Influence Line
Influence Line
Structural Analysis
Fall 2011
Experimental Lab
Influence Lines for Bending Moment
Objective:
The objective of this experiment is to determine, using resistance-type strain gages, the influence
lines for bending moment along the length of a beam. This will be compared with the theoretical
solution. For this lab you and your team members will be required to submit a joint lab report.
Theoretical Background
The bending moment in a simply supported beam of span L, and subjected to a point load W,
varies linearly as shown below in Figure 1. The bending moment at any section varies as a
function of the load position.
W
b
L
Mmax
M
Figure 1
In Figure 1:
M max
Wab
L
The moment at any point along the beam can be calculated with the following equation:
Mx
Wbx
(when x a )
L
This internal bending moment can be converted to a stress distribution on the cross-section, as
shown in Figure 2. The maximum tensile and compressive stresses will be located at the extreme
top and bottom fibers of the cross-section.
ArchE CE 217
Structural Analysis
Fall 2011
N.A.
Figure 2
bh3
12
h
2
For a U-Channel like the one used in this lab the parallel axis theorem will have to be used. Here
is an example using a flanged beam.
c = the distance from the neutral axis to the point in question =
Figure 2
The first step is to find y or the centroid of the shape. This is found by using the following
equation:
yA
y
A
Make sure you keep track of what axis you are measuring each sections centroid from, either the
top or the bottom axis. To find the moment of inertia you solve for the moment of inertia of each
section and then use the parallel axis theorem which is:
I I c bh (d y )2
ArchE CE 217
Structural Analysis
Fall 2011
I
Thus, the stress in the extreme fiber of the beam is:
Mc M y M y
I
I
I
The strain in the beam, , is related to stress by: E
Therefore, the strain in the extreme fiber of the beam is given by Equation (1):
My
EI
(1)
The influence line of the bending moment at a section represents the moment at the section when
a load W, which equals a unit value, moves along the beam. The influence line at a section could
therefore be evaluated experimentally by:
a) Measuring the strain at the extreme fiber of the section for a given position of the load W
using electrical resistance strain gages.
b) Evaluating the corresponding bending moment at the section using equation (1) for the
c)
**Note that: The position of W can be calculated through the following approach:
W F1 F2 F3
F2b F3 (a b)
W
(2)
(3)
ArchE CE 217
Structural Analysis
F3
Fall 2011
F1
F2
a
b
c
W
Figure 3
Lab Instructions
1.
Measure the dimensions of the beam: L, h, hf, be, and, bw and calculate y and I. Record the dimensions on the
appropriate charts. The beam material is Aluminum with a Youngs modulus that equals 10600 ksi. The simplysupported beam with the corresponding position of the strain gage is shown in Figure (3).
Loading Positions
Strain Gage
L/2
L/2
x
Figure 4
ArchE CE 217
Structural Analysis
Fall 2011
bw=0.25"
H=0.25"
hf=0.125"
be=5"
Figure 5
2.
6. Using the data recorded develop a strain vs. position graph. ( You will need the time to
estimate the speed of the truck and locate the positions).
7. Using the strain vs. position graph compute the largest bending moment and record its
location.
ArchE CE 217
Structural Analysis
Fall 2011
Lab Report is due in 2 lab periods after you perform the lab.
Questions:
Chenglin Wu
cwmqc@mst.edu
Office at ERL 206
Office Phone: 573-341-6428
Simply Supported
Length (in)
0.25
hf
0.125
be
bw
Wheel Set
Weight (g)
5
0.25
10,600
1
2
3
Resultant Force