FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

TITLE : SHEAR CENTRE

PREAMBLE :

1.1 Introduction

If a beam is subjected to bending moments and shear force in a plane, other than the plane of
geometry, which passes through the centroid of the section, then bending moment will be
accompanied by twisting. In order to avoid twisting and cause bending only, the transverse forces
must act through a point which may not coincide with the centroid, but will depend upon the shape of
the section and such a point is termed as shear centre. In other words, loads must be applied at
particular point in the cross section, called shear center, if the beam is to bend without twisting.

The shear center of C-channel: The shear centre for semicircle:

F t1
t2 h
e N.A

b1

The shear centre for an angle:

The shear centre (xo, yo) is located at the intersection of the angle leg axes.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

The shear centre for Z-section:

The shear centre for Z-section is located at O.

1.2 Objectives

i. To validate the theoretical equation of shear centre for semi-circle, Z-section, C-channel & angle
section in the laboratory.
ii. To ascertain the position of the shear centre for a sections.

1.3 Learning Outcomes

At the end of the week, students should be able to:

i. Determine the shear center of different sections (semi-circle, Z-section, C-channel and angle
section).
ii. Differentiate the stability of varies sections due to shear centre.
iii. Describe the influence of shear centre to the structure element.

PROBLEM STATEMENT :
Most of the cross sectional members not symmetry in x and/ or y axis, it will cause bend including
twisting. The shear centre is a point where the load applied will cause the member bend without
twisting.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

WAYS AND MEANS :

3.1 Apparatus

a) Load hanger
b) Load (5N)
c) C-channel, semi-circle, z-section and angle beam
d) Shear centre apparatus
e) Dial gauge
f) Allen key

3.2 Procedure

1) The two rearward facing thumbscrews on the indicator bosses were loosened, the indicators
was turned outward to contact the inner two datum pegs and the thumbscrews were locked off.
This sets the two indicators parallel.
2) The ‘U’ section was fitted into the bottom chuck.
3) The top of the specimen was fitted into the top chuck in the same relative position, ensuring that
the specimen is set squarely and all of the screws are tight.
4) The top chuck hand wheel was undo and specimen was rotated so it is oriented. When hear the
chuck ‘click’ into the correct position, the hand wheel was tightened.
5) The shear centre beam was fitted to the bottom chuck as shown in Figure 3 and secure with the
extension piece.
6) The indicators were ensured have roughly equal travel forward and backward on the shear arm
pegs. If not, loosen the indicator top screw, slide the indicator to the correct position and tighten
the screw.
7) The frame was tap sharply to reduce the effect of friction and zero the indicators.
8) A load of 5N was applied to the left-hand notch (-25mm). With the cord over the pulley, the pulley
and cord were ensured remain parallel to the lines on the plate below.
9) The resulting indicator readings were recorded in Table 1.
10) The same load was repeated at the other notch positions ensuring the cord remains parallel at
all times.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

RESULTS :
4.1 Data Acquisition & Analysis of Data

C-channel Section :- 2mm

Length : 1000mm

98mm

50mm
Experimental Calculation :-

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

δL
0 -0.005 -0.005 -0.005 -0.008 -0.08 -0.005 -0.005 -0.005 -0.005 -0.005 -0.005 -0.002
(mm)
δR
0.01 -0.008 -0.011 -0.013 -0.018 -0.02 -0.022 -0.03 -0.033 -0.035 -0.039 -0.041 -0.05
(mm)
δL - δR
-0.01 0.003 0.006 0.008 0.01 0.012 0.017 0.025 0.026 0.03 0.034 0.046 0.048
(mm)

From the graph, the shear centre is at hole no 2 (2th hole) from left of the horizontal axis which the
value is 30 mm.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Theoretical Calculations :-

b = 50 mm , h = 98 mm, t = 2 mm

Centroid, y 
98 mm  2 mm   50 mm
2

 2 x (96) 3     50 x (2) 3  
    (96 x 2)(50 - 50) 2   2 x    (50 x 2)(50 - 1) 2  
 12     12   
 147 456  (2 x 240 133.33)
 627 722.66 mm 4

(50 2 x 98 2 x 2 2 )

4 (627 722.66) 
 19.12 mm

Therefore, shear centre of C-channel section is located at 19.12 mm which is at hole 1 (1st hole)
from the left hand side of the section along the axis of symmetry.

