G MS THESIS_final version_Maxim Prokudin.pdf - Digital Repository ...

61Micro Epsilon displacement transducerThe Linear Variable Differential Transformer (LVDT) series LDR-CA50 purchased fromMicroEpsilon was utilized for the testing in order for the top of the pier displacement to bemeasured (See Figure 29).Figure 29: Micro Epsilon LDR-CA50 LVDTThe transducer itself consisted of a moveable plunger contained inside a metal housing. Thehousing was permanently fixed at a certain elevation and did not move during theexperiment. The plunger, on the other hand, was free to move, where the relative distancewas recorded between the tip of the plunger, fixed to the target, and the fixed elevation of thehousing. The stroke length of the displacement sensor was 50 mm. This was a sufficientamount of stroke displacement for the prototype pier load testing since the amount ofsettlement anticipated to be captured was only on the order of 12 mm.Humboldt displacement transducerThe Humboldt transducers were implemented in the test apparatus for the purpose ofdetecting tell-tale plate movement. The rods were connected to the tell-tale plate whichplaced at the bottom of the cavity and were extended above the ground surface and wherethey were placed against the tip of the displacement measuring transducer plungers (SeeFigure 30). The rods were placed in the housing tubes in order to allow free movement. A