Measuring stress on bridge models

[zyedy]

I am doing a science project which i have to measure the stress put on the models of 3 different kinds of bridge, and was wondering what the most efficient way to measure the force per square area.

Thanks.

 

[Gokul43201]

We'll need more details. Do you know what the forces are, so you can calculate the stresses, or do you want to directly measure stresses of the member ?

The best way I know to measure stresses like these is by using a strain gauge and deriving the stress from the strain in the member. Another option, is using a load cell, but that may be more expensive and harder to work with (but I could easily be wrong, and this might be just what you need).

I suggest you google both options and decide what will work best for you.

 

[zyedy]

I need to measure the amount of compression and tension on the surface of a model bridge deck, and I am not sure what the model will be made of yet, thank you though ill try that.

 

[PerennialII]

One pretty simple additional option could be to measure, say, deflection at some point (typically maximum) and use that to calculate the stresses.