Tests on a one-twelfth scale model of the Mancunian Way

Abstract

A description is given of the building and testing of a 1:12 scale model, made of micro-concrete, of a typical interior span of the proposed Mancunian Way. Data have been obtained regarding the diffusion of prestress through the section, the behaviour of the structure under its design loading and under the action of point loads on the cantilevers, and the behaviour of the structure at ultimate load. It was found that the effective flange width to be used in calculating section properties varied along the span; the properties pertaining to the box section alone should be used at the support sections and those for the full section used at midspan. The behaviour of the structure under its design loading was satisfactory and could be predicted using simple elastic theory. The distribution of bending moment along the root of a cantilever, subjected to point loads, could best be predicted using the method due to Westergaard (1). At ultimate load, the structure was found to have a load factor of at least 3 on full live loading.