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Figure 37. The simulated post breaks just below ground level, in agreement with the failure location observed in the tests. Diagrams A, B, and C.

  1. With rigid support. This diagram shows two rectangular columns, one considerable smaller and more narrow than the other and set upon the larger of the two. The narrower column is tilted to the right, showing a minute gap between the top surface of the larger column and the bottom of the smaller.

  2. Without rigid support. This diagram shows one single rectangular column with two sheets of neoprene on either side of the structure. The top half of the structure is tilted to the right, showing a large gap in the center of the column.

  3. Fringes of damage. This diagram shows one rectangular column broken down into individual squares to map the exacting damage to the structure. The structure itself is contains columns approximately forty-five squares in length, and rows consisting of eight squares across. The structure is without color to accentuate the damage areas. The top half of the structure is tilting to the right, revealing a large gap in its integrity. A small column of eight squares, three rows in, are colored a deep red below the gap insisting damage, along with a row of four squares two columns in above the gap.

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FHWA-HRT-05-096


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