After having designed it a few months ago, the S4H team recently installed a large settlement table for experimental testing. The table is 1m x 1.5m and is connected to three linear guides to ensure a vertical translation (1D movement). An actuator is connected below the table and controls and measures its vertical movement, while the linear guides prevent any bending moment. The whole setup is connected to a stiff steel base in turn fixed to the floor of the UMinho laboratory. Finally, the settlement table is placed next to a fixed platform of 1.5 m squared.

Tested specimens are placed on both tables and the vertical movement of the settlement table reproduces a soil settlement. Envisioned tests concern dry-joint masonry structures, yet they can be extended to any other structures benefitting from the large size of the equipment. Pictures and videos of the equipment while being installed are available below:

Other videos of the experimental campaign will be available next, so keep being posted!