Substructure shake table test method using a controlled mass: formulation and numerical simulation

This study proposes a new substructure shake table test method that allows for experimental investigation of the lower portion of structures while the upper part is numerically analyzed. Compatibility conditions are derived to ensure that the dynamic characteristics of the substructured system are equivalent to the reference entire structure. This method utilizes controlled masses to incorporate interface forces from the computational substructure to the experimental substructure. A feasible implementation procedure for the interface force compatibility is developed using a series of conversions and signal processing. For validation of the capabilities and limitations of the proposed substructure method, numerical simulations are performed using detailed models including dynamics of the controlled mass systems. Results from the numerical simulations showed that the proposed substructure method produced comparable results to the reference entire simulations. The average error between top floor displacements produced by substructured and entire responses for earthquake inputs was 7.1%. Numerical studies showed that the substructure method has potential to serve as an alternative to shaking table tests of entire structures. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.