Lab Equipment

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Earthquake Simulators
The Laboratory has two 110,250 lb (50 ton, 450 kN) uniaxial shake tables in operation.  Manufactured by MTS, each table measures 14 x 14.6 ft (4.3 x 4.5 m), has a stroke of ±12 in (±300 mm), and can reach a peak velocity of 40 in/sec (1000 mm/sec) and an acceleration of 1g under the full 50 ton payload (450 kN).  Both tables are relocatable and may be reconfigured in a biaxial mode if required, with the same performance characteristics in the transverse direction (Figure 19).  To achieve these maxima, two banks of blow-down accumulators are used. The maximum cumulative stroke is 330 in. (8.4 m).  With the actuator under the table, the tables are designed to handle simultaneously a maximum pitch moment of 1000 kip-ft (1356 kN-m) along with a maximum roll and yaw moment of 400 kip-ft (542 kN-m).  If a single table were to be operated by the continuous oil supply, the maximum velocity reduces to 25 in./sec (635 mm/sec). Furthermore, these two tables can be reconfigured to produce a single biaxial table shaking in the two horizontal directions or a single uniaxial table having an increased maximum acceleration of ± 2g. Also, by running the uniaxial tables with the available external actuator option, the maximum pitch moment ran be increased to 1200 kip-ft (1627 kN-m). The two tables can be constrained to act together as a single large table, or they can be operated individually with independent motions.

1.1 System Specifications:

Table Size 14.0 ft x 14.6 ft  (4.3 m x 4.5 m)
Maximum Specimen Mass 100,000 lbm  (45,352 kg)
Maximum Pitch Moment 1,000,000 ft-lb  (1,356 kN-m)
Maximum Yaw Moment 400,000 ft-lb  (542 kN-m)
Maximum Roll Moment 400,000 ft-lb  (542 kN-m)
Force Rating 165,000 lb  (734 kN)
Vertical Live Load ± 150,000 lb  (±667 kN)
Maximum Dynamic Displacement ± 12 inches  (±300 mm)
Maximum Static Displacement ± 14 inches  (±350 mm)
Maximum Velocity ± 40 in/sec  (±1000 mm/sec)
Maximum Acceleration 1 g at 100,000 lbm specimen
Operating Frequency 0.1-30 Hz

 

1.2 System Components:

Specimen Table Assemby The table supports the specimen that is to be tested and provides threaded mounting holes for securing the specimen to the table. The table is constructed to provide high stiffness with minimum possible weight. Reinforced sections of the table accommodate attachment of the hydraulic actuators. Two table assemblies are provided. Each table assembly consists of the table, four base plate-bearing assemblies, bumper boxes, and preloader assemblies. The biaxial table assembly also has a crossbrace assembly.
Hydraulic System
  • Hydraulic Power Unit (HPU)
Three hydraulic power units (MTS 506.82, MTS 506.62, and MTS 506.41) provide the pressurized hydraulic fluid to the hydraulic distribution system in direct response to control signals received from the Remote Pump Control Panel.
  • Hydraulic Service Manifold (HSM)
The hydraulic service manifolds use check valves, pressure relief valves, accumulators, and solenoid controlled valves to adjust the hydraulic pressure to the MTS multi-stage servovalves and blowdown system.
  • Blowdown System
The blowdown accumulators are used to maintain system performance during short-term, high-demand test conditions. There is one blowdown system for each actuator.
  • Flow Averaging Accumulators
Flow averaging accumulators mounted on each leg of the main pressure piping and the main return piping reduce the pressure fluctuations in the hydraulic system.
  • Sump Pump
A sump pump returns hydraulic fluid that has accumulated in the sump reservoir to the hydraulic fluid reservoir through the main return pipe.
Series 244 Actuators The actuators provided for the seismic test system are specially designed for high performance. Externally mounted actuators are attached to the seismic table and external buttresses with swivel mounting fixtures. An internally mounted actuator is located under the table and is attached to the table and internal buttress. A linear variable differential transformer (LVDT) is mounted inside the actuator to provide an electrical feedback signal that indicates the actuator position. The Series 244.50 actuator has a dynamic stroke of 12 inches (300 mm).
Servovalves The actuators are equipped with multi-stage servovalves which control the direction and amount of fluid flow to the actuators. The actuators have two Series 256.25 servovalves which provide a total rated flow of 500 gpm (1890 lpm).
469D Digital Controller The 469D digital real-time controller provides closed-loop control of table motion and the operator interface to the system. The controller provides programming and feedback summing to ensure faithful reproduction of the desired waveform on the shaking table surface so that accurate tests on the specimen can be conducted and evaluated.
Digital Computer Subsystem The Digital Computer Subsystem is used for table programming, control and compensation, and data acquisition and analysis. It consists of a computer system, a data acquisition subsystem, and a software package.

