Imposed Deformations Measured on a Real Integral Structure: New Airport Terminal Barajas, Madrid, Spain

Abstract

Experimental research on imposed deformation is generally conducted on small-scale laboratory experiments. The attractiveness of field research lies in the possibility to compare results obtained from full-scale structures to theoretical predictions. Unfortunately, measurements obtained from real structures are rarely described in literature. The structural response of integral edifices depends significantly on stiffness changes and constraints. The New Airport Terminal Barajas in Madrid, Spain provides investigators with large integral modules, partially post-tensioned concrete frames, cast monolithically over three floor levels with an overall length of approximately 80 m. The field campaign described in this article explains the instrumentation of one of these frames, focusing on the influence of imposed deformations such as creep, shrinkage, and temperature. The applied monitoring equipment included embedded strain gauges, thermocouples, hand-held mechanical strain gauge measurements, and simple displacement measurements. Data were collected throughout construction and during two years of service. A complete data range of five years is presented and analyzed. Using a simple approach, the results are compared to predict the longterm shortening of this concrete structure. Both analytical and experimental results are discussed.