Bending Channel Lab

SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
CIVL2201 STRUCTURAL MECHANICS 2014: LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONS

BENDING OF A CHANNEL SECTION

A preliminary (voluntary no marks) submission of the graphs of the results should be shown to
your official tutor during the session on Friday 30 May. This is to help find any mistakes prior to
submission.
A printed hardcopy is to be submitted at the start of your tutorial (either 11 am or 2 pm) Friday 6
June 2014 to your tutor.
Your Word file of the report and Excel file of the results should be submitted electronically by
11 am Friday 6 June through Blackboard.

GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS

Students are required to perform three small experiments with a common theme during the semester. This gives
students the opportunity to experience some structural behaviour at close hand. The results of the experiments will
be compared with the theory developed in lectures and tutorials. The experimental sessions are designed to be
self-serve and performed without supervision.

The laboratory sessions are to be performed at a time of the students convenience and should take approximately
1.5 - 2 hrs. The laboratory location is Room 379, in the structures lab mezzanine. To get to this room head
towards the Civil Engineering Drawing Office, but just before the set of 4 stairs leading to the Drawing Office, take
the long corridor on the right and Room 379 is the last door on the left.

Students are to form groups of four of their own choosing. If desired two groups of four may join together to
perform each experiment and share the data. Students are encouraged to perform the experiments early in the
semester, to avoid congestion at the end of the semester.

There are two beam set ups that students can use in the mezzanine lab. Students may use either.
Students may need to share some equipment (eg strain gauge reader) with the other group if both beams
are being used at the same time.

For safety reasons, suitable footwear should be worn in the Materials and Structures Laboratory; thongs or
sandals are not permitted. Staff in the structures lab should be advised of any problems during the sessions.

Some specific and valuable equipment is required to perform the experiments. When groups arrive in the
laboratory they should consult one of the laboratory technical staff (most likely Paul Burrell, Brett Jones, or Paul
Ozzy Busstra) either in Room 276 or in the laboratory itself (downstairs). One student should give his/her student
card to the staff member, who will give you the required equipment. The student card will be returned when all the
equipment is safely returned at the end of your session.

The laboratory is open from approximately 8.30 am to 5.00 pm. Note that laboratory staff will generally be
unavailable at morning tea (10.30 11.00 am) and lunch (1.00 pm 2.00 pm). Students will not be able to
commence a session after 3.30 pm. Students should allocate approximately 1.5 - 2 hours for their session.

GROUPS

Students are to form groups of four of their own choosing for the laboratory sessions, and should fill in the
electronic form at http://sydney.edu.au/engineering/civil/current/undergraduate/structural-mechanics-groups.php .

REPORTS

This practical consists of 4 different parts. Within a group of 4 students, each student writes one report only.
Across the 4 group members you each write on a different part of the practical (eg Student 1 writes a report on
Second moment of area, student 2 write a report on stiffness, student 3 writes the report on stiffness and
student 4 writes the report on deflection.

Each member of the group is to perform a peer assessment of one other member in their group using the same
guidelines as the Material Properties Laboratory Report.

Exemptions are not given and repeating students are expected to write a report and they are required to chose a
different section of the report to any attempted previously.

A printed hardcopy is to be submitted at the start of your tutorial (either 11 am or 2 pm) Friday 6 June
2014 to your tutor. Your Word file of the report and Excel file of the results should be submitted
electronically by 11 am Friday 6 June through Blackboard. Students should note that the analysis of the
results and preparation of the report might take 10 - 12 hours, so students should plan to perform the
experiment well before the due date.

There is a separate instruction sheet on the requirements and marking scheme for the laboratory report.

There may be an exam question related to the experimental work so it is important that you are familiar
with all 4 parts of the practical.

MILESTONE SUBMISSION - GRAPHS

To ensure students have sufficient time to complete the report, each group is to show a print out of their
experimental result graphs or results to their tutor during the tutorial session of Friday 1 June. This will help to
identify any errors that may have occurred.

The following graphs/tables are required:

Experiment 1 Graph - Load vs displacement at midspan
Experiment 2 Graph Moment v curvature at midspan
Experiment 3 Table Strain comparison
Experiment 4 Graph - Load vs displacement at point 1.

Directly copying parts of this information sheet (such as the experimental method) is not permitted in the
report. The report should be in the students own words.

