THE PAPUA NEW GUINEA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

CE – 211 INTRODUCTION TO STRUCTURES

Experiment No. 3

Bending Of Three Beams

GROUP 4 participants:

1. Eddie BOWOKU 22300334

2. Jessy ATUARA 22300036
3. Collin CHRIS 19302159
4. Jeremiah HONDENE 22300074

Date of experiment: 13/04/2023 BECV – 2

Due Date: 27/04/2023

Experiment No. 3: Bending of Three Beams

Introduction:
Before a building or any structure (or megastructure) is constructed, there is always planning
involved where the required materials that best suit the structural specifications are listed. A
main feature in any building is the beam that is used to support the roof or other floors if there
are to be any (especially in high-rise buildings). The desired materials are the ones that pass
certain tests performed in labs. If materials do not pass the tests then others may be used instead.
The main idea of testing materials in labs is to get a clear understanding of how those certain
materials would react under certain conditions when in use.
In this experiment, three of the most common materials used for beams in real world practices
are used. They are thick steel, thin steel and brass. In the experiment (that will be discussed
further in the procedures section of the report), different weights are used to bend the beam
specimen to record how far the beam can be bent. This bending of the beams are used to give
engineers small scale figures of what is to be expected when the same material is to be used in
the structure they designed.
This experiment of bending moments not only produces results on the bends created by the
loads but it also gives precise readings of the yielding points of the different materials in order
for the maximum load for that particular specimen to be identified. Once these limitations are
identified, then accurate measurements are calculated using ratio and proportion for the much
larger beams of similar material composition as the specimen (in this case, the two types of
steel and brass beams).

Figure 1. Specifications for the experiment conducted on the different specimens

The experiment conducted was purposefully to measure the bending moments in each of the
specimens used. This type of structure is used in making of cantilever supports and overhangs
seen in buildings to find out what length of overhang would produce the most bending in
moments in each specimen of material used.
Basically, the main objectives of the experiment are:
✓ To identify the mid-span deflection of the different types of beams
✓ To identify the bending moments of each specimen
✓ And to identify the Young’s modulus of elasticity of each beam type
Theory:
The bending moment is basically the reaction created in a beam when external forces are
applied to it. The experiment is therefore specifically designed to allow the assessment and
analysis of how beams of different materials react when subjected to external loads. The
different beam specimens were exposed to loads on both ends and the height of the bend in the
center of the beams was measured to see how each weight deformed the member as the
increments increased each interval. The basic idea is to determine how larger beams of the
same material would behave under load increments (especially live loads) both increasing and
decreasing in real-life situations. One example of this is how the beams of a bridge structure
would react when a heavy vehicle passes over it.
The bending moment equation is as follows:

𝑀 𝐹 𝐸
=𝑦=𝑅 where: 𝑀 = 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡
𝐼

𝐼 = 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑖𝑛𝑒𝑟𝑡𝑖𝑎
𝐹 = 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐸 = 𝑌𝑜𝑢𝑛𝑔′ 𝑠𝑚𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑙𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑒𝑙𝑎𝑠𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑖𝑡𝑦
𝑅 = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑟𝑎𝑑𝑖𝑢𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑐𝑢𝑟𝑣𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑒

𝑀𝑦
Or 𝜎= where: 𝜎 = 𝑏𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑠𝑡𝑟𝑒𝑠𝑠
𝐼𝑥

𝑀 = 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠

𝑦 = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠
𝐼𝑥 = 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑒𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑑 𝑚𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑜𝑓 𝑎𝑟𝑒𝑎 𝑎𝑏𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑛𝑒𝑢𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑎𝑥𝑖𝑠 𝑥

There are three (3) types of bending in a typical I – beam:

1. Vertical bending (𝐼𝑥𝑥 )

2. Lateral bending (𝐼𝑦𝑦 )
3. Torsion (J)

Figure 2. Pictorial representation of the positions of the applied loads and the support
reactions
Figure 3. Representation of the bending moment of the system

The values of the assumed shape of the

deflected shape of the beam can be calculated
using the following equations:
𝐶
𝑅 2 = (𝑅 − 𝑑)2 + (2)2

