A proportioning bar is held horizontally by loading chains that run to the Plastic Bending of Portals and to the screwjack loading mechanism (with integral load cell). Two portal frames (pitched and rectangular) are mounted within two ground supports, in either a pinned or fixed condition. Depending on the position of the loading mechanism on the proportioning bar depends on the extent of the load being applied either horizontally or vertically.
Experimental Capabilities:
Determines the increase in collapse load as the degree of redundancy increases
Verifies that hinges occur at positions of greatest bending moment
Studies the change in the collapse mechanism as the ratio of horizontal to vertical load is varied.
