UNESCO-NIGERIA TECHNICAL &

VOCATIONAL EDUCATION
REVITALISATION PROJECT-PHASE II

NATIONAL DIPLOMA IN
CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

STRENGTH OF MATERIALS
COURSE CODE:CEC 106
YEAR I- SE MESTER I PRACTICAL/Version 1
December ,2008

1
 CIVIL ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY

STRENGTH OF MATERIAL CEC 106 PRACTICAL

COURSE INDEX

WEEK 1. 1.0 TENSILE STRENGTH TEST FOR MILD STEEL -----1- 4

WEEK 2. 2.0 PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS -------------------------------5- 7

WEEK 3. 3.0 REACTION AT BEAM SECTION ------------------------8- 9

WEEK 4. 4.0DETERMINATION OF YOUNG MODULUS AND

POISSON’S RATIO -----------------------------------------10- 12

WEEK 5. 5.0 DETERMINATION OF YOUNG MODULUS OF HIGH

YIELD STEEL ---------------------------------------------13- 16

WEEK 6. 6.0 DEFLECTION IN A SIMPLE SUPPORT BEAM USING

POINT LOAD -------------------------------------------------17- 18

WEEK 7. 7.0 COMPRESSION STRESS TEST ON TIMBER-----19- 21

WEEK 8. 8.0 BENDING STRESS TEST ON TIMBER -----------22- 24

WEEK 9. 9.0 TENSILE STRENGTH TEST ON TIMBER --------25 - 28

WEEK 10. 10.0 DETERMINATION OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY –29-31

WEEK 11. 11.0 DETERMINATION OF MEMBER FORCES IN

FRAME-------------------------------------------------32- 34

2
WEEK 12. 12.0 MEASUREMENT OF STRESS/ STRAIN OF BRITTLE

MATERIALS ------------------------------------------35- 37

WEEK 13. 13.0 DETERMINATION OF MEMBER FORCES IN SIMPLE

CANTILEVER BEAM ---------------------------------38- 39

WEEK 14 14.0 DEFLECTION IN CANTILEVER BEAM ----------40- 41

WEEK 15 15.0 DETERMINATION OF YOUNG MODULUS FOR

TIMBER -------------------------------

3
 WEEK ONE
EXPERMENT NO.1 Tensile Strength Test for mild steel
Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour and elastic moduli of mild steel in
tension.
Apparatus: Universal testing machine , steel bar, vernier calipers, steel tape ,
weighing machine.
Specimen; mild steel
Instrumentation ;

DIAGRAM F0R TENSILE TESTING MACHINE

Theory ; Tensile test on material is conducted to obtain stress- strain diagram of

material , when the stress is not kept within the elastic range , limit of
proportionality , ultimate load and failure load . It is observed that with a gradual
increase in loading there is a proportional increase in strain as well . The maximum
stress

4
value upto which this relationship is maintained is called the limit of proportionality
, point
p on the curve shows the limit of proportionality.
Point E on the curve represents elastic limit . These two points are very close to each
other .
But in most cases elastic limit is higher than limit of proportionality . The stress
value at
which the large increase in strain takes place is termed “ yield p

STRESS( ) U
E B
P Y1 • • Y2

2 STRAIN (τ)
Figure 1. Stress – Strain curve for mild steel

Method:
Method:
1. Using vernier caliper ,measure the diameter of steel rods
2. Before placing any loads on the beam, note the reading on the spring balances.
(Let these be P1 and Q1 lb. Respectively.)
3. Place some weights on the beam.
4. Read the gauge at different weight (These values are P and Q lb.)
5. On operation of the lever of the testing machine , load were applied to the
three

Samples successively until the specimen fail.

5
 6 .Table of values is to drawn as shown below and calculation made for yield
strength .
Maximum strength , 0/0 elongation , reduction and young modulus.

