Collaborative Planning, Tailored Solutions, Proven Results

We listen to your testing and engineering needs and work together to find the answers.

A computer screen showing analysis of a test being constructed

Your Goals Realized

Whether you're bringing a brand new material, product, design or method of construction to market or you're ready to optimize and expand your current offerings, call us. It's time to make your competitors very nervous.

Testing Slideshow

Labor and Material Savings Are Key to Optimization and Customer Value

Assembly testing is performed to better understand interacting parts and pieces and determine whether they are really needed to resist applied loads. The only way to have a complete understanding of performance is by applying loads to an assembly that is sitting on load cells. This allows that load to be traced as it migrates through the assembly. This information is then used to make a wide variety of engineering judgements. This is engineering as an artform.

Mechanics of Material Understanding

This slide shows both the predicted stresses and actual stress fractures in the concrete layer as tested. Qualtim’s FEA model predicts about 3,000 psi for mortar cracking to occur. Tesing confirms that concrete cracking and spalling does occur at this stress level. This confirms and calibrates the Qualtim FEA model to be used to undertake load path resistance design more precisely.

Qualtim FEA Model Calibration

Calibrating the Qualtim FEA model has to be done under a variety of applied load and resistance conditions. The goal is to verify its design applicability to the variety of potential engineering boundary conditions and limit states that need to be considered in building design. The goal here was to challenge the Qualtim FEA model on its prediction. At 58,000 pounds this stress crack formed = confirmation.

Composite Product Evaluation

A composite concrete element is complex. There are direct compression, tension, bending and shear stresses that need to be addressed as previously shown. From there a key question is: does the FEA model predict combined stresses well? In this case the applied 40,000 pound load created a combined bending shear failure mode which was compared to the Qualtim FEA prediction.

Load Deflection Performance

Calibration of design load deflections is challenging due to the concrete cracking. Applying loads in steps and comparing the load-deflection plots to the Qualtim FEA load-deflection plots provides the benchmark data. Using the similarities and differences allows judgements to be made with respect to the effect of concrete cracking and adjustments to the composite stiffness (EI) used in the model so accuracy is maintained.

Non-linear Analysis and Calibration

Composite beam applications require testing and FEA calibration using non-linear methods. The best way to do this is to test beams and genate their load deflection behavior. From this data an FEA model for the composite section can be created. The plot of the FEA model against test data provides FEA counsel with respect to FEA model adjustments.

What's our advantage?

Our Advantage

Our extensive background in product development, testing, calibration engineering and the construction industry are the foundation for effective collaboration and project success.

Technical, Building Code and Market Knowledge

Identify potential complications through the eyes of the specifier, installer, or code official to ensure best possible outcome
Emphasize key areas like ease of installation and labor savings
Create efficient load path resistance systems
Recognize opportunities to expand your technical service capabilities
Take advantage of system effects for economical design

We partner with DrJ Engineering & DrJ Certification

Testing Knowledge

Streamlined installation
Simpler connections
Precise engineering models
Improved raw material efficiency
Enhanced design & build procedures

Get started today! Let’s talk through your innovation game plan with our test plan experts.

Needs Analysis Questionnaire

Fill out this form to tell us more about your business and the product or service that we can help with.

Your Name

Company

Phone

Website

What do you need for this project (check all that apply):

Testing

Engineering

Marketing

Tell us a little about the product or service you want to bring to the market:

What are some unique features and benefits of these products or services?

As background, tell us a little about your current product line, if applicable:

What potential pitfalls or roadblocks have you already experienced?

Thank you very much for your consideration of Qualtim services and expertise.