Soil Mechanics Laboratory

Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering

University of Indonesia

SOLID MECHANICS EXPERIMENT REPORT

NAME : Alifia Tsabita Oviningtyas
GROUP :1
DATE OF EXPERIMENT : 30 September 2019
NAME OF EXPERIMENT : Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending,
Tension, Torsion)
ASSISTANT : Dhavin Ariza Adrian
INITIAL AND GRADE :

MODULE D1

STRAIN MEASUREMENT IN BENDING SYSTEM

I. OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Beam Dimension:
Bridge Connection: Full
Young’s Modulus for the Beam:
Load Position: 420 mm
207 GPa
Strain Output Bending Calculated
Load Force Calculated Rel.
Reading voltage Moment Stress
(gr) (N) Strain (𝜀) Error
(𝜇𝜀) (𝜇V) (Nm) (MN.m2)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,00%
50 0,49 25 134 0,19845 2480625 1,19837E-05 52,07%
100 0,98 54 276 0,3969 4961250 2,39674E-05 55,62%
150 1,47 81 414 0,59535 7441875 3,59511E-05 55,62%
200 1,96 108 552 0,7938 9922500 4,79348E-05 55,62%
250 2,45 136 691 0,99225 12403125 5,99185E-05 55,94%
300 2,94 162 829 1,1907 14883750 7,19022E-05 55,62%
350 3,43 190 970 1,38915 17364375 8,38859E-05 55,85%
400 3,92 216 1104 1,5876 19845000 9,58696E-05 55,62%
450 4,41 245 1244 1,78605 22325625 0,000107853 55,98%
500 4,9 272 1387 1,9845 24806250 0,000119837 55,94%

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

Load 50 Gr

Force = 50 x 0,98 x 0,001 = 0,49 N

Calculating the Second Moment of Area

b = 1,1
h = 0,2

1 1
𝐼𝑜 = 𝑏ℎ3 = (1,1)(0,2)3 = 2 × 10−10 𝑚4
12 12

Calculating the Bending Moment

𝑙 = 420 𝑚𝑚 = 0.42 𝑚
𝑀 = 𝐹 × (𝑙 − 𝑥)
𝑥 = 15 𝑚𝑚 = 0.015 𝑚
𝑀 = 𝐹 × 0.305 = 0,19845 Nm

Calculating the Calculated Stress

𝑀𝑦
𝜎=
𝑙𝑜

𝑦 = 0.5 𝑐𝑚 × 0.5 𝑐𝑚 = 0.25 𝑐𝑚2 = 0.0025 𝑚2

𝐼𝑜 = 1 × 10−10

𝑀 × 0.0025
𝜎= = 248065 𝑁/𝑚2
2 × 10−10

Calculating the Calculated Strain

𝜎
𝜀=
𝐸

𝐸 = 207 𝐺𝑃𝑎 = 207 × 109 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜎 248065
𝜀= = = 1,19837E − 05
𝐸 207 × 109

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

II. RESULTS

Beam Dimension Bridge Connection: Full

Young’s Modulus for the Beam: Load Position: 420 mm
200 GPa Second Moment of Area: 1× 10^(-10)
Strain Output Bending Calculated Rel.
Load Force Calculated
Reading voltage Moment Stress Error
(gram) (N) Strain (𝜀)
(𝜇𝜀) (𝜇V) (Nm) (MN.m2) (%)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0,00
50 0,49 25 134 0,19845 2480625 1,19837E-05 52,07
100 0,98 54 276 0,3969 4961250 2,39674E-05 55,62
150 1,47 81 414 0,59535 7441875 3,59511E-05 55,62
200 1,96 108 552 0,7938 9922500 4,79348E-05 55,62
250 2,45 136 691 0,99225 12403125 5,99185E-05 55,94
300 2,94 162 829 1,1907 14883750 7,19022E-05 55,62
350 3,43 190 970 1,38915 17364375 8,38859E-05 55,85
400 3,92 216 1104 1,5876 19845000 9,58696E-05 55,62
450 4,41 245 1244 1,78605 22325625 0,000107853 55,98
500 4,9 272 1387 1,9845 24806250 0,000119837 55,94

