STRUCTURES

HI-TECH Education is a market leader in the manufacture and

provision of teaching equipment for Universities and Technical
Colleges worldwide for both degree and vocational level.

S TAT I C S

It has been designing and manufacturing hands-on

Engineering Teaching Equipment for almost 50 years and has
a wealth of knowledge and experience within the education
and training industry. Its worldwide network of agents
guarantees a fast and professional response to all enquiries.
The STRUCTURES range of HI-TECH Education equipment
enables clear and comprehensive learning of structural
STATICS covering a variety of theories and topics within
Architectural, Mechanical, Civil and Structural Engineering.
These include FORCE, BENDING, SHEAR, ELASTICITY, BEAMS,
ARCHED BRIDGES, SUSPENSION BRIDGES, TRUSSES,
FRAMEWORKS and PORTALS.
The STRUCTURES hardware can be connected to the HI-TECH
Education Interface creating a stand alone solution within the
laboratory. Alternatively the STRUCTURES hardware can be
fully Data Acquisitioned in conjunction with the experiment
software. With the software the students can benefit from a
wider learning experience.

Two Year Warranty

HST1 UNIVERSAL FRAME AND STAND

Floor or bench mounted frame for use with all HI-TECH Education
STRUCTURES hardware. Although the HST1 is designed for mounting
on a floor, it can be modified for mounting on a table or bench top
with the conversion kit provided as standard. The aluminium frame has
an internal working area of 1.2 x 0.76 metres.
The frame facilitates quick and easy attachment of all experiments and
is backward compatible with all previous versions of HI-TECH Education
experiments. A full set of assembly instructions and tools are supplied.

Bench Top HST1 Frame

HST2 SIMPLE SUSPENSION BRIDGE

A visually realistic suspension bridge with deck and vertical hangers allows students to
compare theoretical and experimental cable tensions and to study the performance of
the bridge under varying load conditions. Twin suspension cables connect each hanger
pair into a parabolic suspension. The cables pass over pulleys at side towers
simulated by the HST1 frame. The bridge is loaded with point or uniformly distributed
loads. The tensile force in the cables is distributed to load cells. Students read the cable
tension through the HDA200. This arrangement provides stable yet sensitive
experimental conditions. Supplied with instruction manual, load cells, hangers, weights
and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST3 PLASTIC BENDING OF BEAMS

Demonstration of the theory of plastic bending of a beam section and increase in
bending moment due to redundancy. The collapse load for the beam is also
measured. The apparatus provides two end supports, which allow for rigid
clamping or simple support (knife edge) of the test beams. One also allows
horizontal travel whilst restricting rotation. A screw jack mechanism with integral
load cell applies load to the test beam, while a dial gauge measures the deflection.
The load cell connects to the HDA200 for the display of the force. A set of extra
beam specimens is available as an optional extra (HST3a). Supplied with instruction
manual, load cell and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST4 THREE HINGED ARCH

A model three hinged arch to investigate the horizontal thrust of its springing and
calculation of its influence line. A 1 metre span flat deck, with spandrels and arch
rib has bearings at the springings and crown. One springing is fixed while the other
runs on a track plate against a load cell which measures the horizontal thrust. In
addition to the symmetrical arch an interchangeable unsymmetrical arch, 0.75
metre span, is supplied. The arch is loaded using a point load, uniformly distributed
load and a tandem load which simulates a vehicle. Supplied with instruction
manual, load cell and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST5 TWO HINGED ARCH

A parabolic arch is used to compare horizontal reaction forces with simplified
theory and create influence lines. One end is pinned in bearings while the
other end runs on a track plate against a load cell to measure the horizontal
reaction. Load is applied to the arch via seven equi-spaced load hangers and
weights. For model analysis measurements, pins are set on the arch at each load
hanger and a moveable dial gauge is provided for this work. A semi-circular arch
is available as an optional extra (HST5a). Supplied with instruction manual, load
cell, weights and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST6 PARABOLIC ARCH WITH FIXED ENDS

A visual experiment that allows students to evaluate the influence lines of
horizontal thrust and end fixing moments (solution of three redundancies)
of a parabolic arch with fixed ends, by direct measurement and advanced
model analysis. It pivots at one end on a load cell for measuring moments.
The other end of the arch rests against a load cell for horizontal thrust
measurement. Seven equi-spaced load hangers with deflection measuring
points are fitted on the arch. Two dial gauges are provided for measuring
displacements and rotations. Supplied with instruction manual, load cells,
weights and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

P.A.Hilton Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1794 388382 Fax: +44 (0)1794 388129 Email: [email protected]

