EXPERIMENT NO.

11
“To determine the Deflection of a Propped Beam subjected to a Concentrated Load”

Wasib Muzammil
2017-ME-151

December 24,2018

1 Objective
i. To determine the Central and Load Point Deflection of a Propped Beam subjected to a Concentrated Load
at midpoint and Eccentric Load respectively.

ii. To compare theoretical and experimental values of deflection.

2 Apparatus
i. Deflection of beam Apparatus

ii. Meter Rod

iii. Hangers

iv. Dial Gauge

v. Vernier Calipers

vi. Weights

3 Introduction
In this experiment, we will discuss the concept of point load, beams, types of beams, their applications and uses
in every day life. We will also discuss the method to determine the central deflection and load point deflection of
a propped beam subjected to a concentrated load at the midpoint and an eccentric load respectively.

4 Theory
4.1 Beams
In many engineering structures members are required to resist forces that are applied laterally or transversely to
their axes. These types of members are termed as beam.
There are various ways to define the beam such as:

“A beam is loaded in such a way that the load is inclined to its axis. It is considered as straight and horizontal.
[1]”

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 Fig. 1: Timber beams used in residential dwelling [2]

4.2 Materials for Beam

The means may be made from several usable engineering materials such commonly among them are as follows:
i. Metal

ii. Wood

iii. Concrete

iv. Plastics

4.3 Issues Regarding Beams

Designers would be interested to know the answers to following issues while dealing with beams in practical
engineering problems:
i. At what point it fail ?

ii. How much deflection occurs under the application of loads ?

4.4 Types of Beams

Beams can be classified on the basis of their
1. Geometry

(a) Straight beam

(b) Curved beam
(c) Tapered beam

2. Equilibrium conditions

(a) Statically determinate beam

(b) Statically indeterminate beam

3. Loads

(a) Simply supported beam

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 (b) Cantilever beam
(c) Propped beam
(d) Overhanging beam
(e) Fixed beam
(f) Continuous beam
4. Cross sectional area
(a) Square beam
(b) I beam
(c) T beam
(d) C beam

4.4.1 Simply Supported Beam

“A Simply supported beam is supported by a hinge support at one end and roller support at the other end
and is not restraint to prevent rotation.”
OR
“A Simply supported beam is also defined as the beam supported on knife edge (knife edge provides only
vertical reaction and no restraint to ends from rotation.”

Fig. 2: Simply Supported Beam [3]

4.4.2 Fixed Beam(Encastre beam)

“Beams in which ends are firmly built in supports is called Fixed beam and is used where less deflection is
required.”
OR
“As the name suggests, Fixed beam is a type of beam whose both ends are fixed. ”

Fig. 3: Fixed Beam [4]

4.4.3 Overhanging Beam

“Overhanging beam is supported in the same manner as simply supported beam with one or both ends
extending beyond the supports.”
OR
“An Overhanging beam is a beam that has one or both end portions extending beyond its supports. It may
have any number of supports.”

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 Fig. 4: Overhanging Beam [5]

4.4.4 Cantilever Beam

“A projecting beam fixed only at one end is called Cantilever beam”
OR
“A Cantilever beam is supported at one end with sufficient restraint to prevent the rotation of that end.”

Fig. 5: Cantilever Beam [6]

4.4.5 Continuous Beam

“A beam extending over more than two supports is called Continuous beam”
OR
“A Continuous beam has more than two supports distributed throughout its length”

4.4.6 Propped Beam

“Propped beam have additional support to avoid excess deflection or to reduce the value of bending moment.”
OR
“A Propped cantilever beam is a little modification of the cantilever beam, if the free end of the cantilever beam
is place on a roller support than the resultant beam will be propped cantilever beam”

Fig. 6: Propped Beam [7]

4.5 Applications of Propped Beam

Propped beam can be horizontal or vertical.
If vertical they are supported on the ground and free a the top. Their applications include:

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 i. Chimneys
ii. Lamp posts
iii. Bollards
iv. Electric poles
v. Flag posts
vi. Gate posts
vii. Fence posts
They can also be horizontal. Their applications include:
i. Protruding balcony supports
ii. The wings of an aircraft
iii. Eaves projections at the roof level of a building for supporting rain water draining gutters
iv. The diving board of a swimming pool [8]

