B. Tech.

in Civil Engineering - Second Year

Laboratory Manual

2CL301 - Structural Mechanics-I

Civil Engineering Department

School of Engineering
Institute of Technology
Nirma University

Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway
Ahmedabad - 382481
 INDEX
Teacher’s
Sr. Page No. Date
Title Sign
No.
From To

Qualitative demonstration of concept of

1
Moment of Inertia

Calculation of support reactions using

2
Beam Reaction Calculator

Analysis of Statically Determinate Structure

3
using STAAD.Pro

Qualitative demonstration of concepts of

4
Direct and Bending Stresses

5 Deflection of Cantilever Beam

6 Deflection of Simply Supported Beam

Verification of Maxwell’s Reciprocal

7
Theorem

8 Behaviour of Column and Strut

9 Three Hinged Arch

10 Deflection of Statically Determinate Truss

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-1 Hands-on Exercise

Qualitative Demonstration of Concept of Moment of Inertia

Objective: Qualitative demonstration of the concept of Moment of Inertia.

 Students (in groups) are required to prepare physical models of structural element
(beam / column) having same cross sectional area.
 Four to five models shall be prepared having different shape of the cross section from
various alternatives like square, rectangular, circular, hollow rectangular, hollow
circular, I, T, L, C or any other, but should have same cross section area.
 Any flexible material can be selected from various available alternatives such as fibre
foam, foam used as filling material for sofa, polyester or any other for preparation of
models.
 Appropriate supporting arrangements shall be prepared, which can be used during
demonstration.
 Models shall be used to qualitatively demonstrate the concept of Moment of Inertia.

Select cross sectional area of an element: ______________________

Work out the dimensions for the shapes to be considered for demonstration

Draw the shape of the Cross-section along with Dimensions

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Calculation of Moment of Inertia:

Sr. Moment of Inertia about Moment of Inertia about

Cross-section
No. centroidal horizontal axis (Ixx) centroidal vertical axis (Iyy)
1
2
3
4
5

Observations and Learning:

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-2 Hands-on Exercise

Calculation of Support Reactions using Beam Reaction Calculator

Objective: To calculate support reactions of statically determinate beams using “Beam

Reaction Calculator”

Brief Description: Beam reaction calculator is a portable electronic device which can be used
for quick calculation of support reactions for the different types of beam subjected to different
loadings. The said device is capable to determine support reactions for different types of beams
i.e. cantilever beam, simply supported beam, fixed beam, propped cantilever beam and over
hanging beam when it is subjected to various loadings such as point load, Uniformly
Distributed Load (UDL), Uniformly Varying Load (UVL) and concentrated moments.

Arduino MEGA 2560 (micro controller), 5 × 4 key pad, a Liquid Crystal Display (LCD) and a
rechargeable battery for power supply are the main components of beam reaction calculator. It
operates through the battery power and does not require any external electricity sources. It takes
input through the keypad, which goes to micro controller which is equipped with coding to
calculate support reactions for different beams subjected to different types of loading. The
micro controller further sends the processed data to display unit i.e. LCD screen in form of
support reactions for given input values. The circuit diagram and actual photo of Beam
Reaction Calculator is shown in figure below.

Circuit Diagram and Actual photo of Developed Product (Beam Reaction Calculator)

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-1: Draw statically determinate beam subjected to combination of external forces

Step-2: Calculate support reactions of the beam using equations of equilibrium

Step-3: Calculate support reactions of the beam using “Beam Reaction Calculator”

 Select the type of beam (1) Cantilever (2) Simply Supported (3) Overhang
 Enter length of the beam (in meter)
 Enter number of point loads
 Enter magnitude of point load (in kN - in downward direction)
 Enter distance of point load from left end support (in meter)
 Enter number of Uniformly Distributed Load (UDL) / Uniformly Varying Load (UVL)
 Enter start intensity of UDL/UVL (in kN/m - in downward direction)
 Enter end intensity of UDL/UVL (in kN/m - in downward direction)
 Enter start point of UDL/UVL (in meter)
 Enter end point of UDL/UVL (in meter)
 Enter number of concentrated moments
 Enter magnitude of concentrated moment (in kN.m - anti clockwise)
 Enter distance of concentrated moment from left end support (in meter)
 Compare the results calculated by Beam Reaction Calculator with manual calculation

Step-4: Comparison of Results

Through Equation of Through Beam

Support Reaction % difference
Equilibrium Reaction Calculator

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-5: Draw internal force diagrams for the beam considered

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-3 Hands-on Exercise

Analysis of Statically Determinate Structure using STAAD.Pro

Objective: To analyse statically determinate structure using STAAD.Pro

Step-1: Draw statically determinate structure (beam, plane truss, plane frame, gird) subjected
to combination of forces (Concentrated force, UDL, UVL, Moment etc.)

Step-2: Analyse statically determinate structure using equations of equilibrium and draw
internal force diagrams. Also compute deflections at selected locations.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-3: Analyse same structure using STAAD.Pro software and compare analysis results in
terms of internal forces and deflections at selected locations, obtained from STAAD.Pro with
that of manual analysis.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Handout - Analysis of Cantilever Beam using STAAD.Pro

Problem Statement: Analyse cantilever beam of length 6 m subjected to uniformaly
distributed load of 10 kN/m throughout the length of beam. The cross section of the beam is
rectengular having dimentions 230 mm × 300 mm as shown in Figure below. Consider that
beam is made from M25 grade concrete.

Step-1: Open STAAD.Pro > Select New Project

Step-2: Select the Space Structure > Enter file name and choose location to save the
project > Select units for length and force > Click “Next” to proceed further > Click
“Finish” without any changes

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-3: Click on “Close” Tab for Snap Node/Beam

Step-4: Create Geometrical Model

Enter the coordinates of joints for a beam > Click anywhere on modelling space > Change the
view from isometric to Front (+Z) > Click on the “Add Beams” icon to add the beam member
> Add the beam between two nodes > Press escape to close “Add Beams” option after adding
the beam member

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-5: Create New Property

Click on the General Tab > Go to Property > Click on “Define” > Select Rectangle > Enter
width “ZD” and depth “YD” of the beam in meter > Click on “Add” > Click on “Close”

Step-6: Assign property to the beam member

Select “Use Curser To Assign” > Click on “Assign” > Click on the member > R1 displayed
below the member indicates that property is assigned to beam member > Press escape after
assigning property
(Note: Property can also be assigned through other options such as Assign To Selected Beams,
Assign To Edit List and Assign To View)

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-7: Create New Support

Select General > Click on “Support” > Click on “Create” > Define appropriate support through
other options such as Fixed, Pinned, Fixed But, Inclined etc. > Click on “Add”

Step-8: Assign Support to member

Select the support to be assigned from the list > Select “Use Cursor to Assign” > Click on
“Assign” > Click on location where support is to be provided > Press escape after assigning
support
(Note: Support can also be assigned through other options such as Assign To Selected Nodes,
Assign To View, Assign To Edit List)

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-9: Create Loads

Select General > Load & Definition > Click on “Add” > Give appropriate Title of Load Case
> Click on “Add” > Click on “Close”

Select Load Case > Click “Add” > Select Member Load > Select Uniform Force > Enter force
magnitude (W1) and length on which load is acting (d1, d2 and d3) > Select GY > Click “Add”
> Click “Close”

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-10: Assign load to the member

Select Load from the list under Load Case > Select “Use Cursor To Assign” > Click “Assign”
> Click on member > Press escape after assigning load

Step-11: Change Material Property

Click on “STAAD Editor” > Click on “Save” > Change value of Modulus of Elasticity > Close
“STAAD Editor” > Click on “Save”

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-12: Perform Analysis

Select Analysis/Print > Select Print Option “All” under the head of Perform Analysis > Click
on “Add” > Click on “Close”

Select “Analyze” > Click “Run Analysis (Ctrl + F5) > Click on “Save” > Select “Go to Post
Processing Mode” > Click on “Done”

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Step-13: Interpretation of Results (Post-Processing)

Click on “OK” > Select “Beam” > Select “Graphs” to view internal force diagrams or ON the
buttons for Axial Force Diagrams, Shear Force Diagrams, Bending Moment Diagrams i.e. Fx,
Fy, Fz, Mx, My, Mz

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Select “Node” > Select “Reactions” or Select “Displacement” for values of support reactions
and displacement of the structure

Select “Result” > Select “View Value” > Select “Beam Results” > Click on “Annotate” after
selecting required values

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-4 Hands-on Exercise

Qualitative Demonstration of Concepts of Direct and Bending Stresses

Objective: Qualitative demonstration of the concepts of Direct and Bending Stresses

Procedure:
 Measure the dimensions (width and depth) of the rectangular cross section made from
wooden board and placed on springs at four corners.
 Draw horizontal and vertical axis passing from the centroid of the section.
 Calculate the core of the rectangular section and draw the same on rectangular section of
wooden board.
 Observe the behaviour of section by means of nature of forces developed within spring at
each corner, for following different load positions.
1) Apply force within core of the section
2) Apply force outside the core of the section with eccentricity about horizontal
axis (eyy)
3) Apply force outside the core of the section with eccentricity about vertical axis
(exx)
4) Apply force outside the core of the section with eccentricity about both
horizontal and vertical axis (exx and eyy)
 Note down the observations in terms of nature of forces developed in springs at four corners
‘A’, ‘B’, ‘C’ and ‘D’ as shown in figure below for each of the load position

‘A’ ‘B’ ‘A’ ‘B’

‘C’ ‘D’ ‘C’ ‘D’

Case-1 Case-2

‘A’ ‘B’ ‘A’ ‘B’

‘C’ ‘D’ ‘C’ ‘D’

Case-3 Case-4

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observations:

Nature of Force at Nature of Force at Nature of Force at Nature of Force at

Case
Corner ‘A’ Corner ‘B’ Corner ‘C’ Corner ‘D’
1
2
3
4

Summary and Learnings:

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-5 Experiment
Deflection of Cantilever Beam

Objective: To measure deflection of a Cantilever beam subjected to concentrated load.

Apparatus: Cantilever beam, dial gauges, weights, vernier calliper, scale.

Cantilever Beam subjected to concentrated load and position of dial gauges

Procedure:
1) Measure dimensions of cantilever beam (steel plate) i.e. width of cross section (b),
depth of cross section (d) and length of beam (L).
2) Arrange test set up to perform experiment. Provide fixed support at one end fixed to
make a cantilever beam.
3) Mark any point located at a distance ‘a’ from fixed support as shown in Figure, to apply
concentrated load.
4) Mark points at distance ‘L/2’ and ‘L’ as shown in Figure, to place the dial gauges for
deflection measurement
5) Place the dial gauges just below the points ‘L/2’ and ‘L’, where the deflections are to
be measured. Set the position of dial gauge appropriately.
6) Apply a concentrated load ‘W’ at a distance ‘a’ from fixed support of the beam.
7) Measure deflections at distance ‘L/2’ and ‘L’ by taking difference of initial and final
reading of dial gauge. (Take average of three readings at each location)
8) Manually, calculate deflection of cantilever beam using any of the analytical method
and compare analytical results with experimental results.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observation Table:

Length of beam (L): ___________________ mm

Width of the cross section of the beam (b): ___________________ mm
Depth of the cross section of the beam (d): ___________________ mm
Area Moment of Inertia about centroidal horizontal axis (Ixx): ___________________ mm4
Modulus of Elasticity (E): ___________________ N/mm2

𝑙
Concentrated load Distance of Deflection at distance 2 from fixed support Deflection at distance 𝑙 from fixed support
W concentrated (reading in dial gauge 1) (reading in dial gauge 2)
Group
load from fixed Deflection Average Deflection Average
No. in Initial Final Initial Final
in N support (Final - Deflection (Final - Deflection
grams ‘a’ Reading Reading Reading Reading
Initial) (mm) Initial) (mm)

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 20 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Results:

𝑙
Concentrated load W Deflection at distance 2
from fixed support (mm) Deflection at distance 𝑙 from fixed support (mm)
Group
Through Through
No. Through Through
in grams in N Analytical % difference Analytical % difference
Experiment Experiment
Calculation Calculation

Conclusion:

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 21 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Sample Calculation:

Show manual calculation for deflection of cantilever beam using any of the analytical
method. Also draw tentative deflection profile of the beam.