Size of weight length guage yield strength o/o o/o young

Bar kg mm length load max. elongation reduction
modulus
diameter

Calculation;
(i) yield strength = yield load
Cross – sectional area

( ii ) maximum strength = maximum load

Cross – sectional area

( iii ) o/o elongation = final length – original length ×100

Original length
( iv ) o/o Reduction in A = A1 – A2 × 100
A1

(v) Young modulus = stress

Strain

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
1. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

6
 (v) Observations , conclusions and discution
.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

7
 WEEK TWO ( 2 )

EXPERIMENT NO.2 PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS {2}

Objective:
To illustrate the principle of moments.

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum.

DIAGRAM ( 2 ) ABOVE SHOWS THE PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS .

Theory; Principle of moment can be arranged quite easily with the aid of a fulcrum , a
rod and a few weights . The rod itself , since it is supported at its centre of gravity, has no
resultant turning effect , clockwise or anticlockwise. Therefore , for equilibrium ;
anticlockwise moment equal to the clockwisemoment.

8
Method:
1. Set up metre rule as shown in fig. with several weights hanging on each side of
the fulcrum.
2. Adjust the weights until the rule is in equilibrium.
3. Note the weights W1,W2,W3,W4,etc.,and their corresponding distance
x1,x2,x3,x4,ect., from fulcrum.
(N.B.-The distance must be perpendicular to the force in each.)

4. Note which weighs are tending to turn the beam clockwise and which anticlockwise.
5. Multiply each force by its distance from the fulcrum, i.e. calculate the moment of each
force about the fulcrum.
6. Find the sum of the clockwise moment.
7. Find the sum of the anticlockwise moment.
8. Repeat the experiment with the apparatus arranged as in fig.above

Observations:
Anticlockwise Moments Clockwise Moments
Weight in N Distance Moment Weight in N Distance Moment
From From
Fulcrum (m) Fulcrum (m)
W1 x1 W 1 x1 W3 X3 W3 X3
W2 x2 W 2 x2 W4 x4 W4 X4
Sum Sum

Conclusions:
1. What do you notice about the clockwise moments and the sum of the anticlockwise
moments?
2. State the theorem you set out to illustrate.
3 . Tabulate the results and comment on the discrepancies.

9
 WEEK THREE ( 3 )

EXPERMENT NO.3 REACTION AT BEAM SECTION

Object::
Object
To measure the reactions on the supports of a loaded beam.
Apparatus
Apparatus: Wooden beam, two spring balances, various small weights.
Theory ; When a simply supported beam is under load there is a shearing force
acting at
any section , The shearing force is equal to the algebraic sum of the vertical
forces
acting on one side of the selected section. Let the upward forces to the section
be
positive and downward forces negative .
Theoretical shearing force at section; X
w1 w2 w3 w4
A B

RA RB
L.H.S X
w1 w2 w3
A

RA
XX = RA – w1 – w2 – w3

R.H.S.
XX = RB – W4

10
Method:
Method:
6. Suspend the beam from the two spring balances as shown in Fig.9.
7. Before placing any loads on the beam, note the reading on the spring balances.
(Let these be P1 and Q1 lb. Respectively.)
8. Place some weights on the beam.
9. Read the spring balances. (These values are P and Q lb.)
10. The differences (P-P1) and (Q-Q1) give the reactions on the supports due to
the added weights.
11. Calculate the reactions on the supports.
12. Repeat the experiment for several different loadings.

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
2. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii)
theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion .

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Mention three source of error in this experiment.