5 Procedure
i. Set the deflection of beam apparatus on a horizontal surface.
ii. Set the dial indicator at zero.
iii. Measure the effective length, breadth and height of beam.
iv. Apply a load of 0.5 lb and measure the deflection using dial indicator.
v. Take a set of atleast five readings of increasing value of load and then take readings on unloading.
vi. Calculate the “Theoretical values of deflection” using the given formula.
For central deflection, the formula is
7W L3
δth =
786EI
and for deflection due to eccentric load:
W a2 b3
δth = (3L + a)
12EIL3
vii. Compare the theoretical and experimental values of deflection.

6 Observations and Calculations

6.1 For Central Deflection
Least count of dial indicator = 0.001 in
Least count of vernier caliper = 0.05 mm
Effective length of beam(L) = 37.4 in
Breadth of beam(b) = 0.99 in
Height of beam(h) = 0.252 in
Modulus of elasticity of material of the beam(E) = 29 × 106 psi
3
Moment of inertia of beam(I = bh −3 in4
12 ) = 1.32 × 10

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 Table 1: Experimental and Theoretical values of deflection for Central Deflection
No. Load Actual Central Deflection δc Theoretical Deflection
%age error
of W Loading Unloading Average δth = 7W L3 /786EI
Obs. (lb) (in) (in) (in) (in)
1. 0.5 0.0041 0.0047 0.0044 0.0047 6.3
2. 1 0.010 0.012 0.011 0.0096 14.58
3. 1.5 0.018 0.014 0.016 0.0143 11.89
4. 2 0.020 0.022 0.021 0.0191 9.94
5. 2.5 0.026 0.026 0.026 0.0239 10.88

6.3 + 14.58 + 11.89 + 9.94 + 10.88

Mean Error = = 10.72%
5

6.2 For Eccentric Load

Least count of dial indicator = 0.001 in
Least count of vernier caliper = 0.05 mm
Effective length of beam(L) = 37.4 in
Breadth of beam(b) = 0.99 in
Height of beam(h) = 0.252 in
Modulus of elasticity of material of the beam(E) = 29 × 106 psi
3
Moment of inertia of beam(I = bh −3 in4
12 ) = 1.32 × 10

Table 2: Experimental and Theoretical values of deflection for Eccentric Load

No. Load Experimental Deflection δe Theoretical Deflection
%age error
W a2 b3
of W Loading Unloading Average δth = (3L + a)
12EIL3
Obs. (lb) (in) (in) (in) (in) (%)
1. 0.5 0.005 0.005 0.005 0.0054 7.4
2. 1 0.010 0.011 0.0105 0.0108 2.85
3. 1.5 0.0175 0.018 0.01775 0.0162 9.6
4. 2 0.024 0.025 0.0245 0.0261 13.4
5. 2.5 0.031 0.031 0.031 0.02703 10.9

7.4 + 2.85 + 9.6 + 13.4 + 10.9

Mean Error = = 8.83%
5

7 Comments
The difference between the theoretical and experimental values may be due to following reasons:

i. Human error in observing the reading of dial gauge

ii. External conditions such as temperature etc.

iii. Non gradual loading

iv. Friction

v. Creep effect

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References
[1] “Beam” def. 1 Whitney, William Dwight and Benjamin E. Smith. The century dictionary and cyclopedia vol.1.
New York: Century Co.,1901.487. Print

[2] https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRDhdrDM9goUIVPyC X7w-

SEodqCZrZsqFDux1fXXCTcfmXuvA-

[3] https://www.quora.com/Where-are-fixed-beams-used

[4] http://jwrdesign.com/house-42/

[5] http://www.scielo.br/img/revistas/lajss/v8n2/a03fig01.jpg

[6] http://leancrew.com/all-this/images2015/20150818-Simply%20supported%20beam.png

[7] https://qph.fs.quoracdn.net/main-qimg-47dc5edd9e63b6e6cd17b05433e83079

[8] https://d2vlcm61l7u1fs.cloudfront.net/media%2F765%2F765292b1-edf0-4a95-867d-
896bf39bbb9b%2FphpLsQZDW.png

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