Theoretical Value - Experimental Value

 x 100 %
Theoretical Value
1 hole - 2 hole
Percentage Error ;  x 100 %
1 hole
 100 %
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Angle Section :-
2.5mm
Length : 1000mm

75mm

Experimental Calculation :-

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
δL
0.78 0.70 0.53 0.46 0.37 0.27 0.17 0.07 0 0.07 0.14 0.26 0.31
(mm)
δR
0.38 0.33 0.26 0.21 0.17 0.11 0.07 0.02 0 0.03 0.06 0.11 0.17
(mm)
δL - δR
0.40 0.37 0.27 0.25 0.20 0.16 0.10 0.05 0 0.04 0.09 0.15 0.16
(mm)

From the graph, the shear centre is at hole no 9 (9th hole) from left of the horizontal axis which the
value is 170 mm.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Theoretical Calculations :-

Section Area, A (mm2) X (mm) Y (mm) Ax (mm3) Ay (mm3)

2.5 x 75 2.5 / 2 75 / 2 187.5 x 1.25 187.5 x 37.5
1
= 187.5 = 1.25 = 37.5 = 234.38 = 7031.25
2.5 x 72.5 72.5 / 2 2.5 / 2 181.25 x 36.25 181.25 x 1.25
2
= 181.25 = 36.25 = 1.25 = 6570.31 = 226.56
Total ∑A = 368.75 ∑Ax = 6804.69 ∑Ay = 7257.81

6804.69 7257.81
Xo  Yo 
368.75 368.75
Xo  18.45 mm Yo  19.68 mm

Therefore, the shear centre (18.45, 19.68) mm was located at the intersection of the angle leg axes
and located at hole no 1 (1st hole).

Percentage Error ;

Theoretical Value - Experimental Value

 x 100 %
Theoretical Value
1 hole - 9 hole
 x 100 %
1 hole
 800 %
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Semi-circular Section :-
Length : 1000 mm

R= 70 mm

Experimental Calculation :-

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
δL
-0.09 -0.06 -0.05 -0.05 -0.05 -0.05 -0.03 -0.01 -0.001 -0.009 0.01 0.04 0.03
(mm)
δR
0.09 0.02 -0.03 -0.05 -0.05 -0.05 -0.02 -0.102 -0.12 -0.15 -0.19 -0.21 -0.28
(mm)
δL -
δR -0.18 -0.08 -0.02 0 0 0 -0.01 0.092 0.12 0.14 0.20 0.25 0.31
(mm)

From the graph, the shear centre is at hole no 4 (4th hole) from left of the horizontal axis which the
value is 70 mm.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Theoretical Calculations :-

4r
e 

4(51)
e 

e  64.94 mm

Therefore, shear centre of semi-circle channel section is located at 64.94 mm which is at hole 4 (4th
hole).

Percentage Error ;

Theoretical Value - Experimental Value

 x 100 %
Theoretical Value
4 hole - 4 hole
 x 100 %
4 hole
0%
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Z-Section :-

Hole 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13
δL
0.08 0.06 0.05 0.04 0.03 0.02 0.01 0 -0.03 -0.04 -0.05 -0.05 -0.07
(mm)
δR
0.07 0.04 0.04 0.03 0.01 0.01 0.01 -0.01 -0.02 -0.03 -0.04 -0.05 -0.07
(mm)
δL - δR
0.01 0.02 0.01 0.01 0.02 0.01 0 -0.01 -0.01 -0.01 -0.01 0 0
(mm)

From the graph, the shear centre is at hole no 7 (7th hole) from left of the horizontal axis which the
value is 110 mm.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

Theoretical Calculations :-

Section Area, A (mm2) X (mm) Y (mm) Ax (mm3) Ay (mm3)

