Lab#3 Compression Test
Lab#3 Compression Test
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I-moments of inertia * for rectangular
E-modulus of elasticity
L- Length of the column
APPARATUS
3 Plastic Rulers
Platform Scales
Sponge
Test weights
PROCEDURE
Buckling Failure
measure the length, thickness (or depth) and width for each ruler
hold the plastic ruler vertically on the scale
Applied vertical force on the ruler by pressing down until it bows out of plane.
Read and recorded the load that caused buckling
Repeated the steps for the other two rulers of different length.
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RESULTS
Length inch Width (b) inch Depth (d) inch Buckling lbs.
Ruler 1 6.2515 1.0075 0.0915 7.225
Ruler 2 12.2580 1.2045 0.0810 1.600
Ruler 3 18.25 1.5610 0.117 3.150
Calculations:
Moment of Inertia
Ruler 1:
(
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Ruler 2:
(
Ruler 3:
(
Critical Loads
E for Ruler is 2.8 x 10
9
N/m
2
Or 406105.67 lb. / in
2
= 4.061 x 10
5
Ruler 1:
Ruler 2:
Ruler 3:
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Discussion of Results:
The failure occurred faster at the Ruler 2 because his length is between Ruler one and
Ruler 3 but is the ruler with the smallest depth therefore the buckling occurred under a
compressive load of 1.6 lbs. For example most columns failure occurs at a lower load than the
crushing strength; this is because most columns are relatively slender, i.e. they are long in
relation to their lateral dimensions.
A slender column or strut will fail by buckling, where a relatively large bending
distortion will develop along its length. The member does not collapse immediately but remains
in bent equilibrium unless the yield strength of the material has been exceeded.
The buckling phenomenon is an example of unstable equilibrium, whereas the behavior
of a short strut is that of stable equilibrium.
The axial load to cause buckling is called the critical load (P). For a given load, a critical
length may also be deduced. In the case of slender structural columns or struts, the critical
buckling load and the critical length depend upon a number of factors, such as the shape and size
of the cross-section, the relationship between the length of the column and its lateral dimensions
and the degree of fixity at both ends.
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CONCLUSION:
The rulers are long comparative with depth and width therefore under the influence of the
compressive load, the ruler cannot remain straight and it fails by buckling. The ruler 2 buckled at
the lowest load, followed by Ruler 3 and Ruler1.
References:
Columns http://www.jfccivilengineer.com/columns.htm
Benenson, Ganatos, Ghosn. Activities and Assignments for ENGR 10100: Engineering
Design Freshman Manuel. Third Edition. 2006.