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

Graph of Stress vs Strain

30000000

25000000 y = 2E+11x + 5E-09

R² = 1

20000000

15000000

10000000

5000000

0
0 0.00002 0.00004 0.00006 0.00008 0.0001 0.00012 0.00014

Relative Error of E

𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝐸𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑚
𝑅𝐸 = × 100%
𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

(207 × 109 ) − (200 × 109 )

𝑅𝐸 = × 100% = 3.38%
(207 × 109 )

Relative Error in each Loading

𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 − 𝐸𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑚
𝑅𝐸 = × 100%
𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦

III. EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

A. Experimental Analysis

This part of module D is conducted in order to measure the stress on an object that is
bent, then compare the readings on the measuring instrument with the theoretical
calculation. In this experiment, the apparatus/machineries that we used are strain gauge
trainer (including a beam) and load assemblies.

We began the experiment by assembling the strain gauge. We make sure there is no
power input yet into the gauge, so that we can assemble safely. First, we plug in the

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

gauges into the sockets. The red gauge and blue gauge are plugged to opposite sockets,
and so are yellow gauge and green gauge. These gauges are in the form of cables. And
then, we attach the other end of the gauge into the respective cable input on the board of
beams and rods specimen. We make sure the cable input is right, because we did it wrong
in the first try and we had to redo the whole experiment because of this error.

Afterwards, we plug in the power source of the strain gauge. When the reading is
on, we made sure the configuration is already right, the gauge factor is already in its
proper place. When everything is done, we wait for the value in the display to slowly
balance. And when it doesn’t change its value as much, we pressed the zero button that
acts as ‘tare’ that resets the reading into zero.

We put the load hanger at 42 cm from the beam’s end. This hanger weighs 10 grams.
We added 49 x 10 grams of load, with total load of 50 grams. We waited until the value
in the strain gauge reading stops changing (or at least don’t alternate as much), then we
recorded it. We did this continuously until the load reaches 500 grams.

B. Data and Result Analysis

In the first part of the module D, we gained information such as the strain reading and
output voltage. We began by finding the force acting on the beams, and that is the weight
of the load times by the gravitational acceleration of earth (g). Afterwards, we calculate
the second moment of area of the beam. We used the Io formula for rectangles. We then
move onto calculating bending moment. After knowing all these values, we can calculate
the stress and strain experienced by the beam.

Through these calculations, we can compare the values between those that appear on
the strain gauge reading with the calculation result. It can be seen that, averagely, those
two results differ around 55%. We should notice that the error is very consistent at 55%,
meaning the error happens throughout the experiment in a steady rate. Also, by plotting
the stress and strain, we could gain a graph that shows the relationship of the two in the
specimen we used, aluminium. It is shown that the modulus young of aluminium, based
on this experiment, is around 200 GPa.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

C. Error Analysis

 The calibration process was probably not done right. There is a possibility that we
weren’t patient enough to wait until the value that shows in the reading is steady
and doesn’t alternate as much to press the ‘zero’ button to tare the instrument to
0.
 The values and data recorded might not be very accurately based on the reading,
since the reading keep on changing values and it is hard to find an accurate ‘mean’
directly on the spot while approximating.
 The calculation could differ from the supposed result because of rounding of
numbers.
 We weren’t experienced enough in using strain gauge trainer. With very limited
knowledge, there might be errors that we unknowingly did throughout the
experiment.

IV. CONCLUSIONS

 The Modulus Young of the specimen used is 200 GPa based on the experiment.
This is off by 3% compared to the actual value that is 207 GPa.
 The relative error of this experiment is consistently at around 55%, when
comparing between the calculation value and the reading in the strain gauge.
 The value of the stress or strain experienced by an object is directly proportional
to the load it bears.
 Stress and strain value are disproportionate of each other.
 Stress experienced by specimen can be calculated by using bending moment and
second moment of area values.

V. REFERENCES

 https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/engineering/bending-stress
 https://skyciv.com/docs/tutorials/stress-tutorials/calculate-bending-stress-of-a-
beam-section/

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

VI. APPENDIX

The load attached onto the specimen

VII. POTENTIAL HAZARDS

This experiment required us to use loads and assemble cables. We have to be

careful with the loads so that they don’t bruise our fingers. Also, we made sure whenever
we have to reassemble the cable, the power source is turned off beforehand to prevent
from electric shocks. Our hands have to be dry too, because water is quite conductive.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

MODULE D2

STRAIN MEASUREMENT IN TENSION SYSTEM

I. OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Red and Yellow Gauges:

Gauges Factor: 207 GPa
Specimen Dimensions (width and thickness): 1,1; 0,2
Specimen Cross Section: 0,22
Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa
Tensile Calc.
Load Tensile Relative
Force (N) Stress (N.m- Tensile
(Kg) Strain (𝜇𝜀) Error (%)
2) Strain
1 9,8 5 445454,55 2,15195E-06 56,96091348
2 19,6 10 890909,09 4,30391E-06 56,96091348
3 29,4 15 1336363,6 6,45586E-06 56,96091348
4 39,2 19 1781818,2 8,60782E-06 54,6956984
5 49 24 2227272,7 1,07598E-05 55,16761821
6 58,8 19 2672727,3 1,29117E-05 32,0435476
7 68,6 27 3118181,8 1,50637E-05 44,20859155
8 78,4 36 3563636,4 1,72156E-05 52,17879276
9 88,2 41 4009090,9 1,93676E-05 52,76197821
10 98 45 4454545,5 2,15195E-05 52,17879276

Load 1 Kg

m
𝐹 = 1 𝑘𝑔 × 9.8 = 9.8 𝑁
𝑠2

Calculating the Cross-Sectional Area

𝐴 = 𝑝 × 𝑙 = 1,1 × 0,2 = 0,22 𝑐𝑚2 = 2,2 × 10−5 𝑚2

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

Calculating the Tensile Stress

With g = 9.81 m/s2

𝐹 𝑚 ×𝑔 1 × 9,8
𝜎= = = = 445454,55 𝑁/𝑚2
𝐴 𝐴 2,2 × 10−5

Calculating the Calculated Tensile Strain

The material of the Cross-Sectional Area is made of aluminum.

E = 207 GPa = 207 × 109 𝑁/𝑚2

𝜎 445454,55
𝜀= = = 2,15195𝐸 − 06
𝐸 207 × 109

II. RESULTS

Red and Yellow Gauges:

Gauges Factor: 207 GPa
Specimen Dimensions (width and thickness): 1,1; 0,2
Specimen Cross Section: 0,22
Young’s Modulus: 200 GPa
Tensile Calc.
Load Tensile Relative
Force (N) Stress (N.m- Tensile
(Kg) Strain (𝜇𝜀) Error (%)
2) Strain
1 9,8 5 445454,55 2,15195E-06 56,96091348
2 19,6 10 890909,09 4,30391E-06 56,96091348
3 29,4 15 1336363,6 6,45586E-06 56,96091348
4 39,2 19 1781818,2 8,60782E-06 54,6956984
5 49 24 2227272,7 1,07598E-05 55,16761821
6 58,8 19 2672727,3 1,29117E-05 32,0435476
7 68,6 27 3118181,8 1,50637E-05 44,20859155
8 78,4 36 3563636,4 1,72156E-05 52,17879276

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

9 88,2 41 4009090,9 1,93676E-05 52,76197821

10 98 45 4454545,5 2,15195E-05 52,17879276

Stress-Strain Plot
5000000
4500000 y = 2E+11x - 2E-09
4000000
3500000
3000000
2500000
2000000
1500000
1000000
500000
0
0 0.000005 0.00001 0.000015 0.00002 0.000025

Relative Error of E

𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒 − 𝐸𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑚
𝑅𝐸 = × 100%
𝐸𝑙𝑖𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒
(207 × 109 ) − (200 × 109 )
𝑅𝐸 = × 100% = 3.38%
(207 × 109 )

Relative Error in each Loading

𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦 − 𝐸𝑝𝑟𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑢𝑚
𝑅𝐸 = × 100%
𝐸𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑦

III. EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

A. Experimental Analysis

The objective of this experiment is to gain an understanding in using strain gauges to

measure strain in two dimensions, and also to demonstrate the result of lab tensile strain
result of tension strain in two dimensions, compared to the theoretical values. We used a
strain gauge and loads, ranging from 1 kg to 10 kg in total.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

The first thing we did was to prepare the strain gauge. We turned off the power source
before reassembling the gauge, to keep ourselves from possible electric shocks. We then
used red and yellow cables in a configuration that is opposite to each other. There are
dummy plugs attached into the plugs that are unused, to prevent accidental touching or
things getting into it, thus affecting the readings. Then, we plugged in the cable that is on
the other end of the reading onto the board where the specimen and its readers are located.

After assembly, we calibrated the strain gauge by waiting for the value shown in the
readings to stop changing, or at least not with a lot of varying degree of differences. We
pressed the ‘zero’ button that acts like that of a ‘tare’ button. We began the experiment
by adding 500 gr of large hanger. We than combined it with a 500 grams load, so the total
weight is 1 kg. We recorded the stress reading displayed on the display, then repeated the
process until the total load is 10 kg.

B. Data and Result Analysis

From this experiment, we got the value of tensile strain for each load given onto the
specimen. Our calculation process began by finding the weight of the load, that is mass
timed by gravitational constant (g). Then, we calculate the cross-sectional area of the
beam we used. We used this value in calculating the tensile stress and strain caused by
each load.

By doing these calculations, we found that the modulus young value obtained through
the gradient of the stress-strain plot is 200 GPa. This is off by 3% compared to the actual
modulus young value of aluminium that is used as our specimen, that is 207 GPa. We
also find that the average error between calculated strain from the calculation and tensile
strain is 51.41%. The errors are thoroughly consistent in all the strain values of each
loadings, with the only major outliers are 32.04% and 44.2%, that are from load 6 and 7
kg.

C. Error Analysis

 We might not calibrated the machine properly, because we were impatient when
waiting for the beam until it is completely balanced and show a steady value. We
most likely pressed zero button before that is the case. This is very likely, since
the error values are steady (except for outliers such as 6 and 7 kg).

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

 The equipment might not be assembled properly, since the students are very
inexperienced in using strain gauge, and the experiment is conducted with limited
assistance.
 Values recorded from the gauge could be unrepresentative of the real life, because
we lacked the ability to find the mean of the values that keep on alternating on the
strain gauge reading.
 The calculation might slightly differ from the exact supposed value because of
rounding of numbers.
 The process of loading the weight might be done in a rushed manner and caused
the load to move, causing disturbance in the reading process of the strain gauge,
since we were in a hurry to finish this part of module to continue to the next one.

IV. CONCLUSIONS

 The Modulus Young of the specimen used is 200 GPa based on the experiment.
This is off by 3% compared to the actual value that is 207 GPa.
 The average relative error in this experiment is 51.41%.
 The stress-strain plot is almost linear with clear value of modulus young, so it
can be concluded that the specimen, aluminium, still acts elastically when given
loads up to 10 kg.
 We are not able to determine the Poisson’s ratio from this experiment, since we
did not measure the change in the specimen’s width and length in its section.
 The stress on a material can be found by dividing the force with the area where it
acts upon.

V. REFERENCES

 https://www.nde-
ed.org/EducationResources/CommunityCollege/Materials/Mechanical/StressStra
in.htm
 https://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/poissons-ratio-d_1224.html

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

VI. APPENDIX

Practician attaching load onto the specimen.

VII. POTENTIAL HAZARDS

This part of experiment could be considered as the most the dangerous out of the
three experiments, since we deal with loads that are faraway more considerable compared
to those used in experiment part 1 and 3. We had to make sure our hands are dry and to
be very careful so that the weights don’t slip off from our hands, because such loads could
destroy the practicum space and also injure us. We had to pay attention to the cables too
and made sure we did everything safely, by turning off the power source whenever we
reassembly the cable gauges.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

MODULE D3

STRAIN MEASURMENT IN TORSION SYSTEM

I. OBSERVATIONS AND CALCULATIONS

Gauge Factor:
7.96 e10
Strain Strain Reading Type of Strain
Polarity (+/-)
Gauge (𝜇𝜀) (Compression/Tension)
Blue -1 - Compression
Red +1 + Tension
Yellow 0 - Compression
Green +1 + Tensions

Gauge Factor: 7.96 e10 Shear Modulus for the Beam:

Beam Diameter: 0.01 m Bridge Connection: Full
Beam Radius: 0.005 m Torque arm length: 0.42 m
Polar moment of inertia: 9.82 e-10
Output Strain Shear Direct
Load Force Torque
voltage Reading Stress strain
(Kg) (N) (Nm)
(𝜇V) (𝜇𝜀) (MN.m2) (𝜀)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1.175 e-
0,25 2.45 1871181,263 83 1 2.35 e-5
5
0,5 4.9 3742362,525 147 3 4.70 e-5 2.35 e-5

