Application of Pseudodynamic Test Method to Structural Research

Abstract

The pseudodynamic test method is intended as an efficient and powerful alternative to the shaking table test method. Since its inception, a variety of new testing techniques and numerical schemes have been developed to improve the efficiency and accuracy of the method. The main objective of this paper is to present the pseudodynamic test method from a user's perspective. With this objective in mind, an overview of the pseudodynamic test method is provided. Some of the most up-to-date developments, including substructure testing techniques, are illustrated with test examples. It is shown that while the method is definitely more complicated than conventional quasi-static tests, it can be implemented and applied to structural research with a small incremental cost.