A pulley-based system for the simulation of distributed loading on shell roof structures

摘要

In loading tests on shell and other surface structures, it is often necessary to simulate the condition of distributed loading. While a number of methods are available for this purpose, they may be difficult to realize or apply in a specific situation. In this paper, a new loading method based on the use of pulleys is presented, which has a number of advantages over existing methods. Results from calibration tests are given to demonstrate the accuracy of the system. Application of the system in the buckling test of a new shell roof structure is also described to illustrate its effectiveness.