Testing equipment for static and dynamic testing of materials and structural components

The equipment allows subjecting test specimens of various materials and full-scale structural components to static and dynamic load levels up to 250kN under frequencies up to 100Hz (depending on the required load/stroke) in various loading configurations (compression/tension, bending or combined). Apart from conventional static tensile tests or cyclic loading tests at constant load amplitude, the device also enables subjecting specimens to any measured or computed stress time history. This is mandatory to assess the fatigue resistance of materials (ranging from high-strength steel to composite materials or concrete) or structural details (such as welded or bolted connections) under realistic conditions. The device also allows evaluating the long-term properties of materials under cyclic loading. Data from these tests is essential to predict the lifetime of structures. The test equipment will allow to fully exploit the strong synergy between the three research groups, naturally linking expertise in material science, fatigue assessment of structural components and structural mechanics. It will also strengthen the position of the involved groups internationally as partners with strong experimental capacities and create further opportunities for collaborative research with industry.

Keywords:equipment

Disciplines:Structural engineering, Other civil and building engineering