Design, Construction, and Performance of the Modular Strong-Block Testing System

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.