Development of RWSF Specifications

Reaction wall strong floor facilities for earthquake simulation and research involve major investment expected to last 20 years or more. A wide range of designs architectures, sizes and load capacities are possible; it is therefore necessary to optimize available budget to current and projected future needs, and in some cases to available laboratory space.

Investment in reaction wall – strong floor facilities may be broadly classified as non-deferrable and deferrable. The former are finalized at startup without possibility of expansion during life of facility; whereas deferrable items may start with a limited selection and gradually expanded to include greater quantities and capacities.

• Non-deferrable items, fixed for long term. These also determine minimal initial investment.

  • Architecture: The most important decision, whether plain, L-shaped or U-shaped reaction wall strong floor. Naturally L-shaped and U-shaped walls provide a wider range of structure modeling options; however construction cost increases considerably.

  • Floor and wall size: Larger dimensions enable testing of larger structures; however cost increases particularly with increased wall height.

  • Maximum load capacity: Has a direct impact on construction cost.

  • Maximum cyclic frequency of loading.

• Deferrable items, may be increased during life of facility:

  • Hydraulic power unit: Flow capacity.

  • Actuator selection: Number, capacities and sizes of actuators

  • Data acquisition system.

  • Mounting accessories.

Clearly the critical decision when envisioning reaction wall strong floor facilities; is to develop specifications of the non-deferrable items. YLE specialists are available to present and discuss various options towards meeting optimal design for your present and projected needs.

Design of RWSF

Based on reaction wall – strong floor specifications, the design is undertaken according to following basic steps:

• Identify loading combination which would result in maximum stresses in wall(s) and floor.

• Structural analysis is undertaken based on maximum stress load combinations.

• Concrete design in accordance with Eurocode or ACI building code.

• Anchor point design.

• Deliverables include shop drawings, concrete specifications, anchor point location and fixing details, Bar Bending Schedule (BBS), Steel Orders, and Quality Plan.

YLE can supply anchor points for installation during construction of reaction wall – strong floor. YLE can provide engineering staff to supervise construction of reaction wall – strong floor, and in particular the critical task of accurate installation of anchor points.