11
 WEEK FOUR ( 4 )
EXPERMENT NO.4; Determination of young ‘s modulus ( E ) and poisson ‘s
ratio
Of an elastic rubber
Object:
To obtain an elastic rubber young modulus and poisson’s ratio .
Apparatus: Elastic rubber , Office pins , Loadhanger , Clamps . weight, and
spring balance.
Specimen; Elastic rubber

Instrumentation

Figure 4

Theory ; Elasticity is the property of a material by which the deformation disappeaes

when the load producing it is removed . Many materials e.g. elastic rubber behave in this
way up to a certain stress called the elastic limit. Hence the hooke’s law still applied , but
stress is proportional to the applied load . therefore stress ∞ strain

Stress = constant
Strain
For instant a rectangular elastic rubber under longitudinal tension will not only suffer
from extensionin its length , but at the sametime , there will be shortening of its breadth
as well as thickness. It is found that for an elastic material , the lateral strain is

12
proportional to the longitudinal strain and is of the opposite type thus the ratio ү = -
lateral strain tropic.
Longitudinal strain
Produced by a single stress is called poisson’s ratio, and denoted by ( ү ) poissn’s ratio
always has negative sign , because the material under consideration is assumed to be
elastic, homogenous and iso

Method ;
( a ) Obtain an elastic rubber , that is rectangular or square in cross – section , and
length 300mm .
(b) Mark two points on the rubber ( say 30mm apart )
( c ) Put two office pins centrally at these points .
( d ) Punch one of the extreme ends of the elastic rubber and attach a load hanger to it.
( e ) Clamp the other extreme end of the elastic rubber to a resort stand firmly.
( f ) Place loads on the hanger and gradually increase . Pull on the elastc rubber.
( g ) Measure and record different change in lengths ( i.e. lateral and longitudinal of
the elastic rubber , due to the applied loads on the hang.
( h ) Disengage the apparatus

Calculation;

(i) ү = – lateral strain = – lateral strain/Lateral stress = – Lateralstrain

Longitudinal strain Axial
strain

( ii ) Longitudinal stress y = Load

area

( iii ) Longitudinal strain y = Ly

L
( iv ) Lateral strain εx = Lx
Original thickness

(vi) Young modulus = y

Εy

13
Conclusions:
3. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discution

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Mention three source of error in this experiment.

14
 WEEK FIVE ( 5 )
EXPERMENT NO.5 ; DETERMINATION OF YOUNG MODULUS OF
ELSATICITYOF HIGH YIELD STEEL
Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour and elastic moduli of High yield steel in
tension.
Apparatus: Universal testing machine , steel bar, vernier calipers, steel tape ,
weighing machine.
Specimen; High yield steel

Instrumentation ;

Universal Testing Machine Diagram

13

Theory ; Materials which fracture when the strains are small are
known as brittle , while material which have an appreciable

15
 deformation before failure are said to be ductile.High yield steel is an
elastic material which will recover from deformation in tensile stress
within it’s elastic limit when load is removed . However , if the load is
large the material can deform permanently. When high yield steel is
under plasticity.

A___B
Stress σ(N/M )2

∈ Strain

Figure 2.0: stress\strain curve of a brittle materials subjected to a tensile test , undergo
the following:

Method:
Method:
13. Using vernier caliper ,measure the diameter of steel rods an
14. Before placing any loads on the beam, note the reading on the spring balances.
(Let these be P1 and Q1 lb. Respectively.)
15. Place some weights on the beam.
16. Read the gauge at different weight (These values are P and Q lb.)
17. On operation of the lever of the testing machine , load were applied to the
three

Samples successively until the specimen fail.

6 .Table of values is to drawn as shown below and calculation made for yield
strength .
Maximum strength , 0/0 elongation , reduction and young modulus.

16
Size of weight length guage yield strength o/o o/o young
Bar kg mm length load max. elongation reduction
modulus
diameter

Calculation;

(i) yield strength = yield load

Cross – sectional area

( ii ) maximum strength = maximum load

Cross – sectional area

( iii ) o/o elongation = final length – original length ×100

Original length
( iv ) o/o Reduction in A = A1 – A2 × 100
A1

15

(vii) Young modulus = stress

Strain

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
4. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion .

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

17
 WEEK SIX

EXPERIMENT NO.6 DEFLECTION IN A SIMPLY SUPPORTED BEAM

USING POINT LOAD.
Objective:
To determine the deflection on the application of load.

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum, dial gauge and simply supported beam.