 

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2. Mass Shaker System

The MK-12.8A-4600 Eccentric Mass Shaker System by ANCO Engineers, Inc. consists of an eccentric mass shaker, a drive motor, a frequency inverter with a remote operator's station, interconnecting cabling, and flexible shafting.   The system is portable and can be disassembled into individual elements and transported.
The eccentric mass shaker consists of two match sets of weights, a 4,600 lb-in (520 kN-mm) eccentricity set and a 980 lb-in (110 kN-mm) eccentricity set.  The force output is limited to 10,000 lb (44 kN) continuously and 20,000 lb (89 kN) intermittently at frequencies less than 10 Hz with the large weight set installed. The small weight set must be used if the system is operated in the 10-20 Hz range. Eccentricity of the shaker is continuously adjustable over the ranges of 0-980 lb-in (0-110 kN-mm) and 0-4,600 lb-in (0-520 kN-mm).  The shaker is powered by a 10-hp (7.4 kW), 6-pole (1200 rpm) induction motor.
The inverter rectifies 230-volt, 3-phase, 60-Hz line current to a direct current and constructs a pulse width modulated motor drive current whose frequency and voltage can be varied and controlled. The maximum output current frequency can be selected to be either 60 Hz or 120 Hz permitting either 10 Hz or 20 Hz full-speed shaker operation.
Running speed of the shaker is controlled either by rotation of a 10-turn potentiometer or by application of an external 0-9.0 volt dc signal.   The shaker can either be operated from the inverter or from a remote operator's station.  Cabling permitting, a 100 ft (30 m) separation between the inverter and the remote operator's station is provided.
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3. Hydraulic Actuators:

Six servo-controlled actuators are available for dynamic and cyclic load testing.
3.1 MTS Actuator (Model 243.31):
This actuator has a load capacity of ±55 kips (±250 kN), a stroke of ±3 in. (±75 mm), and a composite servovalve system (Models 252.21C and 256.09) with flow rate of 91 gpm (345 lpm).  The actuator has a load cell for measuring the forces and internal LVDT for measuring the displacements.
3.2 MTS Actuator (Model 244.41):
This actuator has a load capacity of ±110 kips (±500 kN), a stroke of ±11 in. (±275 mm), and a servovalve system (Model 252.25C) with flow rate of 15 gpm (55 lpm).  The actuator has a load cell for measuring the forces and internal LVDT for measuring the displacements.
3.3 MTS Actuator (Model 244.41):
This actuator has a load capacity of ±110 kips (±500 kN), a stroke of ±11 in. (±275 mm), and a dual servovalve system (Model 252.33A) with a total flow rate of 120 gpm (450 lpm).  The actuator has a load cell for measuring the forces and internal LVDT for measuring the displacements.
3.4 MTS Actuator (Model 244.51S):
This actuator has a load capacity of ±220 kips (±1000 kN), a stroke of ±15 in. (±375 mm), and a composite servovalve system (Models 252.21C and 256.09) with a total flow rate of 91 gpm (340 lpm).  The actuator has a load cell for measuring the forces and internal LVDT for measuring the displacements.
3.5 MTS Actuator (Model 243.80):
This actuator has a load capacity of 460 kips (2050 kN) compression and 300 kips (1335 kN) tension, a stroke of ±20 in. (±500 mm), and a servovalve system (Model 252.25C) with flow rate of 15 gpm (55 lpm).
3.6 MTS Actuator (Model 243.90):
This actuator has a load capacity of ±500 kips (±2225 kN), a stroke of ±10 in. (±250 mm), and a servovalve system (Model 252.25C) with flow rate of 15 gpm (55 lpm).

