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Problem Statement:
The purpose of this assignment is to design and test basswood prototype beams for Flexible Beam Inc. The
basswood prototype beams must be designed built and tested to meet the design requirements. A budget has
been implements of no more than $10.00. The beam is required to hold the specified X-Axis load of 300 lbs. for
it to be successful; the beams designed will include a Safety Factor of 1.5 to ensure that the beam can hold more
than the required 300 lbs. If the beam is to fail before the X-Axis Load of 300 lbs. then the beam and the design
will fail.
Constraints:
The basswood for the beam prototypes may only be obtained from the 1201 Lumber Yard and only materials
out of the Discovery Box may be used when assembling the beam. The cross section dimensions cannot exceed
2 x 2 and 24 in length. The beam may not weigh more than 240 grams after final assembly. The beam will be
tested with 18 support length with the weight center-loaded. Deflection of the beam has to be within the
specified range of 0.05 in. and 0.200 in. the overall cost of the beam prototype cannot exceed $10.00.
Assumptions:
The basswood has no defects
The Modulus of Elasticity of basswood is 1.46 x 106 psi
The Density of basswood is 28 lb/ft3
Research:
Adhesive Bonding Techniques:1
Surfaces should be clean; free from dirt, oil, oxides, and resinous deposits; and generally well seasoned.
The adhesive should be spread evenly and uniformly over the entire surface. (Hoyle, Robert J. 1989,
361)
Uniform pressure improves the mating of the surface. (Hoyle, Robert J. 1989, 361)
Excessive pressure can squeeze too much adhesive from the joint and result in a poor bond result.
Glued members must remain clamped until the glue bond strength is well developed.
Problems in Use of Wood for Structures:2
Wood properties vary from species of wood to species of wood.
Properties can also vary depending on what part of the tree the wood came from
Duration of loading causes strength changes: The longer a load remains on a wood member, the
weaker the wood member becomes. (Stalnaker, Judith J. 1989, 11)
Advantages of Wood as a Structural Material:3
Economy
o Less costly to construct compared to other materials.
Appearance
o If taken care of properly wood can have visual appeal to it.
Ease of working and reworking the material.
High strength per weight ratio.
Thermal insulating properties.
Beam Failure Types:4
Plastic hinge to form.
o The beam collapses as if a hinge was implemented into the beam.
Lateral-torsional buckling along the length of the beam.
Local buckling of the beam cross-section.
1 Hoyle, Robert J., and Frank E. Woeste. Wood Technology in the Design of Structures. 5th ed. Ames:
Iowa State University Press, 1989. 361.
2 Stalnaker, Judith J., and Ernest C. Harris. Structural Design in Wood. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 1989. 11.
3 Stalnaker, Judith J., and Ernest C. Harris. Structural Design in Wood. New York: Van Nostrand
Reinhold, 1989. 11.
4 "Factors Affecting Beam Strength." Factors Affecting Beam Strength. Accessed April 13, 2015.
http://www.tatasteelconstruction.com/en/reference/teaching-resources/architectural-teachingresource/elements/design-of-beams-structural-steel/factors-affecting-beam-strength.
Calculations:
Deflection:
3
PL
=
48 EI
Inertia:
I=
P: Concentrated load
L: Length between supports
E: Modulus of elasticity
B H3
12
X-Axis Calculations
Y- Axis Calculations
Total Cost
of Wood
and Glue
Joints ($)
Inertia
(in4)
Deflection
(in)
Inertia
(in4)
Within Sp
Range W
Safety Fac
1.5
Beam
Configuration
on Primary
Axis
Calculated
Mass
(grams)
I Beam #1
143
19.5
$7.30
.2240
.1115
.0442
.2824
Yes
I Beam #2
165
22.5
$7.75
.3003
.0831
.0546
.2285
Yes
226
30.75
$8.85
.2797
.0893
.4956
.0252
Yes
H Beam
I: Moment of Inertia
Deflection
(in)
Bill of Materials:
Beam
Name:
I Beam #1
H Beam
I Beam #2
Material Name
Cost ($)
Material Name
Cost ($)
Material Name
Cost ($)
5/16 x 1
$2.25
5/16 x 1
$3.25
5/16 x 1
$2.25
5/16 x 1
$2.25
5/16 x 1
$3.25
5/16 x 1
$2.25
1/4 x 1
$1.80
3/16 x 1
$1.35
5/16 x 1
$2.25
$1.00
$1.00
$1.00
Total:
$7.30
$8.85
$7.75
Decision Matrix:
5 = Excellent
4 = Very Good
3 = Good
2 = Fair
1 = Poor
Relative
Weights
Evaluation
Criteria
20%
Cost
Safety
Factor of
1.5
Ease to
Build
Within
Deflection
Range
Availability
of Wood
Total:
25%
10%
35%
10%
100%
I Beam #1
Rating
Score
Alternatives
H Beam
Rating
Score
I Beam #2
Rating
Score
.80
.40
.60
1.25
1.25
1.25
.40
.30
.4
1.75
1.40
1.05
.5
.5
.5
4.70
3.85
3.80
Bibliography:
"Factors Affecting Beam Strength." Factors Affecting Beam Strength. Accessed April 13, 2015.
http://www.tatasteelconstruction.com/en/reference/teaching-resources/architectural-teachingresource/elements/design-of-beams-structural-steel/factors-affecting-beam-strength.
Hoyle, Robert J., and Frank E. Woeste. Wood Technology in the Design of Structures. 5th ed. Ames: Iowa
State University Press, 1989. 361.
Stalnaker, Judith J., and Ernest C. Harris. Structural Design in Wood. New York: Van Nostrand Reinhold,
1989. 11.