𝐶2
= 𝑅 2 − 2𝑅𝑑 + 𝑑 2 + 4

𝐶2
2𝑅𝑑 = 𝑑 2 + 4

𝑑 𝐶2
𝑅 = 2 + 8𝑑
𝑑
Now 2 is very small (negligible) compared to
𝐶2
8𝑑

𝐶2
⸫ ln(1) 𝑅 = 8𝑑
𝑀 8𝑑𝐸
=
𝐼 𝐶2 Figure 4. The assumed shape of the beam under the type of loading in the
experiment
𝑀 8𝐸𝐼
=
𝑑 𝐶2

The results taken from the experiment were tabulated and calculated as will be further
discussed in the report. A sample of how the values were found will be done to clarify the steps
in finding the moment of inertia and Young’s modulus of elasticity. The following example is
done for the thick steel specimen. Since the process is the same for all three of the specimens,
only one calculation will be discussed as an example.
The first step was to find the bending moment in the beam when increments of 5N were added
up to a total of 25N, so there were 5 increments in total. From the weights, the bending moments
were found by multiplying by the distance from the point of added weights to the center of the
beam support. The distance was 100mm. The dial gauge measured the deflection of the beam
as each weight was added on the edges of the beam. The gauge values for the deflection was
multiplied by the conversion factor of 0.01.
The total sum of moments per increment was divided by the amount of the sum of all the
deflection per increments as will be shown in the sample calculation that follows.
The following calculation is for Thick Steel specimen.
1. Finding the bending moments.
First bending moment for the 5N at distance of 100mm, followed by the other increments
increasing by 5N up to 25N.

𝑀 = 𝐹𝑥(𝑁𝑚𝑚) where: 𝐹 = 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑟𝑒𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡 (𝑁)

𝑥 = 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑐𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑤𝑒𝑖𝑔ℎ𝑡 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑐𝑒 𝑓𝑟𝑜𝑚 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑢𝑝𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡 𝑝𝑜𝑖𝑛𝑡
5𝑁
𝑀1 = ∗ 100𝑚𝑚 = 0.5𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
1000
10𝑁
𝑀2 = 1000 ∗ 100𝑚𝑚 = 1𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
15𝑁
𝑀3 = 1000 ∗ 100𝑚𝑚 = 1.5𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
20𝑁
𝑀4 = 1000 ∗ 100𝑚𝑚 = 2𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚
25𝑁
𝑀5 = 1000 ∗ 100𝑚𝑚 = 2.5𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

After the data is collected the difference between final and initial value is taken
⸫ 𝛥𝑀 = 2.5𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚 − 0.5𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚 = 2𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚

2. Now listing all the deflections measured from the dial gauge after multiplying the
conversion factor of 0.01,
𝑑1 = 0.415𝑚𝑚
𝑑2 = 0.9𝑚𝑚
𝑑3 = 1.23𝑚𝑚
𝑑4 = 1.73𝑚𝑚
𝑑5 = 2.18𝑚𝑚

Now to calculate the range value of the data

⸫ 𝛥𝑑 = 2.18𝑚𝑚 − 0.415𝑚𝑚 = 1.765𝑚𝑚

Plotted on the graphs that follow, the slope is the range of bending moment divided by the
range of deflection therefore we find the slope by following through,

𝛥𝑀 2𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚 𝑀 8𝐸𝐼
= 1.765𝑚𝑚 = 1.14𝑘𝑁 so we see according to the equation = =∇
𝛥𝑑 𝑑 𝐶2
 8𝐸𝐼
We now have 𝛻 = and now we find the value for I using the following formula
𝐶2

𝑏ℎ3
𝐼= where: 𝑏 = 𝑤𝑖𝑑𝑡ℎ 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛
12

ℎ = 𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑐𝑘𝑛𝑒𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑝𝑒𝑐𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛

24.79∗6.3133
𝐼= = 519.75𝑚𝑚4
12

Now knowing all values in the equation, the modulus of elasticity can be found as follows

8𝐸𝐼 𝛻𝐶 2
𝛻= →𝐸=
𝐶2 8𝐼

1.14𝑘𝑁∗8002
𝐸 = 8∗519.75𝑚𝑚4

𝐸 = 176𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚

Figure 5. Table of basic beam bending formulae

Measurement Methods
There are three main areas under measurement methods:
❖ Measurement Technique

There were three different simply supported beams used in the experiment. The measurement
techniques used during the lab were based on the purpose to measure the mid-span deflection
of the three different beams, particularly steel (thick & thin) and brass beams. A simply
supported beam of steel and brass was used with loads applied to provide constant bending
moment throughout the span. A dial gauge was used to measure the deflection at mid-span.

