Introduction

ORITE constructed a large outdoor facility approximately two miles south of the Athens campus for in situ testing of pipes/culverts and other subsurface structures at loads up to 1 million pounds.

This facility has been used almost exclusively to test various types of pipe/culverts ranging in diameter from 6 to 60 inches, and installed to different depths and with varying types of backfill material. Instrumentation mounted in the pipes monitor strains and structural deformations with increasing vertical load.

Features / Facility Specifications

The facility consists of two essential parts - two large-capacity hydraulic cylinders and a structural frame anchored into bedrock. Rock anchors supply tensile reaction. Four concrete columns, spaced approximately 25 feet from center to center, sit directly on top of shaley bedrock. These columns function as the support for a structural I-beam frame. This I-beam frame, which consists of two parallel I-beams and two crisscrossing I-beams, is tied down to the bedrock through a total of eight grouted tension rock anchors.

Under each of the two crisscrossing I-beams a piston rod hydraulic cylinder is attached. Both of these cylinders have a capacity of 230 tons and are connected to a hydraulic power supply/control unit for synchronized operation. The hydraulic power system can develop up to 2,200 psi pressure in each loading cylinder, and is used to apply load in increments to the pipe.

There are two loading platforms, one covering an area 6 feet square, and the other 6 feet wide by 9 feet long.

Plan view of the Load Frame Facility (gif image, 9 KB)

Scope

Data obtained from these types of installations provide valuable information on pipe design and the performance of pipe under heavy loads. Current projects include studies on flowable fill materials. Future projects at the facility will include utilizing the versatility of the load cell to test and monitor additional infrastructure components.

Contact Information

For further information please contact:

Dr. Shad Sargand
Associate Director, ORITE
141 Stocker Center
Ohio University
Athens, OH 45701
(740) 593-2476
(740) 593-0625 Fax

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