Definitions

Rotation and Curvature

Measurement

By Erdem Canbay

CE 521

CE 521

Systems Based on Displacement

Measurements

Definitions
All the rotation and
curvature measurement
systems are based on
some kind of
displacement ,
rotation =/
(radians)
curvature =/x=/
x
strain =

measurement.

Rotation can be defined as the change in

the angle of inclination (i.e. it is an angle,
dimensionless)
Curvature can be defined as the rate of
change in angle of inclination or rotation per
unit length (i.e. it is angle per unit length with
dimension L-1)

z
1.

Direct Measurement of Displacement

using two displacement measurements

1 2


(radians)

Rotation
=
(rigid body)

No idea about curvature

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CE 521

Systems Based on Displacement

Measurements

Systems Based on Displacement

Measurements

Direct Measurement of Displacement

2. using three displacement measurements
Rotation (rigid body)

2.

1 2
& 2 = 2 3

1

2
Curvature
2 1
=
1
(
1 +
2 )
2

1 =

For
1 =
2 =

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2 2 1 3

2

Rotation-Meters
z

Direct Measurement of Displacement

using three displacement measurements
The calculated curvature is the average curvature
between the centers of the two gage lengths

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Rotation-Meters

Two bars with

adjustable clamps are
fixed to the model at a
distance (x) and
displacements 1 and 2
are measured directly
by dial gage or other
type displacement
transducers over the
gage length
.

Symmetrical and easy clamping is possible if the top

and bottom clamps have right and left handed
threads respectively.

1 2


1 2
Curvature =
=

x
x
Rotation =

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Clinometer
z

Clinometer

Level gage with micrometer: this

arrangement aims at the measurement of
deviation from the horizontal reference
position.Rigid body rotation =/

No idea about curvature

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10

Systems Based on Strain

Measurements
z

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Clinometer

Curvature at a specific section of a structural

specimen can also be expressed as the
strain gradient along the depth at that
section.
For an element in pure bending

Rotations
1 =

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12

& 2 =

2

Curvature
(average)
=

11

1

1 2 1 2
=

x
x
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Systems Based on Strain

Measurements
z

Systems Based on Strain

Measurements

Curvature at a specific section of a structural

specimen can also be expressed as the
strain gradient along the depth at that
section.
The strain distribution over the depth is
assumed to be linear in the theory of
elasticity and this assumption is known to be
quite realistic even for a non linear material
such as reinforced concrete.

13

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14

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Systems Based on Strain

Measurements

Strain distribution over the depth represents the

curvature directly, as the angle (with dimension L-1)
shown:

For a perfectly elastic specimen, measurement of top

and bottom strains 1 & 2 is sufficient :

15

DE = L =
JK = L = ( y )
= L L
= ( y )
= y
y
y
x = =
=
L

1 x
= =
y

Systems Based on Strain

Measurements
z

For an element in pure

bending:

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16

1 2
h

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Systems Based on Resistance Strain

Gage
z
z

Systems Based on Resistance Strain

Gage

Electrical resistance strain gages are used

for the determination of the strain gradient.
In the case of perfectly elastic specimen the
use of two (one top, one bottom) strain
gages is sufficient both for simple bending
and combined bending & axial load.

17

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0 = 0 1 = 1

indicates strain
gradient

18

& 2 = 2 + 0

1 2 = 1 2
z

19

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Systems Based on Demec Gages

Combined bending & axial load case:

0 0 1 = 1 + 0

& 2 = 2
1 2 = 1 2

Systems Based on Resistance Strain

Gage
z

Simple bending case:

Demec gage is used for the measurement of the

strain gradient:

i =

still indicates strain gradient

For better accuracy, the use of a series of strain gages
along the depth is recommended.

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20

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i

Systems Based on Demec Gages

z

21

To compensate for the unintended unsymmetrical bending

effects, the average of two sets (on either side of specimen) of
Demec gage readings are recommended.
The average values are plotted as shown in the previous figure
and then best straight line fit is considered to represent the
strain variation.
Even for specimens made of non-ideal materials such as
reinforced concrete, this method of curvature measurement
(with
=10~20 cm) is claimed to be successful.

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