❖ Equipment used

- Steel beam (thick & thin)

- Brass beam
- Weight loads (2 to 25N)
- Dial gauge
- Measuring ruler (1m)
- Vernier caliper

❖ Procedures employed

The simply supported beams were placed in order and set for testing. The length of the three
beams was measured accordingly. Three different readings were recorded, and the average
was taken to improve the accuracy of the experiment.

From the given measured beams, firstly the 6.3 mm thick steel beam was set on the supports
set at 800 mm apart. The dial gauge was positioned at the center of the span and scaled down
to zero deflection.

Once set, a series of increasing loads (5, 10,15, 20, & 25 N) were placed at 100 mm from the
supports and the central deflection was recorded. To complete the experimental calculation
later, the width and thickness of the thick steel beam was taken into account and measured.

From the process outlined above, similar steps were repeated for both the 3.26mm thin steel
beam and the 6.55mm thick brass beam. The series of loads used this time were 2, 5, 7, 10 &
12 N placed at 100 mm from the support.
ANALYZING RESULTS
The figure below illustrates the free-body diagram of the experiment that has been conducted.
The three different types of beams are shuffled after taking the readings for each.

Figure 1: Showing the free body diagram of the experiment.

Table 1 below shows the measurements (thickness and breadth) of the three types of beams.
For each of the three beams, three separate measurements were taken and averaged
respectively for the thickness and breadth.
BEAM TYPE MEASUREMENTS

Average Breadth (Width) Average Thickness (Height)

(mm) (mm)
Thick Steel 24.79 6.31
thin Steel 24.80 3.26
Brass 25.40 6.55
Table 1: Showing the measurements of the three beams.
The results are shown in tables and illustrated in graphs according to the respective type of
beams.
THICK STEEL
Moment and deflections for the thick steel due to the applied loads.
LOAD(F) DEFLECTION(d) TRUE DEFLECTION (d*0.01) MOMENT
(N) (mm) (mm) (kN.mm)
5 41.5 0.415 0.5
10 90 0.9 1
15 132 1.32 1.5
20 173 1.73 2
25 218 2.18 2.5
Table 2: Showing the bending moment and deflections for thick steel.
NOTE: 1.) 0.01 is the conversion factor for the deflection in the dial gauge.
2.) The distance from the applied loads to the reactions at both ends of the beams is
100mm.
I.e.: d = 100mm. All moments are given in kN.mm
Graph 1 plotted below shows the relationship in table 2 above.

Moment Vs Deflection
2.5

Moment (kNmm) 2

1.5

1 Deflection

0.5
Linear
0 (Deflection)
0 0.5 1 1.5 2 2.5 3
Deflection (mm)

Graph 1: Shows the trend between the bending moment and deflections for thick steel

THIN STEEL
Moment and deflections for the thin steel due to the applied loads.
LOAD DEFLECTION(d) TRUE DEFLECTION(d*0.01) MOMENT (kN.mm)
(N) (mm) (mm)
2 83 0.083 0.2
5 229 2.29 0.5
7 382 3.82 0.7
10 601.7 6.017 1
12 750.2 7.502 1.2
Table 3: Showing the bending moment and deflections for thin steel.
Graph 2 plotted below shows the relationship in table 3 abo

Moment Vs Deflection
8
Moment (kN.mm)

4
Deflection
2

0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4
Deflection (mm)
Graph 2: Shows the trend between the bending moment and deflections for thin steel.
BRASS
Moment and deflections for the brass due to the applied loads.
LOAD DEFLECTION(d) TRUE DEFLECTION (d*0.01) MOMENT (Kn.mm)
(N) (mm) (mm)
2 20.9 0.209 0.2
5 67.8 0.678 0.5
7 101 1.01 0.7
10 142.5 1.425 1
12 184 1.84 1.2
Table 4: Showing the bending moment and deflections for brass metal.

