3th WCSET-2014 at Nepal
Civil Engineering / Environmental / Architecture / Planning Session:
Title:
Load test on post tensioned pre-stressed concrete gantry
supporting girder
Authors:
K. Gurunaathan, G. S. Thirugnanam
Abstract: Load
testing is one of the functional tests to validate if it
can be used with confidence. It is the
process of applying loads on a system and measuring
certain useful parameters. It is carried out to
determine the behavior of the system under service load
conditions. It helps identify the maximum loads that the
structural element can withstand without much
deformation. It will also help finding out any
deficiencies to determine which part of the system
causes failures. The load-deflection behavior of the
Gantry supporting girder has been studied by carrying
out the load test after simulating the actual field
conditions. The deflections under different load
conditions have been noted down. Maximum deflections at
mid span due to live loads were noted down and the
average hogging in the PSC gantry girder was also noted
down. The vertical displacement of girders at mid span
due to imposed load was compared with the hogging
[upward deflection] of the beam. Also, the recovery at
mid span was observed on removal of the test load.
Finally, the beam was checked for any cracks to find out
if the beam was capable of carrying the intended live
loads.
Keywords: Load test,
Gantry girder, Pre-stressed concrete, Deflection,
Recovery, Single point loading
Pages:
084-087