Experimental Techniques for Lateral Stability Testing of Beams

Abstract

This paper presents experimental setups used in lateral stability tests of beams. The load frame of the setup effectively eliminates the lateral-translational and torsional restraints at the load application point, while maintaining the vertical orientation of the applied load, despite the lateral deformations and twisting rotations in the specimen. Two different support frames used in the experiments are also presented. The first support frame provides simple support conditions in-and out-of-plane and the second frame simulates the actual support conditions of an elastomeric bearing pad-supported bridge girder before construction of the bridge deck. Finally, experimental methods for determining the deformations and longitudinal strains in a beam undergoing lateral torsional buckling are discussed.