Graph 3 plotted below shows the relationship in table 4 above

Moment Vs Deflection
2
1.8
1.6
Moment (kN.mm)

1.4
1.2
1
0.8
Deflection
0.6
0.4
0.2 Linear
0 (Deflection)
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.8 1 1.2 1.4
Deflection (mm)

Graph 3: Shows the trend between the bending moment and deflections for brass metal.
SAMPLE CALCULATIONS USING THE THICK STEEL
1. Moment (M)
When the applied load is 5N

𝑀 =𝐹×𝑑
5
=1000 × 100𝑚𝑚
0.5 𝑘𝑁. 𝑚𝑚

2. True Deflection
When 5N is applied, deflection is 41,5. Given that the conversion factor is 0.01:
𝑇𝑟𝑢𝑒 𝐷𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 = 𝐷𝑒𝑓𝑙𝑒𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 × 𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝐹𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑜𝑟
= 41.5 × 0.01
= 0.415𝑚𝑚
 3. Young’s Modulus (E)

8𝐸𝐼 𝛻𝐶 2
𝛻= 2 →𝐸=
𝐶 8𝐼
1.14𝑘𝑁∗8002
𝐸 = 8∗519.75𝑚𝑚4

𝐸 = 176𝑘𝑁𝑚𝑚

Table 5 below shows the approximate standard and calculated Young’s Modulus (Modulus of
Elasticity) values for steels and beams respectively.
BEAM TYPE YOUNG’S MODULUS (kN/mm2)

Standard Values Calculated Values

Thick Steel 200 176.35
Thin Steel 200 150.55
Brass 110 83.86
Table 5: Showing the calculated and standard values for Modulus of Elasticity.

DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
According to Hibbler, beams are structural members whose longitudinal dimensions are
appreciably greater than their lateral dimensions. When loads are applied on simply
supported beams, they experience deflections in their mid-span (distance between the two
supports) and bending moment.
As commonly shown in the tables and graphs above for all beams, both the deflections and
the bending moment due to the applied loads are directly proportional to the applied loads.
This means that as the loads applied at both corners of the beam increases, the deflections and
bending moment that the beam undergoes increases proportionally, which is uniform across
all beams. That is, the greater the applied load, the greater the deflection and bending moment
which may lead to the fracture of the beam if excessive loads applied.
Since, the deflections and the bending moment increases proportionally. Consequently, their
relationship is almost linear for all beams as shown in graphs 1, 2 & 3 above. By taking the
slope of their linear relationships, their gradients are calculated respectively. Using the
gradient, equation of theory of bending moment and other moment equations, the modulus of
elasticity of each beam is calculated respectively and tabulated in table 5 above. Based on the
structural analysis by Megson, Young’s Modulus is the property of a material that tells us
how easily a material can stretch and deform back into its original form.
However, the calculated value in this experiment is not accurate or it does not correspond to
the approximate standard values for both steel (thick & thin) and brass, though they are
almost close to the standard values. It can be acceptable when taking into consideration all
the errors involved because the Young’s Modulus for the calculated values are no greater
than the standard values. The following factors may affect the experimental values:
 ➢ Temperature
- Since, the experiment was conducted in day light, the rise in temperature may
expand the widths and thickness of the beams which may result in change in
dimensions.
- In day light, as temperature increases, the elasticity of the beam decreases.
➢ Inaccuracy in taking measurement
- Readings are taken while the load hangers are still moving.
- Zero error in the dial gauge
- Person taking the measurements of thickness and width
- Parallax error (not in the right position when takin the readings on the dial
gauge).
➢ Effects of impurities due to corrosion or rusting which may affect the deflection of the
beam and may lead to breaking.
Hence, by noting the errors involve and minimizing them, the accurate results can be
calculated.

CONCLUSION
In conclusion, in a simply supported beam the applied loads are directly proportional to both
the deflections and the bending moments that the beam undergoes. This implies that, both the
deflections and the bending moment increases proportionally as the loads applies at the
corners increases. Hence, the relationship of the deflections and the bending moments is
linear for all beams. The calculated Young’s Modulus values for both the steel and the brass
are inaccurate compared to the approximate standard values. This is mostly due to the
surrounding physical environmental conditions and errors as stated above in the discussion. If
they are taken into consideration and the errors are minimized, the calculated values maybe
accurate. In engineering, it is very vital to know the modulus of elasticity of a material before
having it in construction. Because by knowing this, the maximum applied load which will
create the maximum deflection (stretch level) can be estimated. This helps to create a stiff
structure and to prevent the plastic deformation and consequently breaking of the material
due to excessive applied loads. Hence, a material can be used in its specific engineering
purpose.

REFERENCE
1. Hibbler, December 12, 2016 In ‘’STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS”
2. T.H.G Megson, Structural Analysis
3. Compare FEA & Formulas (Simple) by www.learneasy.com
APPENDICES