The spring constant can be measured directly in lab by applying a known force (weight) to the end of the double beam apparatus and measuring the displacement. Recall that the spring constant is defined as the ratio of force over displacement. The spring constant can be estimated by using Beam Theory. Because the double beam apparatus has upper and lower beams that differ in composition will derive equations that will give the stiffness of one beam of the double beam apparatus. Once we know the relationships for one beam, we will then combine the stiffnesses of each beam to find the composite (or total) stiffness.
