High-capacity multi-axis load cells to advance research on sustainable infrastructure

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Building and maintaining sustainable high-performance infrastructure is a major challenge for Canada. A recent study commissioned by the Insurance Bureau of Canada found that a major earthquake will result in losses of more than C$60 billion in the Quebec City-Montreal-Ottawa corridor and nearly C$75 billion in British Columbia. Separately, in a survey of bridges across Canada presented in the 2016 Infrastructure Report Card, 26% of bridges were rated as fair or worse. McMaster University is uniquely poised to tackle these challenges, with numerous researchers conducting breakthrough research in high-performance structural systems. The requested high-capacity multi-axis load cells are essential for the progress of research on sustainable infrastructure conducted in the Applied Dynamics Laboratory (ADL) at McMaster University. The ADL is equipped with a diverse range of testing equipment capable of imposing large forces and/or displacements concurrently in multiple directions in order to simulate earthquakes or ambient and transient vibrations. However, the ADL lacks load cells that can measure forces experienced by the specimens in multiple directions. This major shortcoming severely limits the knowledge that can be gained from such testing. The requested load cells will be able to measure extreme forces in six degrees-of-freedom, enabling a large range of research including but not limited to: Development and proliferation of protective structural systems including isolation and controlled rocking; Updated code regulations for improved safety in masonry infrastructure based on increased understanding of seismic response; and Development of robust health monitoring systems for bridge components, such as bridge bearings. These research topics aim to protect the economic and social interests of Canadian communities in the face of seismic threat and aging infrastructure. Students, who will be the primary users of the equipment, will gain hands-on experience in state-of-the-art testing, which is highly sought after in both industry and academia. Their research will prepare them to become future leaders within sustainable infrastructure, providing Canada with highly qualified personnel.