Data set from shaking table tests of a slender MDOF structure with base-rocking mechanisms

Abstract

Numerical models of seismic-resistant structures are typically validated by comparing numerically predicted key seismic response parameters to those obtained from benchmark shake table experiments. However, studies have shown that for structures rocking on rigid foundations, the seismic response can be unrepeatable in experiments and deterministically unpredictable by numerical models. Therefore, researchers have proposed to validate rigid rocking models using statistical approaches, yet no experimental study has examined whether the same observations apply to slender multi-degree-of-freedom (MDOF) free-rocking structures or controlled rocking structures with positive post-rocking stiffness and dedicated energy dissipation. This data paper describes the now publicly available data obtained from a series of 254 shaking table tests of a slender MDOF tower structure with two base-rocking mechanisms, which can be used to examine the predictability of the seismic response of an MDOF rocking structure and to statistically validate different approaches aiming to model tall and slender structures that utilize base-rocking mechanisms to mitigate the dynamic response due to higher-mode effects.