Numerical simulation for investigation of dynamic behavior of buildings with a shaking table

Shaking table test of a structure has a very important role in the understanding of the dynamic behavior of the structure. In conjunction with the shaking table, a seismic simulation of the building, bridge, and underground structures can be conducted up to the collapse stage. Traditionally, engineers have used laboratory test to investigate the structural behavior of building products and systems which are subjected to the expected wind and earthquake loads and to develop appropriate design rules. Laboratory testing was also used to develop new building products and systems. However, laboratory testing has time-consuming and expensive effects so that numerical analysis can be included to optimize or minimize these effects. In this study, three-dimensional finite element analyses of a shaking table (substructure) model and models of some types of buildings (superstructures) were conducted together using the ANSYS program. In the finite element analysis, a hexahedral mesh including approximately 1.9 million degrees of freedom was used. For the motion of the shaking table linear contact elements were taken into consideration. The constructed models were linearly analyzed under various dynamic loadings including harmonic and earthquake loads which were carried out as displacement-controlled loading. The results are given to find out displacements, accelerations and overall strength at different points of the substructures and superstructures and to determine the collapse styles or failure mechanisms.