Structural Mechanics

Experiment 4
STATEMENT

To study the elastic stress strain behavior in bending using

electrical resistance strain gauges.
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3.1 PURPOSE
To learn the use of strain gauges for measuring the strains in bending.

3.2 APPARATUS

• Model beam (Maximum extreme fibre stress = 250 N/mm2)

• Strain gauges (Cemented to beam, gauge factor = 2.05)
• Strain meter
• 45 Volt D.C battery
• Pressure cell and hydraulic jack
• Vernier caliper
• Measuring tape
• Connecting wires

3.3 RELATED THEORY

Normal Strain
Strain along the longitudinal axis of the member is called as normal strain.

Measurement of Strain
Practically it is more convenient to measure strain instead of stress because
strain is a physical quantity while stress is not. Therefore many techniques of strain
measurement are developed.

Types of Strain Gauges

1. Mechanical Strain Gauges

Mechanical measurement of strain is the oldest and direct method. Because of
very small deformations precise instruments are necessary e.g micrometer,
extensometer, dial gauges and other mechanical accessories are used either directly
or as to magnify the deformation.

Advantages
• These may be made demountable so that a number of gauge stations may be
measured with one instrument.
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Disadvantages
• Only surface strain can be measured and at only accessible points.
• Automatic reading is not possible.
• Only static strain can be measured.
• Result may be unreliable due to wear and tear of the instruments.

2. Optical Strain Gauges

In this type of gauges measurement and magnification are done optically. A
system of mirrors may be used to produce large displacements on the scale.

Advantages
• Suitable for measuring dynamic strains when used with a suitable
photographic recording equipment.

Disadvantages

• Only used for research work.

3. Vibrating Wire Gauges

When wire is stretched between two clamps, the natural frequency will
correspondingly change. This principle is used to measure strain in the vibrating
wire gauges. A gauge containing the wire is clamped to the test specimen and
frequency of vibration is measured then it is compared with standard wire of known
frequency.

Advantages
• Stability over long period.
• Easy and rapid.
• If once attached no need to access.

Disadvantages
• Automatic reading is considerably difficult.
• Only static strain can be measured with normal instruments.

4. Pneumatic Gauges
This type of gauges is widely used in precision engineering but does not seem
to have much application in Civil engineering.
Pressure drop is directly related to the amount of fluid passing through an
orifice. Any relative movement alters the effective area of the orifice. By measuring
the change in pressure, the amount of this displacement can be determined by
previous calibration.

Advantages
• Stability
• Simplicity with high degree of accuracy.
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Disadvantages
• Comparatively large sized

5. Electrical Resistance Strain Gauges

General definition

These are very fine metal wire grids having some paper base and are
cemented on the surface of structural member to measure normal surface strain in
any desired direction.

Components
• Filament
• Paper base/carrier (plastic, Bakolite)
• Terminals/leads

Solution
After cementing the electrical resistance strain gauge to the structural
component, apply few coats of water proofing agent (petrosene wax, digel).

Advantages
• Normal strain can be measured in any desired direction
• Remote reading is possible
• We can measure strain where access is not possible
• One person can measure the strain for a number of gauges
• A strain gauge cemented to the structural component can measure the strain
for several years until and unless it is damaged or unbounded.

Theoretical procedure

3.4 PROCEDURE

1. Measure the beam (cross-sectional dimensions and a and b) and location of

each gauge.
2. Switch on the strain meter. Check setting of each factor. Take zero load
readings of strain meter for each gauge.
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3. Apply the loads in three equal increments over the range.

4. Unload and check the gauge zeros. If large drifts are detected repeat the
experiment for the gauges concerned.

3.5 OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

See separate calculation handout for details

3.6 COMMENTS