BENDING OF A T BEAM

LAB REPORT
SID:
DATE:
 Table of Contents
1. Introduction.........................................................................................................................2
1.1 Aim:..................................................................................................................................2
1.2 Objectives:...................................................................................................................2
2. Theory.................................................................................................................................3
2.1 Equation and calculations.................................................................................................5
3. Procedure............................................................................................................................6
4. Results.................................................................................................................................6
5. Discussion...........................................................................................................................8
6. Errors..................................................................................................................................9
7. Conclusion..........................................................................................................................9
Reference..................................................................................................................................11

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 ET1080 Laboratory 2 – Bending of a T Beam
1. Introduction

A T-beam resembling the shape of the letter “T” reinforced the concrete beam. It is
commonly used in the building of floors, roofs, bridges and other structures as load bearing.
The T-beam is named after its cross-sectional shape, which contains a vertical web or stem
and is on the upper section of a horizontal flange (Vardoulakis and Giannakopoulos, 2006).
The upper flange of the T-beam delivers resistance to compression and bending, while to
resistance to shear forces, the vertical web provides support (ibid).

In the casting process to increase the durability and strength of T-beams, reinforcing
mesh steel bars are embedded within the concrete. This reinforcement helps to prevent failure
and cracking when heavy loads are applied (Elsafi et al, 2001). Depending on the precise
requirements of the construction project T-beams can be manufactured and designed in
varieties of shapes, and a wide range of sizes. By combining different types of structural
elements and beams complex, multi-level structures can be created.

When the load is applied to the T-beam, it expresses the moment formed by the load.
In the T-beam, the vertical web is endangered by shear stress and the upper flange of the T-
beam is subjected to compression or tension (Eissa and Celikag, 2022). The size of the
bending stress on the upper flange is based on the dimension of the t-beam and the load such
as the height and width of the upper flange the thickness and the height of the stem. The all-
out bending stress ensues at the connexion of the stem and the upper flange and which is
known as the natural axis. The reinforcement helps to divide the load smoothly throughout
the T-Beam to avoid deformation and cracking.

1.1. Aim

This lab experiment aims to understand Bending Moment Diagram for an applied load
W and to understand the stress stain of the test specimen under the applied load W.
1.2. Objectives

There are three main objectives of this lab experiment:

1. To observe and record the stresses and strains across the surface of a T-beam test
specimen loaded under four-point loading.

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 2. To calculate the neutral axis of the T-beam
3. To become familiar with the bending moment equation.

2. Theory

When a T-beam is subjected to a bending moment, it experiences both compressive

and tensile stresses. These stresses are induced due to the bending moment acting on the
cross-section of the T-beam, which induces a moment of resistance that is opposite and equal
to the applied bending moment (Vardoulakis and Giannakopoulos, 2006). The magnitude and
distribution of these stresses depend on various factors such as the shape and size of the
beam, the applied load, and the material properties.

In the cross-section of the T-beam, there exists a point called the neutral axis where
the stresses are equal to zero (Zhan et al, 2020). The location of this neutral axis depends on
the geometry of the beam and the applied loading conditions. The stresses above the neutral
axis are compressive, while the stresses below the neutral axis are tensile.

To understand the behaviour of the T-beam under bending, it is important to measure

the stresses induced at different points of its cross-section. In this experiment, the stresses are
measured at various locations of the T-beam's cross-section and compared with the
theoretical values. The purpose of this comparison is to verify the accuracy of the theoretical
calculations and to identify any discrepancies between the measured and calculated values.

By comparing the measured and theoretical stresses, researchers can gain insight into
the behaviour of the T-beam and evaluate the accuracy of the theoretical models used to
predict the stresses induced in the beam. This information can be used to improve the design
of T-beams and ensure their safe and reliable performance in various engineering
applications. Figures 1 and 2 the apparatus used for the T Beam experiment and the properties of the
T Beam.

