Apparatus for long-term testing of dimension lumber in compression parallel to the grain

An apparatus has been designed for long-term constant loading of 2- by 4-inch (38- by 89-mm) lumber members in compression parallel to the grain. It consists of a frame, supporting the specimen laterally to prevent buckling, and a mechanical loading system composed of a dead weight and a lever system with a mechanical advantage of 70:1. Tests were carried out to assess the ability of the apparatus to maintain a constant load over time, an important requirement in duration-of-load studies. Results showed that, on this account, the apparatus was equivalent to the equipment currently used in research on duration-of-load in tension. The equipment developed was found suitable for large-scale duration-of-load testing.

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