UNIVERSITI MALAYSIA PERLIS

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN & TEKNOLOGI AWAM

Faculty of Civil Engineering & Technology

CIVIL ENGINEERING PROGRAMME

LABORATORY REPORT
Course Code : AMJ10404

Course Title : STRENGTH OF MATERIALS

Experiment No. : 3

Title of Experiment : STRUT BUCKLING

Date of Experiment : 5TH MAY 2023

Dateline for Submission : 22TH MAY 2023

Prepared for : PN. ROSHAZITA BINTI CHE MAT

Student Name : MEETHAN RAJ A/L BARI

Matric No. : 221201937

Group No. : A5
Name of Group Members
1. MAHAAVISHAGAN A/L 3.
RAJASEGARAN (221201935)
2. MAISARAH BINTI JAFRI (221201936) 4.

Examiner Comment Received Stamp

DECLARATION
I hereby declare that the report is based on my original work except where assistance and sources of
information have been suitably acknowledged. I also declare that none of the work in this report has been
previously or concurrently submitted for any other laboratory reports at UniMAP or any other institutions.

Student Signature
 TABLE OF CONTENT

1.0 OBJECTIVE 3

2.0 INTRODUCTION 3-4

3.0 EQUIPMENTS 5

4.0 PROCEDURE 6-7

5.0 RESULTS 8-11

5.0 DISCUSSION 12

6.0 CONCLUSION 12

7.0 REFERENCES 13

2
1.0 OBJECTIVE

- To determine the buckling load for a pinned ended strut.

2.0 INTRODUCTION

Buckling of a strut is caused by the failure whilst its being compressed due to the material
strength and stiffness properties. Buckling of a strut is when a sudden change in the shape of
a structural component happens when a load is applied. An example of this is when a column
bows under compression.

The purpose of this experiment is to analyse the performance of these two beams of columns
under compressive load. The goal is to assess the correlations between experimental data and
the theoretical model, determining accuracy of the measurements and evaluating the effects
of variable loading profiles on lateral deflections.

Columns are long, thin members that are subjected to an axial compressive force, and
buckling is lateral deflection. The critical load, known as Pcr, is the maximum axial load that
a column can support before buckling. A column that is absolutely straight before loading is
ideal. Through the cross-section’s centroid, load is applied. The main axis of the cross section
with the least moment of inertia also known as the weakest axis will give way in a column.

Buckling is caused by the result of imperfections in a strut that prevents the load from being
applied perfectly axially. The combined effects of these imperfections on overall buckling
behaviour are predictable when long struts are to operate under elastic conditions. When a
strut is loaded and reaches over its maximum load the strut will start to deflect sideways by
small amounts.

When a certain critical value, Pcr is reached, the strut becomes unstable and buckles in an
almost instantly. Euler theory predicts the axial compressive force required to initiate the
bucking of a long and thin strut. The combined effects of these imperfections on overall
buckling behaviour are predictable when long struts are to operate under elastic conditions.
Using Euler’s theory, the value of Pcr, depends on the length, Young’s Modulus, second
moment of area and pined-pined conditions of the strut.

3
 π ² EI
Pcr = L²

Where,

L = Length

I = Second moment of area

E = Young’s Modulus

4
3.0 EQUIPMENTS

Top Platen

Specimen
Force Gauge

Column

Load Cell

Digital
Indicator

5
3.0 PROCEDURE

1. The load cell was initially switched on and connected to a digital indicator. Vernier
calipers were used to measure the column's thickness and width, while a metre rule was used
to measure the column's length. Measurements were made and recorded.

2. In order to attach the column to the lower and upper bar, the lower and upper bar test
specimen screw was loosened. Next, the screw is tightened. It was decided how fixed-fixed
end would be configured.

3. Ensure that the digital indicator is set to zero before beginning the experiment. The loading
mechanism was then rotated to apply load to the column.

6
4. The strut readings and deflection were recorded and observed. To reach the critical
buckling load, the experiment was repeated a number of times. The obtained results are then
laid out in table and graph form.