List of Actuators at the CCEER Structures Lab

Actuator Model
Load Capacity
Kips                           kN
Stroke
inch             mm
Servovalve
gpm              lpm
Rating Demo

243.31

55 (Compression)
55 (Tension)
250
250

6

150 91 340 Dynamic Picture
244.41
110  (Compression)
110  (Tension)
500
500
22 550 15 55 Static Picture
244.41
110  (Compression)
110  (Tension)
500
500
22 550 120 450 Dynamic Picture
244.51S
220 (Compression)
220 (Tension)
1000
1000
30 750 91 340 Dynamic Picture
243.80
460  (Compression)
300  (Tension)
2050
1335
40 1000 15 55 Static Picture
243.90
500  (Compression)
500  (Tension)
2225
2225
20 500 15 55 Static Picture

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4. Hollow Core Jacks:

The following table shows the available hydraulic, hollow core jacks:

Device Type Model Number Quantity
Load Capacity
Kips             kN
Stroke
inch             mm
Hollow Core Jack RRH110 2 200 890 10 250
Hollow Core Jack RCH306 2 60 260 6 150

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5. MTS Test Systems and Controllers:

5.1 MTS Digital Control System (FlexTest IIm):
MTS's FlexTest IIm is a direct digital test control system and is designed for structural testing applications. FlexTest IIm is a multi-channel, multi-station controller that uses an industry standard VME architecture and a windows-based graphical user interface to provide a versatile test controller.

Major Features and Capabilities:

Multi-Station Configuration:
  • 1 to 4 simultaneous and independent tests
  • Control channels are assignable to any station so different test setups can be configured without changing cables
  • Data acquisition channels are assignable to any control channel
Function Generation:
  • Cyclic sine, triangle and square waveforms with cycle counter
  • Broad band, frequency weighted random signal generation
  • Basic Sine Sweep
  • 0.01 Hz to 100 Hz
Data Acquisition:
  • Timed sample, peak/valley, max/min., level crossing, and slave to other channel modes
  • Data transfer to Excel spreadsheet for analysis
Display (CRT):
  • 2 channel digital oscilloscope with time base, frequency base or XY display modes (software generated scope)
  • Digital volt meters with peak/valley, max/min, or DC modes (software generated displays)
Specimen Monitoring:
  • Error limit detectors on each channel
  • Transducer output limit detectors on each channel
  • Underpeak detection
Test Control:
  • On-screen setup and editing of simple test sequences
  • High-level test control software enables integration of function generation, data acquisition, sequencing and simple analysis to automate complete test sequences
  • Event/action matrix enables creation of special interlocks and events based on digital I/O, limit and error detectors, and system events

 

