CIVIL ENGINEERING STRUCTURE LABORATORY

REPORT

CIVIL ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT POLITEKNIK
UNGKU OMAR

CODE & COURSE : BCT4133 & STRUCTURAL

ANALYSIS
LABORATORY : STRUCTURE LABORATORY

SESSION : MAC
2020
NO. OF : 2
EXPERIMENT 1
EXPERIMENT TITTLE : DETERMINE THE PORTAL FRAME
REACTION AND FINAL MOMENT

LECTURER’S NAME : PN MAZZIYATOL FARIZZA BINTI MAT

NAM : ASYRAF HAFIFFUDDIN BIN ABD RAHIM

E
STUDENT’S REG. : 01BCT19F3012
NO.
TABLE OF CONTENT

CONTENT PAGE
Objective Experiment 1
Theory of Experiment 2-3
Apparatus and Equipment 4
Procedure 5
Results 6-7
Data Analysis and Calculation 8
Discussion 9
Conclusion 10
References 11
Attachment 12
No Experiment : 2

Tittle : Determine the Portal Frame reaction and Final Moment – Moment

Distribution Method

1.0 Introduction

The moment distribution method (not to be confused with moment redistribution) is a structural
analysis method for statically indeterminate beams and frames developed by Hardy Cross. It
was published in 1930 in an ASCE journal.The method only accounts for flexural effects and
ignores axial and shear effects. From the 1930s until computers began to be widely used in the
design and analysis of structures, the moment distribution method was the most widely
practiced method.

1.1 Objective of Experiment

1. To show how the relationship between the load that been used and the reaction at the
fixed end supports.
2. To show how the relationship between the load that been used and the moment at the
fixed end supports.
3. To handle the data theoretical and experiment using the Moment Distribution Method
to determine the reaction and final moment at the fixed end supports.

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1.2 Theory of Experiment

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1.3 Apparatus and Equipment
The apparatus comprise of:
1. Support frame 2. Portal Frame

3. Fixed end supports 4. Vernier caliper

connected to load cell

5. A measuring tape 6. 6 sets of 600g load

7. 1 set of 10N load 8. Allen key

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1.4 Procedure

1. Switched on the digital indicator. The digital indicator switched on after 10min and
before reading been taken. This is for to get the stability of the reading.
2. The apparatus has been installed and after that, a load hanger was placed at the
location where the load was applied as shown in figure 1.
3. The digital indicator reading was been noted. Tare button was been pressed when the
reading is not zero.
4. A load on the load hanger was placed as shown in figure 1.
5. After that, 6 set of 600g load was placed evenly on top of the span of the portal
frames as shown in figure 1.
6. The reading of the digital indicator was recorded in the table given.
7. Then, step 2-6 was repeated for 3 time and after that, take the average reading of the
results.

600g x 6

0.245m

10N

0.245m

0.255m

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1.5 Results

Width of beam specimen, b1 = 25 mm

Depth of beam specimen, d1 = 6 mm
Width of beam specimen, b2 = 25 mm
Depth of beam specimen, d2 = 4 mm
Width of beam specimen, b3 = 25 mm
Depth of beam specimen, d3 = 6 mm
Moment of inertia of beam = 450 𝑚𝑚4
specimen, I1
Moment of inertia of beam = 133.33 𝑚𝑚4
specimen, I2
Moment of inertia of beam = 450 𝑚𝑚4
specimen, I3
Lever arm, L1 (Support A) = 8 mm
Lever arm, L2 (Support B) = 8 mm

Table 1

Table 1

Experimental Reaction
(N)
Number of
Trial Support Support
A B

1st -7.3 15.6

2nd -7.2 15.5

3rd -7.0 15.5

-7.167 15.53
Averag
e

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Table 2

Experimental Moment
(N/m)
Number of
Trial Support Support B
A

1st -91.25 195

2nd -90 193.75

3rd -87.50 193.75

-89.583 194.167
Averag
e

Questions:

1. Using Moment Distribution Method, calculate the theoretical reaction at support A and B.

2. Using Moment Distribution Method, calculate the theoretical final moment at support A
and B.

3. Sketch the shear force diagram and the bending moment diagram of the beam from the
experimental result and theoretical result

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1.6 Data Analysis and Calculation

*Calculation are attach at the last part of this report.

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1.7 Discussion
During this experiment, there have a few errors occur that will influence the result. Actually,
we know the errors on the experiment are random error and systematic errors. A random error
is errors in experimental measurements are caused by unknown and unpredictable changes in
the experiment. These changes may occur in the measuring instruments or in the
environmental conditions. For example, is parallax error. This parallax occurs is during us
read the result of the experiment. Actually, parallax errors are the error cause by the position
of our eyes when take a reading. Systematic error is errors in experimental observations
usually come from the measuring instruments. For example, zero error in Vanier calliper.

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1.8 Conclusion

Portal frame construction is a method of building and designing structures, primarily

using steel or steel-reinforced precast concrete although they can also be constructed using
laminated timber such as glulam. The connections between the columns and the rafters are
designed to be moment-resistant, i.e. they can carry bending forces. Because of these very
strong and rigid joints, some of the bending moment in the rafters is transferred to the columns.
This means that the size of the rafters can be reduced or the span can be increased for the same
size rafters. This makes portal frames a very efficient construction technique to use for wide
span buildings. Portal frame construction is therefore typically seen in warehouses, barns and
other places where large, open spaces are required at low cost and a pitched roof is acceptable.

Generally portal frames are used for single-story buildings but they can be used for low-
rise buildings with several floors where they can be economic if the floors do not span right
across the building (in these circumstances a skeleton frame, with internal columns, would be
a more economic choice). A typical configuration might be where there is office space built
against one wall of a warehouse. Portal frames can be clad with all sorts of material but the
most popular solution, for reasons of economy and speed, is some form of lightweight insulated
metal cladding with cavity masonry work to the bottom 2m of the wall to provide security and
impact resistance. The lightweight cladding would be carried on sheeting rails spanning
between the columns of the portal frames. Portal frames can be defined as two-dimensional
rigid frames that have the basic characteristics of a rigid joint between column and beam. The
main objective of this form of design is to reduce bending moment in the beam, which allows
the frame to act as one structural unit. The transfer of stresses from the beam to the column
results in rotational movement at the foundation, which can be overcome by the introduction
of a pin/hinge joint. For warehouses and industrial buildings, sloping roof made of purlins and
ac sheet roofing between portals is provided. For assembly halls, portals with R.C slab roof
cast monolithically is used.

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Referrence

• https://youtu.be/QawN-lkXm0Q
• Brian Wong Siew Horng,Tan Wei Siang,Saw Singh John,Wong Chi Kong
Tunku Abdul Rahman University College
faculty Of Engineering And Built Environment department Of Built Environment
Experiment 1 : Portal Frame

Video URL:

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