HST7 DEFLECTION OF FRAMES

Through horizontal and vertical loading, the deflections of simply supported frames can
be compared against theory using Castiglianos theorem and Simpsons rule.
Horizontal reactions, fixing moments and sway can also be measured. Three portal
frames are supplied with fixed, pinned or simple supports. Load cells monitor the
moment at one end and horizontal reaction at the other. A dial gauge measures frame
deflection. Load is applied using hangers and weights. A further set of portal frames is
available as an optional extra (HST7a). Supplied with instruction manual, load cells,
weights and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST8 PLASTIC DEFORMATION OF PORTALS

Studies the collapse mechanism of a portal frame when subjected to simultaneous horizontal
and vertical loading. Students can calculate and verify the position of greatest bending moment
where plastic hinging is likely to form.
Two ground supports, pinned or fixed, are used as the feet of the portal frames. Load cells
measure and apply force and deformation to the portals. Two moveable dial gauges are used to
monitor the deflections into the plastic range of deformation of the portal. Rectangular and
pitched portals are supplied as standard. Additional portal sets are available as an optional extra
(HST8a). Supplied with instruction manual, load cells, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST9 SHEAR FORCE IN A BEAM

This visually realistic experiment teaches students about the action of shear at a cut
section in a beam and allows comparison of the measured values with theory. The apparatus
emphasises both negative and positive shear. The cut beam is simply supported over
varying spans. The hinge mechanism at the cut limits vertical travel, while an underslung
spring resists bending. The shear force is measured with a load cell which connects directly
to the HDA200. Load hangers and weights apply load to the beams. Supplied with
instruction manual, hangers, load cell, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST10 BENDING MOMENT IN A BEAM

Similar to the HST9, students can observe the action of bending moment at a
cut section in a beam and compare the measured and theoretical values. The
beam is in two halves and joined at the cut using a hinge mechanism.
As the beam is loaded using the hangers and weights provided, the bending
moment force is measured using the load cell attached to the underslung
moment arms. A variety of beam spans and hanger positions are achievable.
Supplied with instruction manual, hangers, load cell, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST11 CONTINUOUS AND INDETERMINATE BEAMS

Enables a wide range of beam experiments to measure support reactions, fixing moments,
deflections and rotations of simply supported, fixed, two span continuous beams and propped
cantilevers. Sinking supports can also be studied. Three piers measure vertical reaction forces with
their integral load cells. Dial gauges on each pier measure support deflections while moveable
dial gauges measure the beam deflection. A fourth pier clamps a cantilever or the fixed end of a
beam, allowing fixing moments to be measured. A double pulley assembly provides vertical
loading of the beam. Point loads and uniformly distributed loads can be applied to the beams. A
variety of beams of different section and material are included. Supplied with instruction manual,
hangers, load cell, weights and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST12 DEFLECTIONS OF CURVED BARS

Students can compare the deflections of one end of a curved bar, with
theoretical deflections derived from Castiglianos theorem, mathematical
integration or Simpsons rule. Six cantilever brackets, of varying geometry,
attach to the HST1 frame and have two pins for a special load hanger at the
free end. The load hanger, with weights, applies a vertical load and presents
faces for two moveable dial gauges to measure the vertical and horizontal
deflections simultaneously. Supplied with instruction manual, hangers, load
cell, six cantilever brackets, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1; Optional extra: HDA200.

P.A.Hilton Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1794 388382 Fax: +44 (0)1794 388129 Email: [email protected]

HST13 BEAM AND CANTILEVER DEFLECTIONS

Allows students to analyse the deflections experienced by beams and
cantilevers under load and to verify the differential equation of a beam in the
calculation of slopes and deflections. Two beams of different thickness can
rest on moveable beam supports fitted with knife edges. Cantilevers can be
created using a support fitted with a clamp. Three moveable dial gauges
measure deflections and hence slope. Point and uniformly distributed loads
are applied to the beam using hangers and weights. Supplied with
instruction manual, hangers, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1; Optional extra: HDA200.

HST14 SHEAR FORCE INFLUENCE LINES

Students derive the shear force influence line for a point on a beam and study the
difference between a unit load crossing a beam together with the action of shear at
a cut section. The cut beam is simply supported over varying spans. The
mechanism at the cut limits vertical travel, while an underslung spring resists
bending. The shear force is measured with a load cell, which connects directly to the
HDA200. Load hangers and weights apply load to the beams. A hinged loading device
that transmits the load only at the hinges is used to simulate the load on a truss.
Supplied with instruction manual, hangers, load cell, weights and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST15 BENDING MOMENT INFLUENCE LINES

