Experiment No.

1: Verification of Maxwell-Betti’s Law

Name : Roll No. :

Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To verify Maxwell-Bett’s Law.

Apparatus:
Aluminium beam with graduation, knife edge supports, dial gauge, magnetic base stands
and weights.

Theory:
Maxwell’s law of reciprocal deflections is special case of Bett’s law. It states that “The
deflection of point A due to a load ‘P’ at point B in is equal in the magnitude to the deflection of
point B produced by a unit load ‘P’ applied at A.

X-X Y-Y

W δ δ W

Procedure:
i. Apply a load either within the simply supported span or within the cantilever portion of
the beam. The deflected form can be obtained.
ii. Measure the height of the beam at certain distance (i.e. at a given point) by means of a
dial gauge before and after the loading and determine the deflection of that point.
iii. Now move the same load (step 1) to that point and measure the deflection of the section
where the load had been applied in step 1 along the beam at certain distance and for each
Structural Analysis Lab Manual
positions of the load the deflection of the point is noted where the load was applied in
step i.
iv. Repeat the above experiment for various sections of the beam.

Observation:
Loading at X-X
Distance of Load at Deflection at any section Y-Y
section Section X-X Distance of Beam Beam loaded Deflection at
X-X from (kg) Y-Y from K unloaded dial dial gauge Y-Y
left support (cm) gauge reading reading (mm)
(cm) (mm) (mm) = 4∼5
1 2 3 4 5 6

Loading at Y-Y
Distance of Load at Deflection at any section X-X
section Section Y-Y Distance of Beam Beam loaded Deflection at
Y-Y from (kg) X-X from K unloaded dial dial gauge X-X
left support (cm) gauge reading reading (mm)
(cm) (mm) (mm) = 4∼5
1 2 3 4 5 6

Precautions:
i. Do not apply the load with a jerk.
ii. Allow the load to remain for a short duration.
iii. Tap the dial Gauge before taking reading.
iv. Ensure that there is no initial curvature or flaw in the beam.
v. The load applied should cause deflection within limit of proportionality.

Results and comments:

2
 Experiment No. 2: Determination of flexural rigidity of beam

Name : Roll No. :

Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To determine the flexural rigidity of the beam verify it theoretically.

Apparatus:
M.S beam with graduation, knife edge supports, dial gauge, magnetic base stands and
weights, Vernier Caliper.

Theory:

a l a

W y W

l/2

For the beam with two equal overhangs and subjected to two concentrated loads W each
at the free ends, the maximum deflection y at the centre is given by
Wal 2
y= (1)
8EI
where, a = Length of overhang on each side,
W = Load applied at free ends
l = Main Span,
E = Modulus of elasticity of the material,
I = Moment of inertia of cross-section of the beam.
From the above equation, we can find the flexural rigidity (EI) as
Wal2
EI = (2)
8y
Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Theoretically, the flexural rigidity is given as
bd 3
EI = E × (3)
12
where, b = Width of the beam,
d = Depth of the beam.

Procedure:
i. Find b and d of the beam and calculate the theoretical value of EI by Eq. (3).
ii. Measure the main span and overhang span of the beam with a scale.
iii. By applying equal loads at the free end of overhang beam, find the central deflection y.
iv. Repeat the above steps for different loads.

Observation:
Length of main span, l (mm) = Length
of overhang on each side, a (mm) = Width of
beam, b (mm) =
Depth of beam, d (mm) =
Modulus of elasticity, E = 2.1×1011 N/m2 = 2.1×105 N/mm2

Equal loads at the Deflection at the mid-span Flexural Rigidity

S. two ends y 9.806Wal 2
(mm) EI =
No W 8y
(kg) Initial Final Initial∼Final (N.mm2)
1
2
3
4
5
6
Average
Dimensions of beam
S. Width of Beam (mm) Depth of beam (mm)
No. Main Vernier Total Main Vernier Total
1
2
Average Average

4
 Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Calculations:
Value of EI from Eq. (3), EI =
=

Precaution:
i. Measure the center deflection y very accurately.
ii. Ensure that the beam is devoid of initial curvature.
iii. Loading should be within the elastic limit of the materials.

