FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA

Laboratory Manual # 4
JOHOR (KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG)

COURSE

BASIC STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

COURSE CODE
ECS258
TITLE
EXPERIMENT ON SUSPENSION CABLE
LEVEL OF OPENNESS
1
CATEGORY
PARTIALLY OPEN ENDED
PREAMBLE
1.1 Introduction
DEGREE OF OPEN-ENDED
33
(%)
Level 1 laboratory activity refers to condition where the problem and ways &
PERIOD OF ACTIVITY
2 WEEKS
means are guided
and given to the students. However the answers to the
assignment are left to the students to solve using the group creativity and
innovativeness. The activity is designed to slowly introduce and inculcate
independent learning amongst students and prepare them for a much
harder task of open-ended laboratory activities.
In this laboratory activity students will be exposed to the apparatus and the
procedures to carry out experiment on statically determinate pin-jointed
truss.
1.2 Objective
The objective of the experiment is:
To determine the relationship between applied load and the tensile
force in the suspension cable.
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 statically determinate pin-jointed truss;
work in a group to undertake the task; and
collect and analyze the data correctly and produce the lab report.

1.4 Theoretical Background

Cables are often used in engineering structures for support and to transmit
loads from one member to another. The application of cable can be used in
suspension bridge, cable cars, etc.
Due to its flexibility, the cable offers no resistance to shear or bending. The
force acting in the cable is always tangent to the cable at points along its
length.
The maximum tension in a suspension cable can be approximate using
equation below:

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 4
JOHOR (KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG)

Note: Uniformly distributed load (UDL) and central point load give the same
answer for this experiment.
(Source: TecQuipment Structures Manual)
PROBLEM
(Guided)

2.1 Problem Statement

Students are required to determine the relationship between applied load
and the tensile force in the suspension cable.
3.1 Apparatus
Test frame
Suspension cable
Vertical hangers
Deck
Digital force display
Hooks
Weights
Ruler and vernier caliper

WAYS & MEANS

(Open)

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 4
JOHOR (KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG)

3.2 Procedures
Before using the equipment, always:
Make sure the test frame is placed on a solid and level surface.
Check all components are set up correctly and fastened sufficiently tight.
Do not re-adjust the pin ob the suspension cable ends, which was already
set at factory to give the correct geometry and accurate results.

Experiment 1:A point load at centre

1) Connect the mini DIN lead from Force Input 1 on the Digital Force
Display to the socket marked Force Output on the left-hand
support.
2) Switch on the Digital Force Display.
3) Adjust the Set Zero control of the left-hand support so that the
Force Display shows zero to cancel out the force due to the selfweight of the deck.
4) Add a load at the centre of the suspension cable record the tension
measured by the force display.
5) Increase the applied load and repeat steps 4 and 5 at least 5 more
readings (Do not exceed 15 N cable tension) as it may damage
the load cell.
Experiment 2: A moving point load
1) Follow steps 1 to 3 as in Experiment 1 if you have not done so.
2) Add a single load to the first position of the suspension cable,
starting from the left-hand support. Record the tension.

FAKULTI KEJURUTERAAN AWAM

UNIVERSITI TEKNOLOGI MARA
Laboratory Manual # 4
JOHOR (KAMPUS PASIR GUDANG)
3) Repeat for other positions along the deck.
3.3 Results
The group is required to perform the data acquisition process and complete
the information required and Tables 1 and 2 below.
Span

= ____

mm

Sag

= ____

mm

Table 1. Experiment 1
Load

Measured tension

(N)

(N)

Table 2. Experiment 2
Position across the deck
Tension
(N)
4.1 Analysis
From the information and data obtained, carry out analysis of the laboratory
results in order to achieve the objective of the experiment.

ANSWERS
(Open)

4.2 Discussion and Conclusion

The discussion and conclusion of the report are left open to group
discretion.

The report must be submitted 7 days after the completion of this

laboratory work.