Torque

 Load 0.25 kg

τ = TD/2J = (0.3679 x 0.01)/(2 x 9.82 e-10) = 1861181.263 Nm

 Load 0.5 kg

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

τ = TD/2J = (0.735 x 0.01)/(2 x 9.82 e-10) = 3742362.525 Nm

Shear Stress

 Load 0.25 kg

γ = T/G = 2.35 e-5

 Load 0.5 kg

γ = T/G = 4.70 e-5

Direct Strain

 Load 0.25 kg

𝜀 = γ/2 = 2.35 e-5/2 = 1.175 e-5

 Load 0.5 kg

𝜀 = γ/2 = 4.70 e-5/2 = 2.35 e-5

Relative Error

 Load 0.25 kg

= |(𝜀calculated – experiment)/ 𝜀calculated| x 100%

= |(1-11.75)/(11.75)| x 100%

= 91.4%

 Load 0.5 kg

= |(𝜀calculated – experiment)/ 𝜀calculated| x 100%

= |(3-23.5)/(23.5)| x 100%

= 87.42%

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

II. RESULTS

Strain Strain Reading Type of Strain

Polarity (+/-)
Gauge (𝜇𝜀) (Compression/Tension)
Blue -1 - Compression
Red +1 + Tension
Yellow 0 - Compression
Green +1 + Tensions

Gauge Factor: 7.96 e10 Shear Modulus for the Beam:

Beam Diameter: 0.01 m Bridge Connection: Full
Beam Radius: 0.005 m Torque arm length: 0.42 m
Polar moment of inertia: 9.82 e-10
Output Strain Shear Direct Relative
Load Force Torque
voltage Reading Stress strain Error
(Kg) (N) (Nm)
(𝜇V) (𝜇𝜀) (MN.m2) (𝜀) (%)
0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
1.175 e- 91.4
0,25 2.45 1871181,263 83 1 2.35 e-5
5
0,5 4.9 3742362,525 147 3 4.70 e-5 2.35 e-5 87.42

III. EXPERIMENTAL ANALYSIS

A. Experimental Analysis

In this experiment, we have two objectives: the first one is to measure strain on a
rotating object and also to compare the strain experiments we conducted with torsional
strain on the beam theory. In achieving these objectives, we conducted 2 different testing,
the first one is strain reading that also could conclude its type of strain (compression or
tension). We used torque and shear strain gauge trainer.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

First step in the first part of the experiment is to assemble the equipment that have
been used in the previous experiments. We turned off the power source so that we could
attach the input cables safely. Afterwards, since in this experiment we will need one input
socket, we cover the three other input sockets with dummy plug, so that it is safe if
accidentally touched and won’t affect the end result of the experiment.

In the first reading, we used the blue cable and put it into the available socket. We
ensured the configuration is pointed at 2 and the gauge factor is pointed at in between 2.0
and 2.1. After all the equipment are assembled and configurated correctly, we waited until
the reading in the display is balanced and don’t change in value. We then pressed the zero
button that ‘resets’ the reading into zero (also known as tare button).

To do the reading, we used a small load of hanger that has mass of around 10 grams.
We added 49 more of 10 grams loads into the hanger to make the total mass 500 grams.
After the load is prepared, we hang it onto the end of ‘arm’ of the strain gauge trainer.
We waited until the reading is ‘constant’ and recorded it into our data sheet. We repeated
these steps using red, yellow, and green cables.

In the second part of the experiment, we began by reassembling the strain gauge. We
used only two cables that are red and green, these cables will give ‘torsional-pull’
measurements in opposite directions. We put this cables in opposite directions on the
Wheatstone bridge, and plugged dummy plugs onto the rest of the input sockets. We
calibrated the strain gauge in the same settings as the previous part of the experiment and
waited until the equipment and the reading is stable so that we can press the tare button
to reset the number displayed.

We the started to put a small rod hanger that has a mass of 10 grams onto the end of
the rod specimen. We added 24 more of 10 grams load onto the hanger, so the total mass
is 250 grams. We had to do this carefully, so that we don’t cause much additional strain
into the rod, resulting in inaccurate reading. We recorded the readings. We did the same
procedure with 500 grams load.