Results:
The value of flexural rigidity from
i. Experiment =
ii. Theory =

Comments:

5
Structural Analysis Lab Manual

Experiment No. 3: Study the behaviour of various types of column

Name : Roll No. :
Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To study the behaviour of different types of columns and to calculate the Euler’s
buckling load for each case.

Apparatus:
Column buckling apparatus, weights, Vernier Caliper, screw gauge and graph paper.

Theory:
If compressive load is applied on a column, the member may fail either by crushing or by
buckling, depending upon its material, cross section and length. If member is considerably long
in comparison to its lateral dimensions, it will fail by buckling. The load at which the member
just buckles is called buckling or critical load. For a slender column, buckling load is less than
the crushing load. The buckling load, as given by Euler, can be found by using following
expression:
π 2 EI
P = (1)
c
( )
leff
2

where, Pc = Critical load

I = Moment of Inertia of the cross-section of the column

leff = Effective length of the column

E = Young’s modulus of elasticity of the material of the column

The effective length of the column for various end conditions are given below
Column 2 (one end
Column 1 (Both ends Column 3 (Both ends
Parameter fixed and other end
fixed) pinned)
pinned)

Profile of l l l
Buckling

Effective length
l/2 l 2 l
(leff)
6
Structural Analysis Lab Manual

Procedure:
i. Pin a graph paper on the wooden board behind the column.
ii. Apply the load at the top of columns.
iii. Gradually increase the load in small increments. At certain stage of loading the columns
shows abnormal deflections and starts buckling.
iv. Note the buckling load for each column.
v. Trace the deflected shapes of the columns on the graph.
vi. Mark the points of change of curvature (inflection) and measure the effective length for
each case separately.
vii. Also calculate the theoretical effective lengths and buckling loads by the expression
given above and compare them with the observed values.

Observations:
Cross Sectional properties
Column 2 (one end
Column 1 (Both Column 3 (Both
Parameter fixed and other end
ends fixed) ends pinned)
pinned)
Width of the
column, b (mm)
Thickness of the
column, t (mm)

Calculations:
i. Both ends fixed
Effective Length leff = l/2

=
π 2 EI
Pc =
(l )
Euler Buckling load 2

eff

=
ii. Both ends fixed
Effective Length leff = l/2

=
π 2 EI
Pc =
(l )
Euler Buckling load 2

eff

12
 Structural Analysis Lab Manual
iii. Both ends fixed
Effective Length leff = l/2

π 2 EI
Pc =
( )
Euler Buckling load 2
leff

Precautions:
i. Increase the load on the columns gradually without jerk.
ii. Mark the points of inflection on the graph very carefully.

Results:
S. Effective Length Buckling Load
End Conditions
No. Theoretical Experimental Theoretical Experimental
1 Column 1 (Both ends fixed)
Column 2 (one end fixed
2
and other end pinned)
Column 3 (Both ends
3
pinned)

Comments:

13
Structural Analysis Lab Manual

14
 Experiment No. 4: Determination of elastic deflection of curved beams

Name : Roll No. :

Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To determine the elastic displacement of the curved members experimentally and verify
the same with the analytical results.

Apparatus:
Curved beam apparatus with four different types of configurations, weights, scale,
dial gauges and Vernier Caliper.

Theory:
The elastic displacements of a curved member can be determined using Castigliano’s first
theorem which states that “The partial derivative of the strain energy with respect to any force
gives the displacement of the point of its application in the direction of the force.”
The total strain energy of any structure is determined in terms of the entire load with their
actual values and a fictitious load P applied at the point at which the deflection is required and it
is acting in the same direction in which the deflection is required. In case no external load is
acting at the joint in the direction desired, a fictitious load is applied in that direction and forces
in all the members are worked out. After partial differentiation with respect to P, zero is substituted
for the fictitious load P (or if P is not fictitious its actual value is substituted). Thus the result is
the required deflection.
a. Quadrant of a circle
The curved beam is fixed at the point A and is free at point B. The concentrated load, P is
applied at the free end.
P
Vertical displacement at point B along the line of action of the load ( δVB ) B

