Sri Lanka Technological Campus

Research University

LAB REPORT
AA1456 Nimsara, AA1429 Dilranga, AA1427 Asif Nishad, AA1433 Hisban,
Name with Initials AA1507 Chanuka, AA1498 Amila, AA1340 Madhawa, AA1499 Ravindu,
AA1368 Thushan, AA1453 Tharusha, AA1503 Suchintha Nath, AA1476 Pasindu
Student Registration No -
Title of Practical Bending Moment Apparatus

Practical No: Group: B Individual: No

Module Code ECE 108

Module Name Mechanics of Material I
Lecturer Mrs. Nirosha Dilrangi

Student Statement:
I certify that I have not plagiarized the work of others or participated in unauthorized collusion when preparing
this assignment.

Signature: Date: 12 September 2022

Office use only:

On/Before Deadline Extension Late Submission

Given

Marks Given:
Table of Contents

Introduction ................................................................................................................................... 3

Procedure....................................................................................................................................... 4

Results and Analysis ....................................................................................................................... 5

Discussion ...................................................................................................................................... 8

Conclusion...................................................................................................................................... 8

References ..................................................................................................................................... 9

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Introduction

The main objective of this Laboratory experiment is to inspect a simply supported beam under
concentrated loads. Concentrated loads are applied, and experimental data is obtained. Bending moment
diagrams are simply plots of the bending moment (on the y-axis) versus the position of various points
along the beam (on the x-axis). Maximum bending points can be identified by Bending moment
diagrams. Using the experimental data, a bending moment diagram is drawn. Finally, Theoretical and
Experimental data are compared. Bending will take place when loads are applied. Therefore, it is an
important aspect that should know in the Civil Engineering field.

Apparatus

• The bending moment apparatus consists of a beam that rests on two simple knife-edges
supports, load hangers, and Spring balance

• Weights

• Meter ruler

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Procedure

1. At 0.1 m and 0.6 m from the left end of the beam, respectively, hang two hangers.

2. Verify that the beam is parallel to the surface before hanging weights by adjusting the spring
balance.

3. Then get the initial value from the spring balance and record it.

4. Once more, make the beam parallel to the surface by adjusting the Spring balance after adding
5kN and 10KN weights to the hangers.

5. Get the final Value and record it.

6. Part of the theory: Draw the diagram for W1=5 kN and W2=10 kN Measure a point on the
diagram where the hinge should be, then read the B.M value for that point.

7. With different loads and support positions, try two and three hangers. Draw a bending moment
diagram for each situation, then calculate the B.M. value at the hinge section of the beam using
the graph. After that, set up the equipment and run the analysis.

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Results and Analysis

The distance to spring balance from the center line of the beam = 0.15m

Case 1
Table 1

W1 W2 L1 L2 BM at the hinge (Nm)

No
(kN) (kN) (m) (m) Theoretical Experimental
1 5 10 0.1 0.6 1.55 1.47
2 5 10 0.1 0.8 0.95 0.88

Case 2
Table 2

W1 W2 W3 L1 L2 L3 BM at the hinge (Nm)

No
(kN) (kN) (kN) (m) (m) (m) Theoretical Experimental
1 4 8 10 0.1 0.6 0.8 1.84 1.83
2 4 8 10 0.1 0.75 0.9 1.18 1.18

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Discussion

The purpose of the Bending Moment Experiment is to compare the experimental results to theoretical
values by measuring the bending moment within a simply supported beam under various loads, load
positions, and load combinations.

The experiment yielded values for the bending stresses, which are shown in the table above and are
sorted in the appropriate cells based on the load that produced that bending moment. Theoretical
bending moment values increase with increasing applied load values and decrease with decreasing
applied load values. The ratio between an increase and a decrease in the theoretical bending moment's
value is the same as the ratio between an increase and a decrease in the applied load's value.

There isn't much of a difference between the two values, which show the accuracy of the equipment
and the worker's skills. Human error, including imperfect beam balancing and incorrect interpretation
of spring balance values, causes some variation in the readings that cannot be reduced due to the
limitations of human capability.

Conclusion

The purpose of this test was to study the effect of different forces on the bending moment. Based on the
objective and the result we can conclude the experiment has been achieved. Now we know the
difference between theory and experiment data that influence the result. The result shows that there is
a linear relationship between bending moment and applied load. In cases 1 and 2, the experimental
values and the theoretical values differ by a very small amount and may be due to some error as
discussed earlier. The values different are not very big in theoretical values and experimental values,
therefore this experiment is successful.

The following steps can be taken to further improve the trial percentage by further reducing the
percentage error.

1. Trying to eliminate human error as much as possible.

2. Avoid applying unnecessary force on the test table according to the reading because the load cells
are very sensitive.

3. We can take more readings to increase reading accuracy.

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References

• https://www.scribd.com/doc/177192811/BENDING-MOMENT-IN-A-BEAM

• Laboratory Manual.

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