Group No. _________

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 22 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-6 Experiment
Deflection of Simply Supported Beam

Objective: To measure deflection of a simply supported beam subjected to concentrated load

Apparatus: Simply supported beam, dial gauges, weights, vernier calliper, scale.

Simply supported beam subjected to concentrated load and position of dial gauges

Procedure:
1) Measure dimensions of simply supported beam (steel plate) i.e. width of cross section
(b), depth of cross section (d) and span of beam (L).
2) Arrange test set up to perform experiment. Keep simple supports at both the ends of
beam and make a simply supported beam.
3) Mark any point ‘C’ located at a distance ‘a’ from left end support ‘A’ as shown in
Figure, to apply concentrated load.
4) Mark points at distance ‘L/4’, ‘L/2’ and ‘3L/4’ from left end support, to place the dial
gauges for deflection measurement
5) Place the dial gauges just below the points ‘L/4’, ‘L/2’ and ‘3L/4’, where the deflections
are to be measured. Set the position of dial gauge appropriately.
6) Apply a concentrated load ‘W’ at a distance ‘a’ from left end support of the beam.
7) Measure deflections at distance ‘L/4’, ‘L/2’ and ‘3L/4’ by taking difference of initial
and final reading of dial gauge. (Take average of three readings at each location)
8) Manually, calculate deflection of simply supported beam using any of the analytical
method and compare analytical results with experimental results.

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 B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observation Table:

Span of beam (L): ___________________ mm

Width of the cross section of the beam (b): ___________________ mm
Depth of the cross section of the beam (d): ___________________ mm
Area Moment of Inertia about centroidal x-x axis (I): ___________________ mm4
Modulus of Elasticity (E): ___________________ N/mm2

Distance of
concentrated Deflection at distance ‘L/4’ from left end Deflection at distance ‘L/2’ from left end
Concentrated Deflection at distance ‘3L/4’ from left end
load from support support
load W support
fixed support (Reading in dial gauge 1) (Reading in dial gauge 2)
Group (Reading in dial gauge 3)
‘a’
No.
Deflection Deflection Deflection
Average Average Average
in (Final - (Final - (Final -
in N in mm Initial Final Deflection Initial Final Deflection Initial Final Deflection
grams Initial) Initial) Initial)
(mm) (mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm) (mm)

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 24 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Results:

Concentrated Deflection at distance ‘L/4’ from left end Deflection at distance ‘L/2’ from left Deflection at distance ‘3L/4’ from left
load W support (mm) end support (mm) end support (mm)
Group
No. Through Through Through
in Through % Through % Through
in N Analytical Analytical Analytical % difference
grams Experiment difference Experiment difference Experiment
Calculation Calculation Calculation

Conclusion:

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 25 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Sample Calculation:

Show manual calculation for deflection of simply supported beam using any of the analytical
method. Also draw tentative deflection profile of the beam.

Group No. _________

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 26 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-7 Experiment
Verification of Maxwell’s Reciprocal Theorem

Objective: To verify Maxwell’s theorem of reciprocal displacements.

Apparatus: Simply supported beam, dial gauges, weights, vernier calliper, scale.

Theorem: Scientist Maxwell has developed a theorem of reciprocal displacements which may
be stated as follows: “The displacement of a point ‘B’ on a structure due to a load acting at
point ‘A’ is equal to the displacement of point ‘A’ when the same magnitude of load is acting
at point ‘B’, that is δBA = δAB.”

where,
δBA = Displacement at ‘B’ due to load at ‘A’
δAB = Displacement at ‘A’ due to load at ‘B’

Procedure:
1) Measure dimensions of simply supported beam (steel plate) i.e. width of cross section
(b), depth of cross section (d) and span of beam (L).
2) Arrange the set up for experiment. Keep simple supports at both the ends and make a
simply supported beam.
3) Mark any two points ‘A’ and ‘B’ on the beam.
4) Apply load at point ‘A’ and measure displacement at point ‘B’ with the help of dial
gauge.
5) Apply same magnitude of load at point ‘B’ and measure displacement at point ‘A’ with
the help of dial gauge.
6) Compare value of displacement obtained for both the cases i.e. compare δBA and δAB.
7) Manually, calculate displacement of simply supported beam for both the case, using
any of the analytical method and compare analytical results with experimental results.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observation Table:

Span of the beam (L): ___________________ mm

Width of the cross section of the beam (b): ___________________ mm
Depth of the cross section of the beam (d): ___________________ mm
Area Moment of Inertia about centroidal x-x axis (I): ___________________ mm4
Modulus of Elasticity (E): ___________________ N/mm2
Distance of point ‘A’ from left end support: ___________________ mm
Distance of point ‘B’ from left end support: ___________________ mm

Concentrated load
Displacement at point ‘B’ due to load at point ‘A’ (δBA) Displacement at point ‘A’ due to load at point ‘B’ (δAB)
W
Group Deflection Deflection
No. Average Average
in Initial Final (Final Reading - Initial Final (Final Reading -
in N Deflection Deflection
grams Reading Reading Initial Reading) Reading Reading Initial Reading)
(mm) (mm)
(mm) (mm)

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 28 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Results:

Displacement at point ‘B’ due to Displacement at point ‘A’ due to % difference in displacement δBA
Concentrated load ‘W’
load at point ‘A’ (δBA in mm) load at point ‘B’ (δBA in mm) and δAB
Group
Through Through Through Through
No. Through Through
in grams in N Analytical Analytical Experiment Analytical
Experiment Experiment
Calculation Calculation Calculation
1

Conclusion:

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Sample Calculation:

Show manual calculation for displacement δBA and δAB using any of the analytical method.

Group No. _________

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 30 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-8 Experiment
Behaviour of Column and Strut

Objective: To study the behaviour of columns with different end conditions and to calculate
the Euler's buckling load for each case

Apparatus: Column and Strut apparatus, vernier caliper, weights, scale

Theory: Members that are generally vertical and resist axial compressive loads and referred to
as columns. Lateral dimensions of such members are small as compared to its length. Many
times, columns are also subjected to both axial load and a bending moment. 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 bucking. The bending of the column in lateral direction is
called as buckling. The main causes of buckling in the columns are lack of straightness in
member i.e. initial curvature in the member, eccentricity of the load and non-homogeneity in
the material of the column. If a member shows signs of bucking the member leads to failure
with small increase in load. The load at which the member buckles is called buckling or critical
load. The buckling load (P) can be found by using following Euler’s expression:
 2 EI
P 2
le
where, E = Modulus of elasticity of material
I = Least moment of inertia of column cross section
le = Effective length of column

Depending on end conditions of column, effective length of column varies, which can be given
as follows:

Sr. No. End Condition Effective Length (le)

1 Both ends fixed L/2
2 One end fixed, the other end hinged / pinned L/√2
3 Both ends hinged / pinned L
4 One end fixed, the other end free 2L

where, L is distance between points of fixity at top and bottom i.e. unsupported length of
column.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Effective Length of Column having different end conditions

Procedure:
1) Measure dimensions of column strip i.e. width of cross section (b), depth of cross
section (d).
2) Attach a graph paper on the wooden board of apparatus behind the column
3) Mark the points of fixity at top and bottom of the column to measure its unsupported
length (L).
4) Trace the initial straightness of column over graph paper.
5) Apply gradually increasing load at the top of column. At certain stage of loading the
column shows abnormal deflections and gives the buckling load.
6) Note down the value of buckling load observed experimentally.
7) Trace the deflected shape of the column over the graph paper. Mark the points of change
of curvature of the curve and measure the effective length of column.
8) Calculate the analytical effective length of column and buckling load by the Euler’s
expressions given above and compare them with the observed experimental values.