π PR 3
δ = R
VB
4EI θ
where, R = Radius of the quadrant,
A
E = Young’s modulus of the material of the beam
= 2×105 N/mm2
Structural Analysis Lab Manual
I = Moment of Inertia of the cross section of the curved member
bd 3
=
12
Horizontal displacement at point B ( δ HB )
PR3
δHB =
2EI
b. Quadrant of a circle with a straight leg.
The member is a quadrant from point A to B and then straight line from B to C
P
Vertical displacement at point C along the line of action of the load ( δVB )
C
π PR2 y
δVC = R
EI θ
Horizontal displacement at point B ( δ HB ) B

PR π y2 + π R + 4 yR 
2
y
δ =
HC  
2EI  8  A
c. Semicircle with straight arm
Vertical displacement at point C along the line of action of the load ( δVB )

y
Py + PR π R2 + π y 
3 2 P
δ = B C
VC
3EI EI  2 
R
Horizontal displacement at point B ( δ HB ) θ

PR2  y
δ HC =
EI π R +  A
2
P
d. Circle
B
Vertical displacement at point C along the line of action of the load ( δVB )
R
π PR3 θ
δVB =
21EI

Procedure:
i. Place a load of 0.5 kg on the hanger to activate the member and treat this as the initial
position for measuring deflection.
ii. Fix the dial gauges for measuring horizontal and vertical deflections.

16
iii. Place the additional loads at an increment of 0.5 kg and tabulate the dial gauge readings
against the applied loads.
Structural Analysis Lab ManualStructural Analysis Lab Manual
Observation:
a. Quadrant

Vertical deflection (mm) Horizontal deflection (mm)

S. Load Dial Gauge reading Theoretical Dial Gauge reading Theoretical
No kg
Initial Final Actual δVB Initial Final Actual δ HB
1 0.5
2 1.0
3 1.5
4 2.0

b. Quadrant with straight leg

Vertical deflection (mm) Horizontal deflection (mm)
S. Load Dial Gauge reading Theoretical Dial Gauge reading Theoretical
No kg
Initial Final Actual δVB Initial Final Actual δ HB
1 0.5
2 1.0
3 1.5
4 2.0

c. Semicircle with straight arm

Vertical deflection (mm) Horizontal deflection (mm)
S. Load Dial Gauge reading Theoretical Dial Gauge reading Theoretical
No kg
Initial Final Actual δVB Initial Final Actual δ HB
1 0.5
2 1.0
3 1.5
4 2.0

d. Circle
Vertical deflection (mm) Horizontal deflection (mm)
S. Load Dial Gauge reading Theoretical Dial Gauge reading Theoretical
No kg
Initial Final Actual δVB Initial Final Actual δ HB
1 1
2 2
3 3
4 4

Dimensions of the beam

S. Quadrant with Semicircle with
Configuration Quadrant Circle
No straight leg straight arm
Main Scale
1 Vernier Scale
Total
2 Radius
Arm/leg
3 - -
length

18
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Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Calculation:

Precautions:
i. Apply the loads gently
ii. Measure the displacements very accurately

Results:
1. Plot the graph between load and deflection for each case to show that the structure remains
within the elastic limit.

2. Vertical deflection in mm, δVB

S. Case (a) Case (b) Case (c) Case (d)
No Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc.
1
2
3
4

3. Horizontal deflection, δHB

S. Case (a) Case (b) Case (c) Case (d)

No Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc. Exp. Calc.
1
2
3
4

Comments:

18
 Experiment No. 5: Verification of moment area theorem

Name : Roll No. :

Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To find the slopes and deflection of a simply supported beam experimentally and
compare it with the theoretical results to verify moment area theorem.

Apparatus:
M.S beam with graduation, knife edge supports, dial gauge, magnetic base stands and
weights, Vernier Caliper.

