7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

INTRODUCTION

A beam is a structural element that carries load primarily in bending (flexure). Beams generally
carry vertical gravitational forces but can also be used to carry horizontal loads. Beams are
characterized by their profile (the shape of their cross-section), their length, and their material.
Beams carry their loading to other elements or supports. In order to be able to analyze a
structure it is necessary to be clear about the forces that can be resisted at each support. This
manual contains some fundamental theory for understanding the experiment, description of the
apparatus and experimental procedure to examine the supports reaction of the beam.

OBJECTIVE

The objectives of this experiment are:

1. To identify the supports reaction in simply-supported and overhanging beams.

2. To develop an understanding of beam apparatus, and to determine its sensitivity and

accuracy.

THEORY

1. General

A beam is a member which has the primary function of

resisting transverse loading. Beam is one of the simplest

structures in design but one of the most complexes to

analyze in terms of the external and internal forces acting

on it. The complexity of its behavior under load depends

on how it is supported - at one or both ends - and how its

ends are attached to the supports. Three basic beam

types are the simply-supported, overhanging, and

cantilever beams.

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

A beam supported by a support at the ends and having

one span is called a simply-supported beam (Figure 1). A

support will develop a reaction normal to the beam but

will not produce a couple. If either or both ends of the

beam project beyond the supports, it is called

overhanging beam (Figure 2). A cantilever beam is one in

which one ends is built into a wall or other support so that

the built-in end can neither move transversely nor rotate

(Figure 3).

2. Supports Reaction of the Simply-Supported Beam with Concentrated Loads

Referring to the loading in Figure 3, the left-hand support reaction R1 is first required and the

reactions can be found from the equations of force and moment equilibrium.

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

Fig. 3 Supports reaction of the simply-supported beam with concentrated loads

3. Supports Reaction of the Overhanging Beam with Concentrated and Distributed Loads

Referring to the loading in Figure 4, the left-hand support reaction R1 is first required and the

reactions can be found from the equations of force and moment equilibrium.

Fig. 4 Supports reaction of the overhanging beam with concentrated and distributed loads

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

DESCRIPTION OF BEAM APPARATUS

The SM104 Beam Apparatus (Figure 5) has many features which extend the range of
experiments to cover virtually all coursework requirements relating to the bending of beams.
The basic unit provides facilities for supporting beams on simple, built in and sinking supports;
applying point loads, and measuring support reactions and beam deflections.

The main frame of the apparatus consists of an upper cross member carrying graduated scales
and two lower members bolted to tee-legs to form a rigid assembly. The load cells and
cantilever support pillar slide along the lower members and can be clamped firmly in any
position. The load cells are direct readings and each is fitted with a hardened steel knife edge
which can be adjusted by a thumb nut to set the initial level or to simulate a sinking support. A
lead screw in the base of each load cell can be screwed upwards to support the knife edge and
thus convert it to a rigid support when required.

The cantilever support consists of a rigid pillar with a sturdy clamping arrangement to hold the
beams when built-in end conditions are required. Weight hangers and a set of cast iron weights
are supplied for applying static loads. All beam deflections are measured by dial gauge
mounted on magnetic carriers which slide along the upper cross member. The dial gauge
carriers, load cells and weight hangers are all fitted with cursors which register on the scale
located on the upper cross member, thus ensuring easy, accurate positioning.

Fig. 5 SM104 Beam Apparatus

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

SPECIMEN AND EQUIPMENTS

1. Beam apparatus – SM104

2. Vernier caliper

3. Load cells

4. Dial gauges

5. Weight hangers

6. Weights: 5 N, 10 N

7. Steel blocks

8. Beams: Steel / Brass / Aluminium

Experiment 1: Supports Reaction of the Simply-Supported Beam with Concentrated Loads

PROCEDURES

1. Thickness and width of the beam being measured

2. The length of the beam measured and the mid-span and at 1/4-span points will be mark.

3. Load cells 1/4-span being set up to the left and right of the mid-span reading, and knife edge
will be locked.

4. The beam placed in position with 1/4-span overhang at either end.

5. Positioned the two weight hangers equidistant from the mid-point of the beam.

6. A dial gauge placed in position on upper cross-member so that the ball end rests on the
center-line of the beam and it will be immediately above the left-hand support.

