Idaho State University Strong Floor Construction for Quasi-Static Testing
Faculty Mentor Information
Mustafa Mashal
Presentation Date
7-2017
Abstract
Strong Floors are essential for performing quasi-static cyclic experiments testing full-scale members under extreme amounts of force. They allow the force to dissipate without causing differential settlement and/or cracking failures to the floor and building. With threaded anchors, spaced 18 inches on center, custom actuators and steel reaction frames will bolt securely to the 875.5 square foot floor for testing.
To get the desired floor complete and ready for research testing, a previous lab was removed to clear floor space. Then multiple companies were organized to come scan and cut the existing concrete floor to the mapped layout. The concrete was taken out by a jackhammer and skid-steer with an addition of excavated soil to get to a desired depth of two feet. Reinforcing bar was delivered and then caged into the hole with four inch spacing where threaded anchors will fit to be flush with the top of the floor. A high strength, self-consolidating concrete will be poured to fill the two-foot floor and then cure before it can be used. All work for the laboratories has been handled by undergraduate students here at Idaho State University, who will then be performing the upcoming research projects involving the floor.
Idaho State University Strong Floor Construction for Quasi-Static Testing
Strong Floors are essential for performing quasi-static cyclic experiments testing full-scale members under extreme amounts of force. They allow the force to dissipate without causing differential settlement and/or cracking failures to the floor and building. With threaded anchors, spaced 18 inches on center, custom actuators and steel reaction frames will bolt securely to the 875.5 square foot floor for testing.
To get the desired floor complete and ready for research testing, a previous lab was removed to clear floor space. Then multiple companies were organized to come scan and cut the existing concrete floor to the mapped layout. The concrete was taken out by a jackhammer and skid-steer with an addition of excavated soil to get to a desired depth of two feet. Reinforcing bar was delivered and then caged into the hole with four inch spacing where threaded anchors will fit to be flush with the top of the floor. A high strength, self-consolidating concrete will be poured to fill the two-foot floor and then cure before it can be used. All work for the laboratories has been handled by undergraduate students here at Idaho State University, who will then be performing the upcoming research projects involving the floor.