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 Figure 1: T-Beam Testing Apparatus

Figure 2: T-Beam with all properties

The T-beam supplied has the properties/dimensions as given below:

Width of T-beam w = 25.34 mm
The thickness of T-beam t = 3.2 mm
Height of T-beam h = 50.7 mm
Young’s Modulus E = 69 kN/mm2

Strain Gauge positions - distance from the top face:

Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 Gauge 5

50.7 mm 33.9 mm 10.1 mm 3.1 mm 0 mm

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2.1 Equation and calculations

For the T-beam,

(i) In the first step of the calculation the location of the neutral axis from the upper flange
by taking the first moment of area.
(ii) For the calculation of “I” use equation I = bd3/12 for a Parallel axis and rectangular
section theorem (IXX = IGG + A. yG2).
My σ σ
σ= E= or ε =
I ε E

Or
My
Hence strain at a distance y from the neutral axis is ε =
EI
Where:
E = Young’s Modulus
I = the Second moment of the area

σ =stress

ε =Strain

3 3
bh bh
I =( + A 1 y 2 G 1+ + A 2 y 2 G 1)
12 12

y N . A=
∑(y. A) where “A” is the cross-sectional Area
∑A
( y 1 A 1 )+( y 2 A 2)
y N . A=
A 1+ A 2

q
M = ×325
2

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3. Procedure

1) Activate the counter-clockwise loading mechanism handwheel in small increments

until the two loading pins just touch the T-beam. Ensure there is no strain gauge.
2) 2) Make sure the HDA200 interface is zeroed and the measurement is as near to zero
as possible before starting.
3) Now apply a small pre-load of 5N to the T-beam.
4) Zero the strain and forces readings and record these initial readings in table 1.
5) Increase the load in increments of 20N up to 180N.
6) After each increment, record the corresponding strain readings for channels 1 to 5
accurately in the table.
7) Continue until the maximum load of 180N is reached and all readings have been
recorded in the table.

4. Results
Applied load ε1 ε2 ε3 ε4 ε5
(N)
19.2 22 14 -1 -4 -8
40.1 47 27 -4 -15 -18
61.3 74 39 -9 -24 -30
80.6 95 51 -19 -33 -41
101 118 63 -17 -41 -51
121.3 144 74 -24 -53 -66
139.7 167 86 -28 -63 -78
160.2 188 97 -23 -70 -88
179.5 213 109 -35 -79 -98
Table 1: Calculation Table

Figure 3: the beam and the loading arrangement and draw the Bending Moment Diagram

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 Load Vs Strain
250
Strain 1 Linear (Strain 1) Strain 2 Linear (Strain 2)
200
Strain 3 Linear (Strain 3) Strain 4 Linear (Strain 4)
150 Strain 5 Linear (Strain 5)
100
Strain

50
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200
-50
-100
-150
Applied load (N)

Figure 4:Applied load (N) along the x-axis and actual strain along the y-axis

250
Load vs Strain
200
A-stain1
Linear (A-stain1)
A-stain 2
150
Linear (A-stain 2)
A-stain 3
Linear (A-stain 3)
100 A-stain 4
Linear (A-stain 4)
A-stain 5
Strain

50 Linear (A-stain 5)
C-stain 1
Linear (C-stain 1)
C-stain 2
0
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180 200 Linear (C-stain 2)
C-stain 3
C-stain 4
-50 Linear (C-stain 4)
C-stain 5
Linear (C-stain 5)
-100

-150 load

Figure 5: Applied load (N) along the x-axis and actual strain along the y-axis and first 3
values of the calculated values

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5. Discussion

The behaviour of T-beams under bending is a fundamental concept in structural

engineering. The ability to accurately predict the stresses induced in T-beams is critical for
the design and analysis of various engineering applications, such as bridges, buildings, and
other infrastructure.

In this experiment, the stresses induced at different points of the T-beam's cross-
section were measured and compared with the theoretical values. The purpose of this
comparison was to evaluate the accuracy of the theoretical models used to predict the stresses
induced in the beam and identify any discrepancies between the measured and calculated
values.