7. The stem is vertical and the bottom O-ring has been moved down the stem after being
checked.

8. The dial gauge adjusted to zero read and then the bezel locked in position.

9. The dial gauge moved to a position above the right-hand support, when the beam is

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

parallel to the cross-member it will be checked, then the height of the knife edge adjusted so
that the dial gauge reads zero.

10. The dial gauge removed and both knife edges unlocked. The load cell indicators adjusted
to read zero.

11. Loads applied to the weight hangers in a systematic manner, then the beam taped gently
and readings of the load cells taken.

12. The results and graphs will be plotted and process from the experimental results.

Fig. 6 Experimental set up for supports reaction of the simply-supported beam with

concentrated loads

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

Experiment 2: Supports Reaction of the Overhanging Beam with Concentrated and

Distributed Loads

PROCEDURES

1. The thickness and width of the beam measured. The beam arranged as shown in Figure 7.

2. Load cells 1/4-span being set up to the left and 1/8-span to the right of the mid-span reading,
and the knife edge locked.

3. A dial gauge placed in a position on the upper cross-member so that the ball end rests on the

center-line of the beam and it immediately goes above the left-hand support.

4. The stem is vertical and the bottom O-ring has will be moved down the stem after check it.

5. Adjust the dial gauge to zero read and then lock the bezel in position.

6. The dial gauge moved to the position above the right-hand support, then the beam is checked
so that it will parallel to the cross-member, the height of the knife edge adjusted so that the dial
gauge reads zero.

7. The dial gauge removed and both knife edges unlocked. The load cell indicators adjusted to
zero reading.

8. A weight hanger 1/8-span positioned to the left from the end point of the beam

9. Loads being applied to the weight hanger and steel block was in a systematic manner, and
the readings of the load cells taken.

10. The results and graphs being plotted and process from the experimental results.

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

Fig. 7 Experimental set up for supports reaction of the overhanging beam with concentrated
and distributed loads

RESULTS (Experiment 1)
1. Show all the measurements of beam.
Beam length L [mm] 43.4 mm
Beam width b [mm] 3.10 mm
Beam thickness h [mm] 1.22 mm
Beam working length l [mm] 21.7 mm
Table 1 : Measurements of beam

2. Record the values of R1 and R2, and calculate the R1+R2, Δ and % in Table 1.
W1 W2 R1+R2 W1+W2 ∆ [(R1+R2)- % [(100∆ )/
(N) (N) R1 (N) R2 (N) (N) (N) (W1+W2)] (N) (W1+W2)]
5 0 1.8 1.3 3.1 5 -1.9 -38
10 0 6.3 2.7 9 10 -1 -10
15 0 9.1 4 13.1 15 -1.9 -12.67
20 0 12.4 5.4 17.8 20 -2.2 -11
25 0 18 6.7 24.7 25 -0.3 -1.2
30 0 21.6 8.1 29.7 30 -0.3 -1
0 5 0.8 3.7 4.5 5 -0.5 -10
0 10 3.9 7.2 11.1 10 1.1 11
0 15 4.6 10.8 15.4 15 0.4 25
0 20 6.3 14.3 20.6 20 0.6 40
0 25 7.8 18 25.8 25 0.8 3.2
0 30 8.5 21.6 30.1 30 0.1 0.33

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

5 5 3.2 4.9 8.1 10 -1.9 -19

10 10 8.1 9.9 18 20 -2 -10
15 15 13 14.8 27.8 30 -2.2 -7.33
20 20 17.5 19.5 37 40 -3 -7.5
25 25 21.5 24.2 45.7 50 -4.3 -8.6
30 30 26.5 29.1 55.6 60 -4.4 -7.33
Table 2: Values of W1, W2, R1,R2 from the experiment

3. Plot the graphs.

i. R1 and R2 against W1, when W2 = 0.

R1 and R2 against W1, when W2 = 0

25

20

R1
15
R1,R2

R2

10 R1
(Theory)
R2
(Theory)
5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
W1
Graph 1 :R1 and R2 against W1, when W2 = 0

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

ii. R1 and R2 against W2, when W1 = 0.

