Shake table test of 1:3 scaled HCPS precast concrete wall system

Abstract

Shake table test is probably one of the most preferred methods in dynamic testing of structures in earthquake engineering. However, due to the constraints imposed by size and payload limitation of the shake table facility, the test models are often smaller than their prototype structures. Although existing similitude theory allows for proper scaling of test models, it is sometimes impossible to strictly follow every single detail when it comes to practicality in construction of the scaled-down models. This paper investigates the shake table test characteristic of a distorted 1:3, two-storey precast concrete wall structure subjected to eight ground motion records covering both far-and-near field earthquakes. Verified FE models of the test structure were used to compare with the full-scale prototype building using the same group of earthquake records. This study revealed significance agreement between the distorted scaled-down model and prototype building marginal difference below 20 %.