The Steel Tensile Test is used to determine yield strength, ultimate strength, and fracture strength of existing steel members. In the testing process, samples are taken from the steel members in structures such as factory roof trusses or parking roof trusses. The results of the Steel Tensile Test will be used in further analyses and evaluations of the structures.
In a factory, when holes were drilled down on concrete beams to place the anchor bolts to support vibrating machines, air voids were found. However, the problem is, the location of the air void was unknown. The possibilities were that the air void was at drilling locations coincidently, was at some other locations or was distributed over the entire beam length. Thus, the Air Void Detection Test was conducted to locate the air void inside RC beams. Once void locations were detected along the beams, reparation was carried out to enhance concrete durability and the beam’s strength as well as to ensure firm support for machine operation.
To conduct the test, several tools were used including a drop hammer, accelerometers and a data acquisition system.
Visual inspections are generally conducted as the first step of structural evaluations due to its simplicity and benefit-to-cost advantage. The structural geometries, e.g. tilting, levelness, plumb, and settlement, will be carefully investigated using geometric surveying equipment (digital theodolite, measuring tapes, bubble level, etc.) to identify the possible major structural threats. The conditions of structural materials from the appearance (cracking, rusting, spalling, moisture, etc.) will be examined for material deterioration evaluations. The results from visual inspections will be further used in the planning of the more comprehensive structural evaluations if necessary.
Common physical damages found are.
In the inspection process, detailed records of data and images of damages will be collected which will then be summarized in a report.
The structural visual inspection test can be conducted in conjunction with structural damage mapping in order to yield a clearer overview of the damage and the more accurate location of the damage, and in conjunction with the settlement survey for more accurate data on any distortion or disruption parts of the structures.
RE conducted the Chemical Anchor Pull Out Test. This chemical anchor was installed on the floor as moment-resisting support of the new column. Thus, this chemical anchor must be able to resist tension force according to the design. In this case, proof load according to the design was applied. Test frames, load cells, displacement transducers, and the data acquisition system were used.