THEORY;The lateral load acting on a beam for instance will cause a beam to deflect ,
thereby deforming the longitudinal axis of beam into a curved line . Deflection of a beam
is the direct effect of that bending tendency , which affect their service ability and
stability.

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Excessive deflection not only unpair the strength and stability , but also give rise to minor
trouble such as cracking of plaster and ceilings , partitions and other finishes,as well as
adversely affecting the functional needs and aesthetics requirements or simply being
unsightly

Method: For a point Load

4. The Screws of the dial gauge of the given two span was unlocked.
5. A convenient dimension of the steel beam was measured for the simply supported
beam with a point load..
6. The two dial gauges required for the experiment were adjusted and their screws
were locked in order to make the beam simply supported.
7. The dial gauge are placed very close to the steel beam just at it’s mid span.
8. A Load hanger was placed at the mid – span of the beam’.
9. Weights gradually applied on the load hanger.
10. The deflection was noted on the dial guage and the readings were recorded for
six different load.
11. The loads and load hanger were disengage from the beam..

Conclusions:
1.The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Mention three source of error in this experiment.

19
 WEEK SEVEN

EXPERMENT NO.7 Measurement of stresses in a timber beam due to

compression ..
Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour of a timber beam.
Apparatus: Universal compression testing machine , timber beam, steel tape ,
weighing machine.
Specimen; Timber beam
Instrumentation ;

COMPRESSION MACHINE DIAGRAM.

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Theory ;.Compression stress occurs when equal and opposite loads applied to a
body tends
to shorter or contract it , the body is said to be under compression . In this case , the
timber
beam is called a strut , and the stress so produced is known as compressive stresses
in a
timber beam , in order to predict limiting loads which it can stand before failure of
its
materials , or excessive deformation occurs.

Procedure; ( a ) Obtain timber of size 200mm ×100mm×100mm

( b ) Place the timber on the bottom plate of the compression testing
machine.
( c ) Set adial gauge to the bottom plate of the testing machine.
( d ) Apply compressive loads gradually ( i.e. this alteration on length
of the
Timber due to stresses would be noticed ).
( e ) Record and tabulate the various strains and stresses measured in
this
Experiment.
( f ) Disengage the machine.

Table of values for the compression test on timber

Mark the length Width Breadth Ultimate load Weight Comp.stress Modulus
of
Depth ( mm) (N) (g) at max.load
Elasticity
specimen ( mm ) N/mm2

21
Conclusions:
Conclusions:
1 The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discution

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

22
 WEEK EIGHT ( 8 )

EXPERMENT NO.8 ; Verification of distribution of bending stresses

across a timber beam section , using compression machine.

Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour of a timber beam.in bending
Apparatus: Universal compression testing machine , timber beam, steel tape ,
weighing machine.
Specimen; Timber beam
Instrumentation ;

DIAGRAM FOR BENDING TEST

Theory ;. When a beam is subjected to pure bending or flexure by loading ,

longitudinal stresses are produced within the material . These bending stresses vary
across each of the beam ‘s cross- section and usually along it’s length . For instance ,
a beam that is initially straight and horizontal , when subjected to a sagging bending
moment,

23
Would have it’s bottom layers stretched so that the material is in tension and the top
layer in compression . similarly , with hogging bending moment , there is tension at
the top of the beam, and compression at the bottom
With both sagging and hogging , there is an intermediate surface in the bottom tat
is unstressed . This is called the neutral surface and it’s line of intersection with the cross-
section is called the neutral axis ..

Procedure; ( a ) Obtain timber of size 50mm ×100mm×100mm

( b ) Divide the length into two , with a pencil and try square.
( c ) .Measure 100mm , with the pencil line as centre on the timber.
( d ) Simply support the timber at a span 400mm , under the compression
Machine
( e ) Apply compressive loads gradually . Bending of the timber beam s
Section would results, as there is alteration in length of the various
Fibres in the depth of the section.
( f ) The distribution of stresses over the depth of the timber can be
Measured,.
( g ) Disengage the machine.