3.1 Apparatus
Figure 3.1: Buckling of Struts Set
up and Schematic.
3.2 Procedures
3.2.1 Buckling Load of a
pinned-end Strut
1. Fit the bottom chuck to the
machine and remove the top
chuck
(to give 2 pinned ends). Select the
shortest strut number 1 and
measure the cross section using
the vernier provided and
calculate the second moment of
area I, for the strut.

7
2. Adjust the position of the
sliding crosshead to accept the
strut
using the thumbnuts to lock off
the slider. Ensure that there is the
maximum amount of travel
available on the handwheel thread
to
compress the strut. Finally tighten
the locking screws
3.1 Apparatus
Figure 3.1: Buckling of Struts Set
up and Schematic.
3.2 Procedures
3.2.1 Buckling Load of a
pinned-end Strut

8
1. Fit the bottom chuck to the
machine and remove the top
chuck
(to give 2 pinned ends). Select the
shortest strut number 1 and
measure the cross section using
the vernier provided and
calculate the second moment of
area I, for the strut.
2. Adjust the position of the
sliding crosshead to accept the
strut
using the thumbnuts to lock off
the slider. Ensure that there is the
maximum amount of travel
available on the handwheel thread
to

9
compress the strut. Finally tighten
the locking screws

10
 5.0 RESULTS

Length of member = 494 mm

Width of member = 25 mm
Thickness of member = 3 mm
Moment of inertia of member = 56.25 mm4
Dial gauge reading, 1 div = 0.01mm

Table 1:

Load, P Mid-span Deflection, d d/p

N div mm Mm/N
30-50 27.5 0.275 6.875 x 10−3
50-70 33.5 0.335 5.583 x 10−3
70-90 58.0 0.58 7.25 x 10−3
90-110 87.0 0.87 8.7 x 10−3
110-130 109 1.09 9.083 x10−3
130-150 189.5 1.895 0.014
150-170 251 2.51 0.016
170-190 365 3.62 0.020
190-210 644 6.44 0.036
210-230 702 7.02 0.032
230-250 820 8.20 0.34

Moment of Inertia:

The moment of inertia of a rectangular member can be calculated using the following
formula:

I = (1/12) * b * h^3

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Where:

I = moment of inertia

b = width of the member

h = height of the member (which is equal to the thickness in this case)

Given the dimensions you provided:

Length of member (L) = 494 mm

Width of member (b) = 25 mm

Thickness of member (h) = 3 mm

The moment of inertia can be calculated as follows:

I = (1/12) * b * h^3

= (1/12) * 25 * 3^3

= (1/12) * 25 * 27

= 225/4

= 56.25 mm^4

Therefore, the moment of inertia of the rectangular member, based on the given dimensions,
is 56.25 mm^4.

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 1. From the data in Table 1 plot the graph of deflection versus (deflection/load).

Southwell Plot
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
Deflection

0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Deflection/Load

2. Draw the best straight line through the points plotted.

Southwell Plot
0.4
0.35
0.3
0.25
Deflection

0.2
0.15
0.1
0.05
0
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Deflection/Load

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3. From the plot determine the slope of the line. This represents the buckling load for the
specimen.
Assuming the value of E as 200 GPa, calculate the theoretical critical buckling load
from the following formula:
Pcr = π2EI/(L2)

Apologies for the oversight in the previous response. Let's calculate the theoretical
critical buckling load (Pcr) using the correct formula:

Pcr = (π^2 * E * I) / L^2

Given:
E = 200,000 N/mm²
I = 56.25 mm⁴
L = 494 mm

Substituting these values into the formula:

Pcr = (π^2 * 200,000 * 56.25) / 494^2

Calculating this expression will give you the theoretical critical buckling load (Pcr) in
Newtons. Let's calculate it:

Pcr = (3.1416^2 * 200,000 * 56.25) / 494^2

≈ 253.77 N

Therefore, the theoretical critical buckling load (Pcr) is approximately 253.77

Newtons.

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6.0 DISCUSSION

1. The results reveal that as the force applied increases, so does the steel bending rate.
Then various reasons for disparities obtained for tested samples due to human
mistake. The experiment is not being set up appropriately during the experiment.

2. Theoretical and experimental values differ. It is because the structure is not subjected
to enough force to buckle.

3. The graph shows that the link between buckling and structural deflection is precisely
proportional.

7.0 CONCLUSION

From the experiment, we can conclude that the Euler buckling formula can be applied to
calculate the buckling of struts because the experimental value and theoretical value have
only a small difference.

Because the experimental value and theoretical value differ by a little amount, we may infer
from the experiment that the Euler buckling formula can be used to determine the buckling of
struts.

But in order to prevent errors, it must be done correctly. This test's mistake was extremely
off-base and showed an unwanted error. Poor testing strategies were the main source of the
error. However, even with proper processes, there was still a persistent and significant error.
Ineffectively aligned equipment and poorly suited test samples were to blame for the
remaining inaccuracies.

The bracing was not modified to put the drive parallel to the bar, as was done in the cases that
had typically suffered buckling prior to the above experiment. This lab test demonstrates that
a longer strut will buckle more quickly than a shorter strut. This is supported by the amount
of weight (N) the beams could support before giving way.

Additionally, the experiment succeeds in achieving its goal. The goal of this experiment was
to establish a correlation between buckling load and strut length. The length of the strut and
the buckling loads are inversely related. With Mr. Munif's assistance, we are grateful for the
chance to complete this project. Our grasp of Euler's rule has improved as a result of this
exercise.

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8.0 REFERENCE

1. The Constructor. (2019, May 18). Strut Test to Determine Euler’s Buckling Load of
Strut. The Constructor. https://theconstructor.org/practical-guide/strut-test/2476/

2. Level 0 -No.1 -Critical Load on Strut - UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

CAWANGAN PAHANG LABORATORY MANUAL - Studocu. (n.d.). Studocu.
Retrieved May 21, 2023, from https://www.studocu.com/my/document/universiti-
teknologi-mara/civil-engineering/level-0-no1-critical-load-on-strut/29887540

Procedure:
Fixed ended:
1)The length, width and
thickness of a specimen was
measure at three places by
using
a steel ruler. We noted the
measurement.

16
2)We calculate the theoretical
buckling load for a strut with
fixed ended condition.
3)A specimen was placed in
the slot of the attachment for
the end conditions, and we
refer the appendix for a proper
installation of the specimen.
4)Then, adjust the distance
between the two attachments
by turn the screw jack handle
with clockwise direction.
5)Check the reading on the
digital indicator if it not in

17
zero we must press the
“TARE”
button.
6)Make sure that the dial
gauge it is at mid-span and set
the dial gauge reading to zero
by turning the face of the dial
gauge.
7)We load the specimen at
suitable increments by turning
the screw jack handle slowly
in the counter clockwise
direction.

18
8)The load was increased and
for each load increment we
record the load and the
corresponding mid-span
deflection.
9)We unload the specimen
once the desired maximum is
reached.
Procedure:
Fixed ended:
1)The length, width and
thickness of a specimen was
measure at three places by
using

19
a steel ruler. We noted the
measurement.
2)We calculate the theoretical
buckling load for a strut with
fixed ended condition.
3)A specimen was placed in
the slot of the attachment for
the end conditions, and we
refer the appendix for a proper
installation of the specimen.
4)Then, adjust the distance
between the two attachments
by turn the screw jack handle
with clockwise direction.

20
5)Check the reading on the
digital indicator if it not in
zero we must press the
“TARE”
button.
6)Make sure that the dial
gauge it is at mid-span and set
the dial gauge reading to zero
by turning the face of the dial
gauge.
7)We load the specimen at
suitable increments by turning
the screw jack handle slowly
in the counterclockwise
direction.

21
8)The load was increased and
for each load increment we
record the load and the
corresponding mid-span
deflection.
9)We unload the specimen
once the desired maximum is
reached.

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