Structures lab reaction floor / wall

[ggcdn]

Does anyone know of any references for designing something like a concrete reaction floor and 'strong wall' for a structures lab? I realize this is probably too niche to have its own guidelines, but perhaps there are references for structures with similar design criteria. The basic scheme is a thick slab and wall with a grid of sleeves for anchoring actuators, specimens, and testing apparatus. The slab will likely be supported on a grid of closely spaced walls, then a foundation slab, to provide access to the underside of the floor. The wall cantilevers up from the slab. It may be L-shaped and/or pilastered to help with out of plane bending. Some labs I've visited have PT'd their walls, but that was seemingly because the wall was a later addition.

Some of the unique aspects include:
- Stiffness criteria much more important than conventional structures.
- Will see large cyclic loads over its life, and need to remain uncracked.
- High uncertainty / variability in loads

-JA
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[le99]

No idea about the objective and goal without knowing the expected type and magnitude of loads, You need to provide more leads/clues for people to understand the needs.

 

[JoshPlumSE]

I'd take a look at some of the other locations where this has been done. Below are some links to some labs that I know of. You might even be able to find contact information for people that might be willing to give you more information.

https://se.ucsd.edu/facilities/englekirk-structural-engineering-center

https://se.ucsd.edu/facilities/structural-systems-laboratory

https://se.ucsd.edu/facilities/structural-components-laboratory

https://www.ce.washington.edu/research/facilities/structures

https://ce.berkeley.edu/testing-facilities/structures

 

[ggcdn]

Hi @le99, its very preliminary, I'm more seeking out the questions to be thinking about rather than specific design solutions at this point.

@JoshPlumSE, thanks. I've visited a few of those facilities in person among others. The Englekirk facility had an upgrade recently - its all very impressive. I believe they are now testing some full scale mass timber buildings.

-JA
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