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LIGHT STRUCTURE LABORATORY

LABORATORY WORKSHEET

Course Code
Course Name
Experiment Title

BFC 21201

LIGHT STRUCTURE LABORATORY


BENDING MOMENT IN A BEAM

Faculty

: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department : Structure And Material Engineering


Title

: Bending Moment In The Beam

Faculty

: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department : Structure And Material Engineering


Title

: Bending Moment In The Beam

Faculty

: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department : Structure And Material Engineering


Title

: Bending Moment In The Beam

Faculty

: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department : Structure And Material Engineering


Title

: Bending Moment In The Beam

Faculty

: Faculty of Civil and Environmental Engineering

Department : Structure And Material Engineering


Title

: Bending Moment In The Beam

2.

A graph has been plotted to compare the results between experimental and the theoretical

results.
3.

The shape of the graph that has been drawn is straight and linear. Therefore, this shows that

when the load increases gradually, the bending moment also will increase proportionally as well. In
other words, load applied to the beam is directly proportional to the bending moment at a fixed
point, given that the length of the beam, the point of the load application and the cut must remain
constant.
4. Yes, the equation that used can be predicted accurately the behavior of the beam. Firstly, the
equation was derived theoretically based on the assumption of an ideal beam. Therefore, the
theoretical results were computed by using the equation but cannot be wrong in terms of theory
wise. Moreover, the theoretical line based on the graph shows a completely perfect line where all
the points coincide and intercept on the same line. By comparing this with the experimental results,
which vividly portrays a similar straight line graph, we can conclude the equation used does
accurately predict the behavior of the beam. Although the experimental line on the graph does not
seem perfect, however, a line of best fit can be drawn well without having the points separated too
far away from the line.
Part 2
1.

The experimental results and theoretical results are very similar. The largest error between the

readings is only about 0.01 Nm. As such, this experiment can be concluded to be successful.
Somehow we still able to obtain such accurate results, it is probably depend on the age and
condition of the equipment. For examples, if the equipments given are brand new. An experiment
can be carried out smoothly and a set of precise and accurate results can be achieved.
2.

Yes, it is similar in terms of algebraic sum. For example, we look at part B ( Analysis No.3)
Sum of moment to the left of the cut = 1.962(0.30) 3.924(0.06)
= 0.3532 Nm
Sum of moment to the right of the cut = -3.924(0.14) + 1.962(0.10)
= -0.3532 Nm
Moment at the cut, Mx = 0.3532 Nm

Here, we can see that the magnitude of moments on either side is totally similar, only the direction
or spin of the moments differ. Depending on which side of the beam we refer to when computing,
the bending moment at the cut can be clockwise or counter clockwise.

3.

Regarding to the calculations, Shear Force Diagram and Bending Moment Diagram for load

cases in Figure 2, 3 and 4 have been sketched.


4.

Based on the bending moment diagrams, we can see that when the points where load applied

or the reactions are the highest, the bending moment will be the highest too. Besides, we can
determine that as the load increases, the bending moment will increase too. This is proven that the
relationship between load and bending moment is directly proportional. However, bending moment
does not increase endlessly. At the first and last point of loads or reactions on the beam, the
moment must be equal to zero as the beam remains in equilibrium. Moreover, if the load applied is
point load as the one in this experiment, the bending moment either decreases or increases
uniformly between two point loads or reactions.

8.0

CONCLUSION

From this experiment, we have concluded that the results obtained to be accurate and acceptable. In
addition, we have determined the variation of bending moment with an increasing point load and at
the cut position of the beam for various loading condition. Through this laboratory experiment, we
are managed to comprehend the behavior of bending moment on a beam when different locations
on the beam. Therefore, the relationship between these two factors were found to be linearly
proportional.

9.0

RECOMMENDATION

1.

When performing the experiment, make sure not to lean against the beam machine or place

any sorts of weight on the beam machines too. This is because the machines are extremely sensitive
due to the age of this machine.
2.

Place the assumed weights carefully on the stated positions. Ensure 10g weights are sufficient

on the hanger, one 10g less or more may affect the result greatly.

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