Detail design, building and commissioning of tall building structural models for experimental shaking table tests

Abstract

Summary In the areas of seismic engineering, shaking table tests are powerful methods for assessing the seismic capacity of buildings. Since the size and capacity of existing shaking tables are limited, using scale structural models seems to be necessary. In recent years, many experimental studies have been performed using shaking table tests to determine seismic response of structural models subjected to various earthquake records. However, none of the past research works discussed practical procedure for creating the physical model. Therefore, in this study, a comprehensive procedure for design, building and commissioning of scale tall building structural models has been developed and presented for practical applications in shaking table test programmes. To validate the structural model, shaking table tests and numerical time history dynamic analyses were performed under the influence of different scaled earthquake acceleration records. Comparing the numerical predictions and experimental values of maximum lateral displacements, it became apparent that the numerical predictions and laboratory measurements are in a good agreement. As a result, the scale structural model can replicate the behaviour of real tall buildings with acceptable accuracy. It is concluded that the physical model is a valid and qualified model that can be employed for experimental shaking table tests. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.