Multi-functional Support for Structural Testing Load Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loading and fixing devices for structural tests, such as those for light steel keel composite shear walls and wooden structures, fail to accurately simulate real-world stress conditions due to limitations in force distribution and specimen handling, particularly in vertical and horizontal loading scenarios, leading to potential mismatches between experimental and actual engineering stresses.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional support system comprising a detachable distribution beam, upright columns, a template beam, and a support base, allowing for independent and localized vertical load transfer at multiple points, enabling various loading types, including vertical and horizontal reciprocating loading, while minimizing specimen damage and allowing for post-test analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional distribution beam is used for vertical loading, then uniform force distribution is achieved, but the stress distribution does not match actual engineering conditions where non-uniform stress occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The distribution beam is segmented into multiple independent loading units, each capable of applying force at different locations. This segmentation allows the system to transition from uniform to non-uniform loading patterns by selectively activating different segments, thereby matching actual engineering stress distributions while maintaining precise force control.
Solution Approach 2:
The loading system incorporates adjustable and movable components that enable dynamic reconfiguration of loading patterns. The distribution beam can be adjusted to provide uniform or non-uniform force distribution according to test requirements, making the system adaptable to various engineering scenarios while maintaining manufacturing precision through controlled adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If a fixed loading system is used for structural testing, then test setup is simple, but specimen damage occurs and prevents further testing after failure
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system incorporates preliminary damage mitigation measures through controlled force application and specimen support mechanisms. By carefully managing the loading process and providing proper support, the system minimizes catastrophic failure and prevents specimen damage that would preclude retesting, while maintaining relative simplicity in the overall device configuration.
3Ease of operation
If force distribution is performed according to wall inner column stiffness, then structural form differences are ignored, but the stress of experimental wall does not match actual engineering stress
Solution Approach 1:
The loading system applies different force distribution characteristics to different local regions of the specimen. By allowing non-uniform force distribution across different segments of the distribution beam, the system can account for local variations in structural properties and loading conditions, thereby achieving more accurate stress representation that matches actual engineering conditions while maintaining ease of operation through modular adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-functional support capable of transferring a horizontal and multi-point local vertical load is provided. The multi-functional support is mainly formed by detachably assembling a distribution beam capable of transferring a vertical load locally and independently at multiple points, detachable upright columns, a template beam and a support base. The distribution beam capable of transferring a vertical load locally and independently at multiple points is located between tops of the two upright columns. The two upright columns are mounted on the support base. The template beam is located between the two upright columns, arranged on the support base and connected to the support base. The support base is fixed on a ground. The distribution beam capable of transferring a vertical load locally and independently at multiple points, the detachable upright columns, the support base and the template beam are located in the same plane. The multi-functional support can perform various experiments such as vertical loading, horizontal reciprocating loading and multi-point local independent vertical loading. By means of the detachable upright columns, loading and constraint fixing of an experimental wall can be realized step by step, thus reducing damage to a specimen by a moving specimen. The damage form of the loaded specimen can be kept effectively.