You are on page 1of 4

Date:

Experiment No. 5
Reaction and Fixed moments of Fixed Beam

Aim: To determine the fixed end moment and the reaction of the fixed beam
experimentally and verifying the same theoretically using suitable method.

Apparatus: Digital force meter, structural frame, aluminium frame, securing thumb screws,
connecting wires.

Description:

Figure 1. Indeterminate Beam Experiment.


A fixed or a build in beam has both of its ends rigidly fixed so that the slope
at the ends remains zero. Such a beam is also called as the encastre beam.
The fixed ends give rise to fixing moments there in addition to the reactions.
If perfect end fixing can be achieved, build in beams carry smaller maximum
bending moments and have smaller deflections that the corresponding simply
supported beams with the same loads applied. Therefore, they are stronger and
stiffer. However, the need for high accuracy in aligning the supports and fixing
the ends during erection increases the cost. Small subsidence of either support
or temperature changes can set up large stresses. The end fixings are also
normally sensitive to vibrations and fluctuations in bending moments.
Various method to calculate fixed end moment over a fixed beam are as
follows:
1. Macaulay’s method
2. Moment area method
The Structures Test Frame is a sturdy aluminium frame, which stands on a
workbench. The Digital Force Display (STR1a) electronically measures and
displays the force during experiments. It conveniently fixes to the Test Frame.
Figure 1 shows the Continuous and Indeterminate Beams experiment. The
equipment consists of a backboard with a dial indicator for measuring
deflections, and a mechanism which measures beam end fixing moments. Three
load cell piers measure vertical beam reactions. The mechanism in the load cell
piers resists horizontal forces and moments while preserving good accuracy in
the vertical direction. A simple Vernier allows students to measure the
dimensions of the beam section.

How to set up an Equipment.

Figure 2. indeterminate beam experiment on structural frame.


The procedure to set up an equipment is as follows:
a. Place an assembled Test Frame on a workbench. Make sure the ‘window’ of
the Test Frame is easily accessible.
b. There are two securing nuts in each of the side members of the frame (on the
inner track). Move them to the rear of the frame in the inner groove then slide
all four nuts to about the positions shown in Figure 2.
c. Slide two nuts into position for one of the load cell supports.
d. Lift the backboard unit into position, secure with the longer screws provided,
level the ends of the unit with the frame. Fit a rigid and sinking knife- edge
support at the position shown using two screws in the front only. Ensure the
knife-edge on the support is at its highest position.
e. Undo the moment arm clamp screw on the backboard unit so the moment
chuck can turn. Attach the thin, more flexible beam using an M6 screw.
Allow the opposite end of the beam to rest on the backboard and supports are
in the correct relative position.

In this experiment students use the equipment to investigate the beam


arrangement to find the fixed end moment and reactions. It is required to vary
the position of the load and measure the corresponding moments and
reactions.

𝑊𝐴𝐵 2 𝑊𝐵𝐴2
W
𝐿2 𝐿2

A B

Figure 3. Fixed Beam.

Observation table:
Distance A Load W Moment arm
MA (N-m) RB (N)
(mm) (N) force (N)
Calculation:

Conclusion:

You might also like