TABLE OF VALUE FOR BENDING TEST

Mark the length Width Breadth Ultimate load Weight Bending Modulus
Depth ( mm) (N) ( g ) at max.load stress
Elasticity

specimen ( mm ) N/mm2

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
1 The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

24
( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Name four sources of error in this experiment.

4. Why has the top fibre decrease in length , while the lower fibre increased in
Length.

25
 WEEK NINE ( 9 )

EXPERMENT NO.9 Tensile Strength Test for Timber beam

Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour and elastic moduli of timber beam in
tension.
Apparatus: Universal testing machine , timber beam, vernier calipers, steel tape
, weighing machine.
Specimen; Timber beam ( 700×20×20 ) mm3
Instrumentation ;

DIAGRAM TENSILE TESTING MACHINE

Theory ; Tensile test on material is conducted to obtain stress- strain diagram of

material , when the stress is not kept within the elastic range , limit of
proportionality , ultimate load and failure load . It is observed that with a gradual

26
increase in loading there is a proportional increase in strain as well . The maximum
stress value upto which this relationship is maintained is called the limit of
proportionality , point p on the curve shows the limit of proportionality.
Point E on the curve represents elastic limit . These two points are very close to each
other . But in most cases elastic limit is higher than limit of proportionality . The
stress value at which the large increase in strain takes place is termed “ yield p

STRESS( )
E
P

STRAIN (τ)

Figure 1. Stress – Strain curve for timber beam

Method:
18. Using vernier caliper ,measure the sizes of timber beam
19. Before placing any loads on the beam, note the reading on the gauge to be
zero.
20. Place some weights on the beam.
21. Read the gauge at different weight
22. On operation of the lever of the testing machine , load were applied to the
three

Samples successively until the specimen fail.

6 .Table of values is to drawn as shown below and calculation made for yield
strength .
Maximum strength , 0/0 elongation , reduction and young modulus.

27
Size of weight length guage yield strength o/o o/o young
Bar kg mm length load max. elongation reduction
modulus
diameter

Calculation;
(i) yield strength = yield load
Cross – sectional area

( ii ) maximum strength = maximum load

Cross – sectional area

( iii ) o/o elongation = final length – original length ×100

Original length
( iv ) o/o Reduction in A = A1 – A2 × 100
A1

(viii) Young modulus = stress

Strain

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
5. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.

28
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

29
30
 WEEK TEN ( 10 )

NO.10
EXPERIMENT NO. 10 DETERMINATION OF CENTRE OF GRAVITY
OF AN OBJECT
Objective:
To illustrate the principle of equilibrium of a body

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum.

DIAGRAM () ABOVE SHOWS THE EXPERIMENT SET OF..

Theory ;
The centre of gravity often referred to as centroid , of a body is a point in or near the
body through which the resultant attraction of the earth i.e. the weight of the body , acts
for the positions of the body . The determination of the position of the centre of gravity of
a body or centroid of a section is equivalent to determining the resultant of a number of a
like , parallel forces .

Method:
1Obtain a thin sheet of plywood plates, with defined shapes.

31
 2Make several small holes drilled on each of the regular objects , at their edges
3Obtain a very smooth surface and bigger board , placed against the wall.
4. Insert a 75mm Nail into the board.
5 . To one of these holes of each of the regular objects , attach it
6. Attach a string with plumb bob at its end , to the 75mm nail on the bigger board.
7. Allow the string with plumb bob to swing round in clockwise direction’ .
8. Mark out two points , where the string with the plumb bob touches the suspended
regular objects.

Observations:
Object type Nail diameter
Distance Distance
From From
Fulcrum (m) Fulcrum (m)
W1 x1 W3 X3
W2 x2 W4 x4
Sum Sum

Conclusions:
1The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Name four sources of error in this experiment.

