steel,
reinforced precast concrete, or laminated timber.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the horizontal deflection of a portal frame: Superposition Method

APPARATUS:

The apparatus comprise of:

1. Portal Frame
2. Frame supports : Pin and Roller
3. Dial gauge
4. Venire Caliper
5. 1 set of weights
6. Steel ruler

Portal Frame

Loading 1: Horizontal load

Loading 2: Vertical Load
Loading 3: Vertical and Horizontal Load

THEORY:

Portal frames can be defined as two-dimensional rigid frames that have the basic characteristics
of a rigid joint between column and beam. The main objective of this form of design is to reduce bending
moment in the beam, which allows the frame to act as one structural unit. The transfer of stresses from the
beam to the column results in rotational movement at the foundation, which can be overcome by the
introduction of a pin/hinge joint.

Portal frames are prized for their structural efficiency. With this type of structural frame, large
spaces can be built and enclosed with the use of as few materials as possible. This is a huge advantage for
builders because it helps them minimize costs.
 Cross-Section Showing a Portal Frame and Its Restraints

The method of superposition, a popular method for finding slopes and deflections, is based on the
principle of superposition. If the response of a structure is linear, then the effect of several loads acting
simultaneously can be obtained by adding the effects of the individual loads.

By “linear response” the relationship between the loading and the internal forces and
deformations is linear. The two requirements for linear response are: the material must obey Hooke’s law;
and the deformation must be sufficiently small so that their effect on the geometry is neglible.

The method of superposition permits us to use the known displacements and slopes for simple
loads to obtain the deformations for more complicated loadings.

Principle of Superposition
PROCEDURES:

1) The width and thickness of span were measured and recorded.

2) Knocked the table to calibrate the dial gauge meter.
3) For Horizontal, based on Table 1, the load was hung at the hanger started with 2N.
4) Knocked the table then the reading on the dial gauge meter was measured.
5) The load was put off and the next load was hung at the hanger.
6) Repeat step 3 and 4 based on Horizontal Loads in Table 1.
7) Repeat step 3 and 4 for Vertical Loads in Table 2 and Vertical Loads + Horizontal Loads in
Table 3.

RESULTS:

Width of frame : mm

Thickness of frame : mm

Moment of inertia : mm4

Dial gauge reading, 1 div : mm

Table 1: Loading 1

Horizontal deflection Theoretical deflection

Horizontal loads ( N )
Dial gauge div. mm ( div x 0.01 ) = 0.5 P (mm)

10

12

Table 2: Loading 2

Horizontal deflection Theoretical deflection

Vertical loads ( N )
Dial gauge div. mm ( div x 0.01 ) = 0.075 P (mm)

12

16

20

24

Table 3: Loading 3

Vertical loads Horizontal deflection

Theoretical deflection
+
Dial gauge div. mm ( div x 0.01 ) = 0.075 P + 0.5 P (mm)
Horizontal loads
 0

4+2

8+4

12 + 6

16 + 8

20 + 10

24 + 12

Table 4

Loading 1 Loading 2 Loading 1 + 2 Loading 3

Deflection Deflection Deflection Deflection

Load (N) Load (N) Load (N) Load (N)
(mm) (mm) (mm) (mm)

0 0 0 0

2 4 2+4 2+4

4 8 4+8 4+8

6 12 6 + 12 6 + 12

8 16 8 + 16 8 + 16

10 20 10 + 20 10 + 20

12 24 12 + 24 12 + 24

RESULTS

1. Using the data from the Table 1, 2 and 3, plot the graph of the horizontal deflection verses load
and draw the best-fit curves through the plotted points.

2. From the graphs, calculate the average deflection for every deflection and fill in Table 4.
 3. From the data in Table 4, plot the graph of the horizontal deflection verses load for loading 3 and
loading 1 + 2. Draw the best curve through the plotted points.

CONCLUSION

1. Based on the 2 curves on the graph from Table 4, conclude the horizontal deflection of frame
based on the superposition method

2. State the possible factors that might have influenced your results and means overcoming it.

COMMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS:

REFERENCES:

APPENDIX: