Experimental Program

The experimental program consists of two distinct but related test groups. The first series of tests (compression tests) is focused on the behavior of column-to-concrete foundation embedded connections when subjected to high axial compression and reversed cyclic lateral loading. The second series of tests (tension tests) is focused on the tensile capacities of column-to-concrete foundation anchorage assemblies. Both tests will be conducted via the test rig (to be constructed) shown in the images below, with accompanying descriptions of each test setup.

The Test Rig
The proposed test setup involves the construction of a test rig suitable for large-scale testing at the University of California, Davis campus. The rig will be designed to employ a 200-kip lateral actuator and accommodate a range of vertical loading possibilities. A reinforced concrete strong floor will be constructed to withstand various applications of large vertical and horizontal loads. A steel truss will be connected to the strong floor, and will be designed to withstand horizontal reactions from actuator loads. Qualitative images of example test setups are shown below.

Compression Tests
compression setup
High compressive forces will be applied and held constant for each test using a loading beam, fastened at the mid-span to the top of the steel column, with hydraulic jacks placed at the beam ends. A load of approximately 600 kips (300k each) will be generated by the hydraulic jacks. The jacks will connect to steel rods that are anchored into reinforced concrete blocks, the surfaces of which are level with the reinforced concrete base being tested. The cyclic lateral loading will be applied approximately 9 feet above the concrete surface simulating the location of zero moment (point of inflection) for 1st story columns. Lateral loads will be generated using a 200k actuator connected the steel truss. An important feature of this setup will be that the loading beam will move laterally with the column as transverse loading is applied, causing the vertical force to remain concentric with the column centerline, eliminating p-delta effects.

Tension Tests
tension setup
Test columns will be connected to exposed base plates that are fastened to the concrete base using various anchorage assemblies. Box columns will act as supports for the loading beam. A high capacity hydraulic jack will be placed above the test column on the loading beam, and will connect to the top of the test column using a steel rod. This will be used to induce large tensile forces in the column to be resisted by the reinforced concrete base. The lateral loads will be applied as with the compression tests. Tests will be designed to induce anchorage failure to study the capacity and failure mechanisms of each assembly.

Test Matrix
The current test matrix and other project related documents are available for research team members and affiliates through Google Documents.