R1 and R2against W2, when W1=0

25

20

15
R1
R1,R2

R2
10
R1(Theory)
5 R2(Theory)

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
W2

Graph2:R1 and R2against W2, when W1=0

iii. R1 and R2 against W1 = W2 = 5 N, 10 N, 15 N, 20 N, 25 N and 30 N.

R1 and R2 against W1=W2

35

30

25

20 R1
R1,R2

15 R2

10 R1(Theory)
R2(Theory)
5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35
W1,W2

Graph 3:R1 and R2 against W1=W2

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

DISCUSSION
1. Discuss on the verification of equations (3) and (4).
The equation (3) and (4) can be verified by comparing the experimental result of simple-
supports reaction with the theoretical values by calculation applying formula (3) and (4). Here
are the equations,

𝟏 𝒂 𝒃
R1 = 𝟐 ( W1+ W2) + W1 ( 𝒍 ) - W2 ( 𝒍 ) ------------------------ equation (3)

𝟏 𝒂 𝒃
R2= 𝟐 ( W1+ W2) - W1 ( 𝒍 ) + W2 ( 𝒍 ) ------------------------ equation (4)

Based on Table 2, the value of R1 is 1.8 N when W1 is 5 N at W2 is 0 N, while the by using the
equation (3) the value of R1 is 3.751152074 N. therefore, the value of R2 is 1.3 N when W1 is 5
N at W2 is 0 N, while the by using the equation (4) the value of R2 is 1.248847926 N.

2. Discuss on the obtained graphs from the experiment and 3. Calculate the theoretical
values of R1 and R2, by using equations (3) and (4). Plot the graph of theoretical values
of R1 and R2. Compare and discuss the theoretical and experimental graphs.

From the Graph ……., the load cells readings are proportional to the load applied. The straight
line graph is drawn above. The R1 value is smaller than the R2 value. This is due to the applied
load W which is placed nearer to the R2 load cell at the specimen. While from Graph ……..,
the load cells readings of R1 is still proportional to load applied but R2 is slightly increase
proportional to the load applied. As the W2 increases, while W1 is constant, the R1 readings will
increase due to the increasing of value W2. From Graph 3, it is clearly shows that both R1 and
R2 increases as the load increases, but R2 theoretically increase same with a high rate to R1
which increase directly proportionally. This phenomena can shows that concentrated load can
bring a higher effect than distributed load.

4. Summarize the occurred errors, and discuss the factors that can be affected to the
experimental results.
a) The imperfection of specimen may cause slight errors during the test. Technical
problem may be taken as a possible source of error too.
b) The parallax error or the zero reading error might occur. This is due to the wrongly
sight when reading is taken where the eyes are not parallel to the measuring equipment.
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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

Therefore the fan wind is also influenced the reading of R value, when the load hanging
sometime swung.

RESULTS (Experiment 2)

Beam Length L [mm] 1098 mm

Beam Width b [mm] 2.93 mm
Beam thickness h [mm] 1.24 mm
Table 3: Showing the experimental results for support reaction of the overhanging beam with concentrated and distributed
load.

wl W [N] R1 [N] R2 [N] (R1 + R2) (w + ∆ [N] %

[N/m] [N] W)
10 0 4.9 3.4 8.3 10 -1.7 -17
10 5 2.6 11.7 14.3 15 -0.7 -4.66667
10 10 0.2 19.8 20 20 0 0
15 0 8.5 5.4 13.9 15 -1.1 -7.33333
15 5 5.8 13.7 19.5 20 -0.5 -2.5
15 10 2.3 22 24.3 25 -0.7 -2.8
15 15 1.3 30.3 31.6 30 1.6 5.333333
20 0 11.3 6.7 18 20 -2 -10
20 5 8.6 15 23.6 25 -1.4 -5.6
20 10 5.5 23.2 28.7 30 -1.3 -4.33333
20 15 1.8 31.5 33.3 35 -1.7 -4.85714
20 20 1.4 39.8 41.2 40 1.2 3
Table 4: The values obtained from the experiment

