Abstract

The shake table test is one of the preferred techniques to understand the dynamic response of a structure. However, due to a limited number of available facilities to perform such tests and their expensiveness, researchers often have to 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 for the tests to optimize the time of the experimental campaign. It enabled to complete the tests in 6 days only. The approach presented in this paper can be helpful for researchers who want to increase the effectiveness of the available shake table facility and overcome the limitation of time and budget. Moreover, the solution presented in this article helps in 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.

Keywords:Dynamic test; Experimental setup; Shake table; Building test; Masonry structure; Specimen displacement