It is academic dishonesty to copy and paste either word or excel data from a current or former student into
your report. It is academic dishonesty to allow a student to copy your work.
DIAGRAMMATIC REPRESENTATION OF THE TEST SET UP

Support frame
Channel section
Loading hook 1
A
A
Strain gauge at
midpsan
Section A-A
Loading hook 2
Loading hook 3

EQUIPMENT LIST

2 300 mm steel rules
Micrometer
Wooden metre rule
3 dial gauges for measuring deflection plus magnetic stands
Electronic strain gauge reader

Students will be required to give their student card to the staff member when the equipment is issued
and it will be returned when the equipment is safely returned to the staff member.

Safety requirements and instructions

Enclosed shoes must be worn.

Please treat all equipment with appropriate care and
respect your colleagues will be using this equipment
after you.

Please report any faults or damage to the laboratory staff.

Read the instructions in full before commencing the
experiment.

Is the beam correctly centred between the supports?

Do the results seem logical and consistent?

Is linear elastic behaviour expected? Since the load is
being increased/decreased by a constant increment, how
should the displacement and strain measurements change
each time?

The beam clearly deflects more as more load is applied,
and hence the strain must be changing. If the strain gauge
readings do not change notably between increments that
would suggest that either the strain gauges are not
connected properly, or the battery is low or dead in the
strain gauge box.

Take great care not to damage the strain gauge wires.

Please sign the attendance sheet on the noticeboard when
you return the equipment.
EXPERIMENT 1: SECOND MOMENT OF AREA

OUTLINE

For a simply supported beam of length L loaded by a central point load P, the mid-span deflection is
given by PL
3
/48EI. By loading the beam and measuring the deflection, the value of I can be determined
experimentally. I can also be determined from the measured dimensions of the cross-section or
obtained from a table of section properties calculated by the manufacturer. The aim of this experiment
is to calculate the second moment of area, I, in several ways, and to compare the results.

PREWORK

Determine whether the channel is being bent about the x axis or the y axis.
Tables of section properties are available on the Blackboard eLearning site. The relevant table for
OneSteel channels is near the very end of that document Obtain the nominal value of I from that
appendix. The section being tested is nominally a 75 40 3.8 cold-formed channel section (it
may be listed as a DuraGal Channel Section 75 40 4.0).

METHOD

Read all the instructions before commencing the experiment.
Measure the relevant cross section dimensions of the beam and the distance between supports.
Ensure that the beam is correctly centred between the supports.
Attach the hook to the middle hook (#2) of the beam. Measure the deflection at midspan with the
dial gauge. This will become the zero reading.
Carefully place a 10 lb mass on the hook and determine the deflection at midspan (hook #2).
Repeat the previous step, adding 10 lb each time and determining the deflection until the total
hanging mass is 50 lb.

RESULTS:

The section on results in each report should address at least the following issues. This section should
also contain text that describes the results and should not be just a series of unrelated diagrams, graphs
and equations.

Note the nominal value of I from section property tables. Denote this value as I
nominal
.
Tabulate the nominal cross-section (from the appendix) and the measured dimensions and compare.
Calculate I from the measured cross-section dimensions (I
calc
).
Tabulate the experimental results showing the mass (lb), force (N), and deflection (mm).
Plot the force (y axis) against midspan deflection (x axis). Note that some data manipulation may be
required to ensure that the origin of the data points is (0, 0).
What does the slope of the graph represent? From the slope of the graph, calculate the
experimental value of the of the flexural rigidity (EI)
exp
and hence the second moment of area (I
exp
).
Should the graph be a straight line? What type of behaviour does the straight line indicate? What
method has been used to calculate the slope of the line?
Include a table which clearly shows the different values of I that have been determined.

DISCUSSION

The discussion should include anything that may be important in the experiment. The discussion should
also address the following points.

Is there a difference between the nominal dimensions published by the manufacturer and the
measured dimensions? Suggest reasons why there may be a difference and how this may cause a
discrepancy between I
nominal
and I
calc
.
What assumptions have been made in the calculation of I
exp
?
Which result is the best estimate of the second moment of area and why?
Discuss any other relevant points.

It is suggested that a paragraph of approximately 100 words may be sufficient to address each of the
points listed above.

CONCLUSION

The report should contain any conclusions that can be derived from the results of the experiment.

Refer to the general instruction sheet on lab report writing for guidance on how to write a report. The
underlying question that should be asked when writing a report is Would another engineering student
from another university be able to understand this report and replicate the experiment?

EXPERIMENT 2: STIFFNESS & EXPERIMENT 3: STRAIN
OUTLINE & THEORY

Two different experiments are combined into one. The first part involves examining the stiffness of the
beam through two types of deformation deflection and curvature. The second part calculates the
strain in several ways.

