The APA Research Center in Tacoma, Washington, has installed equipment required for full-scale diaphragm testing.
The new test frame is capable of testing 24 x 24ft floor or roof diaphragms.
Designed in-house by APA engineers, manufactured by an equipment fabricator and installed by APA laboratory staff, the equipment is used for both product qualification and research to expand the use of wood structural panels, I-joists, structural composite lumber, and glulam as floor or roof systems.
A plan is being considered to modify the equipment for testing full-scale shear walls up to 24ft in height.
The APA laboratory is accredited as a testing organisation by the International Accreditation Service (IAS), Standards Council of Canada (SCC), City of Los Angeles, and Florida Department of Community Affairs.