32
 WEEK ELEVEN

NO.11
EXPERIMENT NO.1 1 DETERMINATION OF MEMBER FORCES IN A
SIMPLE FRAMEWORK
Objective:
To erify that when a frame work ( truss frame ) is subject to bending , the force due to
the applied load is purely distributed o a members of the truss frame so that members are
either in tension or cmpression.

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum.

DIAGRAM ABOVE SHOWS THE EXPERIMENT SETTING. .

Theory; A frame work as shown below is a structure built up of three or more members
which are usually considered as being pinned or hinged at the various joints .Any loads
applied to the frame are usually transmitted to it at the joints such athat the individual
members are in pure tension or compression. 32

Method:
1.A spring balance was connected to its frame by removing one of the members of
use frame.
2.A load hanger was then fixed to the frame work to enable the application of loads to
the frame.

33
 3.Note the weights W1,W2,W3,W4,etc.,and their corresponding distance
x1,x2,x3,x4,ect., from fulcrum.
(N.B.-The distance must be perpendicular to the force in each.)

4. Note which weighs are tending to turn the beam clockwise and which anticlockwise.
5. Multiply each force by its distance from the fulcrum, i.e. calculate the moment of each
force about the fulcrum.
6. Find the sum of the clockwise moment.
7. Find the sum of the anticlockwise moment.
8. Repeat the experiment with the apparatus arranged as in fig.above

Observations:
Member member
Weight in N Distance force Weight in N Distance force
From From
Fulcrum (m) Fulcrum (m)
W1 x1 W 1 x1 W3 X3 W3 X3
W2 x2 W 2 x2 W4 x4 W4 X4
Sum Sum

Conclusions:
1. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Name four sources of error in this experiment.

34
 EXPERMENT NO.12 MEASUREMENT OF STRESS/ STRAIN OF
BRITTLE MATERIALS.
Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour of a brittle materials
Apparatus: Universal compression testing machine , concrete cubes, weighing
machine.
Specimen; Concrete cubes
Instrumentation ;

DIAGRAM FOR COMPRESSION MACHINE

Theory ;.Compression stress occurs when equal and opposite loads applied to a
body tends to shorter or contract it , the body is said to be under compression . In
this case , the timber beam is called a strut , and the stress so produced is known as
compressive stresses in a timber beam , in order to predict limiting loads which it
can stand before failure of its materials , or excessive deformation occurs.
Procedure; ( a ) Obtain concrete cube

35
 ( b ) Place the concrete on the bottom plate of the compression testing
machine.
( c ) Set adial gauge to the bottom plate of the testing machine.
( d ) Apply compressive loads gradually ( i.e. this alteration on length
of the
Timber due to stresses would be noticed ).
( e ) Record and tabulate the various strains and stresses measured in
this
Experiment.
( f ) Disengage the machine.

Table of values for the compression test on timber

Mark the length Width Breadth Ultimate load Weight Comp.stress Modulus
of
Depth ( mm) (N) (g) at max.load
Elasticity
specimen ( mm ) N/mm2

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
1. The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discution

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

36
EXPERIMENT NO.13 DETERMINATION OF MEMBER FORCE IN A
SIMPLE CANTILEVER FRAME WORK
Objective:
To illustrate the principle of moments.

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum.

DIAGRAM ( 2 ) ABOVE SHOWS THE PRINCIPLE OF MOMENTS .

Method:
1.A spring balance was connected to its frame by removing one of the members of use
frame.

2.A load hanger was then fixed to the frame work to enable the application of loads to the
frame.
3.Note the weights W1,W2,W3,W4,etc.,and their corresponding distance x1,x2,x3,x4,ect.,
from fulcrum.
(N.B.-The distance must be perpendicular to the force in each.)