In this experiment the simply supported beam will be loaded as follows. From Example 3.3.3 in the
Lecture Notes, it is known that in the central region of the beam, the bending moment is constant. This
implies that the curvature must be constant as well.

A
B
P
L
P
a
a

The curvature, , in the middle zone can be calculated as follows.

METHOD

Ensure that the beam is centred between the supports. Measure the location of the outer hooks
relative to the supports.
Attach a hook to each of the outer hooks (# 1 & 3) of the beam. Do not load the middle hook (#2).
Measure the deflection at midspan (#2) and the load points (# 1 & 3) with the dial gauge. Three
separate dial gauges are required.
Determine the strain at midspan from the strain gauge - instructions below (the strain from one of the
strain gauges on the channel is required not both). These will become the zero readings.
g: Difference between
mid-span deflection and
deflection under loading
point
Constant
moment and
curvature in
central region
between
loading points
r
Constant radius, r ,
when curvature is
constant
2 2
4
8 1
g c
g
r

Length of beam in
constant moment
region: c
Carefully place a 10 lb mass on hook #1 & another on hook #3 and determine the deflection at the
three points (#1,2 & 3). Take the strain gauge measurement.
Repeat the previous step, adding 10 lb each time to each of hooks 1 & 3 and measuring the
deflections and strain until the hanging mass is 50 lb on each hook.

Results: (Experiment 2: Stiffness)
Assuming each load is P, draw the BMD.
For each value of load, calculate the curvature from the deflection () using the theory explained
above. Plot the midpsan moment (y axis) against the curvature (). What does the slope of the
graph represent? From the slope of the graph, calculate the experimental value of the flexural
rigidity (EI)
curv
. Should the graph be a straight line? What type of behaviour does the straight line
indicate? What method has been used to calculate the slope of the line?
Plot P against the midspan deflection. For this loading condition, it can be proved that the midspan
deflection is Pa(3L
2
4a
2
)/24EI. Using similar methodology to experiment 1, calculate the
experimental value of the flexural rigidity (EI)
defl
.

Results: (Experiment 3: Strain)

At each load level, calculate and tabulate the strain on the outside web face three ways:
o Directly from the strain gauge (
gauge
)
o From the moment & experimental stiffness,
exp
y y exp
/ I E x M . (Use EI calculated in
Experiment 2 above)
o From the curvature determined from the deflected shape, x
defl defl
(Use calculated
in Experiment 2 above (where x is the distance from the centroid to the strain gauge) for
each load level.)

Discussion: (Experiment 2: Stiffness)


Compare the values of EI calculated in this experiment, with the value of EI calculated in
experiment 1. Comment on any differences and any possible reasons for the difference.
What assumptions have been made in these calculations that may not be strictly true? Discuss

A paragraph of approximately 100 words may be sufficient to address each point.

Discussion: (Experiment 3: Strain)

Comment on the sets of values of strain and discuss any discrepancies between them.
How does a strain gauge work? (about 200 words and a diagram please)
What assumptions have been made in these calculations that may not be strictly true? Discuss

CONCLUSION

The report should contain any conclusions that can be derived from the results of the experiment. Refer
to the general instruction sheet on lab report writing for guidance on how to write a report. The
EXPERIMENT 4: DEFLECTIONS

OUTLINE

This experiment investigates the deflections of beams. The experimental deflections are compared to
those predicted by theory. The deflection will be measured in two places.

LOADING

A
B
P
L
a

Loads are placed on hook #1 only, and the deflection is to be measured at hooks # 1 & 2.

METHOD

Attach a weight-carrying hook to point #1. Measure the deflection at points # 1 & 2. These will
become the zero readings.
Carefully place a 10 lb mass on hook # 1 and measure the deflection at points # 1 & 2.
Repeat the previous step, adding 10 lb each time and determining the deflection at points # 1 & 2
until the total hanging mass from hook #1 is 50 lb. Repeat for unloading.

RESULTS:

Draw the BMD for the general case of a load P.
Write an expression for the bending moment using Macauley bracket notation.
Determine the boundary conditions, and hence use the theory developed in lectures to establish a
general equation for the deflection at any point in terms of P and EI.
Tabulate the experimental results showing the load, and the 2 values of deflections.
Plot the 2 sets of results from the previous step on the same load v deflection graph.
Using the value of EI calculated in experiment 2, graph the theoretical relationship between load and
deflection for point #1. Show the experimental results on this graph.
Ignoring the applied loads, calculate the midspan deflection due to self-weight only assuming a steel
density of 7850 kg/m
3
.