B. Data and Result Analysis

In the first experiments, we got strain reading data that furthermore could be broken
down into three: strain reading, polarity, and type of strain. When blue strain gauge was

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

used, the strain reading shows the value of -1. It has – polarity, so the type of strain is
compression. When we used red and green cable, the reading shows +1. It has + polarity,
so the type of strain is tension. The yellow one doesn’t show any strain reading, it has 0
value. It means there is no polarity, which means there is no compression/tension applied
onto the experimented beam.

This happens because in the strain gauge trainer, strain experienced by the beam is
translated into electrical resistance. The deflection in the material causes strain onto the
beam, and this stress changes electrical resistance in the gauge. Then, the Wheatstone
bridge that is within the strain gauge converts the resistance into a calibrated output signal.

In the second part of the experiment, we gained information such as the strain reading
and the output voltage. Since we knew the force acted upon the beam caused by the mass
attached, beam diameter, gauge factor, torque arm length, and polar moment of inertia,
we can gain the calculated strain as well. We began by calculating the torque on the beam.
Afterwards, by combining the value of the torque and gauge factor, we gain the value of
shear stress acted upon the beam. In a case where strain is small, the direct strain of a
beam could be approximated into the shear strain divided by 2. Thus, we gain the value
of direct strain.

By doing these calculations, we reached into conclusion that the calculated direct
strain caused by 250 gr load is 1.175 e-5 𝜀. The reading shows that the strain is 1 e-6,
around a tenth of the calculated value. This also happened with the 500 gr load. The
calculated strain is 2.35 e-5, whilst the reading shown in the strain gauge is 3 e-6. The
error between experiment and calculation is 91.4% for the 250 gr load data and 87.42%
for the 500 gr load data.

C. Error Analysis

 The equipment might not be assembled properly, since the students are very
inexperienced in using strain gauge, and the experiment is conducted with limited
assistance.
 The calibration process might be flawed. When pushing the ‘tare’ button, the
students possibly did not wait long enough until the beam is completely balanced
and show a steady value. There is a possibility that ‘0’ in the reader hides a

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

number. This is the most likely scenario, since the relative error between 25 gr
load and 50 gr load doesn’t differ much.
 The recorded value from the gauge is inaccurate, because the values keep on
changing and it is hard to predict the mean of the values that were shown on the
strain gauge reader.
 The calculation might slightly differ from the exact supposed value because of
rounding of numbers.
 The approximation used when calculating direct strain might be inaccurate and
makes the calculation deviates greatly from the actual strain value.

IV. CONCLUSIONS

 In the first part of the experiment:

- Using the blue gauge, the strain reading is -1, with polarity of – which
indicates that the type of strain on the beam is compression.
- Using the red and green gauge, the strain reading is +1, with polarity of +
which indicates that the type of strain on the beam is tension.
- Using the yellow gauge, the strain reading is 0, and no polarity, which
indicates that there is no strain acting upon the beam, or it is too small that it
couldn’t be recorded by the strain gauge.
- The polarity that are shown in the strain gauge reading depends on the colour
of the gauge that is used.
 In the second part of the experiment:
- For the 0,25 kg load, the strain reading is 1 e-6 𝜀 on the strain gauge. This
deviates 91.4% from the calculated strain that is 1.175 e-5 𝜀.
- For the 0,5 kg load, the strain reading is 3 e-6 𝜀 on the strain gauge. This
deviates 87.42% from the calculated strain that is 2.35 e-5 𝜀.
- In calculating strain, an approximation using shear stress value divided by two
is possible to use only and exclusively when the numbers that are calculated
are very small.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)

 Soil Mechanics Laboratory
Department of Civil Engineering – Faculty of Engineering
University of Indonesia

V. REFERENCES

 https://www.hbm.com/en/7226/experimental-stress-analysis-using-strain-
gauges/
 https://www.bu.edu/moss/mechanics-of-materials-torsion/

VI. APPENDIX

Load attached onto the specimen’s arm

VII. POTENTIAL HAZARDS

Since we have to assembly the gauges, we have to make sure our hands are dry
and the power source is turned off whenever we are dealing with the cables. This is to
prevent from possible electric shocks and equipment damages from water.

Strain Measurement for Structures (Bending, Tension, Torsion)