Structural implications of field load testing using patch-loads

Author

Filippo Masetti

Keywords and Phrases

Cyclic load test

Abstract

"Load testing has been the tool to evaluate a structure whose capacity is investigated due to design/construction flaws, the use of strengthening systems, deterioration, unique design, or change in use.

The current code does not specify the type of load prescribed for load test purposes, but provides the minimum test load magnitude value as a uniformly distributed load. This document provides the description of a procedure that allows the practitioner to design a cyclic load test, in terms of patch load(s) magnitude and position, which would cause the same internal forces developed during a uniformly-distributed load. The procedure consists of a preparatory phase, in which the structural analysis is performed and the “equivalent” load is designed according to the assumed hypotheses, and a test phase, in which the structural behavior is monitored by measuring selected quantities (deflections, rotations and strains) and the load is corrected in real-time according to the actual structural behavior.

The methods allowing the structural assessment through the measurement of strategic response parameters are mainly based on linear structural analysis. The principal unknowns in the evaluation of a structural member are its boundary conditions and the load sharing effect. The problem was split in the real time estimation of two coefficients reflecting span-end fixities and the contribution of other elements in carrying the load, respectively. Engineering judgment is still required to filter automatically generated results: the possibility to obtain values without any physical meaning is always present"--Abstract, page iii.

Advisor(s)

Nanni, Antonio

Committee Member(s)

Belarbi, Abdeldjelil
Birman, V. (Victor)

Department(s)

Civil, Architectural and Environmental Engineering

Degree Name

M.S. in Civil Engineering

Publisher

University of Missouri--Rolla

Publication Date

Fall 2005

Pagination

xiii, 119 pages

Note about bibliography

Includes bibliographical references (pages 117-118).

Rights

© 2005 Filippo Masetti, All rights reserved.

Document Type

Thesis - Restricted Access

File Type

text

Language

English

Subject Headings

Structural analysis (Engineering) -- Testing
Structural stability -- Testing
Buildings, Reinforced concrete

Thesis Number

T 8888

Print OCLC #

70846804

Link to Catalog Record

Electronic access to the full-text of this document is restricted to Missouri S&T users. Otherwise, request this publication directly from Missouri S&T Library or contact your local library.

Recommended Citation

Masetti, Filippo, "Structural implications of field load testing using patch-loads" (2005). Masters Theses. 5826.
https://scholarsmine.mst.edu/masters_theses/5826