25 x 2.94 25 / 2 2.94 / 2 73.5 x 12.5 73.5 x 1.47
1
= 73.5 = 12.5 = 1.47 = 918.75 = 108.05
100.32 x 2.94 2.94 / 2 100.32 / 2 294.94 x 1.47 294.94 x 50.16
2
= 294.94 = 1.47 = 50.16 = 433.56 = 14 794.19
25 x 2.94 25 / 2 2.94 / 2 73.5 x 12.5 73.5 x 1.47
3
= 73.5 = 12.5 = 1.47 = 918.75 = 108.05
Total ∑A = 441.94 ∑Ax = 2271.06 ∑Ay = 15010.29

2271.06 15010.29
Xo  Yo 
441.94 441.94
Xo  5.14 mm Yo  33.96 mm

Therefore, the shear centre (5.14, 33.96) mm was located at the intersection of the angle leg axes
and located at hole no 2 (2nd hole).

Percentage Error ;

Theoretical Value - Experimental Value

 x 100 %
Theoretical Value
2 hole - 7 hole
 x 100 %
2 hole
 250 %
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

DISCUSSION :

Shear centre is the point on a cross section where a force can be applied for the bending to occur
without any twisting or torsion. This experiment was conducted to identify the position of shear centre
for sections. Both experimental and theoretical shear centre is obtained for the three different type of
sections. In a symmetrical sections the shear centre is usually located on the centre of twist of that
section, which coincides with the centroid of the beam as the shear centre can be found at the
intersection of the X and Y axis of symmetry. The theoretical shear centre for three different sections
were calculated using the shear centre formula for each sections.The formulas are :

C-channel Section :
Angle Section :
Ax Ay
Xo  , Yo 
A A

Semi-circle Section : Z- Section :

4r Ax Ay
e  Xo  , Yo 
 A A

Theoretical value and experimental value are compared by calculating the percentage error. From
the data, percentage error for all three different sections are calculated and analysed. By comparing
the percentage error of each sections, angle section shown the higher percentage error and
semi-circle section had zero percentage error. Meanwhile, both c-channel section and z-section had
100 % and 250 % of percentage error respectively.

Section Experimental Theoretical Percentage Error (%)

C-Channel 2nd hole 1st hole 100
Angle 9th hole 1st hole 800
Semi-circle 4th hole 4th hole 0
Z 7th hole 2nd hole 250

This can be due to the misalignment of flanges during the experiment while the flanges are assumed
to be correctly aligned during the theoretical calculation. Hence, the location of shear centre obtained
from experimental and theoretical are different.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

There are few error occurred during conducting the experiment that might affect the results obtained.
For example, human error such as parallax error occurred while obtaining the readings and inserting
load to the notch. While moving the load to different notches/hole, the load might have oscillated
slightly. System error also occurred where the apparatus is not well-function. To overcome the errors,
parallax error should be minimize where the person taking the reading must focus in handling the
apparatus and the loadings should be applied carefully to decrease the oscillation to the minimum.
System error can be avoided by checking the apparatus before using it.

CONCLUSION :

In conclusion, torsion or twisting of beam will not occur if the force applied is located at the shear
centre. It is important to carry out this experiment in order to determine the shear centre of a building
structure as well as to maintain the stability of structure. Based on the data, the value of shear centre
obtained from the experiment and theoretical are different for c-channel, angle section and z-section
due to the error occurs during conducting the experiment. It might causes by the experimenter or the
apparatus itself as it might not working well during experiment being carried out. Hence, the
objectives of this experiment has been achived.

REFERENCES :

(2013, October 25). SM Lab Report 1 Senior. Retrieved from

https://www.academia.edu/17421200/SM_Lab_Report_1_Senior

What is the significance of shear centre of a structural components? Retrieved from

https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-significance-of-shear-centre-of-a-structural-components

Mohd Asha’ari Masrom, Rohamezan Rohim, Dr.Yee Hooi Min & Amer Yusuff (2013). Open-ended
Manual for Structural Engineering Laboratory. Permatang Pauh, Pulau Pinang : Universiti Teknologi
MARA Pulau Pinang.
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT

APPENDICES :
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI
PULAU PINANG
LABORATORY REPORT