Shaking table testing of a U-shaped plan building model

Abstract

In this paper, the dynamic response of a very complex structure which has U-shaped floors and specially shaped slant columns is described. Shaking table tests of a scale model of the building were carried out to verify the safety of the structure and to confirm the results of a finite element analysis of the building. The elastic finite element analysis was done with the help of Super-SAP 93, a well-known structural analysis program. From the shaking table test and the finite element analysis, the dynamic characteristics of the building and its maximum responses were evaluated. In the elastic region, the analytical results were in good agreement with the test results. At the end of this paper, some suggestions are given for engineering design of this type of structures.Key words: shaking table test, structural model, slant column, U-shaped plan, finite element analysis, seismic response.