Students derive the bending moment influence line for a point on a beam, study
the difference between a unit load crossing a beam and observe the action of the
bending moment at a cut section. The beam is in two halves and joined at the
cut using a hinge mechanism. As the beam is loaded using the hangers and
weights provided, the bending moment force is measured using the load cell
attached to the underslung moment arms. A hinged loading device that transmits
the load only at the hinges is used to simulate the load on a truss. A variety of
beam spans and hanger positions are achievable. Supplied with instruction manual,
hangers, load cell, weights and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST16 REDUNDANT TRUSS

A two bay cantilevered truss is supported inside the HST1 frame via upper and lower
springings, which allow pivoting and rolling. The redundant truss member can have its
length adjusted to vary its fit within the truss. Member strains (hence forces) and joint
deflections are measured when the redundant member is adjusted. Enables comparison of
experimental strains with theoretical values. Each truss member has a strain bridge attached,
which connect directly to the HDA200. A screw jack mechanism with integral load cell
applies loading, while a moveable dial gauge records joint deflections. Supplied with
instruction manual, load cell and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST17 FORCES IN A TRUSS

Students measure the axial strain and hence force in this realistic
cantilevered truss with true pin joints. Allows comparison of experimental
results with the member forces calculated by resolution at a joint. An
HST1 frame mounted truss comprises of six truly pin jointed members
with two bays and a screw jack loading mechanism with integral load cell.
Strain bridges attached to each member record the axial strain and
connect directly to the HDA200 together with the load cell. Supplied with
instruction manual, load cell and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST18 SUSPENDED CENTRE SPAN BRIDGE

This experiment models a suspended centre span bridge. Students analyse
the reaction influence lines for the bridge as a tandem rolling load (vehicle
simulation) crosses it. The model bridge has a flat deck and solid spandrels to
the three spans. The bridge is supported on the two inner piers and is
anchored to the two outer piers to provide a pair of cantilevers on which the
suspended centre span is carried. Six integral load cells connect directly to
the HDA200 and record the bridge reactions when a tandem load or point
load crosses the bridge deck. Supplied with instruction manual, load cells
and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

P.A.Hilton Ltd

Tel: +44 (0)1794 388382 Fax: +44 (0)1794 388129 Email: [email protected]

HST19 PIN-JOINTED FRAMEWORKS

Apparatus enabling students to assemble a variety of pin-jointed frameworks using metal
struts and ties to measure the stresses, strains and joint deflections. Each member can be
easily interconnected. The assembled frameworks mount onto two end pillars. One pillar
allows pivoting while the other allows pivoting and rolling. Fine and accurate loading is
applied to the framework at known joints by a screw jack mechanism with integral load cell.
Each framework member has a strain bridge attached. The load cell and strain bridges
connect directly to the HDA200. Joint deflections are measured using a moveable dial
gauge. An additional load cell is available as an optional extra (HST19a). Supplied with
instruction manual, load cell and tools. Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST20 BENDING STRESS IN A BEAM

Experiment for determining the bending stresses and strains within a T-beam.
Students learn about strain gauging, bending equation, neutral axis and
second moment of area. An inverted T-beam is mounted onto simple
supports. The load on the T-beam is applied using a screw jack mechanism
with integral load cell. The load cell arrangement can be tilted to enable
angled loads to be applied. A number of strain gauges are arranged on the Tbeam specimen. A fully strain gauged rectangular beam is available as an
optional extra (HST20a). The loads and strains are measured directly by the
HDA200. Supplied with instruction manual, load cell and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST21 UNSYMMETRICAL BENDING AND SHEAR

Apparatus allowing the relationship between vertical and horizontal deflections and
the principle moments of area for a number of different sectioned specimens. The
shear centre for each specimen can also be found. A rectangular, U and L
shaped specimen are each held vertically. The angular position of each specimen
can be changed thus altering the angle of loading. Load is applied to the specimens
using a hanger and weights. Dial gauges at one end of the specimen measure the
deflections. Supplied with specimens, instruction manual, hanger, weights and
tools. Essential accessories: HST1; Optional extra: HDA200.

HST22 TORSION OF RODS AND TUBES

Enables students to verify the torsion of a solid round bar and the equation of
torsion. The theory also extends to non-circular specimens. Solid rod, tube,
slotted tube and hollow square specimens are held horizontally between two
chucks. One chuck is rotated against known angles, whilst the other chuck is
retained by a load cell thus enabling the torque to be derived. A pointer on the
specimen monitors the angle of twist against a stationary vernier scale. Supplied
with specimens, instruction manual, load cell and tools.
Essential accessories: HST1, HDA200.

