Commissioning of the multi-use static/dynamic large-scale soil testing table

This thesis presents the details of designing and commissioning the multi-use static/dynamic large-scale soil testing table. The table was developed with the intention of creating a large scale testing apparatus versatile enough to carry out several different types of testing on a large scale. This report describes the background research done to develop the testing table concept and the thinking that went into each component. The apparatus itself consists of a shake table with a laminar soil container (inside dimensions L:100cm W:50cm H:65cm) and a top which can be lowered to apply overburden pressures on specimens. It is set up to run both static and cyclic tests on large soil samples. The final design allows for performing shaking tests with a non-fixed top, static and dynamic simple shear tests, and direst shear tests with minimal changes to the table configuration. The table has separate control and data acquisition systems which are necessary to run and record tests. All components of the table will be explained thoroughly within the thesis. Preliminary testing was done with the table to determine how well it is functioning and what needs to be done to further improve it. Static simple shear and cyclic simple shear tests were both run, and while the table showed some flaws, the results seem promising. It is determined that with proper instrumentation and after addressing some small issues, the testing table can be a useful and versatile tool in the future. This thesis will outline the strengths and flaws of the table as currently constructed and determine what the future applications for this testing apparatus will be.