ISSN: 1546-962X
CODEN: JAIOAD
Published Online: 23 February 2007
Page Count: 14

Fundamental Frequency Testing of Segmental Retaining Wall (SRW) Specimens: Test Considerations

Chan, Cesar
Member Technical Staff, USG Corporation, Libertyville, IL,

Carino, Stephen
Laboratory Assistant, Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant, and Professor, respectively, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,

Durham, Michael
Laboratory Assistant, Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant, and Professor, respectively, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,

Hover, Kenneth C.
Laboratory Assistant, Undergraduate Laboratory Assistant, and Professor, respectively, School of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY,

(Received 31 May 2006; accepted 18 January 2007)

Abstract

As part of a larger investigation on freeze-thaw durability of masonry segmental retaining wall (SRW) units, specimens of various geometries were extensively evaluated for their resonant frequency prior to freeze-thaw exposure. These pretest trials were conducted to assess the applicability of the impact resonance method on these specimens, to identify factors affecting test result interpretation, and to obtain initial values for future comparison with values after freeze-thaw cycling. The importance of correctly identifying resonant frequencies corresponding to different modes of vibration of the specimen is highlighted, and methods to achieve this in the laboratory are discussed. The effects of specimen moisture content variations, temperature, and sampling parameters on resonant frequency are also presented.

Keywords:
segmental retaining wall, resonant frequency, freezing and thawing, vibration modes, moisture effects

Paper ID: JAI100673
DOI: 10.1520/JAI100673
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