Points of interest
1. Crosshead
Test specimens are bolted to the underside of the rigid steel crosshead and to the strong floor. Actuators move the crosshead with six-degrees-of-freedom to apply loads and deformations as determined by researchers. From tip to tip the crosshead is 29.3 feet.
2. Strong Wall
The strong wall is 7 feet thick and L-shaped. In tandem with the strong floor, its design permits a wide range of specimen configurations.
3. Strong Floor
The strong floor is 7 feet thick. A prefabricated steel grid was used to construct both the strong floor and the strong wall, allowing for precise placement of the holes used to tie down specimens.
4. Camera Tower
There are a total of four 24-foot configurable camera towers. Each tower houses a video camera, a still camera, a microphone, and a lamp. Through the use of remotely controllable shelves, cameras can be positioned at any height relative to the specimen.
5. Hydraulic Actuator
There are a total of 12 actuators (four each vertical, horizontal, and ancillary) that move the crosshead with six-degrees-of-freedom, transferring the forces and deformations to the test specimen.
6. Construction Staging
Test specimens are constructed and deconstructed in the staging area. The space is 35 by 35 feet and is located directly across from the test bay.