Structures E2/S2

Laboratory Work Handbook

Level 5
2021-22

School of Computing, Science, and Engineering.

 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

Structures Laboratory Experiment: Marking and Feedback Sheet

Dr. Abdulla
Group No:

0-19% Very Poor

Unsatisfactory
Possible Mark

60-79% Very

JBM Thread
40-59% Fair
Mark breakdown

Excellent
80-100%
20-39%

Good
Assessment breakdown
Objective and References 5 D
Health & Safety Risk assessment (Mandatory) 10 H
D
Theory & Apparatus 5
S
Procedure 10 H
Results 40 D
Discussion & Conclusion 20 D
D
Critical review 10 H
S
Mark awarded: 100
Comments:

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 2 of 9

 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

General Instructions
The Structures E2/S2 laboratory work involves 3 separate experiments carried out over
the course of one morning or afternoon in Semester 2.

The experiments are:

Three Pinned Arch – investigating the variation of bending moment in a (statically

determinate) three pinned arch as a load travels across it. This is a very simple
experiment that is usually completed correctly. There is not a great deal to discuss
regarding the results, which usually agree well with the theory.

Truss Bridge – a 3-D bridge is constructed from a series of beams and connectors in a
‘Pasco’ kit. Some of the beams have a load cell incorporated. The bridge is then
loaded with a central point load and the forces in 2 members are recorded. These
experimental loads are then compared to those predicted by both manual and
computer analyses.

Stiffness Method – this experiment is simple to carry out, but then requires quite a lot of
analytical work. In previous years, students have had to return to the lab to pick up
measurements that were not taken at the time (usually strain gauge and displacement
transducer locations. There are quite a number of issues that can be discussed.

Instructions for each of the experiments are contained within this booklet.

Students will work in their Integrated Design Exercise groups.

One (group) report for each experiment is required.

Your report should be written in accordance with the handout writing a laboratory
report. Your report must be submitted at the School Office, for the attention of the
module leader.

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 3 of 9

 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

Three Pinned Arch

Introduction
The objective of this laboratory experiment is to investigate the behaviour of a three
pinned arch when loaded with either a single point load or two connected point
loads.

The three pinned arch is commonly used for medium span bridges where abutments
are on ground liable to settle under the weight of the bridge. Introducing the pin at
the crown makes the structure statically determinate. The forces (and moments) in a
statically determinate structure are unaffected by any support settlement or
temperature expansion (or contraction).

The laboratory model arch is a typical construction with a circular arch rib supporting
spandrels on which a flat road deck is carried. The elevation of the arch is a
compromise between affording headroom under the bridge and keeping the line of
thrust of all the loads as near to the arch shape as possible.

The model allows both a symmetrical or unsymmetrical arch. The experiment will use
the symmetrical arch, since an unsymmetrical arch is very unusual in practice. The
arch is a total of 1000mm long and 215mm high

Instructions
1. Ensure the symmetrical arch is set up.
2. Take the 25N (large roller) or 10N (small roller) load and place it directly over
the left hand support and measure the horizontal reaction.
3. Move the load 100mm to the right and again measure the horizontal support
reaction.
4. Repeat step 3 until the load is over the right hand support.
5. Tabulate the results, creating a table of influence lines for the reactions.
6. Calculate the theoretical values of the reactions and compare them to the
measured values.

EXPERIMENTAL THEORETICAL Position ‘C’

Load Horizontal Vertical Vertical Horizontal Influence
Position Reaction Reaction Reaction Reaction Line for
at LH end at RH end Moment at
‘C’

7. Calculate the influence line for the bending moment in the arch at a
particular point ‘C’ 300mm from one end.
8. Repeat the experiment with two linked loads, tabulate the results, and
calculate the influence line for the bending moment in the arch.

Points to discuss:
Are the theoretical values of the reactions the same as the measured values?
Comment on any similarities or differences

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 4 of 9

 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

Truss Bridge
Introduction
The objective of this laboratory experiment is to compare experimental loads in a
bridge structure to those calculated by hand methods and computer software.

This experiment was videoed as it was carried out by the Lab Technicians. For this
experiment there is a results file and a video. You need to watch the video to
understand the test results.

