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RSP TEST RESULTS & CONCLUSIONS - FOR PLAY MART,
INC.
(RECYCLED STRUCTURAL PLASTICS)
RHODES STRUCTURAL TESTING LABS
LEXINGTON, KY
GEISLER, P.E. & J.M.P. CONSULTANT ENGINEERS,
J. M. POAGE- STRUCTURAL ENGINEER, MAY 1997
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RHODES TEST: PLASTIC (composite) LUMBER WITH STEEL INSERTS BENDING TESTS -
(STRUCTURAL RESISTANCE TO BENDING) |
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MATERIAL & SIZE
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MAXIMUM LOAD
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MAXIMUM STRESS
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BENDING
MODULUS
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RSP 4 X 6 (3.8" X 5.44" X 30" SPAN) &
1/8" X 4" X 30" STEEL
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WITH STEEL INSERT 9,785.00
LBS.
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2610.00 psi
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not reported
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RSP (2) 2 X 6 (3.12" X 5.44" X 30" SPAN)
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(2) 2" X 6" boards WITHOUT STEEL)
3,170.00 lbs each TOTAL
6,340.00 lbs
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2050.00 psi each
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not reported
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STEEL INSERTS INCREASED LOAD CARRYING ABILITY
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9,785 - 6,340 = 3,445
LBS EXTRA LOAD SUPPORT
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not reported
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not reported
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RSP WITH STEEL INSERT IS 54 % STRONGER THAN RSP WITHOUT
STEEL in this test. |
RSP with steel is more rigid than RSP without steel. |
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CONCLUSION 1: RSP
IS ULTIMATELY STRONGER WITH STEEL INSERTS IN MAXIMUM LOADING IN THESE
TESTS BY 54% than an identical beam with
no steel. |
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3.1.5 Conclusions:
"The structural design is extremely safe to carry live load forces
used for construction of "Play Mart Inc." playground equipment. SAFETY
FACTORS OF 2.0 TO 4.77 WERE FOUND FOR BENDING STRESS.
Compressive safety factor for the 6" x 6" post was 24.5"
I FOUND THE MATERIAL STRUCTURALLY SOUND
TO BE USED FOR THE MANUFACTURE OF PLAYGROUND EQUIPMENT PER "PLAY
MART, INC." SPECIFICATIONS AND USES." - JOSEPH L. POAGE P.E.
& L.S. REGISTERED PROFESSIONAL STRUCTURAL ENGINEER -STATE OF KY #
5257. |
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RSP (W/ STEEL) BEAMS ARE 54% STRUCTURALLY STRONGER & SAFER, WITH
APPROPRIATE DESIGN FOR RECYCLED MATERIALS.
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