Gallery-free strong foundation reaction wall structure

Abstract

A test apparatus is configured to enable structural constructions in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon. The test apparatus includes at least one reaction wall and at least one strong foundation, where the reaction wall and the strong foundation are provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies that allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation. At least one of the anchorage assemblies includes four anchorage elements symmetrically positioned around a central axis passing through the center of the anchorage assembly. The anchorage element includes an anchorage body and an anchorage rod positioned within the anchorage body. The anchorage body includes a lock opening. The anchorage rod includes at least one lock end configured to prevent its removal from the lock opening when the anchorage rod is rotated about its own axis.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to Turkish Patent Application No. TR 2024 / 017733, filed on Dec. 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a test apparatus which is configured to enable structural constructions in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon, including at least one reaction wall and at least one strong foundation, the said reaction wall and the said strong foundation being provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies that allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Reaction wall and strong foundation systems are advanced-level test apparatuses used in the field of civil engineering to understand how structural elements and systems perform under real-world conditions. The reaction wall enables the measurement of the strength and deformation characteristics of the tested structural elements by safely absorbing the forces applied to these elements. The strong foundation system ensures the accuracy and safety of the tests by safely transferring the large forces generated during the tests to the ground. These systems allow for the execution of tests that are critical in terms of structural safety and contribute to both the optimization and development of engineering designs.

[0004] Since reaction wall and strong foundation systems contain galleries that require large volumes, such test laboratories generate a significant need for spacious areas. In particular, these structures must be constructed in considerably large dimensions in order to absorb and distribute the high forces used in the tests. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, alternative solutions such as anchored walls have been developed. Anchored walls provide load resistance and allow tests to be conducted in more compact spaces by using steel rods firmly fixed to the ground. However, these walls also require steel rods with considerably large cross-sections in order to compensate for the high forces. This leads to an increase in costs and, at the same time, causes the construction process to be prolonged and a more complex structure to be built.

[0005] As a result, all the abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention relates to a test apparatus intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a test apparatus that requires a low construction volume.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a test apparatus with facilitated assembly and construction processes.

[0009] In order to achieve all of the above-mentioned objects and those that will become apparent from the following detailed description, the present invention relates to a test apparatus which is configured to enable structural constructions in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon, including at least one reaction wall and at least one strong foundation, the said reaction wall and the said strong foundation being provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies that allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation. Accordingly, its novelty is that at least one of the said anchorage assemblies includes four anchorage elements symmetrically positioned around a central axis passing through the center of the anchorage assembly; the said anchorage element includes an anchorage body and an anchorage rod positioned within the said anchorage body; the anchorage body includes a lock opening; and the anchorage rod includes at least one lock end configured to prevent its removal from the lock opening when the anchorage rod is rotated about its own axis. In this way, a test apparatus is provided that does not require large construction volumes and has facilitated assembly processes.

[0010] A feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that the lock opening includes a first lock wall and a second lock wall positioned opposite to each other with a lock distance therebetween, and the lock end includes at least one short extension shorter than the lock distance and at least one long extension longer than the lock distance.

[0011] Another feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that a second distance between the rod axes of the anchorage elements arranged around the central axis of the anchorage assembly is shorter than a first distance, which is the shortest distance between the central axes of two anchorage assemblies located in the vicinity of each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a representative isometric view of the anchorage assembly of the test apparatus.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a representative isometric partial sectional view of the anchorage element of the test apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows representative views of the anchorage body and the anchorage rod of the test apparatus together.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows, step by step, the locking movement of the anchorage rod within the anchorage body in the test apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a representative sectional view of a structural construction connected onto the anchorage assemblies of the test apparatus.REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE FIGURES10 Test Apparatus

