Test Results
Ready to pass the toughest test: Yours.
Rigorous laboratory testing has affirmed a number of CarbonCast’s performance characteristics. Below is a sampling of tests that demonstrate the suitability of CarbonCast products for a variety of applications. Contact your AltusGroup precaster for more information and complete test reports.
- Tests of Double Tee Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID and Subjected to Concentrated Loading
- Tests of 4-inch Thick Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID C5500-EX1 and C5500-FX1 Subjected to Concentrated Loads
- Tests of 3.25-inch Double Tee Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID Subjected to Concentrated Loading
- Point Load Tests and Flange Reinforcement in Double Tees
Tests of Double Tee Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID and Subjected to Concentrated Loading
The objective of this testing was to evaluate the structural performance of a 2.5 inch thick double tee flange reinforced with C-GRID and to determine the appropriate grid design and cover requirement. Two 30-foot long sections of 12-foot wide double tees with 2.5-inch thick flanges were cast using two different grid geometries placed at either ½” or 1”from the top surface for a total of four combinations of grid type and cover thickness.
A concentrated load corresponding to 85% of a factored 3000 lb load was applied over a 20 square inch area to each flange and sustained for 24 hours in accordance with ACI 318-02, Chapter 20. The heavier weight grid placed at a cover of 1” met the requirements of the test.
Tests of 4-inch Thick Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID C5500-EX1 and C5500-FX1 Subjected to Concentrated Loads
The objective of this testing was to optimize the C-GRID reinforcement used in double tee flanges. Two 30-foot double tees were fabricated with the stems located to simulate 12-foot and 15-foot wide flanges. The cantilevered flanges of both double tees were reinforced with C5500-EX1 grid while the center portion of the second double tee was reinforced with C5500-FX1 grid. Cover was set at 1” for all tees. Load was applied in one of two ways: 1) concrete blocks per the test protocol of chapter 20 of ACI 318-2002, and 2) hydraulic rams to measure the load deflection behavior to failure. Tests indicated that double tees with 4 inch flanges reinforced with either a combination of C5500 EX1 and FX1 or all EX1, and either 12 feet wide or 15 feet wide, are adequate for resisting code specified concentrated loads.
Tests of 3.25-inch Double Tee Flanges Reinforced with C-GRID Subjected to Concentrated Loading
The objective of this testing was to optimize the C-GRID reinforcement used in 3.25” tapered double tee flanges. Two 30-foot double tees were fabricated with the stems located to simulate 12-foot and 15-foot wide flanges. The cantilevered flanges and sections between stems the double tees were reinforced with C5500-EX1, C5500-FX1 or a combination of both. Cover was set at 1” for all tees. Concentrated or uniform loads were applied in one of two ways: 1) concrete blocks per the test protocol of chapter 20 of ACI 318-2002, and 2) hydraulic rams to measure the load deflection behavior to failure.
Tests indicated that 1) 12’ or 15’-wide double tees reinforced with either C5500-EX1 or C5500-FX 1 were adequate for the concentrated loads, 2) 12’-wide double tees meet the sustained load test for a live load of 65psf (1.2D+1.6L), and 3) 15’-wide double tees reinforced with C5500-FX1 may not meet the sustained load requirements, but likely would with C5500-EX1.
Point Load Tests and Flange Reinforcement in Double Tees
The objective of the test program was to verify that capacity of existing double tees which were originally designed for 2000 lb point loads were sufficient to carry a 3000 lb point load. Carbon grid reinforced flanges were included in the program, but represent a very small portion of all the tests that were done. The work was done by Master’s thesis student, Susan Steele, at Penn State.