DISCUSSION

Compare the predicted deflections with the experimental deflections. Comment on any differences
and any possible reasons for the difference.
What assumptions have been made in these calculations that may not be strictly true? Discuss.
Has the self weight deflection affected the results?

It is suggested that a paragraph of approximately 100 words may be sufficient to address each of the
points listed above.

CONCLUSION

The report should contain any conclusions that can be derived from the results of the experiment.

Refer to the general instruction sheet on lab report writing for guidance on how to write a report. The

HINT

When determining the theoretical deflections in Experiment 3, students
may find it easier to use the general case shown on the left, and determine
deflections in terms of L, a and b, rather than using numerical values (eg
2000 mm, 1200 mm etc), and then substituting in the values of L, a and b
at the very last stage. It is quite easy to make errors in these calculations,
so using a and b etc is preferable.

a
P
L
b
HOW TO OBTAIN THE STRAIN GAUGE READING

There are 3 strain gauges, two are on the web of the channel at midspan, and one is a dummy strain gauge on a separate
piece of steel. To measure the strain one of the strain gauges on the channel and the dummy strain gauge must be connected
to the electronic strain gauge reader. Please treat the strain gauges and the strain gauge box with great care.

HOW TO USE A MICROMETER (TO MEASURE THE THICKNESS OF THE SPECIMEN)

Coarse adjustment
Fine adjustment
(rotate until the
ratchet clicks once)
Take readings from
the barrel
(Image taken from http://www.mitutoyo.com/)

(taken from http://cghintra1.glan-hafren.ac.uk/open/quilt/engineering/reading_a_metric_micrometer_scal.htm)

Connect the wires from one strain
gauge on the channel to knobs 1 and 2
Connect the wires from the dummy
strain gauge to knobs 1 and 3
Switch up
Switch down
off
Switch in middle
measuring
Read microstrain
here (note +/- sign)
Strain gauge factor
(2.15)
The digital readout only gives the last 3
digits. Adjust up or down if the strain
reading exceeds 3 digits in length
HOW TO USE A DIAL GAUGE TO MEASURE DEFLECTION

Ensure the dial gauge is vertical.
The large dial is in increments of 0.01 mm, and one revolution is 1 mm. The small dial shows the
millimetres. This gauge reads 25.02 mm.

Zero Reading

The beginning of the experiment is normally the
benchmark against which other measurements
are compared. However, at the start of the
experiment the instruments do not always give a
reading of zero. For example at the beginning the
dial gauge may show a deflection of 10.1 mm. All
measurements are then relative to this. So if the
next reading is 11.2 mm, then the actual
deflection is 1.1 mm. A similar situation exists for
the strain gauge readings.
HOW TO MEASURE THE CORNER RADIUS OF
A CHANNEL SECTION

r
e

r
e

1 - Place a flat edge on the flange
(eg a ruler)
2 Use a ruler to measure
from where the corner starts
to the flat edge

Tim Wilkinson
Tim Wilkinson
Senior Lecturer in Civil Engineering
EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS BOOKING SHEET

Use this sheet to record your results and include a copy of this sheet in your report. You can photocopy the results sheet so that
every student can include the results in the report.

General

You should measure all dimensions (eg thickness) twice, once at each end of the beam. List both in this table, but do
calculations based on the mean value.

Cross
section
Lengths
Depth d Total beam
length
between
supports

Width b Left Support
to Hook 1

Thickness t Hook 1 to
Hook 2

Corner
radius r
Hook 2 to
Hook 3

Hook 3 to
right support

Experiment 1

Load on Hook 2 Dial gauge hook 1 Dial gauge hook 2 Dial gauge hook 3
0
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
0

Experiment 2

Load on Hook 1 & 2 Dial gauge hook 1 Dial gauge hook 2 Dial gauge hook 3 Strain gauge reading
0
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
0

Experiment 3

Load on Hook 1 Dial gauge hook 1 Dial gauge hook 2
0
10
20
30
40
50
40
30
20
10
0

Group Member Confirmation and signature

We confirm that we were present for the entire lab session, and the raw results listed on the booking sheet above are genuine
and were obtained on the following date.
Member 1 Name:___________________________________ Signature: ________________________________

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SCHOOL OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CIVL2201 STRUCTURAL MECHANICS 2014: LABORATORY INSTRUCTIONS

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