Optimization of the Use Time of a Shake Table with Specimen Preparation outside the Table Surface

Abstract

The shake table test is one of the preferred techniques used to understand the dynamic response of a structure. However, due to the limited number of facilities available to perform such tests and their expensiveness, researchers often must rely on numerical models validated with the results of the static tests only. Moreover, most research papers concerning shake table tests lack details on how the tests were planned and executed. This paper explains the steps used for the preparation and execution of shake table tests on three reduced-scale buildings. These buildings were constructed outside the shake table surface, on a metallic base frame, and later moved to the shake table used for the tests in order to optimize the time of the experimental campaign. This approach enabled us to complete the tests in only 6 days. The approach presented in this paper may be helpful to researchers who want to increase the effectiveness of the available shake table facility and overcome the limitations of time and budget. Moreover, the solution presented in this article helps in the displacement of specimens without the use of a crane or other sophisticated hydraulic machinery. Thus, it could also be useful for testing specimens that have been aged and that are sensitive to displacements.