[0019] 11 Strong Foundation

[0020] 12 Reaction Wall

[0021] 13 Filler Body

[0022] 14 Structural Construction

[0023] 20 Anchorage Assembly

[0024] 21 Anchorage Element

[0025] 211 Anchorage Body

[0026] 211.1 First Lock Wall

[0027] 211.2 Second Lock Wall

[0028] 211.3 Lock Opening

[0029] 211.31 Lock Distance

[0030] 212 Anchorage Rod

[0031] 212.1 Lock End

[0032] 212.11 Short Extension

[0033] 212.12 Long Extension

[0034] (u) Longitudinal Form

[0035] (o) Central Axis

[0036] (t) Rod Axis

[0037] (I) First Distance

[0038] (II) Second DistanceDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described utilizing examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus (10) of the invention. The test apparatus (10) is configured to allow structural constructions (14) in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying force thereon. Accordingly, the test apparatus (10) is suitable for being positioned in test laboratories. The structural construction (14) may be any construction belonging to any structure. It is possible to subject the structural construction (14) to testing at a 1:1 scale by means of the test apparatus (10). The test apparatus (10) includes at least one strong foundation (11) and at least one reaction wall (12). The strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12) extend at least partially perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the strong foundation (11) is positioned on the floor of the laboratory where the test apparatus (10) is located, while the reaction wall (12) extends perpendicular to this floor.

[0041] The reaction wall (12) and the strong foundation (11) include a structural construction (14) for strength and a filler body (13) to provide structural integrity. The filler body (13) is essentially made of concrete. The reaction wall (12) and the strong foundation (11) include a plurality of anchorage assemblies (20) within their respective filler bodies (13) to allow the structural construction (14) to be fixed. In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, the anchorage assembly (20) consists of a combination of four anchorage elements (21). The said anchorage element (21) is at least partially embedded within the filler body (13). The anchorage element (21) includes an anchorage body (211) and an anchorage rod (212). The anchorage rod (212) is positioned within the anchorage body (211).

[0042] In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, similar to the test apparatuses in the prior art, a plurality of anchorage assemblies (20) are present on the strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12), with at least a first distance (I) between the central axes (o) passing through the centers of the anchorage assemblies (20). The said first distance (I) is the shortest distance between the central axes (o) of two anchorage assemblies (20) located in the vicinity of each other. In possible embodiments, the first distance (I) mentioned herein may not be the same throughout the entire test apparatus (10), and different distances may be present between some of the anchorage assemblies (20). In other words, the first distance (I) does not have to be a fixed measurement and may vary.

[0043] In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, the anchorage assembly (20) includes four anchorage elements (21) and four rod axes (t). The rod axis (t) is an axis extending in the extension direction of the anchorage rod (212) and assumed to pass through the center of the anchorage rod (212). In this case, for a structure known in the existing art in which each anchorage assembly (20) includes one anchorage element (21), the central axis (o) and the rod axis (t) would be concentric. In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, however, four anchorage elements (21) are symmetrically positioned around the central axis (o). Accordingly, in the anchorage assembly (20), there is a second distance (II) between the central axis (o) and each of the rod axes (t). The second distance (II) is smaller than the above-mentioned first distance (I).

[0044] The anchorage rod (212) includes a lock end (212.1), and the anchorage body (211) includes at least one lock opening (211.3) configured to accommodate the said lock end (212.1). The lock end (212.1) and the lock opening (211.3) are configured in such a manner that when the anchorage rod (212) is rotated about its own axis, the anchorage rod (212) is prevented from being removed from the anchorage body (211). Accordingly, on the opposite edges of the lock opening (211.3), there is a first lock wall (211.1) and a second lock wall (211.2), with a lock distance (211.31) between them. The lock end (212.1) has a longitudinal form (u). The longitudinal form (u) defines that the length of the lock end (212.1) in one direction on the same plane is greater than its length in another direction. In other words, the lock end (212.1) includes at least one short extension (212.11) and at least one long extension (212.12). The end point of the short extension (212.11) is closer to the rod axis (t) than the end point of the long extension (212.12). Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the lock end (212.1) has a form similar to a rectangular prism.

[0045] In FIG. 5, the movement of the lock end (212.1) within the lock opening (211.3) for assembly is shown. Accordingly, after the lock end (212.1) passes through the lock opening (211.3) and is rotated 90° about its own axis, its movement in the direction of the rod axis (t) is restricted by the first lock wall (211.1) and the second lock wall (211.2).

[0046] In light of all these explanations, the test apparatus (10) of the invention provides a strong foundation (11) and a reaction wall (12) structure that does not include large gallery volumes and does not require large cross-sectional areas for the anchorage rod (212). This is achieved by each anchorage assembly (20) including four anchorage elements (21). In this way, the load of the structural construction (14) on the anchorage assembly (20) is distributed to four points. In addition, the locking structure provided for the anchorage elements (21) contributes to the ease of installation of the test apparatus (10).

[0047] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described utilizing examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0040]FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus (10) of the invention. The test apparatus (10) is configured to allow structural constructions (14) in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying force thereon. Accordingly, the test apparatus (10) is suitable for being positioned in test laboratories. The structural construction (14) may be any construction belonging to any structure. It is possible to subject the structural construction (14) to testing at a 1:1 scale by means of the test apparatus (10). The test apparatus (10) includes at least one strong foundation (11) and at least one reaction wall (12). The strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12) extend at least partially perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the strong foundation (11) is position...

CROSS REFERENCE TO THE RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application is based upon and claims priority to Turkish Patent Application No. TR 2024 / 017733, filed on Dec. 5, 2024, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The invention relates to a test apparatus which is configured to enable structural constructions in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon, including at least one reaction wall and at least one strong foundation, the said reaction wall and the said strong foundation being provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies that allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation.BACKGROUND

[0003] Reaction wall and strong foundation systems are advanced-level test apparatuses used in the field of civil engineering to understand how structural elements and systems perform under real-world conditions. The reaction wall enables the measurement of the strength and deformation characteristics of the tested structural elements by safely absorbing the forces applied to these elements. The strong foundation system ensures the accuracy and safety of the tests by safely transferring the large forces generated during the tests to the ground. These systems allow for the execution of tests that are critical in terms of structural safety and contribute to both the optimization and development of engineering designs.

[0004] Since reaction wall and strong foundation systems contain galleries that require large volumes, such test laboratories generate a significant need for spacious areas. In particular, these structures must be constructed in considerably large dimensions in order to absorb and distribute the high forces used in the tests. In order to eliminate this disadvantage, alternative solutions such as anchored walls have been developed. Anchored walls provide load resistance and allow tests to be conducted in more compact spaces by using steel rods firmly fixed to the ground. However, these walls also require steel rods with considerably large cross-sections in order to compensate for the high forces. This leads to an increase in costs and, at the same time, causes the construction process to be prolonged and a more complex structure to be built.

[0005] As a result, all the abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.SUMMARY

[0006] The present invention relates to a test apparatus intended to eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages and to introduce new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0007] An object of the invention is to provide a test apparatus that requires a low construction volume.

[0008] Another object of the invention is to provide a test apparatus with facilitated assembly and construction processes.

[0009] In order to achieve all of the above-mentioned objects and those that will become apparent from the following detailed description, the present invention relates to a test apparatus which is configured to enable structural constructions in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon, including at least one reaction wall and at least one strong foundation, the said reaction wall and the said strong foundation being provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies that allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation. Accordingly, its novelty is that at least one of the said anchorage assemblies includes four anchorage elements symmetrically positioned around a central axis passing through the center of the anchorage assembly; the said anchorage element includes an anchorage body and an anchorage rod positioned within the said anchorage body; the anchorage body includes a lock opening; and the anchorage rod includes at least one lock end configured to prevent its removal from the lock opening when the anchorage rod is rotated about its own axis. In this way, a test apparatus is provided that does not require large construction volumes and has facilitated assembly processes.

[0010] A feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that the lock opening includes a first lock wall and a second lock wall positioned opposite to each other with a lock distance therebetween, and the lock end includes at least one short extension shorter than the lock distance and at least one long extension longer than the lock distance.

[0011] Another feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that a second distance between the rod axes of the anchorage elements arranged around the central axis of the anchorage assembly is shorter than a first distance, which is the shortest distance between the central axes of two anchorage assemblies located in the vicinity of each other.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus.

[0013] FIG. 2 shows a representative isometric view of the anchorage assembly of the test apparatus.

[0014] FIG. 3 shows a representative isometric partial sectional view of the anchorage element of the test apparatus.

[0015] FIG. 4 shows representative views of the anchorage body and the anchorage rod of the test apparatus together.

[0016] FIG. 5 shows, step by step, the locking movement of the anchorage rod within the anchorage body in the test apparatus.

[0017] FIG. 6 shows a representative sectional view of a structural construction connected onto the anchorage assemblies of the test apparatus.REFERENCE NUMBERS OF THE FIGURES10 Test Apparatus

[0019] 11 Strong Foundation

[0020] 12 Reaction Wall

[0021] 13 Filler Body

[0022] 14 Structural Construction

[0023] 20 Anchorage Assembly

[0024] 21 Anchorage Element

[0025] 211 Anchorage Body

[0026] 211.1 First Lock Wall

[0027] 211.2 Second Lock Wall

[0028] 211.3 Lock Opening

[0029] 211.31 Lock Distance

[0030] 212 Anchorage Rod

[0031] 212.1 Lock End

[0032] 212.11 Short Extension

[0033] 212.12 Long Extension

[0034] (u) Longitudinal Form

[0035] (o) Central Axis

[0036] (t) Rod Axis

[0037] (I) First Distance

[0038] (II) Second DistanceDETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0039] In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described utilizing examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0040] FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus (10) of the invention. The test apparatus (10) is configured to allow structural constructions (14) in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying force thereon. Accordingly, the test apparatus (10) is suitable for being positioned in test laboratories. The structural construction (14) may be any construction belonging to any structure. It is possible to subject the structural construction (14) to testing at a 1:1 scale by means of the test apparatus (10). The test apparatus (10) includes at least one strong foundation (11) and at least one reaction wall (12). The strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12) extend at least partially perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the strong foundation (11) is positioned on the floor of the laboratory where the test apparatus (10) is located, while the reaction wall (12) extends perpendicular to this floor.

[0041] The reaction wall (12) and the strong foundation (11) include a structural construction (14) for strength and a filler body (13) to provide structural integrity. The filler body (13) is essentially made of concrete. The reaction wall (12) and the strong foundation (11) include a plurality of anchorage assemblies (20) within their respective filler bodies (13) to allow the structural construction (14) to be fixed. In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, the anchorage assembly (20) consists of a combination of four anchorage elements (21). The said anchorage element (21) is at least partially embedded within the filler body (13). The anchorage element (21) includes an anchorage body (211) and an anchorage rod (212). The anchorage rod (212) is positioned within the anchorage body (211).

[0042] In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, similar to the test apparatuses in the prior art, a plurality of anchorage assemblies (20) are present on the strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12), with at least a first distance (I) between the central axes (o) passing through the centers of the anchorage assemblies (20). The said first distance (I) is the shortest distance between the central axes (o) of two anchorage assemblies (20) located in the vicinity of each other. In possible embodiments, the first distance (I) mentioned herein may not be the same throughout the entire test apparatus (10), and different distances may be present between some of the anchorage assemblies (20). In other words, the first distance (I) does not have to be a fixed measurement and may vary.

[0043] In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, the anchorage assembly (20) includes four anchorage elements (21) and four rod axes (t). The rod axis (t) is an axis extending in the extension direction of the anchorage rod (212) and assumed to pass through the center of the anchorage rod (212). In this case, for a structure known in the existing art in which each anchorage assembly (20) includes one anchorage element (21), the central axis (o) and the rod axis (t) would be concentric. In the test apparatus (10) of the invention, however, four anchorage elements (21) are symmetrically positioned around the central axis (o). Accordingly, in the anchorage assembly (20), there is a second distance (II) between the central axis (o) and each of the rod axes (t). The second distance (II) is smaller than the above-mentioned first distance (I).

