FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

Laboratory Manual # 5

COURSE BASIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

COURSE CODE ECS258
TITLE EXPERIMENT ON PORTAL FRAME
LEVEL OF OPENNESS 0
CATEGORY Traditional
PREAMBLE
1.1 Introduction
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED
0
(%) The traditional methods of conducting laboratory activities (assigned as
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY
Level 0) will1 not
WEEK be able to provide the avenue for students to enhance
independent learning activities and inculcate creativity and innovation. The
traditional method is fully prescriptive where the three elements namely
problem, ways & means and answers are guided/fully given to the students.
However, it is still necessary to be implemented as part of the whole
laboratory course activity especially to first and second year students.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and the
procedures to carry out experiment on a portal frame.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the experiment is:
To determine reaction, displacement and internal shear and bending
moment in a portal frame.
1.3 Learning Outcomes
At the end of the laboratory activities, students would be able to:
identify and use the correct apparatus/tools to carry out experiment
on a plane frame;
work in a group to undertake the task; and
collect and analyze the data correctly and produce the technical
report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

A portal frame is composed of members in a single plane. Loading is
applied to the members, resulting in internal shear and moment as well as
axial force in the members.

A portal frame can be considered as statically determinate when the degree

of indeterminacy is equal to zero and the reactions at the support can be
determined using equations of static only.

Lab Manual Ver. 1.0 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 5

Example Experiment Setup on Portal Frame

(Source: TecQuipment STR18 Manual)

2.1 Problem Statement

PROBLEM
(Guided) Students are required to determine reaction, displacement and internal
shear and bending moment in a portal frame.
3.1 Apparatus
A portal frame
Vernier caliper
Ruler/measuring tape
1 set of loads

3.2 Procedures
1. Check to make sure that the roller support is correctly positioned.
WAYS & MEANS 2. Zero the dial gauge reading
(Open) 3. Apply a load to the load hanger at suitable increment
4. For each load increment observe the dial gauge reading at the roller
support
5.Place loads on the hanger at the roller support so that the reading of the
dial gauge is once again zero. Record this load. It represents the horizontal
force at this support, if it is in pinned condition, due to the applied load.
6. Three different direction of load apply must be conducted.
3.3 Results
The group is required to perform the data acquisition process and tabulate
the results in a proper format.
ANSWERS
4.1 Analysis
(Open)
From the information and data obtained, carry out analysis of the laboratory
results in order to achieve the objective of the experiment.

Lab Manual Ver. 1.0 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015
FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM
UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 5

4.2 Discussion and Conclusion

The discussion and conclusion of the report are left open to group
discretion.
The report must be submitted 1 week after the completion of this
laboratory work.

Lab Manual Ver. 1.0 Dr. Rudy Tawie, FCE, UiTM SARAWAK Dec 2015