Practical problems and costs of fabricating multi-storey models

One of the functions of the Canada Emergency Measures Organization is to reduce the vulnerability of normal buildings to a variety of dynamic loads, including blast and earthquake. The first part of this paper describes the production of eight small structures each with seven floors and 15 columns per floor. Four of the models have been designed in accordance with normal structural engineering practice for dead load, live load and wind, while the other four have been designed in accordance with the National Building Code (1965) requirements for Earthquake Zone 3. Some of the major problems involved in the planning process and special equipment and techniques which were devised to allow mass production of the 840-column cages and the 56 sets of slab reinforcement are discussed. The development of casting techniques and the evolution of forming techniques are also outlined. Techniques which have been developed for mass production of small-scale shear wall building models using mortar are described in the second part of this paper. A description of the mortar which was designed to minimize shrinking and to optimize casting and curing conditions is included, as well as a description of the reusable plywood forms which were developed for the experiment. The models are approximately eight ft high and have wall thicknesses of one-half in. The paper also includes a discussion of the techniques used in mounting the model on a fixed base and on attaching loading devices.