Portal Frame Apparatus with Data Acquisition
Product Code : EL-SELE-10577
Portal Frame Apparatus with Data Acquisition (code EL-SELE-10577) is an experiment for extended investigations into realistic structures, in which a specimen portal frame is loaded to find its points and modes of failure. It fits onto a Structures Test Frame, with horizontal and vertical screw mechanisms and electronic load cells read on a Digital Force Display, and two long-travel digital deflection indicators that measure the frame as it deforms through to plastic collapse.
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Specifications
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Use | Extended investigations into realistic structures: points and modes of failure of a loaded portal frame |
| Intended users | Mechanical, civil and structural engineering training |
| Frame | Fits onto a Structures Test Frame |
| Specimen | Portal frame of two uprights with a cross-beam at the top, fixed to the bottom crosspiece of the test frame |
| Loading mechanisms | Horizontal and vertical screw mechanisms with electronic load cells, held on the test frame |
| Load conditions | Single or combined loads, set by arranging the screw mechanisms |
| Load application | Manual, by adjusting the screw mechanisms |
| Load display | Digital Force Display showing horizontal and vertical loads |
| Deformation measurement | Two long-travel digital deflection indicators |
| Test end point | Fully plastic condition (plastic collapse) |
| Observations | Collapse load, deformations and locations of plastic hinges |
| Preparatory experiment | Plastic Bending of Beams experiment to be used first (plastic deformation and form factor) |
| Spare specimens | Packs of 12 extra specimen portal frames, available separately |
| Documentation | Operation Manual covering the equipment, sample results, operation and test procedures |
| Software options | Available as options: the Structures Software package, whose virtual experiments simulate and back up the physical tests, and a unit with the package for automatic data acquisition |
| Product code | EL-SELE-10577 |
| Manufacturer | Engineering Lab Equipment, Ambala, Haryana, India |
What Is the Portal Frame Apparatus with Data Acquisition Used For?
Plastic analysis studies how a frame continues to carry load after yielding begins, until enough plastic hinges form to turn it into a mechanism and it collapses. Students fix a specimen portal frame to the test frame, arrange the screw mechanisms for a single or combined load, and turn them by hand while the Digital Force Display shows the horizontal and vertical loads and the two deflection indicators track the deformation. Loading continues to plastic collapse, after which they record the collapse load and note where the hinges formed. The Plastic Bending of Beams experiment is the recommended introduction to these principles.
What to Specify When Ordering
- Quantity — the number of portal frame sets required.
- Spare specimens — how many packs of 12 extra specimen portal frames are needed, as each test takes a frame to collapse.
- Data acquisition — whether the optional unit with the Structures Software package is required for automatic data acquisition, or the software package alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the Portal Frame Apparatus investigate?
It is used to find the points of failure of a loaded portal frame and identify its modes of failure, loading the frame until it undergoes plastic collapse.
How are loads applied to the portal frame?
Horizontal and vertical screw mechanisms with electronic load cells are arranged to give single or combined loads, and students turn them by hand to load the frame.
What readings are taken?
The Digital Force Display shows the horizontal and vertical loads, and two long-travel digital deflection indicators measure the deformation; students also note where plastic hinges form.
Are spare specimen frames available?
Yes, packs containing 12 extra specimen portal frames are available separately, since each specimen is loaded through to plastic collapse.
Is any other experiment recommended first?
Students should use the Plastic Bending of Beams experiment before this one, as it covers the underlying principles such as plastic deformation and form factor.
What is a plastic hinge?
A plastic hinge is a section that has yielded through its full depth, so it rotates under nearly constant moment; enough hinges turn the frame into a collapse mechanism.
OEM Manufacturer
Buyers of the Portal Frame Apparatus with Data Acquisition deal directly with its maker, Engineering Lab Equipment (Engineering Labs Equipment Pvt Ltd), whose works are at Plot No. 43, Industrial Park, Sector 2, Growth Center, Saha, District Ambala, Haryana, India. The company designs, makes and tests structural engineering trainers for beams, frames, trusses and columns, supplies engineering colleges, polytechnics, technical training institutes and research laboratories in India and overseas, and builds to institution-specific requirements on request. Tender details are on the Tenders/OEM page.
Related Structural Engineering Equipment
- Behavior of Column and Struts Apparatus — strut buckling experiment with five aluminium struts, screw loading, load cell display and deflection scale.
- Simple Suspension Bridge Experiment — model suspension bridge with rigid deck, parabolic cable, weight hangers and load cell for cable tension.
- Pin Join Truss Apparatus Data Acquisition — pin-jointed framework kit with stainless-steel members, strain gauges, load cell and deflection indicator.
- Redundant Joint Truss Apparatus — determinate and indeterminate truss experiment with screw loading, member strain gauges and deflection indicator.
See the full Structural Engineering Lab Equipment range or all Civil Engineering Lab Equipment.
Request a Quote
For this and other structural engineering lab equipment, schools and colleges can contact Engineering Lab Equipment, a manufacturer, supplier and exporter based in Ambala, India. Quotations are given on request: send the number of portal frame sets, any packs of extra specimens and the software option required and your delivery location through the contact page, or add the Portal Frame Apparatus with Data Acquisition to the enquiry cart from this page.
Last updated: October 2026