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

R1. R2, RT1, RT2 [N] AGAINST wl [N/m] when W = 10N

25

20

15
Axis Title

R1
R2
10
RT1
RT2
5

0
0 5 10 15 20 25
Axis Title

Graph 4: R1. R2, RT1, RT2 [N] against wl [N/m] when W = 10N

R1, R2, RT1, RT2 AGAINST W [N] when wl = 10 [N/m]

25

20

15 R1
R2
RT1
10
RT2

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12

Graph 5: R1, R2, RT1, RT2 against W [N] when wl = 10 [N/m]

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

R1, R2, RT1. RT2 AGAINST w = W = 10N, 15N, 20N

45

40

35

30
R1
25
R2
20 RT1
15 RT2

10

0
0 5 10 15 20 25

Graph 6: R1, R2, RT1. RT2 against w = W = 10N, 15N, 20N

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

DISCUSSION

1. The equation (7) and (8) also can be verified by comparing the experimental result of simple-
supports reaction with the theoretical values of simple-supports reaction by calculation applying
formula (7) and (8).

From Table 1,
𝑤ℎ𝑒𝑛 𝑤ℓ = 15𝑁 𝑎𝑛𝑑 𝑊 = 15𝑁,

Using equation (7) and (8) to calculate the R1 and R2 theoretically,

2 15
R 1 =3 (15 − )
2

=5N

15 4∗15
R2= +
3 3

=25N

R 1 + R 2 = 5 + 25 𝑤ℓ + W = 15 + 15

= 30N = 30N

2. From the Graph 1, the load cells readings are proportional to the load applied. The straight line
graph is drawn above. The R1 value is smaller than the R2 value. This is due to the applied load

W which is placed nearer to the R2 load cell at the specimen. While from Graph 2, the load cells
readings of R2 is still proportional to load applied but R1 is inversely proportional to the load
applied. As the W increases while wl is constant, the R1 readings will decreases. This is because
the effect of W that placed nearer to the R2 is higher than distributed load, wl. From Graph 3, it
is clearly shows that both R1 and R2 increases as the load increases, but R2 is increase with a high
rate compare to R1 which increase a bit only although wl and W is the same. This phenomena can
shows that concentrated load can bring a higher effect than distributed load.

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

3. The formula to calculate the experimental error [%] of the experiment

𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

𝐸𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝐸𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 [%] = × 100%
𝑇ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑉𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

Table 5: Showing the theoretical results with its error percentage

wl W [N] R1 [N] R2 [N] Rt1 Rt2 R1 R2
[N/m] ERROR ERROR
10 0 4.9 3.4 6.666666667 3.333333 26.5 -2
10 5 2.6 11.7 3.333333333 11.66667 22 -0.28571
10 10 0.2 19.8 0 20 0 1
15 0 8.5 5.4 10 5 15 -8
15 5 5.8 13.7 6.666666667 13.33333 13 -2.75
15 10 2.3 22 3.333333333 21.66667 31 -1.53846
15 15 1.3 30.3 0 30 0 -1
20 0 11.3 6.7 13.33333333 6.666667 15.25 -0.5
20 5 8.6 15 10 15 14 0
20 10 5.5 23.2 6.666666667 23.33333 17.5 0.571429
20 15 1.8 31.5 3.333333333 31.66667 46 0.526316
20 20 1.4 39.8 0 40 0 0.5

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 7A: BEAM TEST | Supports Reaction of Beam

4. The occurred errors in this experiment are :

a) The imperfection of specimen may cause slight errors during the test. Technical problem
may be taken as a possible source of error too.
b) The parallax error or the zero reading error might occur. This is due to the wrongly sight
when reading is taken where the eyes are not parallel to the measuring equipment.
Therefore a few readings should be taken to ensure the accuracy of the values.
c) The dial gauges do not locate at the right angle and the load cell indicator do not set to
zero before the readings are taken.

5. Factors that can be affected to the experiment are :

1. The loads do not put on each side of the beam at the same time.
2. Surrounding disturbance likes wind.
3. Applied load suddenly will cause the readings not accurate.
4. The weight of contributed load are not constant.

CONCLUSION

The supports reaction is directly proportional to the load applied. The greater of the load applied
on one side of the beam, the greater of the support reaction acting on that site and vice versa.
On the other hand, if the same loads applied on the both side of the beam and equidistance from
the centre of the beam, the supports reaction will distribute evenly at both sides.

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