Design and Build of Prism Testing Assembly

Prism Testing Assembly

Spreader Beam Design and Fabrication

As part of my master’s research, I was responsible for the analysis, design, and construction of a structural steel test frame used to conduct four-point bending tests on large-scale UHP-FRC beam specimens. The frame was designed to safely resist the high loads and energy demands associated with testing high-strength materials.

Structural analysis was performed using SAP2000, and detailed drawings were developed in AutoCAD. Steel components were designed in accordance with the CSA S16-19 and the CISC Steel Design Handbook.

Key structural elements included a W310×107 bottom support beam and a W360×216 spreader beam to ensure uniform load distribution. To enhance global stability, transverse beams were introduced at mid-height to increase frame stiffness and reduce weak-axis bending of the columns under high loading conditions.