EXPERIMENT 2

(SUPPORT REACTIONS AND CENTRAL MOMENT OF A CONTINUOUS BEAM )

-using continuous beam apparatus.

Objective :

The objective of the experiment is to find the support reactions and central moment
for a continuous beam given. The data obtained from the experiment will then be
compared to the values predicted from theory.

The Apparatus :

The apparatus needed is as shown in the diagram below. The frame consists of three
support bracket that can be set at any point along the top beam. Each bracket has a
spring balance with the fine screw adjusted and a stirrup to hold the beam used in the
experiment. The position of the brackets is shown by a pointer and scale. Additional
stirrup are use to hold the load hanger which are attached to the beam to provide point
loads. A position bracket is used to determine the position of the applied loads.
1. Spring Balances

2. Stirrup

3. Water level.

4. Dial-gauge
5. Hanger

6. Loads

7. Measuring tape
Procedure :

1. Two outer brackets to convenient positions were set up 1000m first, and the
middle brackets were set up to 400mm too.
2. The stirrups was placed on the beam and attached to the spring balance hooks.
3. Next, the load was apply where, w1 = 20N at 200mm and w2 = 40 N at
700mm. Position bracket was used to set the loads at the correct point on the
beam.
4. The loads were removed and stirrup still in position it.
5. Then, level beam was set by sighting along the top surface next to each stirrup.
The spring was adjusted until getting the same reading is observed on the
scales.
6. The initial reading of each spring balance was taken and note each value.
7. The loads were applied again to the beam. Then, make sure the position of the
stirrups is using the position bracket.
8. The beam level was set up used screw adjusters on top of the spring balances.
The beam level could be same height throughout the span, as shown on the
scale.
9. Lastly, the value of spring balance was reading and the observation and results
was recorded.
10. The reading was be taken three times and the procedure was repeated.
Result :

Result as shown below :

Experiment 1 :

Spring Balance No. Initial Reading Final Reading (Rf) Actual Reading
(Ro) (Rf-ro)
Ra 4.0 N 14.0 N 10.0 N
Rb 7.0 N 38.0 N 30.0 N
Rc 4.0 N 24.0 N 20.0 N

Experiment 2:

Spring Balance Initial Reading Final Reading Actual Reading

No. (Ro) (Rf) (Rf- Ro)
Ra 2.0 N 16.0 N 14.0 N
Rb 11.0 N 35.0 N 24.0 N
Rc 2.0 N 26.0 N 24.0 N

Experiment 3 :

Spring Balance Initial Reading Final Reading Actual Reading

No. (Ro) (Rf) (Rf - Ro)
Ra 6N 20.0 N 14.0 N
Rb 5N 28.0 N 23.0 N
Rc 6N 28.0 N 22.0 N

Calculation ;
Final average, Initial reading, R0 = R01+R02+R03
3

Final average Final reading, Rf = R01+R02+R03

3

Final average.
Spring balance no. Initial reading, Final Reading, Actual reading,
(R0) (Rf) (Rf-R0)
1 4.00 N 16.67 N 12.67 N
2 8.00 N 33.67 N 25.67 N
3 4.00 N 26.00 N 22.00 N

Discussion :

Conclusion :