37
4. Note which weighs are tending to turn the beam clockwise and which anticlockwise.
5. Multiply each force by its distance from the fulcrum, i.e. calculate the moment of each
force about the fulcrum.
6. Find the sum of the clockwise moment.
7. Find the sum of the anticlockwise moment.
8. Repeat the experiment with the apparatus arranged as in fig.above

Observations:
Member member
Weight in N Distance force Weight in N Distance force
From From
Fulcrum (m) Fulcrum (m)
W1 x1 W 1 x1 W3 X3 W3 X3
W2 x2 W 2 x2 W4 x4 W4 X4
Sum Sum

Conclusions:
1. What do you notice about the clockwise moments and the sum of the anticlockwise
moments?
2. State the theorem you set out to illustrate.
3 . Tabulate the results and comment on the discrepancies.

38
EXPERIMENT NO.14 DEFLECTION IN A CANTILEVER BEAMS
Objective:
To determine the deflection on the application of load.

Apparatus:
Apparatus:
Metre rule with a hole drilled centrally through it, various weights, thread, a suitable
stand, pivot or fulcrum, dial gauge and simply supported beam.

THEORY;The lateral load acting on a beam for instance will cause a beam to deflect ,
thereby deforming the longitudinal axis of beam into a curved line . Deflection of a beam
is the direct effect of that bending tendency , which affect their service ability and
stability.

Excessive deflection not only unpair the strength and stability , but also give rise to minor
trouble such as cracking of plaster and ceilings , partitions and other finishes,as well as
adversely affecting the functional needs and aesthetics requirements or simply being
unsightly

Method: For a point Load

12. The Screws of the dial gauge of the given two span was unlocked.

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 13. A convenient dimension of the steel beam was measured for the simply supported
beam with a point load..
14. The two dial gauges required for the experiment were adjusted and their screws
were locked in order to make the beam simply supported.
15. The dial gauge are placed very close to the steel beam just at it’s mid span.
16. A Load hanger was placed at the mid – span of the beam’.
17. Weights gradually applied on the load hanger.
18. The deflection was noted on the dial guage and the readings were recorded for
six different load.
19. The loads and load hanger were disengage from the beam..

Conclusions:
1.The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

3 Mention three source of error in this experiment.

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 WEEK FIFTEEN ( 15 )
EXPERMENT NO.15 ; DETERMINATION OF YOUNG MODULUS OF
ELSATICITYOF TIMBER
Object::
Object
To determine the mechanical behaviour and elastic moduli of Timber beam..
Apparatus: Universal testing machine , timber bar, vernier calipers, steel tape ,
weighing machine.
Specimen; Timber beam ( 700×145×50 )mm

Instrumentation ;

Universal Testing Machine Diagram

Theory ; Flexural tests on beams are usually made to drtermine strength and stiffness in
bending ; the modulus of elasticity for material in flexure is compited by use of an
appropriate deflection formula. The value of the modulus of elasticity may then be used
to compute the elastic deflection of beams of the same material but of other size, shape,

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or loading , although some error may be involved .

Stress σ(N/M2)

∈ Strain

Figure 2.0: stress\strain curve of a brittle materials subjected to a tensile test , undergo
the following:

Method:
Method:
23. Using vernier caliper ,measure the cross- section of timber
24. Before placing any loads on the beam, note the reading on the gauge to be
zero.
25. Place some weights on the beam.
26. Read the gauge at different weight .
27. On operation of the lever of the testing machine , load were applied to the
three

Samples successively until the specimen fail.

6 .Table of values is to drawn as shown below and calculation made for .

Maximum strength , 0/0 elongation , reduction and young modulus.

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Size of weight length guage yield strength o/o o/o young
Bar kg mm length load max. elongation reduction
modulus
diameter

Calculation;

(i) yield strength = yield load

Cross – sectional area

( ii ) maximum strength = maximum load

Cross – sectional area

( iii ) o/o elongation = final length – original length ×100

Original length
( iv ) o/o Reduction in A = A1 – A2 × 100
A1

(ix) Young modulus = stress

Strain

Conclusions:
Conclusions:
1.The students to write a laboratory report including; (i) objective (ii) theory

( iii) method ( iv ) result –graph, formulae , state tensile stress and young’s
modulus

(v) Observations , conclusions and discussion

.
2 Do the calculated values agree with the observed values?

43
44