HST23 EQUILIBRIUM OF FORCES

A purely analogue experiment for the study of the equilibrium of forces acting in a
single vertical plane. Students can study concurrent and non-concurrent forces in
the vertical plane and also construct a polygon of forces. A force board mounts
into the HST1 frame while a number of pulleys attach around the perimeter. Cords
attach to load hangers on one end and terminate at a single (concurrent) or
double (non-concurrent) ring assembly at the other. Paper maybe attached to the
board for indicating the lines of action. Supplied with instruction manual, hangers,
weights, cords and tools. Essential accessories: HST1.

HST24 EQUILIBRIUM OF PARALLEL FORCES

Excellent for studying the equilibrium of vertical forces and the special case of equal and opposite
parallel forces in a single plane. A force board is clamped into the HST1 frame while two models
simulating a Warren and N truss are used for the application of vertical loads and reactions.
The forces are produced by weights on hangers. Double pulleys are used to invert the upward
forces. A circular disc with twelve attachment points is used for the coupling. To simplify the results
each model has a counterbalancing weight to render each one weightless. Lines of action maybe
indicated on paper attached to the force board. Supplied with instruction manual, hangers,
weights, cords and tools. Essential accessories: HST1.

OTHER EXPERIMENTS AVAILABLE

(Refer to our Website for details)

HST25 Equilibrium of a Rigid Body

HST32 Laminated Spring

HST39 Suspension Bridge

HST26 Deflections of Beams

HST33 Beam Stiffness and Carry Over Factors

HST40 Two Dimensional Bending

HST27 Three Dimensional Equilibrium

HST34 Virtual Work

HST41 Equilibrium of a Beam

HST28 Area Moment Method

HST35 Strain Measurement for Structures

HST42 Forces in a Truss (Sections)

HST29 Shear Centre Apparatus

HST36 Column Buckling Failure

HST43 Welded Truss

HST30 Modulus of Elasticity

HST37 Beam Deflections

HST44 Fixed End Beam Apparatus

HST31 Suspension Cable

HST38 Deflections of Trusses

HST45 Buckling of Struts

P.A.Hilton Ltd

www.p-a-hilton.co.uk

SOFTWARE AND INTERFACE

EXPERIMENT SOFTWARE
To accompany most of the STRUCTURES experiments, HI-TECH
Education has developed experiment software to compliment the
hardware and to give the operator a broader learning experience.
The software can both simulate and capture (in real-time)
experimental data. The software graphics include an image of
the actual experiment, thereby giving consistency between
hardware and software. A wide variety of experiment parameters
can be altered on screen including; applied force, deflection
position, load position, specimen geometry, type of loading
(point or uniformly distributed load), material properties and
many more.
On-line or off-line operation is screen selectable with the off-line
option allowing the operator to be remote from the hardware
while simulating experimental data. The on-line option requires
the experiment hardware to be connected to the software via the
HDA200 Interface. When the HDA200 Interface is connected
real-time experimental data is fed to the graphical display
allowing the operator to compare actual and theoretical results.
The software includes a number of numerical and graphic display
options and the data files are easily exported to Excel or another
spreadsheet format for analysis and report writing.
For each individual experiment
purchased with a dedicated
HDA200 Interface as an
essential accessory the
software for that experiment
is supplied as standard.

HDA200 INTERFACE
This unique and compact unit is essential for all HI-TECH STRUCTURES
experiments requiring the parameters of Force, Strain and Deflection to be
monitored. The on board Data Acquisition facility captures and stores data. Via
its integral 4 line back-lit LCD display the operator can retrieve this data for
reviewing at anytime. Further data manipulation can be undertaken when the
HDA200 Interface runs in conjunction with the experiment software. In the
event that more than four parameters are being captured simultaneously the
operator can select between them using the front panel keypad. The interface
allows for quick and easy connection to the experiment and can be bench or
HST1 frame mounted. For computer connection a USB port is provided. The
unit is supplied with an instruction manual and universal power supply.

HAC20 2-CHANNEL STRAIN METER

This unit is a versatile, portable and compact device which allows for the
connection of quarter, half or full bridge configurations from any strain
gauged member on HI-TECH Education or third party equipment. The two
channels work independently and can have their gauge factor, bridge
arrangement and tare values stored internally for safe retrieval when
required. Strain readings up to 2000 microstrain can be read via the
back-lit LCD. An analogue output socket is available along with control
buttons for entering the strain gauge parameters and for taring the
display value. The unit has internal rechargeable batteries for remote
operation. Expansion of this unit to an 18 channel device is accomplished
by connecting to the optionally available 16 channel HAC20M. The unit is
supplied with an instruction manual and universal power supply.

P.A.Hilton Ltd

Represented by:

Horsebridge Mill, King's Somborne, Stockbridge

Hampshire SO20 6PX, England
Tel: +44 (0)1794 388382
Fax: +44 (0)1794 388129
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.p-a-hilton.co.uk
Catalogue No. HHE01