An Upgraded Control and Data Acquisition System for the Universal Element Tester at

the University of Houston

Brent Lindelof, REU Student

A. Laskar, Graduate MentorAnd

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• Windows-based

operating system• Ramp control software• Load profile

modification • New method of data

collection and transfer

Hardware• GS 2100P program

generator• GS 2100D data

acquisition unit• GS 2100 PC integration

package• New CPU• 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