5.2 MTS Analog Control Console (Structural Test System):
This analog control console houses the electronic components used to operate the Structural Test System as well as programming and recording devices. The Following are the major components of the control console:
MTS 458.10 Controller The MTS Model 458.10 controller (MicroConsole) is designed for vibration, structural and component testing. It provides readout and station control functions. Input/output connectors supplied on the rear panel are provided for devices such as transducers, servovalves, hydraulic service manifolds, an oscilloscope, x-y recorder, or a computer. Operating controls and indicators for station control are located on the MicroConsole front panel.
MTS 458.01 Controller (Expansion MicroConsole) The MTS Model 458-01 controller (Expansion MicroConsole) is linked to the 458.20 controller to expand its functional capabilities.
MTS 410.80 Function Generator The MTS Model 410.80 Function Generator provides a variety of flexible dynamic programming capabilities. The function generator outputs both cyclic waveforms and ramp functions. The cyclic waveforms are sine, haversine, and haversquare. These may be inverted, and are variable in frequency from 0.00001 to 990 Hz.
MTS 431.13 X-Y Recorder The MTS Model 431.13 X-Y Recorder is designed to plot Cartesian coordinate graphs showing the relationship of two functions to each other or of a single function to time.
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5.3 MTS 458.10 MicroConsole:
A separate MTS 458.10 MicroConsole is also available.   As described above, it is primarily designed for vibration, structural and component testing. It provides readout and station control functions. Input/output connectors supplied on the rear panel are provided for devices such as transducers, servovalves, hydraulic service manifolds, an oscilloscope, or a computer. Operating controls and indicators for station control are located on the MicroConsole front panel. 
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6. Data Acquistion System:

MEGADAC 3415 Series:
The MEGADAC 3415 Series, by OPTIM Electronics Corporation, captures dynamic analog and digital data from a wide range of active and passive sensors. It has a maximum sampling rate of 25,000 samples per second and a capacity of up to 512 channels of input. The external synchronization function permits multiple MEGADAC systems to be operated in parallel to increase channel capacity and throughput.
A complete range of modules with signal-conditioning (including constant current and constant voltage excitation) is available, enabling direct connection to low-level bridge sensors and strain gages. Cold junction compensation is available on thermocouple measurements.
The data trigger is used to set high, low and window levels for different channels. Analog output is available for on-line monitoring or control of any selected input parameter.  Data can be either "passed through" to a host CPU or stored on an optional mass storage device. The IEEE-488 and RS-232 interfaces allow control through a host CPU.
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7. Hydraulic Power Supplies and Manifolds:

The following table shows the available hydraulic power supplies (HPS) and hydraulic system manifolds (HSM) by MTS:

Device Type

Model Number

Quantity

Flow Rate

gpm

lpm

Shake Table HSM 293.32A 2    
Structural Test HSM 293.22 1 100 375
Fatigue Test HSM 290.22 2 100 375
HPS # 1 506.82A 1 150 550
HPS # 2 506.41E 1 40 150
HPS # 3 506.62A 1 75 280

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8. Transducers:

8.1 Load Transducers
The following is a list of the available load transducers:
Device Type Manufacturer Model Quantity Capacity Rating

Kips

kN

Load Cell

Lebow Products

3156-101-150K

1

150

665

Fatigue

Load Cell

SENSOTEC

41

1

100

445

Fatigue

Load Cell

SENSOTEC

41

1

200

890

Fatigue

 

8.2 Displacement Transducers
The following is a list of the available displacement transducers:
Manufacturer Model Quantity Stroke

inch

mm

Novotechnik TR 50 20 ± 2 ± 50
MTS Temposonics LASMS00U03601V0 2 36 910
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
2000-HPD 6 ± 2 ± 50
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
1000-HR-DC 6 ± 1 ± 25
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
1000-HPD 2 ± 1 ± 25
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
500-HPD 3 ± 0.5 ± 12
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
500-DC-D 1 ± 0.5 ± 12
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
500-HR-DC 1 ± 0.5 ± 12
Lucas/Schaevitz
(LVDT)
125-HPD 3 ± 0.125 ± 3
Celesco PT-101-0030 6 30 750
Celesco PT-101-0020 2 20 500
Celesco PT-510-0015 3 15 375
Celesco PT-510-0040 1 40 1000

 

8.3 Acceleration Transducers
The following is a list of available acceleration transducers (accelerometers):
Device Type Manufacturer Model Number Quantity Measurement Range
Accelerometer KINEMETRICS FBA-11 24 ± 4g

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9. Signal Conditioner

The following is a list of available signal conditioners:

Device Type Manufacturer Model Number Quantity No. of Channels
Signal Conditioner KINEMETRICS SMA-3 3 8 per unit

 

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10. Quick Release

 

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Video

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