Pseudo‐Dynamic Testing of Structures

Abstract

An experimental procedure is developed for the testing of full‐ or large‐scale structures under simulated seismic deformations in a quasi‐static fashion. The procedure, pseudo‐dynamic testing, is based on active modal control theory. The pseudo‐dynamic testing procedure is a simultaneous simulation and control process in which inertia and damping properties are simulated and stiffness properties are acquired from the structure. The procedure calculates a set of dynamic displacements based on active control theory, utilizing the simulated inertia and damping properties and acquired stiffness properties under a hypothetical ground motion, and simulates the response of the structure under seismic motion in a quasi‐static fashion. A detailed implementation procedure is presented for structures that can be modeled as discrete mass systems. The application of the procedure is simulated on the 1/5‐Scale model of the US‐Japan seven‐story reinforced concrete frame wall structure.