[0044] The anchorage rod (212) includes a lock end (212.1), and the anchorage body (211) includes at least one lock opening (211.3) configured to accommodate the said lock end (212.1). The lock end (212.1) and the lock opening (211.3) are configured in such a manner that when the anchorage rod (212) is rotated about its own axis, the anchorage rod (212) is prevented from being removed from the anchorage body (211). Accordingly, on the opposite edges of the lock opening (211.3), there is a first lock wall (211.1) and a second lock wall (211.2), with a lock distance (211.31) between them. The lock end (212.1) has a longitudinal form (u). The longitudinal form (u) defines that the length of the lock end (212.1) in one direction on the same plane is greater than its length in another direction. In other words, the lock end (212.1) includes at least one short extension (212.11) and at least one long extension (212.12). The end point of the short extension (212.11) is closer to the rod axis (t) than the end point of the long extension (212.12). Accordingly, in the preferred embodiment, the lock end (212.1) has a form similar to a rectangular prism.

[0045] In FIG. 5, the movement of the lock end (212.1) within the lock opening (211.3) for assembly is shown. Accordingly, after the lock end (212.1) passes through the lock opening (211.3) and is rotated 90° about its own axis, its movement in the direction of the rod axis (t) is restricted by the first lock wall (211.1) and the second lock wall (211.2).

[0046] In light of all these explanations, the test apparatus (10) of the invention provides a strong foundation (11) and a reaction wall (12) structure that does not include large gallery volumes and does not require large cross-sectional areas for the anchorage rod (212). This is achieved by each anchorage assembly (20) including four anchorage elements (21). In this way, the load of the structural construction (14) on the anchorage assembly (20) is distributed to four points. In addition, the locking structure provided for the anchorage elements (21) contributes to the ease of installation of the test apparatus (10).

[0047] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0039]In this detailed description, the subject of the invention is described utilizing examples only for clarifying the subject matter such that no limiting effect is created.

[0040]FIG. 1 shows a representative isometric view of the test apparatus (10) of the invention. The test apparatus (10) is configured to allow structural constructions (14) in the field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying force thereon. Accordingly, the test apparatus (10) is suitable for being positioned in test laboratories. The structural construction (14) may be any construction belonging to any structure. It is possible to subject the structural construction (14) to testing at a 1:1 scale by means of the test apparatus (10). The test apparatus (10) includes at least one strong foundation (11) and at least one reaction wall (12). The strong foundation (11) and the reaction wall (12) extend at least partially perpendicular to each other. Accordingly, the strong foundation (11) is position...

Claims

1. A test apparatus configured to enable a structural construction in a field of construction to be subjected to testing by applying load thereon, comprising a reaction wall and a strong foundation, wherein the reaction wall and the strong foundation are provided with a plurality of anchorage assemblies, and the plurality of anchorage assemblies allow the structural construction to be connected to the reaction wall and the strong foundation; at least one anchorage assembly of the plurality of anchorage assemblies comprises four anchorage elements symmetrically positioned around a central axis passing through a center of the at least one anchorage assembly;each of the four anchorage elements comprises an anchorage body and an anchorage rod positioned within the anchorage body;the anchorage body comprises a lock opening; andthe anchorage rod comprises a lock end, wherein the lock end is configured to prevent the anchorage rod from removing from the lock opening when the anchorage rod is rotated about an axis of the anchorage rod.

2. The test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the lock opening comprises a first lock wall and a second lock wall positioned opposite to each other with a lock distance therebetween, and the lock end comprises a short extension shorter than the lock distance and a long extension longer than the lock distance.

3. The test apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a second distance between rod axes of the four anchorage elements arranged around the central axis of the at least one anchorage assembly and the central axis is shorter than a first distance, wherein the first distance is a shortest distance between central axes of two anchorage assemblies located in a vicinity of each other.

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