Observation Table:

Width of the cross section of the column strip (b): _______________ mm

Depth of the cross section of the column strip(d): _______________ mm
Least Moment of Inertia (I): _______________ mm4
Modulus of Elasticity (E): _______________ N/mm2

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Effective Length of Column (le)

Unsupported Euler's Buckling load (N)
(mm)
Group Length of
End conditions of Column Through Through
No. column Through % Through %
Analytical Analytical
(mm) Experiment difference Experiment difference
Calculation Calculation
Both ends fixed
One end fixed, the other end hinged /
1 pinned
Both ends hinged / pinned
One end fixed, the other end free
Both ends fixed
One end fixed, the other end hinged /
2 pinned
Both ends hinged / pinned
One end fixed, the other end free
Both ends fixed
One end fixed, the other end hinged /
3 pinned
Both ends hinged / pinned
One end fixed, the other end free
Both ends fixed
One end fixed, the other end hinged /
4 pinned
Both ends hinged / pinned
One end fixed, the other end free

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 33 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Sample Calculation:

Show analytical calculation for Euler’s Buckling Load for each of the four cases.

Group No. _________

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-9 Experiment
Three Hinged Arch

Objective: To determine the horizontal reaction in a three hinged arch subjected to

concentrated vertical loads

Apparatus: Three hinged arch apparatus, weights, measuring scale

Theory: An arch is a vertical curved structure that spans an elevated space and may or may
not support the weight above it. In case of beams supporting uniformly distributed load, the
maximum bending moment increases with the square of the span and hence they become
uneconomical for long span structures. In such situations arches could be advantageous as they
would develop horizontal reactions, which in turn reduce the design bending moment.

Three hinged arch

Procedure:
1) Ensure free movement of the roller end of the three hinged arch using lubricating oil or
grease.
2) Place the load on the hanger to set selected equilibrium conditions of the three hinged
arch.
3) Place two to three concentrated vertical loads on the arch in any chosen positions.
4) Balance these vertical forces by placing additional loads on the hanger to obtain initial
equilibrium condition selected in setp-2.
5) The additional loads on the hanger gives the experimental value of the horizontal
reaction of the three hinged arch under the effect of concentrated vertical loads.
6) Manually, calculate analytical value of horizontal reaction of the three hinged arch
subjected to system of concentrated vertical loads.

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observation Table:

Span of the arch, L (mm): _______________________

Central rise, h (mm): ____________________________

Initial load on Distance of Additional load Experimental

Vertical
the hanger to vertical on hanger to value of
concentrate
Group set equilibrium loads from obtain initial Horizontal
loads on three
No. condition (kg) left end equilibrium Reaction of three
hinged arch
support condition hinged arch
(kg)
(mm) (kg) (kg)

Results:

Group Experimental value of Analytical value of

% difference
No. Horizontal Reaction (kg) Horizontal Reaction (kg)

Conclusion:

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 36 of 39

B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Sample Calculation:

Show manual calculation for analytical value of horizontal reaction of three hinged arch.

Group No. _________

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Date: __________________

LPW-10 Hands-on Exercise

Deflection of Statically Determinate Truss

Objective: To determine deflection of statically determinate truss subjected to given system of

loads using (i) Unit Load Method and using (ii) STAAD.Pro software

Group No. 1 2 3 4
Problem No. 1 & 2 3 & 4 2 & 3 1 & 4

1. Find horizontal and vertical deflection of joint ‘C’ of truss ABCD loaded as shown in Fig.
1. Assume that, all members have the same axial rigidity A = E = 1.

2. Compute the vertical deflection of joint ‘B’ and horizontal displacement of joint ‘D’ of the
truss subjected to loading as shown in Fig. 3. Consider E = 2 × 105 N/mm2 for all members.
Consider cross sectional area for all vertical members as 1000 mm2, for all inclined
members as 2500 mm2 and for all horizontal members as 1500 mm2.

3. Determine the vertical displacement of joint ‘C’ for plane truss subjected to loading as
shown in Fig. 2. Consider cross sectional area of each member of the truss as 400 mm2 and
E = 200 GPa.

4. Determine vertical displacement at joint ‘C’ and horizontal displacement at joint ‘F’ for the
truss subjected to loading as shown in Fig. 4. Consider cross sectional area for each member
of truss as 300 mm2 and E = 200 GPa.

Fig. 1 Fig. 2

Fig. 3 Fig. 4

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B. Tech. in Civil Engineering - Second Year Structural Mechanics-I (2CL301)

Observations:

School of Engineering, Institute of Technology, Nirma University Page 39 of 39