How We Found Out If The Existing Ceiling Beams Could Hold Up One Floor Extension

Case study – Construction load testing and monitoring

Verification of the increase in deformation and ceiling beams deflection during gradual loading with reinforced concrete blocks weighing 35,000 kg… That is a challenge that we managed in less than 10 hours. This made it very easy to decide under which conditions to build an extra floor.

What Did The Client Turn To Us With

Our client is one of the largest e-shops and is also a recognized innovator in the field of internet sales. Therefore, we are all the more pleased that this giant in the e-commerce market does not hesitate to turn to SAFIBRA when it needs to measure the load limit of ceiling beams.

The client’s assignment was clear: As we are still growing, we would like to expand our headquarters and add an extra floor. We needed to find out how much the current beams can withstand and whether an extra floor is even possible to be extended.

Initial state:

More than 30 year old TT ceiling beams used in construction.
The reinforcement percentage and the placement of the reinforcement were not known for the beams.

Client expectations:

Using a deformation test, demonstrably determine what is the highest possible load on the beams.
Recommend under what conditions it is possible to build the extra floor.

How Did We Approach The Monitoring Of Ceiling Beams

Thanks to our many years of experience and know-how in the field of fiber optic technologies, we managed to fit 2 selected beams with 7 different technologies in less than 10 hours. We subjected both beams to a gradual load of up to 35 tons in a controlled manner, and mapped and evaluated their behaviour throughout the test. Thanks to this, we were able to provide an answer whether it is possible to build another floor together with a comparison of results from different methods of deflection measurement.

Products And Technologies Used

FBGuard 1550 FAST system using Fiber Bragg Grating structures (FBG) on optical fibers in primary protection,
Data Processing solution for data analyzing and processing,
Graflux service for user-friendly presentation of data,
PeriGuard security system based on intermodal interference for measuring dynamic states,
AccousticGuard system that uses optical fibers to measure acoustic emissions caused by the cracking of internal reinforcements,
ATENA computer program for analysis of concrete and reinforced concrete structures.

Interesting Numbers And Facts

evaluation methods

measuring channels

different technologies

measuring points

meters of optical fiber

kg weight

How Did The Ceiling Beams Monitoring Take Place

1. Preparation

During the preparatory phase, we thoroughly inspected the installation site and prepared a detailed implementation schedule. After fitting the beams with our instruments, we precisely measured them and created a mathematical model with a subsequent simulation of the actual behaviour of these structures in the Atena program. Thanks to this, we were able to make an accurate estimate of their maximum load, design a measurement topology and select suitable optical sensors.

2. Instrumentation

We attached the necessary technology to both beams and then once again checked its correct attachment. Then we performed the calibration of all units and the so-called “zero” measurement of beams without load. Once we synchronized all 7 measurement methods, everything was ready to perform the load test.

3. Loading

One of the most important phases of the entire implementation was the load test of the ceiling beams itself. With the help of a 500-ton crane, we gradually lowered 3 reinforced concrete blocks with a total weight of up to 35,000 kg onto the centre of the beams, up to the breaking point. At the same time, we constantly monitored the condition of the beams and deflections from a safe distance, and we streamed all the data into the cloud for further processing.

4. Evaluation

Afterwards, we started with a comprehensive evaluation of the data from all measurement methods. We converted the optical signals to mechanical extensions and graphically illustrated all the data using our visualization server at measurement.safibra.cz. The comparison of the results of various technologies was followed by the interpretation of all the data and the development of recommendations for the client.

What Was The Final Verdict? It Is Safe To Build Extra Floor

After a successful load test, we were able to please our client with the following result: with regard to the loading limits, the current ceiling beams comply with the standards for the construction of an additional floor.

The breaking of the beams in the parking lot took place very quickly and without any complications. Our client obtained detailed numerical information about the loading process at all points of the beams, together with the most accurate results regarding the load capacity and the recommended load, confirmed by different measurement technologies.

Verified load capacity
of ceiling beams:

tons

Duration
of the load test:

hours

Further use of beams
in the construction:

% recommended

Contact Us

Are you dealing with a similar situation or do you have any questions about monitoring? Leave us your contact details and we will get back to you within the next working day.

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We are a Czech company engaged in the development, production and sale of products in the field of photonics, fiber optics and optical measuring systems. Thanks to our own R&D department, we offer unique and cost-effective products and solutions, tailor-made for our customers. In addition, we also represent the world’s renowned manufacturers of fiber optic technology, whose portfolio perfectly complements our offer.