Reliability of Pseudodynamic Test in Earthquake Response Simulation

Abstract

This paper presents investigations into the capacity of the pseudodynamic (PSD) test to simulate the earthquake response of structures. First, algorithms developed for improving the displacement control in the PSD test are introduced. Second, the correlation between shake table and PSD tests is examined using a two story steel frame. It is found that the overall correlation is good, but that the restoring force is larger in the shake table test than in the PSD test. A supplemental test verified that the effect of loading rate is responsible for the difference in the restoring force. Third, experimental error behavior is examined based on an elastic PSD test applied to the full‐scale six story steel structure. The displacement error is found to be the major source that promotes higher mode vibration in the PSD response, and characteristics of the displacement error as well as its effects on the PSD response are investigated.