Quick Answer: The Simply Supported Beam experiment is a rigid beam resting on two simple supports, with load cells in the supports to measure the vertical reactions. Additional masses are included for uniformly distributed loads (UDLs).
Last updated: October 2026
Key Features
Rigid beam on two simple supports
Load cells measure the vertical reaction at each support
Loads can be placed at any position along the beam
Support pointers work with the platform scale for positioning
Additional masses for uniformly distributed loads (UDLs)
Load cells connect to the Structures platform USB hub for computer display
Technical Specifications
Specification
Value
Beam
Rigid, on two simple supports
Measurement
Load cells in both supports
Loads
Point loads anywhere along the beam; extra masses for UDLs
Data
Structures platform USB interface hub
About This Product
This is the basic beam reactions practical. Students predict the support reactions for a chosen load with the textbook beam equations, apply the load, and compare their calculations with the load cell readings for point loads and distributed loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Simply Supported Beam be used with distributed loads?
Yes. Additional masses are included so students can create uniformly distributed loads (UDLs) on the beam.
