An experimental device has been developed for the quasi-static testing of p
anels exposed to equally distributed pressure loading. This test equipment
uses water as the pressure medium and may be operated in several ways. The
test facility is described and various operational aspects are discussed. E
mphasis has been put on similarity in experimental test conditions and nume
rical modelling in order to avoid uncertainties that are not deducible from
geometrical measurements or materials testing. Examples are presented of t
ests that have been performed using this water pressure chamber. The experi
ments have been performed to obtain validation tests for thin-walled corrug
ated steel panels as well as concrete slabs.(C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd.
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