Each experiment was carried out three times, leading to three sets of results (and
three videos). Each group should use ONE set of results for each experiment to
produce their reports. The table below shows which set of results each group must use.

Group Results series

number
1 Serie 1
2 Serie 2

3 Serie 3

4 Serie 1

5 Serie 2
6 Serie 3

7 Serie 1

Instructions
1. Construct two identical warren girder trusses as shown in the figure below.
The horizontal members are 240mm long and the diagonals are 170mm
long. Ensure the connectors are placed such that the two girders can later
be connected together.
2. Make an approximate assessment of the section properties of the members
(Cross sectional area, A and second moment of area A).

3. Connect the girders at node points using 115mm long struts.

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 5 of 9
 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

4. Add a vertical leg at each corner using 170mm elements.

This should complete the construction of a 3-D truss bridge, as shown in the photo
below:

5. Select 2 elements (one 170mm long and one 240mm long) of the truss to
measure the loads in and replace these elements with a member
containing a load cell.
6. Apply a central point load of 50N and record the loads in each element.
7. Assuming the truss is a pin jointed frame, analyse it using resolution at joints.
8. Carry out an IDENTICAL analysis using a suitable Frame Analysis tool (eg.
Linpro or Robot), (i.e. pin jointed).
9. Carry out a third analysis using a suitable Frame Analysis tool (eg. Linpro or
Robot), but assuming all joints are ‘fixed’
10. Note that for the analysis of a statically indeterminate frame, the correct
cross section properties must be used in the computer program. (E, I and A)
11. Obtain an approximate Young’s Modulus (E) for plastic from references or
the internet.

Compare the results of the three analyses with the experimental values and comment
on the differences.

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 6 of 9

 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

Two Span Beam

Introduction
The objective of this laboratory experiment is to determine bending moments and
deflections in a two span continuous steel beam and compare to theoretical values.

Instructions
1. Using a micrometer or callipers, measure the dimensions of the beam at five points
and obtain the average dimensions (nominally 25mm x 6mm). Measure the two span
lengths (L1 and L2). Measure the location of the strain gauges at the support and
within the spans. Measure the location of the displacement transducers.

2. Calculate the second moment of area (I) about the axis of bending (this will be the
MINOR AXIS in this case).

3. Place the load at a distance (a1) of 280mm from the end support.

4. Turn on the data logger (ask the technician for help) and add the mass hanger to
span 1. Record the weight of the mass hanger.

5. Log the strain at gauges 1 to 5 and deflection at LVDT 1 and 2.

6. Assuming linear, triangular stress and strain blocks, calculate the stress at the top
and bottom surfaces of the beam at the positions of the strain gauges.

7. Calculate the elastic section modulus of the beam(Wel), and hence the bending
moment in the beam at the location of the strain gauges.

8. Increase the load in increments of 0.5kg, logging strains and deflections at each
load increment. Cease the test when the right hand support lifts.

Applied
Load

2 5 1

4 3
LVDT LVDT
L1 L2

9. Using a suitable Frame Analysis tool (eg. Linpro or Robot), compare (graphically)
theoretical stresses (and hence strains) and deflections with the experimental ones.


From the definition of Young’s Modulus, E = we obtain the stress  = E

bd 2
The elastic modulus of a rectangle is, Wel =
6
Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 7 of 9
 Structures 2
BSc / BEng / MEng Civil Engineering and Civil & Architectural Engineering

The moment in a laterally restrained beam is given by: M = Wel 

The fololowing graphs are suggersted:

• Plot load v strain 2 and strain 4 on the same axes (theory & test)
• Plot load v strain 1 and strain 3 on the same axes (theory & test)
• Plot load v strain 5 (theory & test)
• Plot load v deflection 1 (theory & test)
• Plot load v deflection 2 (theory & test)

Points to discuss:

How do the stresses/strains predicted by the theory and the stresses/strains calculated
from strain readings compare – can you explain any differences?

How do the deflections predicted by the theory and the deflections obtained in the
test compare – can you explain any differences?

The theory predicts a negative reaction at the right hand support. If this was correct
the support would lift as soon as any point load was applied – can you explain why this
did not happen?

Can you predict the load at which uplift will occur?

Is there a correlation between deflection (LVDT output) and bending moment (or
strain)?

Phil Leach version 6.0 Page 8 of 9