Computer-controlled automated fatigue testing of structural components and materials

With the help of personal computers, servo-hydraulic closed-loop feedback control machine is becoming easier to use. This, coupled with the development of the integrated general purpose program, has immensely helped the engineer/scientist to conduct the fatigue testing of structural systems with relative ease and to gain insight into the more intricate details of the behaviour of structures, which could not have been possible otherwise. The application of computer in controlling the testing machines, acquisition of data and their analysis has enhanced the quality and reliability of the whole testing process and in particular the accuracy of the data collected. With accurate computer control of the testing the possibility of human error was eliminated and precise information on the responses could be acquired. This paper presents a brief description of the closed-loop testing systems and their applications to fatigue testing of concrete and steel components and materials all over the world.