Design, Construction, and Performance of the Modular Strong-Block Testing System
Publication: Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 32, Issue 5
Abstract
This paper presents an overview of the design, construction, and performance of the modular strong-block testing system. The purpose of this project was to create an economical alternative to large-scale structural engineering laboratories for smaller programs with more versatility than traditional self-contained frames capable of conducting full-scale experimental tests. The system discussed herein consists of 12 individual reinforced concrete strong blocks that, when post-tensioned together, creates a self-contained testing system. The system was evaluated by testing two reinforced concrete beams subjected to a vertical load and two reinforced concrete shear walls subjected to a horizontal load and monitoring the forces in the Threadbars used to post-tension the system, uplift of the system, and the slip between blocks. The system was more flexible than expected, but the overall behavior of the system was satisfactory. The results show that the system remained composite under load and confirm the feasibility of the design.
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Acknowledgments
The authors gratefully acknowledge the financial support provided by the Office of Research and Sponsored Programs at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette (UL Lafayette) and members of the UL Lafayette Civil Engineering Advisory Board. The authors also gratefully acknowledge Barry Concrete, Inc., Fab Services, Inc., Knight Oil Tools, Superior Steel, Inc., Voss Engineering, Inc., and Mr. Rob Evans of Louisiana Testing and Inspection along with Mr. Dylan Broussard and Mr. Mark Leblanc for their assistance in the fabrication of the modular strong-block testing system.
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Information & Authors
Information
Published In
Journal of Performance of Constructed Facilities
Volume 32 • Issue 5 • October 2018
Copyright
©2018 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 9, 2017
Accepted: Mar 5, 2018
Published online: Jun 22, 2018
Published in print: Oct 1, 2018
Discussion open until: Nov 22, 2018
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