15/101 29.) Third-point loading is used, that is, the load is applied at two points one-third the span of the beam apart. 30.) This affords a uniform bending moment throughout the central third of the beam. 30 .-- Two methods of loading a beam, namely, third-point loading (upper), and centre loading (lower).] _Measuring the deflection_: The method of measuring the deflection should be such that any compression at the points of support or at the application of the load will not affect the reading. This may be accomplished by driving a small nail near each end of the beam, the exact location being on the neutral plane and vertically above each knife-edge support. |