Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
(OP)
I've got a project where I need to load test an existing Prestressed Hollow Core Slab floor system. I'm following ACI-318 Chapter 20 for "strength evaluation of existing structures". Does anyone have any experience with this? Looking for loading ideas...I've heard of using sandbags and also using water for applied load.
Thanks.
Thanks.






RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
According to ACI, I believe we followed their procedure and filled each up 1/4 at a time, measured the deflections, and continued until they were full. Then we emptied them by tipping over (make sure you have drainage) and re-measuring the rebound deflections and then again 24 hours later. Seemed to work just fine.
I've also seen where another engineer actually had a contractor build a wood framed tub about 2 feet high and lined it with plastic and used water.
With water, however, you need to make sure that the tubs, or whatever, are compartmentalized so a deflection will not initiate a ponding effect in the center of the span.
RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
Another issue... about 30 years ago when I was a know it all rookie... I had the brilliant idea that we could load the HC slabs from below and with the moment from the strand, it would be easy to push the slabs upwards to grout relatively flush... we applied a load of 14000 lbs upwards and it didn't move a smidge... a lesson learned and remembered...
Dik
RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS
RE: Load Testing a Prestressed HCS