Structures Lab

Description

At Structures Lab, we have extensive expertise in testing building elements such as timber, concrete, steel and composite structures. In the laboratory, it is possible to test very large elements using our flexible and specialised equipment. For example, we can perform tests by the application of different loads in different directions and at varying speeds. The various applied loads can be used to perform tensile and compression tests, test deformation capacity and to assess the safety of existing structures.

Among other things, the laboratory contains a large strong floor, on which flexible setups can be applied with both horizontal and vertical load applications. This means that it is well suited for testing building constructions and other large structures. Contact us to hear more about the possibilities.

Companies can request Structures Lab to test their materials, which includes an analysis of the results. Equipment and facilities are only available when accompanied by a Structures Lab employee.

Corporate services

Examples of tests carried out in the laboratory:

• Testing of timber structures to verify wood quality in connection with the reuse of construction-grade timber.
• Testing of concrete strength in connection with renovation or load-bearing capacity calculations of existing structures (e.g. bridges or buildings).
• Testing the load-bearing capacity of innovative structures.
• Cyclic testing of structures.
• Analysis of test results to determine characteristic material strengths or load-bearing capacity of entire structural elements.
• Other options and examples can be presented upon request.

Technical specification of equipment

1. Electromechanical tensile/compression machine: Zwick Z1200

• Compressive capacity: 1200 kN
• Tensile capacity: 1200 kN
• This machine can be used for both small and large items: for example, the testing of the compressive strength of concrete elements, the tensile strength of reinforcement and the tensile and compressive strength of timber.

2. High-capacity compression machine

• Compressive capacity: 3000 kN

This machine is typically used for testing the compressive strength of materials: for example, to test concrete strength with normal and high compressive strength.

3. Hydraulic actuators

• Hydraulic actuators that can be used for flexible setups on the strong floor.
• Capacities: varying from 125 kN to 1500 kN in both tensile and compressive pressure.

4. State-of-the-art measuring equipment

The laboratory is equipped with the latest equipment in measurement technology. This includes:

• Photogrammetry for precise strain measurements using image recognition on the surface of structures and materials. .
• Fibre optic measurement equipment: fibre optic measurements of strain and deformations on small and large structures. This can be carried out both on the surface and inside the structures.
• Digital data acquisition that can be connected to various types of measuring equipment, including those mentioned above.