Full System Test Rig & Sand Pluviator Design

Reflex Marine's test setup couldn't reset its sand bed to a uniform density between tests, undermining results. Blackfish designed a remotely operated pluviator and test rig that significantly improved data repeatability.

Blackfish designed and delivered a large-scale test rig and sand pluviator for repeatable rock anchor and tether testing at 1:10 scale.

The client’s existing test setup produced inconsistent results because the sand bed could not be reset to a uniform density between tests.

Blackfish developed a remotely operated pluviator capable of depositing up to two tonnes of sand in a controlled manner, alongside a hydraulic ram load application frame, anchor with tri-axial load cell and tether systems required for dynamic loading.

The new system significantly improved the quality and repeatability of the test data, giving the client greater confidence in the results.

Challenge

The client’s existing test setup produced inconsistent results because the sand bed could not be reset to a uniform density between tests.

Approach

Blackfish developed a remotely operated pluviator capable of depositing up to two tonnes of sand in a controlled manner, alongside the test frame, anchor and tether systems required for dynamic loading.

Outcome

The new system significantly improved the quality and repeatability of the test data, giving the client greater confidence in the results.

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