Several factors can contribute to the differences between calculated and experimental
values. Measurement error is a common source of discrepancy due to limitations in
equipment accuracy, operator error, or environmental factors. Model inaccuracies can also
contribute to differences between predicted and observed values, as theoretical models may
not fully capture the complexities of the system being studied ( Dirar et al,2012).

Assumptions and simplifications made during the calculations can also contribute to
discrepancies. These simplifications may not hold true in a real-world scenario, leading to
differences between calculated and experimental values. Data interpretation errors, such as
misinterpreting data in the experimental setup or miscalculating mathematical formulae, can
also lead to discrepancies between calculated and experimental values.

To minimize the differences between calculated and experimental values, it is

important to carefully evaluate each of these factors and determine which one(s) might be
contributing to the discrepancy. In some cases, it may be necessary to revise the experimental
setup, adjust the theoretical model, or refine the assumptions and simplifications used in the
calculations. By identifying and addressing the sources of a discrepancy, the accuracy of the
theoretical models used to predict the stresses induced in the T-beam can be improved,
leading to safer and more reliable engineering designs.

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6. Errors

There are many different reasons behind the difference between experimental values
and calculated values:

1) Measurement error: Experimental values are frequently subject to measurement error

due to restrictions in operator error, equipment environmental factors, or accuracy.
These errors can lead to differences between the expected value and the observed
value.
2) Model inaccuracies: The calculated values are often based on theoretical models,
which may not fully understand the complexity of the system under study, which may
result.
3) simplifications and Assumptions: Calculations every so often depends on
simplifications and assumptions that may not embrace true in a real-world scenario.
These simplifications can lead to inconsistencies between experimental values and
calculated.
4) Data interpretation: There might remain a misapprehension of data values in the
experimental system or an inaccuracy in the measured formulae used in the
calculations.

It is very significant to carefully gauge each of these factors and control which one(s)
might be causal to the inconsistency. In some other cases, it may be essential to revise the
experimental setup, regulate the hypothetical model, or improve the simplifications and
expectations used in the calculations to minimalize the differences between experimental
values and calculated.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, the bending of a T-beam persuades both tensile stresses and

compressive in its cross-section. The site of the neutral axis, wherever the stresses are nearly
equal to zero, is contingent on the beam's geometry and applied loading circumstances.
Measuring the stresses induced at different points in the T-beam's cross-section can provide
valuable insight into its behaviour under bending and help to verify the accuracy of
theoretical calculations. Discrepancies between calculated and measured stresses can arise

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due to factors such as measurement error, model inaccuracies, simplifications, assumptions,
or data interpretation. Therefore, careful assessment and modification of the investigational
setup, theoretical model, and expectations used in the calculations are necessary to minimize
the differences between experimental values and calculated and improve the design of T-
beams for safe and reliable performance in various engineering applications.

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Reference

Dirar, S., Lees, J. and Morley, C. (2012) Precracked reinforced concrete T-beams repaired in
shear with bonded carbon fiber-reinforced polymer sheets. ACI Structural Journal, 109(2),
215-224.

Eissa, M. and Celikag, M. (2022) Composite Behavior of Reinforced Concrete T-Beam with
Composite Slab. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 1-21.

Hag-Elsafi, O., Alampalli, S. and Kunin, J. (2001) Application of FRP laminates for
strengthening of a reinforced-concrete T-beam bridge structure. Composite structures, 52(3-
4), 453-466.

Vardoulakis, I. and Giannakopoulos, A. E. (2006) An example of double forces taken from

structural analysis. International journal of solids and structures, 43(14-15), 4047-4062.

Zhan, H., Jiang, H., Zhang, J. and Jiang, R. (2020) Condition evaluation of an existing t-beam
bridge based on neutral axis variation monitored with ultrasonic coda waves in a network of
sensors. Sensors, 20(14), 3895.

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