Discussion of paper ‘Simulation of floor response spectra in shake table experiments’ by G. Maddaloni,K. P. Ryu and A. M. Reinhorn,Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 2011; 40(6): 591‐604

Three main topics including the floor motion action mechanism, the test frame design, and the target spectrum simulation presented in the paper are discussed specifically. Floor motion action mechanism is critical in understanding the seismic performance of architectural nonstructural components. Seismic sensitiveness and earthquake response properties of the nonstructural components should be considered in the design of the test frame for the shaking table test. Target spectrum simulation is also a challenging job in the shaking table test, in which dynamic characteristics of the specimen, performance of the shaking table facilities, and the control techniques should be all considered. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.