An Upgraded Control and Data Acquisition System for the Universal - PowerPoint PPT Presentation

An Upgraded Control and Data Acquisition System for the Universal Element Tester at the University of Houston Brent Lindelof, REU Student A. Laskar, Graduate Mentor And Y. L. Mo, Faculty Member

Introduction: The Universal Element Tester at the University of Houston Why do we need it? What is it? Why do we need an upgrade? What does the upgrade consist of? How will this benefit UH?

Why do we need the UET? To explore the mechanical behavior of different structure types including, box girders, bridges, shear walls, concrete offshore structures, and nuclear containment vessels.

What is the Universal Element Tester? • Built by Dr. Hsu from 1986-88 • Tests full-scale elements • 37 in-plane jacks, 100 tons each • Sophisticated servo- control hydraulics • Extensive data and graphical analysis capabilities

Servo-Control System • Installed in 1993 • Produced by Gardner Systems • Allows strain control during testing • Allows Poisson ratios to be accurately measured • Utilizes cyclic loading to simulate earthquakes

Data Analysis for UET 96 channels for data input including; • Strain gauges on steel reinforcement • Load cells on jacks • Pressure transducers on manifolds • Linear Variable Differential Transformers, (LVDT), on panel faces • Real-time graphing displayed on CPU

Why do we need an Upgrade? Several important reasons • Run-time control • Flexibility • Efficiency • Antiquated computer system

Run-Time Control • Run-time control means the ability to change test parameters during the test Flexibility and Efficiency This will mean a ‘more’ user friendly interface including less error malfunctions and more awareness by the programming

Antiquated computer system?

What do you think?

What does the upgrade consist of ? Software Hardware • Windows-based • GS 2100P program operating system generator • Ramp control software • GS 2100D data acquisition unit • Load profile • GS 2100 PC integration modification package • New method of data • New CPU collection and transfer • Serviced controllers and signal conditioners

How will this benefit the University of Houston? • New areas of research • New student interest • More research grants • Development of new materials • More prestige Most importantly, The ability to have a positive impact on the world around us.

Conclusions: • The UET at the University of Houston is currently being upgraded for the further development of advanced concrete designs. • Gardner Systems is implementing our needs into a practical solution package for the UET. • This will benefit the entire world through international, multi-disciplinary cooperation.

Special Thanks • National Science Foundation • UH Civil and Environmental Engineering Department • Dr. T.T.C. Hsu • Dr. Y.L.Mo • Norm Hoffman • Arghadeep Laskar • Gerald McTigret

Questions???? Thank you for your attention. Alan Brent Lindelof