One of a range of experiment modules that fit to the Structures platform (STS1, available separately), this product helps students to understand the reaction forces due to loads on a simply supported beam ‘bridge’. Students add loads to a rigid beam resting on two ‘simple’ supports. Load cells measure the vertical reactions at the supports. Each support includes pointers that work with the scale on the platform for accurate positioning.

Students apply loads to any position along the beam and measure the resulting reactions. They use textbook beam equations to predict the reaction for any given load and compare the calculated results with the measured results. This helps confirm the reliability of the textbook equations and the accuracy of the experiment results.

This product includes additional masses to allow students to create uniformly distributed loads (UDLs) on the beam.

The load cells connect to the USB interface hub of the Structures platform for computer display and data acquisition.

Learning Outcomes

• Principle of Moments
• Influence lines
• Reactions for a point load along a beam
• Reactions for a uniformly distributed load (UDL) on a beam
• The Principle of Superposition

Key Features

• One of a range of experiment modules that teach structures principles
  
• Fits to the Structures platform for ergonomic use and space-saving storage
  
• A simple beam structure to provide fundamental knowledge for the understanding of structures
  
• Supplied with a storage tray to keep smaller items safe
  
• Includes additional masses for experiments with a uniformly distributed load (UDL)
• Works with user-friendly software (VDAS^®)

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