Frames Laboratory

Names (one submission per group):

1 Objectives of this Laboratory

This laboratory exercise investigates the structural behaviour of statically determinate plane
frames. The objectives of this laboratory are:
(i)

To develop a deeper understanding of how simple structures deform under load.

(ii)

To compare experimental results with theoretical results.

(ii)

To cross-check the theoretical results using a structural analysis computer

program.

2 Sketching Deflected Shapes

Engineers often sketch the deformed shape of structures under load when trying to predict
how a structure will carry the load. This, in turn, serves as a check on results of any
subsequent analysis. Should the detailed analysis produce results that are at variance with
the engineer's understanding of how the structure behaves then the reason for the
discrepancy needs to be investigated.
Figure 1 shows outlines of the first two frames that will be tested during this laboratory. On
this diagram sketch the shape the structures will take up under the action of the loads shown.
Mark the points of maximum deflection, maximum bending moment and any points of
contraflexure.

30 N

40 N

Figure 1: Outlines for Sketching Deflected Shapes

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Frames Laboratory

3 Section and Material Properties

3 Section and Material Properties

Record the cross-sectional dimensions of the frames shown in Figures 2, 3 and 5 using a
plastic dial calliper. Record your findings in the table below.
b
(mm)

d
(mm)

I
(mm4)

E
(N/mm2)

Frame 1

209103

Frame 2

209103

Frame 3

209103

EI
(Nmm2)

4 Test Frame 1
Set up Frame 1 as shown in Figure 2 but without the 40 N load. Record the zero-load dial
gauge readings as datum values and then load the structure in 10 N increments up to the
maximum value of 40 N. Record the dial gauge reading at each load level. Unload the
structure in 20 N increments recording the dial gauge reading at each load level.
450 mm

450 mm

Dial
gauge

40 N
225 mm

Figure 2: Frame 1

Load (N)

10

20

30

40

20

Dial-Gauge Reading (mm)

Incremental Displacement (mm)

Total Displacement (mm)

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Frames Laboratory

4 Test Frame 1

Plot the load/deflection graph below.

Deflection
(mm)

10

20

30

40

Load (N)

Comment on the results.

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Frames Laboratory

5 Test Frame 2

5 Test Frame 2
Set up Frame 2 as shown in Figure 3 without the 30 N load but with a 20 N load placed over
the left-hand support to avoid it slipping out. Record the zero-load dial gauge readings as
datum values and then load the structure in 10 N increments up to the maximum value of 30
N. Record the dial gauge reading at each load level. Unload the structure as indicated,
recording the dial gauge reading at each load level.
300 mm

300 mm

Dial
gauge

30 N

300 mm

300 mm

Figure 3: Frame 2
Load (N)

10

20

30

20

10

Dial-Gauge Reading (mm)

Incremental Displacement (mm)

Total Displacement (mm)

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Frames Laboratory

5 Test Frame 2

Plot the load/deflection graph below.

Deflection
(mm)

10

20

30

40

Load (N)

Comment on the results.

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Frames Laboratory

6 Test Frame 3

6 Test Frame 3
This frame will be used to illustrate the application of the flexibility method using the
rectangular portal with pinned feet shown in Figure 4.

Figure 4: Rectangular Portal with Pinned Feet

The structure is indeterminate to degree one. In the lab you will follow a physical analogue
of what is done mathematically in the flexibility method by taking the following actions.

Set-up the primary structure by releasing the horizontal reaction at the righthand support.

Load the structure with the actual loads.

Measure the loss of compatibility at the right-hand support (i.e. the release
displacement).

Apply load in the direction of the release to restore compatibility (i.e. determine
the release force).

After the lab you will check the laboratory results by hand calculation using the flexibility
method and cross-check using LINPRO.
Load Case 1
Set-up the primary structure as shown in Figure 5 but without the 50 N load.
300 mm

300 mm

50 N
450 mm

Dial
gauge

Figure 5: Frame 3, Primary Structure - Load Case 1

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Frames Laboratory

6 Test Frame 3

Record the zero-load dial gauge reading in the table on the next page. Load the structure as
shown and record the dial gauge reading. Unload the structure and again record the dial
gauge reading. Repeat three times to check the repeatability of the results.
With original load still in place apply a second load W (as shown in Figure 6) in 1.0 N
increments until the dial gauge reading is returned to its zero load position.

Figure 6 Restore Compatibility

This value of W corresponds to the horizontal reaction at the right hand support of a portal
with pinned feet.
Test Repeatability
Load (N)

50

50

50

Dial-Gauge Reading (mm)

Total Displacement (mm)

Comment on the results:

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Frames Laboratory

6 Test Frame 3

Restore Compatibility
Load (N)

50

50+1

50+2

50+3

50+4

50+5

50+6

50+7

Dial-Gauge Reading (mm)

Incremental Displacement (mm)

Total Displacement (mm)

Hence horizontal reaction (for pinned feet) is:

Load Case 2
Set-up the Frame 3 as shown in Figure 7 but without the 10 N load. Note: two 10 N loads
must be placed over the left-hand support for stability.
10 N

Dial
gauge

Figure 7: Primary Structure - Load Case 2

The procedure is the same as for Load Case 1 except the repeatability test should not be
repeated! Record the zero-load dial gauge reading and then load the structure as shown and
record the dial gauge reading. With original load still in place apply a second load W (as
shown in Figure 6) in 1.0N increments until the dial gauge reading is returned to its zero
load position. This value of W corresponds to the horizontal reaction at the right hand
support of a portal with pinned feet.
Restore Compatibility
Load (N)

10

10+1

10+2

10+3

10+4

10+5

10+6

10+7

Dial-Gauge Reading (mm)

Incremental Displacement (mm)

Total Displacement (mm)

Hence horizontal reaction (for pinned feet) is.

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Frames Laboratory

Hand Calculations and Computer Analysis

Hand Calculations and Computer Analysis

Frames 1 and 2
The deflections measured in the laboratory for frames 1 and 2 should be compared with the
results of hand calculations using virtual work calculations and computer analysis using
LINPRO. Your finding should be summarised in the table below:
Laboratory
Result

Virtual
Work

Difference
(%)

LINPRO

Difference
(%)

Frame 1 Displacement (mm)

Frame 2 Displacement (mm)

Comment on the results.

Frame 3
The reactions measured in the laboratory for Frame 3 should be compared with the results of
hand calculations using flexibility method and computer analysis using LinPro. Your
finding should be summarised in the table below:
Laboratory
Result

Flexibility
Method

Difference
(%)

LinPro

Difference
(%)

Load Case 1 - Reaction (N)

Load Case 2 - Reaction (N)

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Frames Laboratory

Hand Calculations and Computer Analysis

Comment on the results.

List possible sources of error in order of importance, try to give a estimate of the likely
percentage error from each source.

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Frames Laboratory

7 The Laboratory Report

Concluding Remarks.

7 The Laboratory Report

Each group must submit a report which should consist of the following:
1

A completed set of these laboratory sheets.

Hand-written virtual work and flexibility method calculations of deflections

should be attached to the laboratory sheets as Appendix A.

Some representative output from LinPro should be attached to the laboratory

sheets as Appendix B. Two or three pages are sufficient and you should include
both spreadsheet and graphical output.

8 Submission
1

One laboratory report is to be submitted per group. It is suggested that you

retain a copy of the report for your own records.

The report is to be submitted on or before Friday of Week 6 (20 February).

Submit via the hand-in boxes on the first floor of the Edwin Chadwick Building.

Cover sheets must be used and put Dr Balfour as Course Leader.

Your laboratory notebook is not required.

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