Theory:
Moment area theorem is otherwise called Mohr’s theorem. It has the following two
theorems:
I. The change of slope between the two points on an elastic line is equal to the area of
M
diagram between these points
EI
II. The tangential deviation of a point A from a tangent to the elastic curve at a point C
M
is equal to the static moment of area of the area of the diagram between A and C
EI

taken about point A.

a l a
P P
A C B
y2
b b

M/EI
Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Slope at point B
M
θB −θ C = Area of curve between C and B
EI

Since the tangent at point C is horizontal, θC = 0

M
θB = Area of curve between C and B
EI
=
Displacement at B
M
δB = Moment of the area of curve between C and B
EI
=

Procedure:
i. Measure the thickness (t), width (w), overhangs (a), distance of loading (b) and centre
span (l) of the beam.
ii. Place the hanger at equal distance from the supports A and B and load them with equal
loads (P).
iii. Measure the deflection by dial gauges at the overhang end (y2) and at the centre, C (y1).
iv. Repeat the above steps for different loads.

Observation:
Thickness of the beam (t) =
Width of the beam (w) =
Length of overhangs (a) =
Distance of loading point (b) =
Centre span of the beam (L) =
Young’s Modulus (E) = 2.1×105 N/mm2
Deflection Slope at B Deflection at C
Load,
S. at free end, Experimental
P Experimental,
No. y2 Calculated Calculated
kg y2 b y1
mm
1
2
3
4
5

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 Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Calculation:
wt 3
Moment of inertia, I =
12

Precautions:
i. Apply the concentrated load without jerks
ii. Measure the deflections only when the beam attains equilibrium
iii. Measure deflections very carefully and accurately
iv. Check the accuracy and least count of dial gauges used for measuring deflections.

Results:

Comments:

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Structural Analysis Lab Manual

22
 Experiment No. 6: Behaviour of three hinged arch

Name : Roll No. :

Group No. : Date :
Marks :
Faculty’s Signature :

Aim:
To study the behaviour of a three hinged arch experimentally for the horizontal and
vertical displacement of the roller end for a given system of loading and to compare the same
with the results obtained by analytical calculations.

Apparatus:
Three hinged arch apparatus, weights, scale, dial gauge, etc.

Theory:
A three hinged arch is a determinate structure with the axial thrust assisting in
maintaining the stability. The horizontal thrust H in the arch for a number of loads can be
obtained as follows

W2 W3
W1
W4

C
A

The reactions VA andVB are calculated using the following equations:

 1 ( L − a1 ) + W2 ( L − a2 ) +W3 ( L − a3 ) +W4 ( L − a4 ) 
W
VA =
[W1a1 + W2a2 + W3a3 +W4a4L]
VB =
L
HA + HB = 0
VA + VB = W1 + W2 + W3 + W4
Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Take Moment about the hinge C
  
1 L L
H= V −W a −
h 2 3 3
2 
B

  

Procedure:
i. Use lubricating oil at the roller end of the arch so as to have a free movement of the roller
end.
ii. Balance the self-weight of the arch by placing load on hanger for horizontal thrust until the
equilibrium conditions is obtained. Under this condition, the roller end of the arch has a
tendency to move inside on tapping the table. Note down the load in kg.
iii. Place a few loads on the arch in any chosen positions. Balance these by placing additional
weights on the hanger for horizontal thrust. The additional weights on the thrust hanger give
the experimental value of the horizontal thrust.

Observation:
Span of the arch, L =
Central rise, h =
Initial load on the thrust hanger for balancing, =
Distance from
Load Applied
S. Left hand Additional load Calculated value
on Hanger
No. Support on thrust hanger of H
kg
cm
W1 a1
W2 a2
1
W3 a3
W4
W1 a1
W2 a2
2
W3 a3
W4

Calculation:

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 Structural Analysis Lab Manual
Precautions:

i. Put the weights in thrust hanger very gently without a jerk.

ii. Measure the distance of loaded points from left hand support accurately. Perform the
experiment away from vibration and other disturbances.

Results:
i. Find the horizontal thrust for a given set of load experimentally and theoretically.
Experimental value of horizontal thrust, Hexp =

Theoretical value of horizontal thrust, Hth =

Comments: