Abstract

CARRILLO, Julián; BERNAL RUIZ, Néstor M  and  PORRAS, Pahola. DESIGN EVALUATION OF A SMALL SHAKE TABLE FOR TESTS ON EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT ENGINEERING. Cienc. Ing. Neogranad. [online]. 2013, vol.23, n.1, pp.89-105. ISSN 0124-8170.

ABSTRACT The catastrophic consequences of earthquakes have encouraged to carrying out experimental studies for mitigating the effects of earthquakes on structures. This paper presents the assessment of the mechanic, pneumatic, structural, control and data acquisition designs of a small uniaxial shake table for testing of reduced-scale structures. Initially, the mechanical elements that allow the motion of the table were selected. Then, performance of the system was validated using simulation tools. Finally, the automation of the table was studied by using a control with an open-loop control system, which was implemented in a microcontroller. The proposed shake table is a versatile and economical facility for performing experimental tests aimed at analyzing and designing structures under seismic events. The proposed device will promote research not only on new materials, but also on design and rehabilitation of earthquake-resistant houses, buildings and bridges.

Keywords : test equipment; structures; shake table; sensors; earthquake-resistance; pneumatics system; control system.

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