Reaction Wall

A modular reaction wall with reaction frames and actuators will be used for testing of structural components in the NSEL. The system consists of a one-story reaction wall post-tensioned to the strong floor and includes horizontally mounted servo-controlled 500 kN (110 kip) hydraulic actuators (with digital INSTRON controllers) to apply lateral loads. A steel reaction frame, attached to the strong floor, will be used in combination with the reaction wall to apply simultaneous vertical and horizontal forces. This testing system has been used to test lateral-force behavior of reinforced concrete, steel and masonry components. Numerous other structural steel members are available for assembly of test fixtures. The NSEL is also equipped with low-profile modular reaction blocks of both structural steel and reinforced concrete that permit testing of elements in the plane of the strong floor. One such system of specially fabricated steel supports has been used to test structural steel beam-to-column connections for the SAC research program. In addition, a two-dimensional reinforced concrete reaction pit is available for biaxial testing of small concrete or rock samples.