FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

SHAH ALAM LABORATORY MANUAL

STRUCTURAL AND MATERIALS

COURSE
LABORATORY
COURSE CODE ECS426

LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY TRADITIONAL

DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED (%) 0

PERIOD OF ACTIVITY 1 WEEK

TITLE LAB. 2: BENDING MOMENT AND SHEARING FORCE OF BEAM

Introduction

The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities will not be able to

provide the avenue for students to enhance independent learning activities
and inculcate creativity and innovation. Level 0 is fully prescriptive where
problem, ways & means and answers are provided to the students.
However it is still necessary especially to first and second year students.

Bending moment and shear force are basic information required before
structure can be designed. These are requirement need to cater lifespan of
structure under maximum bending capacity and shear capacity. In design
requirement these elements are categoried as ultimate limit state checking.

Objectives

The objectives of this laboratory work are to:-

1. determine theoretical and experimental values of bending moment
and shear force
2. compare the theoretical and experimental values of bending
PREAMBLE moment and shear force
3. show that the bending moment and shear force at a cut section of a
beam is equal to the algebraic sum of the moments acting to the left
or right of the section.
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this ‘laboratory work’ the student should be able to: -
1) acquire and apply the principles of bending moment and shear force
at a cut section of a beam.
2) demonstrate the ability to conduct experiment on bending moment
and shear force
3) demonstrate the ability to analyse and interpret the collected data
4) practice effectively in a group with leadership capabilities.

©FKA, UiTM, SHAH ALAM -M.I.F- February 2013

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
SHAH ALAM LABORATORY MANUAL

Theoretical Background
LX

L2

W1 W2 W3 X

L1

L3 L4
RA 33
RB
33
Bending moment at section x – x is; X
B.M x-x = W 1 (LX - L1) + W 2 (LX – L2) + W 3(LX – L3) - RALX
Or,
B.M x-x = RBL4

The experiments should answer the following questions:

1) What actually happens when a load is applied to the beam and why does
this condition occur.
2) Will the readings of the load cell differ from the above if it is placed at 100
PROBLEM STATEMENT mm from the centre of the cross-section. If your answer is yes by how
much. If your answer is no, then why.
3) Comment on the accuracy of the experiment.
4) State the probable factors that affects the accuracy of the experiment.

EQUIPMENT/APPARATUS:

1. A pair of simple supports.

2. Special beam with a cut section.
3. A set of weights with several load hangers
4. Distance of L4 is fixed at 175 mm

SCOPE AND LIMITATION:

1. L4 and Lx should be a fixed value.
2. The variables are only: Length: L 1, L2 and L3
: Weight: W 1, W 2 and W 3
WAYS & MEANS
PROCEDURE

1. Fixed the two simple supports on the aluminum base at a distance

equal to the span of the beam to be tested.
2. Hang the load hanger to the beam.
3. Placed the beam on the supports.
4. Placed the load hanger at the desired location.
5. Fill all dimensions measured and load observed at Table 1.

©FKA, UiTM, SHAH ALAM -M.I.F- February 2013

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
SHAH ALAM LABORATORY MANUAL

The type of supports should be simple support.

Repeat the test for 5 sets of readings using the different values of variables
(length and weight)- Refer Table 1.

Table 1
Load And Its Distance From The Left Load
Support
Load Cell
Case W1 L1 W2 L2 W3 L3 Reading
N mm N mm N mm F (N)

Case 1
RESULTS
Case 2

Case 3

Case 4

Case 5

©FKA, UiTM, SHAH ALAM -M.I.F- February 2013