CIVL 2020 Lab No. 2: Steel and Timber in Shear

A collection of vocabulary flashcards based on the key concepts and terminology related to the CIVL 2020 Lab on Steel and Timber in Shear.

Ultimate shear strength

The maximum shear stress that a material can withstand before failure.

Longitudinal shear strength

The shear strength of a material when the load is applied parallel to the grain.

Shear stress

The stress that occurs when forces are applied parallel or tangent to the surface of a material.

Average shear stress

The shear force acting on a section divided by the cross-sectional area of that section.

Unit shear stress

The shear stress per unit area acting on a given plane, often more relevant in beam applications.

Anisotropic material

A material that has different properties in different directions.

Isotropic material

A material that has the same properties in all directions.

Lignin

A glue-like substance that binds wood cells together, making timber weaker in shear along the grain.

Single shear

A shear test where the specimen is supported on one side of the loading slot.

Double shear

A shear test where the specimen is supported on both sides of the loading slot.

Ductile material

A material that can undergo significant plastic deformation before rupture.

Audible crack

The sound produced when a material suddenly fails under stress.

Factor of safety

A design criterion that provides a margin against failure by dividing the material strength by the expected load.

Transverse loading

Loading that is applied perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a structural member.

Shear failure

Failure that occurs when the shear stress exceeds a material's shear strength.

Timber beam

A structural element made from wood that is used to support loads.

Cross section area

The area generated by cutting through an object, used to calculate stresses.

Shear formula

An equation used to relate shear force, shear stress, and the properties of the material.

Maximum shear stress

The highest calculated shear stress that can occur in a structural member.

Guillotine shear apparatus

A device used to test the shear strength of materials by applying a cutting action.

Timber specimen

A sample of wood used in testing to determine its mechanical properties.

Load limit

The maximum load a structural member can support safely.